Matt's Musings

We’re past the Fourth of July, and we’ll likely see the tide of blockbuster summer releases begin to ebb a bit. While next week will offer The Lion King , this weekend offers only two new releases, and neither is likely to make a run at Spider-Man for the top spot. But more on that in a minute. Last week Spider-Man was in daily scoring, but since it was released on Tuesday, and released to record hauls the three days before the traditional weekend, I suspected it wasn’t the best option to anchor a Cineplex. And it wasn’t. The best anchor was Toy Story 4 x3, which I hit. I also played a screen of Aladdin , which was the Best Value, but not enough of them, so I fell about $8 million off the pace. Close, but not quite there. Maybe this week will be better. There are two new films entering the competition this week, but Spider-Man figures to still be at the top. But is the web-slinger the best value? That remains to be seen. As always, if you think you’re better at the game ...

We've reached the mid-point in 2019, and it seems a good time to reflect on all that's come so far. That means considering the best movies of the first half of the year. For me, it's been a mix of animated features and superheroes that have stood out through the July Fourth weekend. Here's my Top 5 so far. 5. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World About: This was the third film in the franchise, and the final film. I haven't always loved this franchise, but I thought this third and final installment was a lot of fun, and packed an emotional punch. It felt like a great way to end the series and it was one of the most fun films I saw during the Spring. In a year that's been great for animated features, this one certainly earned a spot here. 4. Toy Story 4 About: Going back to the animated well, this is another sequel that felt like it delivered a fitting finale to the franchise. Let's hope that is the case, as it felt like a perfect way to wrap up...

We're in the week after the Fourth of July and we hit a minor holiday-related lull in original content, but never fear more is coming. In theses weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted (and occasional unscripted) fare this summer. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Sunday Nights: What Just Happened??!, Sundays at 9:30 p.m. on FOX (Premiered June 30) About: This new series is a scripted series that is meant to play out like an unscripted series. It's a faux after show for a faux scripted phenomenon led by Fred Savage, playing a version of himself. There are moments that are amusing, and I kind of liked the second episode more than the first, but it's a bit of a stretch. It's a high concept idea, but it's on a network so it's not trying for a niche market. And it's dropped at an odd time during the summer on Sunday nights. It's fine, but not worth investing in. Pilot Grade: C- Second Episode: C- ...

It's been 20 years since 1999, a year with a number of extraordinary and engaging films. During this summer, I'll be looking back at 10 of my favorites from 1999 for those looking to catch up with a few good films. Check back Mondays this summer for more from 1999. For Love of the Game (September 17, 1999) Starring: Kevin Costner, Kelly Preston, John C. Reilly, and Jena Malone About: It's July and the heart of baseball season. It's also the All Star Break, meaning there aren't any games for a few days, so it's a good time for Baseball movies. And when it comes to Baseball movies, Kevin Costner is the king. In 1999, he released "For Love of the Game," a fascinating film based on a short novel from Michael Sharra, that takes place in the form of flashbacks during a Perfect Game. Costner plays an aging pitcher who is having the game of his life, but he's also contemplating said life and his career as he's been asked to hang it up. I like th...

The NFL Draft is over, and free agency has slowed to a trickle. As we look toward Training Camp and a new season, I'll be looking at the position groups as they stand. Today, it's time to consider the tight ends. Tight Ends On the Roster : Noah Fant, Jake Butt, Troy Fumagalli, Jeff Heuerman, Bug Howard, and Austin Fort Roster Group: This is a loaded group for the Broncos, who have spent draft picks on tight ends for a number of years. This has led to what could be a tough decision this off-season. There are six players on the roster at this position, but it really comes down to the Top 4, of which I think the Broncos may only keep three. With Jake Butt suffering another ACL Tear, it made sense that the Broncos brought back Heuerman on a cap-friendly deal. Then the team drafted Fant in the first round, which changed the dynamics of the position. Butt is supposed to be fully healthy and ready to go. And Fumagalli, a pick in last year's draft that didn't play at al...

It’s fair to say few teams, if any, had a worse situation at wide receiver in 2018 than the Dallas Cowboys. After letting Dez Bryant walk and seeing Jason Witten retire, there was a glaring opening in the receiving corps that just wasn’t being filled by Allen Hurns, Cole Beasley, Michael Gallup and Terrance Williams. Fortunately for Dallas, they were able to acquire Amari Cooper in the middle of the year. In nine games for Dallas, Cooper had 76 targets, accounting for 53 receptions, 725 yards and six touchdowns . And the Cowboys made the playoffs. But to make it further, the offense needs more firepower. Thankfully for the Cowboys they have Cooper for a full season, and Witten has unretired. But that’s not enough. That’s what makes the signing of former Packer receiver Randall Cobb so interesting. The hope for Dallas is that Cobb finds some of that old magic in helping the Cowboys defend their NFC East crown in 2019. A talented target Cobb comes to Dallas from the A...

Here's a look at the new movies that will be released in July as we move through the heart of summer. It's finally a lighter month in terms of volume, too. Tuesday, July 2: Spider-Man: Far From Home —The biggest release of the month is the latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It made $39 million opening day and figures to dominate all month. It's also quite good. Wednesday, July 3: Midsommar —This is the other film that released for this holiday weekend. It is about a group that head to Europe, come to a small village having a special celebration and things go awry. So, if you're looking for terror this holiday weekend, this is your best bet. Friday, July 12: Stuber —Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista lead this comedy about an Uber driver who gets caught up in a scheme from a police officer. It looks like a fun comedy with a fun pairing in the lead roles. Crawl —The disaster movie and the monster movie are staples of American cinema, and this one has tho...