It's Thanksgiving week, the holiday nestled between Halloween and Christmas, that is kind of acknowledged and then quickly moved on from. Just like in real life Thanksgiving action movies are few and far between. However, even though competition is minimal, there is one movie that deserves the crown as the best action Thanksgiving movie ever.
I'm talking about 2005's Four Brothers. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Andre 3000, Tyrese, and Garrett Hedlund. With Tajiri P. Henson, Sofia Vegara, Terrance Howard, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Josh Charles rounding out the supporting cast. The four stars play Brothers hell bent on investigating and avenging the murder of their adopted mom.
Set around the holidays, the film touches on three pillars that Thanksgiving stands on. Family, although they are not blood related they were raised together under the same roof by the same woman and ARE family. They bicker, argue, and play fight with one another as brothers do. Thankfulness, the four are all grateful for one another during the trying time.
Grief, those first holidays after losing someone close to you are tough. The Thanksgiving scene highlights how much each of them miss their mother and the warmth, comfort, and steadiness she bought to their lives.
The movie has an important message about brotherhood and family. It wouldnt be as beloved as it is, if not for the action scenes as well. For the record Chiwetel Ejiofor's Victor Sweet is still a effective but highly underrated villain.
He was ruthless, condescending, but had personality. I wish he was included more in the film. The there's the shootout at the family's house, that is heartwrenching and a damn good action scene.
The almost seven minute scene is thrilling, really has you concerned about the Brothers safety. And it shows how much they really care about one another. It really sets the tone for the rest of the movie and drives home that emotional stake for the brothers.
Some consider the film a cult classic, but I consider it a modern classic. And now that I've got the wheels spinning in your head, it's a Thanksgiving classic. So get some dessert of your choice on Turkey day (skip that pumpkin pie). Turn on the movie and enjoy the lessons the movie provides.
As movie theaters have tried to recover from the effects of the covid pandemic, the 2023 Hollywood strikes, and shifting viewer habits. Someone came up with the bright idea to start rereleasing older films in theaters for limited runs. Especially during anniversary years.
I've kind of been on a roll with that this year. Seeing the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 times in theaters this year. The Last Dragon, The Lost Boys. and Back To The Future. There were several more films played in theaters, I didnt get to see primarily because of schedule conflicts. Each time though I experienced a high from the movies I saw that lasted a couple days. So I started thinking about what movies would Iove to see returned to theaters.
Let's dive into ten movies I'm absolutely seeing in theaters, should they get rereleased.
10 Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm
Batman is my favorite comic book hero, and when it comes to films even the horrible ones like Batman & Robin I enjoy. I wouldn't mind seeing this animated film which is an continuation of the Batman Animated Series on the big screen. Released in 1993 it's not only a great animated Batman film, but one of the best animated films ever. Bad decision making by Warner Bros led to it being unsuccessful at the box office, but it found it's footing on home video. Featuring Bruce Wayne struggling with his past in the form of an ex and an mysterious new criminal tied to his past.
I'll gladly sit in the theater for an hour plus and rewatch it on the big screen.
9 Stargate
This 1994 film stars Kurt Russell and James Spader. It follows a team of scientists and military members, who use a device that uses a wormhole and transports them to other universes. They end up in alien realm that reminds them of ancient Egypt and learn about the alien races influence on Earth through time.
The effects belive it or not were considered cutting edge for its time. And the film only scratched the surface of the world it developed. I would love to see this film in theaters.
8 Demolition Man
My favorite Sylvester Stallone action movie, and one of my favorite 90's action films. Facing off against Wesley Snipes in probably his third most iconic role; behind Blade and Nino Brown. Following a cop and criminal frozen in the 1990's, and thawed in the 2030's. Their both out of place not just in time, but the pacifist nature of the world they're now in.
Since I love this movie so much, I know I would get a instant high just sitting in a theater chair to watch it.
7 Final Destination
Before I met my wife I was not too interested in horror films. I had a handful I watched and that was it. One of those films was 2000's FinalDestination, with a story based around cheating death and a bunch of deaths that look like freak accidents on the surface. However there is more to the deaths in the movie.
It's one of the first horror movies I actually was a little jittery watching. Its spawned an entire franchise so it was a big deal, and seeing it in the theaters on the big screen. With some popcorn by my side and I think all would be right in the world.
6 Meteor Man
Bruce Leroy was the first Black superhero I remember seeing on screen. 1993's Meteor Man was the 2nd and man did it resonate with me. Written, directed by, and starring Robert Townsend. It follows a D.C. school teacher who suddenly lands superpowers and faces off against a dangerous crime organization.
The movie featured a who's who of Black entertainers at the time. Had classic villains in The Golden Lords, and truly was laid out like a comic book.
The movie deserves way more respect and a theater run would help it get there.
5 Independence Day
Next year will mark 30 years of the film that changed Will Smith's career trajectory. If you don't know the story of this film, an alien attack on earth leads to various survivors coming together. And using their different skillsets to save earth and take down the aliens.
I remember when the film was released in 1996, I was 10 years old and it was a big deal. The special effects were top notch. Created by the same team who created Stargate it also had heart. Right now in these divisie times we in, could remind alot of folks about being united when the human race is under threat.
4 Speed
Another one of my absolute favorite 90's movies. Speed perfectly fits the title and is a non-stop ride. Keanu Reeves is a LAPD cop who has to save a city transit bus laced with a bomb. This role made Hollywood look at him as a leading man. Sandra Bullock who played a bus passenger who steps in to save the day, became a star with this role.
There literally is never a dull moment in the film. Well maybe towards the end, but leading up to that your hearts racing. I would love to see this on the big screen with the big surround system, and become immersed in it like I've never seen the movie.
3 New Jack City
Next March will be 35 years of New Jack City, the crime drama classic. It stars Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown a drug lord who has seemingly taken over New York City. And Ice-T as a cop hellbent on taking him and his organization down, even if it means bending the rules.
Directed by Mario Van Pebbles, who also has a role in the film. With a supporting cast of Chris Rock, Judd Nelson, Bill Nunn, and Allen Payne. The movie is Hella quotable, has a soundtrack that is still amazing, a amazing cast most early in their careers.
I'm holding on tight to the belief that it will get released in theaters to celebrate the 35th.
2 The Matrix
I was 13 years old when The Matrix premiered in 1999. I saw it on VHS later that year and I was blown away, like many others with the story. I remember going online and reading clues and easter eggs in the film. Of course the action and fight scenes sparked a whole new wire fu craze leading into the early 2000's.
Anyone who has seen The Matrix knows how good it is. I'm hoping some movie theater wises up and plays it in theaters for a special screening.
1 Dick Tracy
Released in 1990 and starring Warren Beatty as the titular character. This film is a true comic strip bought to life, the sets and the core colors used. To the cast of characters, the makeup and prosethics just the vibe of the movie. The story is honestly secondary to the asethics and cast put together for the film.
Seeing this movie on the big screen and the all the colors bought to life. Especially if the movie is remastered, would be a sight to see to me. Disney dropped the ball for the 35th, let's hope they are planning to celebrate this movie in the future.
A teaser trailer for the highly anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson, debuted this past week. The film simply titled Michael, is rejuvenating the King of Pop's music and aura, months in advance. As a avid MJ fan, I know I watched the trailer more than 10 times the day it released.
The trailer has a wonderful blend of some of MJ's greatest hits. Which got me thinking about song's we could hear in the film. Which sparked me to create a wishlist. So here are 10 songs, some extreme longshots to actually make it; that I would love to hear in the movie.
10 2-4-6-8
While covering his Jackson 5 years, the movie surely will include the group's biggest hits ABC and I Want You Back. I'm hoping The LoveYou Save will be in the mix. As well this cut from their second album. It's a hidden gem in my opinion and just as catchy as their hits. Hoping it gets some love in the film.
9 Break Of Dawn
2001's Invincible was MJ's last original album. It had a few radio hits but ultimately was a flop, as the world moved on from the icon. Almost 25 years later, many are heralding this album as ahead of it's time. Which is very well true as Jackson was innovative and ahead of the curve.
This chilled sonic sounding r&b ballad is probably my favorite from Invincible. Because it was the end of his music career, I'm not sure how much energy the film will devote to the album. Hopefully we hear if in the background of a scene or something.
8 Pretty Young Thing
Fun fact I actually did a lip sync dance to this song for my wife, at our wedding reception. I'm pretty reserved but the spirit of MJ helped me through my performance. A track on 1982's Thriller album, it was released as a single back then and should have been a bigger hit.
It's a personal favorite so I hope we get a brief mix, a mention, something.
7 They Don't Care About Us
Another case where MJ was ahead of his time, this song from his 1995 album HiStory is relevant now more than ever. Part protest song, part intended to lead an uprising. People either love this song or hate it. I was 9 years old when the album was released, so I didn't understand the song fully.
Now as an adult, MJ was giving us life lessons about the various systems in society meant to break everyday people. There also was a great deal of controversy surrounding some lyrics in the song. Which deserves to be a plot point in the film.
6 Dirty Diana
Based on a clip from the trailer, we're definitely getting a Man In The Mirror performance in the movie. Smooth Criminal absolutely cannot be omitted in the film at all. One of his most rock, rock songs ever Dirty Diana, has a cautionary tale about groupies. That used in the film could provide some insight into his mindframe when it came to relationships.
5 Scream
The only duet with his sister, fellow pop icon Janet Jackson. 1995's Scream goes hard as the kids say today. It's gritty yet futuristic sound will have you in a trance. The music video is just as futuristic and that dance break is still copied to this day. In fact its a social media trend, or was..I can't keep up.
We have to see that dance break recreated on the big screen
4 Workin' Day And Night
Surprisingly this song was not released as a single during MJ's OFF The Wall run. Which is a shame as its just as good as the album's biggest hits. It's just as funky in the sound and makes you want to get up and dance. I'm hoping we may get a montage during that albums creation, with this song driving the montage.
3 Heartbreak Hotel
My favorite song from The Jackson's era when they left Motown til the group's complete separation. If you hear it one time you will instantly fall into the trance of a funky beat. I'm almost positive this song is in the movie. As a quick cut in the trailer shows a reenactment of a concert performance. And a part that was a staple of the group while they performed this song.
Check out this YouTube clip at the 3:30 mark for reference.
2 Remember The Time
MJ's foray into New Jack Swing for his 1991 Dangerous album must be covered. It was an attempt to reinvent himself and stay relevant in a changing music landscape. The music video is incredible and that Egyptian inspired dance break is top notch. And should be recreated on screen.
I expect to be tapping my feet to a scene in the movie to this song.
1 You Are Not Alone
The lead single from his HiStory album, this ballad is notable for having his then wife Lisa Marie Presley in the video. I wonder who is playing her in the film by the way. It also has messaging with not just relationships, but isolation in general and the role the media plays.
It's an emotional song that fits any point in the movie covering MJ's trials and tribulations. So its bound to be in the movie, right?
Spooky Season is drawing to an end, as Halloween is this week. We've all been there during our trick or treat years getting some candy you absolutely do not care for. As an adult I try to buy faithful candy to hand out to the kids. Yet, there is still some Halloween candy available that just absolutely belongs in the trash.
So I'm here to share five candies that don't deserve to be eaten for Halloween, or anytime of the year.
Dots
I love gummies as a snack and candy. Gummy bears, Gummy worms, gummy rings just about anything Gummy. With the exception of DOTS, I have absolutely no need for them. Dots are a little too hard and chewy, the texture of dots sticks in your teeth well after you've ate them.
Everyone can be done a favor and just avoid them altogether. If you get a box for Halloween toss it in the trash.
Whoopers
Take a chocolate covered piece of candy that resembles a bald head, put something crunchy in the middle. And boom you have Whoppers, invented as candy in 1949. I have absolutely no idea how this piece of candy has survived all of these years. It just isn't a useful piece of candy and I don't know a single soul clamoring for Whoopers.
Yet, every Halloween there's packs of whoppers by themselves, and mixed into variety bags. And people still hand them out every year. When they really shouldn't waste anyone's time and just don't bother buying them.
Gobstopper
As a kid I would eat a Gobstopper, made famous by taking its name from the famous candy maker in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. I didn't think twice about it as I consumed them. As an adult though, who in the hell really wants to eat candy that could literally break your tooth?
Those things are so damn hard to chew I rather do without it. Anyone buys that, they can keep it to themselves.
Almond Joy
For the record anything coconut flavored is an absolute NO for me. And when it comes to chocolate candy bars it is definitely bottom of the barrel. I've tried through the years at various times to give it a chance. And nope can't do it at all.
Almond Joy absolutely belongs in the trash.
Candy Corn
For something that only comes out during fall/Halloween season and is synonymous with it. Candy Corn really had no business being invented nor tied to Halloween much as it is. I really have nothing good to say about candy corn, and even with new variety of flavors added. Just can't bring myself to say anything good about it.
Candy Corn not only belongs in the trash, the recipe needs to be burned.
Last weekend I went to a 40th Anniversary screening of The Last Dragon. One of my favorite films ever, and the screening affirmed it. I've dressed up as Bruce Leroy one Halloween, have a painting of Sho'Nuff in my man cave. When I visited the Motown Museum in Detroit, there was a poster of the film. Had to snap a pic next to it. I once did a podcast series on influential films to me and of course discussed the movie.
I've written two previous blogs about it, and mentioned it in several other blogs explaining my love of film. I even wrote about the film for a college paper.
Much like when I saw Ninja Turtles in August for its 35th Anniversary, I've been on a high. Rewatching the movie, watching clips, quoting it, even discovering the entire soundtrack and music videos. Being the movie and nostalgia guy I am, it's something about seeing a movie I've seen countless times before in a theater.
While I vividly remember seeing Ninja Turtles in theaters when I was four years old. The LastDragon was released a year before I was born, so this screening was an absolute must for me. I planned to see it again before it's very limited 3 day run was over but couldnt make it. So watched it at home to present my 40 random thoughts of The Last Dragon.
1. You gotta admit it's very 80's but that opening training scene is COLD!
2. I don't remember the first time I saw the film. I do know though thanks to the Encore Channel back in the 90's...I watched it all the time.
3. I guess I never noticed it in the first scene with his sensei, but off the bat they show how naive Leroy is. Like anything practical completely goes over his head.
4. Maybe that's how New York City was in the 80's, but it seemed like every patron in the movie theater just seemed like random groups of degenerates
5. It's campy but Sho'Nuff's entrance is still a top tier villain film entrance. Cronies walking in unison to hype you up and shout your rally cry. That's top tier egomaniac right there.
6. So Sho'Nuff says he's back on the scene, well where was he? Was he training and fighting overseas? Hiding from someone? Was he locked down? A throwaway line, but had potential for a good backstory.
7. Just for the record, Rhythm Of The Night is my shit. To this day when it comes on, I sign the whole song word for word and bop my shoulders.
8. By the way, I honestly did not know much about The Debarge family and all their hits, until I was in my early 20's.
9. Man, Vanity was fine!
10. 7th Heaven the show is a perfect capsule of the long gone era of music based shows. From American Bandstand to 106 & Park, those shows played in a huge role in many kids upbringing. Sad the appetite for those kind of shows no longer exist.
11. William H. Macy's brief role was only his fifth credited film role. And he went on to be a star.
12. Eddie Arkadian is the epitome of short man syndrome. As a short guy myself, I know the type.
13. I also find it hilarious he was hell bent that treating woman to dinner a la carte was the way to their heart.
14. The Last Dragon is Chazz Palminteri's first film credit in his early 30's playing one of Arkadian's thugs. Just 8 short years later he'd star in his most famous role as Sonny in ABronx Tale. Keep pushing!
15. Of course a young Keisha Knight Pulliam as Leroy's younger sister. Another brief role and her first film credit, which probably was filmed around the same time as the first season of The Cosby Show.
16. You gotta give it to Richie, he was all of 14-15 years old and you couldn't tell him he wasn't the man. I wish I had that bravado at that age.
17. While the song and music video were trash. I can see why Eddie and crew thought they had a hit on their hands. It would totally have been a 80's hit cause it just fit the era.
18. Carl Anthony Thomas II better known as Cole from Martin makes a brief non-speaking appearance as one of Richie's friends The casting director for this film had an eye for aspiring talent.
19. I know people looked alot older than they were in the 80's. Sho'nuff had to be in his late twenties-early thirties, what the hell did he do for work?
20. And how much did he pay his crew? I mean I'm sure they had multiples of their Sho'nuff uniforms.
21. The theatrical re-release included a very brief scene of Eddie walking through the arcade. Added nothing to the scene, but was a cool little treat for long time eagle eyed viewers
22. What in the world possessed Eddie Arkadian to wear a toupee when meeting Sho'Nuff? And if Sho'Nuff didn't want the money, again what does he do to live?
23. Leroy goes to Laura's apartment to apologize. She sees him outside talks to him and said she'll be right back. And changes clothes into an Asian inspired dress.
24. Then takes him to the studio and plays a montage video of Bruce Lee and his mastery. Taking an interest in Leroy's interest to book him. Laura had GAME!
25. It's a plot point to keep the story going, but I kind of always suspected Angela was still a little in cahoots with Eddie. Although she comes off as a ditz, she had to know saying stay away from 7th Heaven meant Leroy would in fact go there. And while Eddie had taken Laura hostage to lure him in. Or was it all a coincidence?
26. I just learned this week the upset stomach song is sung by Stevie Wonder. I hear his voice in the song, but not sure how I missed putting two and two together all this time.
27. If you ask me the 7th Heaven battle is one of the coolest and best fight scenes in movie history.
28. This has bugged me forever and I know it's movie logic and not real logic. How the hell did Johnny assemble all those fellow students, and get to 7th Heaven just in the nick of time to save Leroy?
29. Ernie Reyes Jr. First film. Between this film, Ninja Turtles: Secret Of The Ooze, and Surf Ninjas. I'm surprised Reyes isn't more revered amongst the millennial generation and he didn't become a bigger martial arts star in the 90's.
30. Not sure if it was editing or just stunt men with similar attire. I'm pretty sure Leroy is shown taking out the same guy three times during the 7th Heaven Battle.
31. I always figured Richie's sudden change of heart, was because up until Leroy came to save him and Laura. Richie had never seen his brother fight. And he quickly realized Leroy is a bad mofo.
32. Could have been I never noticed as a child and never paid attention as an adult. Seeing the movie in theaters, I realized how fearful Leroy was of Sho'Nuff when he approaches him in the warehouse ready to fight.
33. I wonder how many colors of the glow there were? Green? Purple? Orange maybe?
34. Leroy's water infused memory lane montage is highly underrated, and honestly inspiring.
35. Leroy finally achieved the glow, because he gained that confidence he was missing. Very Important life lesson there.
36. Everything indicates 7th Heaven in the final scene takes place maybe a couple hours after the big finale. How the hell did they investigate the crime scene(s)? Clean up the studio? Richie, Laura, Johnny and co. clean up and change. And Leroy heads home changes and gets flowers. Movie time is something else.
37. I often think about fictional characters and their lives past a movie. Are Leroy and Laura still together in 2025? Is he still practicing martial arts? Is there a new generation Sho'nuff out there? Questions that need answers.
38. Wasn't until I was much older one reason I realized why I love this movie so much. I can relate to Leroy, he was a martial arts master. I grew up in the era of Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and 3 Ninjas so I wanted to be one. He was akward outside of the bubble he was comfortable in. Same here pal. Took him some time to learn the ladies, me too.
Bruce Leroy was the first Black superhero I saw before I realized it.
39. The movie doesn't get enough credit for being ahead of its time. Highlighting the intersection between Black and Asian cultures. I vividly remember elementary school which was the early-mid 90's. Anime was coming to the U.S. more frequently and the Black community embraced it and the culture.
40. I unapologetically love this movie, because it unapologetically knows what it is and embraces it. I will love it for the next 40 years.
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