Subscribe To It: Black As Night

 

It's spooky season which means the air is getting crisp, leaves are falling, and it's time to sit down to watch some Halloween classics, cult classics, horrible B-movies, and hidden gems. I stumbled onto a new hidden gem available on Amazon Prime Video called Black As Night. Black As Night is a movie about vampires, and I love a good vampire movie. Even greater to see an vampire movie with a majority Black cast which is rare.

Black As Night follows a teenager Shawna played by Asjha Cooper over one weird summer where she notices vampires are lurking in New Orleans. After a traumatic event caused by these new neighbors,she along with some reliable friends set out to enact revenge on the creatures of the night. Headed by the always welcome Keith David who is creepy enough and loves to ham it up.

The movie has some socio-economic and political tones to it while the vampires are being hunted. The city of New Orleans with it's unique style and it's rich history of citizens practicing voodoo is shown some love. The vampires themselves even have a nice backstory that intertwines with the horrors of this country. 

Some of the dialogue is a little cringy, but Shawna will remind you of a modern day Buffy only with more style and flair. It's an relatively short film clocking in under 90 minutes, but it will be worth every minute. Every Halloween from here on out you will turn it on as part of your routine.

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Subscribe To A Million Little Things

 

Subscribe To It is a column series highlighting television series and movies that should be talked about more.

A Million Little Things first aired on ABC in 2018, now I will admit I was late to the party with this show. I had a few friends tell me it was good, but I never got around to adding it to my watchlist, until this past spring when it auto played on Hulu after I watched a similar show. I was hooked after the first episode and binged watched the first two seasons and the first half of the third season in a week and a half before the second half of the third season began airing.

A Million Little Things covers a group of friends and their trials throughout life after a friend commits suicide. The shows main fabric is how different things connects everyone in different ways. It surely has This Is Us vibes (another show I love) but it isn’t quite as sappy and covers what I think is more relevant topics.

The show has covered everything from cancer survival to grooming, Black Lives Matter movement to immigration and so much more. Sometimes you think damn what else can happen to these people? But the show carefully threads all these stories so that it’s not overwhelming and unrealistic.

The ensemble cast with the most well-known member being Romany Malco of 40-year-old Virgin and Think Like A Man, deserve so much credit and praise for their acting. The third season ended on an serious OMG cliffhanger so I for one cannot wait for season four. The wait is almost over with the show returning September 22nd. If you have some time to binge watch it, please get started you will not be disappointed.

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Subscribe To Godfather of Harlem

 

Subscribe To It is a column series highlighting television series and movies that should be talked about more often.

Godfather of Harlem is an TV show that I don’t hear many people talk about. Now in its second season the series airs on cable station EPIX (Probably why many don’t talk about it). Anyway, the show stars Forrest Whitaker as legendary gangster Bumpy Johnson and his return to Harlem after a 10-year prison sentence. Upon his return to Harlem, he finds his neighborhood mostly ruled by the Italian mafia. Bumpy and his crew immediately work to regain control.

The series features the typical tropes of a crime drama gunfights, sex, betrayal and lots of F bombs and I’m for all of it. Where Godfather of Harlem stands out is the performances, Forest does a wonderful job as Bumpy older, more calculating family man who still lets it be known he is not one to mess with. Vincent D’Onofrio is crime boss and Bumpy’ s biggest thorn in mob boss Vince Gigante and the two are more alike than they’d like to admit. 

The series also depicts Bumpy as active in the civil rights movement during the early 1960’s. He frequently partnered with Malcolm X (Nigel Thatch) and congressman Adam Clayton Powell (the always immaculate Giancarlo Esposito) to fight for equality and improve the lives of Black people during that time. The series even displays Bumpy crossing paths with a young Cassius Clay.

The first season was 10 episodes and the show is currently on a midseason break of six episodes returning August 8th for the remaining four. You have time to binge watch the show and catch up, trust me you won’t be disappointed.

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The Legacy Of Boyz N The Hood

 

John Singleton's classic debut film Boyz N the Hood was released 30 years ago today. There's so much to say about why this movie is so damn good but this column may be too long. So, I'm going to keep it simple, the movie is a classic because some many of its themes and messages are still relevant today. On the surface the film may seem like a "hood" movie but once you watch it, it is commentary on the state of the world of a marginalized and still marginalized group Black people.

As a kid when I watched the movie most of the messages went over my head as they should have, with the exception of how life is in the hood. Now I didn't grow up in a "hood" environment, but I'm from Baltimore where two blocks over can be the hood from an suburban like neighborhood. As an adult the film carries deep messages on societal problems like gentrification, police brutality especially from members of your own race, which can also play into self-hate. Black Men in the military and how they are treated. Peer pressure for teenagers especially guys to have sex or lie about they're conquests at a certain age. The desire to leave one's environment or just become a product of the environment and be ok with it. 

One major theme that I think the film is really about is the importance of fathers in their sons lives and the father/son bond. Tre (Cuba Gooding Jr.) has his father Furious (Laurence Fishburne) in his life to help him avoid some of lifes pitfalls. Tre's best friends Ricky (Morris Chestnut) and Doughboy (Ice Cube) are raised by their single mother Brenda (Tyra Ferrell), she's doing the best she can as a single mother and her sons are genuinely good guys but both have fallen into some life traps they may have avoided if their fathers were around.

Besides the movie's themes Boyz N The Hood legacy runs deep. It was John Singleton film debut and at the age of 24 he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Making him not only the youngest nominee which he still holds, but also the first Black nominee for both categories. 

On screen Singleton also introduced the world to a lot of people who would go on to become household names and partake in alot of films the culture adores. It was the film debut of Ice Cube who is now a Hollywood mogul, same for Regina King who at the time was best known as Brenda from 227. It also was the film debut for Morris Chestnut and Cuba Gooding's first starring role. Nia Long, Angela Bassett, and Laurence Fishburne were not yet household names the movie helped accelerate them to that level.

The movie also opened doors for similar films to be released in the following years. Other beloved classics like Juice, Menace II Society, and South Central to name a few. The soundtrack is still very good. In 2002 the Library of Congress added the film to the National Film Registry for preservation because it was culturally significant which it is.

On the anniversary watch the movie again and fall in love with it again, or if for some reason you've never seen it. Get it together and check it out. 

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25 Random Things I've Learned As A Dad

It's Father's Day!! Since this is my first Father's Day I figured I'd share 25 things I have learned over the past 7 months.

1. The first time you hold your child. You truly understand love at first sight and how you can love one person more than life itself.

2. Also, the moment you hold them you realize your #1 job in life from that point is to provide and protect them.

3. When the baby sleeps and you decide to clean up or do some tasks. Every freaking thing in the house makes some type of noise your scared will wake them up. Closing the refrigator, opening something...hell just walking.

4. Babies really run the show, they'll let you know what they do and don't like from day one. Something as simple as the shape of the bottle you give them.

5. There are days you're not sure if your coming or going and that's OK.

6. Somedays between tending to the baby, work, or other tasks. You stop and realize damn I haven't ate yet.

7. Babies love to climb on and assault you.

8. Gift cards to door dash, uber, and restaurants are clutch because there will be many days you don't feel like cooking. Especially that first month.

9. It's a great feeling to see them grow and develop as time passes, but boy are they exhausting.

10. When friends and family "check on you" they're really asking how the baby is doing...it's OK though.

11. Don't underestimate the power of a nap...for YOU.

12. Matter of fact take a nap when they take one.

13. Driving becomes a different type of nuisance because in the back of your mind you've already warned every other driver if they try some dumb shit they'll catch an ass whipping.

14. Kids are fickle. One day they want you to hold them all day and smile everytime they see you. The next day you breath near them and they cry for days.

15. Trial and error is the best and most humbling teacher.

16. Between diaper bags, wallet, keys, phone, and bottles....you will always feel like you are leaving something.

17. Calendar/To do list becomes your best friend.

18. You clean the house, blink and the house looks a mess again.

19. You become content with watching the same thing over and over again cause it keeps them calm.

20. You quickly learn the difference between whiny cry and something is wrong cry. You learn to tune out the whiny cry with no problem.

21. There will be days where its just you and the baby, and you can't wait for mom to get back. There are other days where ya'll have been bonding all day and you're like I got this she can stay out longer.

22. No need for toys, just give them paper to destroy.

23. When they lay on you and get comfortable...be prepared to be uncomfortable.

24. Can't help but smile when they do something you know is 100% you.

25.  It's A 24/7 job but all worth it. 

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Underrated TV Dads

 

It’s Father’s Day Weekend and around this time you’ll see articles about the best TV dads. Frequent names that make the list are often familiar, like James Evans, Mike Brady, Cliff Huxtable (regardless of the man who played him transgressions), Phil Banks, Carl Winslow, Randall Pearson, Jack Pearson, Andy Griffith, and Richard Cunningham. Throughout the history of TV there have been several great dad characters, here is a list of ten underrated TV dads in my opinion.

10. Rome Howard-A Million Little Things

Since A Million Little Things is still on the air Rome’s story as a father isn’t over, but so far, he has done an exceptional job as a foster parent to Tyrell. Rome wanted nothing more to be a parent, in case you haven’t seen the show and want to I won’t give away too much. I will say though Tyrell came into Rome and his wife’s Regina lives at the right time. Rome has shown foster parents are just as important and influential as biological parents.

9. Alan Matthews-Boy Meets World

Alans Matthews wasn’t a hard-nosed dad by any stretch, but he was a realistic, likeable and caring dad. He worked hard to provide for his three kids. He even showed them that when your hard work isn’t appreciated, sometimes you have to step out and take a chance on yourself. Alan also took a role as a father figure for Corey’s best friend Shawn when he would need it the most.

8. Keith Mars-Veronica Mars

Veronica Mars overall is a very underrated and underappreciated show, think it had a lot to do with being ahead of it’s time and airing on UPN. That’s another story for another day, anyway Keith Mars is a very underrated dad. A county sheriff who later transitioned to a private investigator, he encouraged Veronica to use her sleuth skills for causes that were important. He always stressed to be safe and did everything he could to protect Veronica. Veronica’s mom left the family before the series started and it did a good job covering single dads and how hard it can be at times.

7. Graham Lubbock-Just The Ten Of Us

Just The Ten Of Us is a often forgotten sitcom that was a spin-off of Growing Pains. The series featured a high school basketball coach along with his wife raising their eight children. Four of them being teenage girls. Graham’s daughters also attended the school he coached at which gave him new headaches. He had to juggle catering to his wife, his children they’re varying personalities and needs. Budgeting for his family and so much more. Graham Lubbock does not get talked about enough in the land of TV dads.

6. Phillip Drummond-Diff'rent Strokes 

Phillip Drummond was the archetype of the white savior trope often used in television. That doesn't mean he wasn't a damn good dad though. Taking in his former housekeepers sons as her dying wish, he instantly took to the boys and raised them as his own. Providing them with love, care, and guidance as if they were his own. He also was stern when he needed to be, never letting the kids including his daughter get too mischievous.

5. Floyd Henderson-Smart Guy

Floyd Henderson often is overlooked when it comes to TV dads. That man had a lot on his plate, the widowed father of three kids. He juggled running a small roofing company, and three very different children with very different personalities. Child Genius TJ, popular but always looking to get rich quick Marcus, and activist daughter Yvette. Somehow Floyd kept it all together, always there for his children to help them in their time of need and provide advice.

4. Eddie Sutton-Lincoln Heights

Eddie Sutton is an LAPD police officer who moves his family into his old neighborhood hoping to make a difference. His family doesn’t initially approve of the move from their comfortable suburban home. Throughout the series, Eddie helps his family navigate through many challenges while navigating throughout challenges of his own. Always levelheaded and rarely losing his composure despite his stressful job and environment. Eddie Sutton is a very underrated TV dad much like the show is underrated.

3. Pops-The Wayans Bros.

Pops played by the legendary John Witherspoon was often a highlight of the Wayans Bros. He loved both his son’s and supported them every step of the way but was not afraid one bit to let them know they were being stupid etc. Pops also was known for his outlandish style which everyone made fun of, but he didn’t give a damn. He also felt his sons were never too old for an ass whipping and often pulled his belt out to beat two grown men.

2. Julius Rock-Everybody Hate's Chris

Julius Rock is probably the father many wouldn’t care to have as a child, but as an adult would appreciate. He’s one of the cheapest mofos you ever would want to meet but did what he had to do to support his wife and three kids. Working multiple jobs to make ends meet and counting every penny, he does not let a thing go to waste. He may not get you the things you want, but he will get you the things you need. At the end of the day when you look at what’s important that’s all that matters. 

1. Robert Peterson-Parent'Hood

Robert Peterson is a father of four who is a college professor. He is a caring but strict father and his imagination is just as vivid as any child. He often dreams of elaborate scenarios and stories in his head. A very good and caring man overall he took in a trouble youth and helped steer him towards a better path. Along with his wife they did the best they could to give their kids what they could without spoiling them rotten. Parent’Hood is an underrated sitcom and Robert Peterson is the most underrated TV dad in my opinion. 

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MIghty Ducks Season 2: Who We Need To See Return

Season 1 of Mighty Ducks Game Changers just concluded on Disney plus. I personally enjoyed the show more than I thought, it had some flaws and room for improvement. Overall it was a strong season with a very nostalgic ending for diehard fans. 

Spoiler Alert 

The Don't Bothers win back the Mighty Ducks name.

Spoiler Alert Over 

While Disney has not officially announced a Season 2, much like the Cobra Kai series it has become customary for fans to make a wishlist of which franchise characters they'd like to see in forthcoming season(s). Like I did at the end of Cobra Kai season 3, here's my wishlist of Mighty Ducks characters I'd love to see in the next season.

McGill & Larson (Mighty Ducks)

McGill (Michael Ooms) & Larson (Casey Garven) were teammates of Adam Banks when he played for the Hawks and frequent bullies of the District 5 team. The three seemed inseparable but it turns out they really weren't friends once Adam moved to the Ducks.

McGill & Larson were last seen in D2 along with an unnamed teammate tied to a tree by Fulton when they attempted to sabotage the Ducks. It'd be interesting to see if they're still living the cake eater life and how far their hockey careers went. It also be cool if one of them was the modern day coach of the Hawks using some of Coach Riley's philsophies for a new generation. 

Bringing the Legacy Hawks back into the fold would also allow Bombay to revisit his past as a member of the team, and looking back what's wrong with the pressure kids were under then and now to win. 

Side gripe: There was a Hawks team in the same league as the Don't Bothers, but it was clearly a different Hawks team with a different lineage. Those Hawks wore orange and Blue, when we need the black and white Hawks. Unless as I'm hoping it's saved for additional seasons, waste of a great storyline potential.

Don Tibbles

Don Tibbles made his only appearance in the franchise in D2. An executive with Hendrix Hockey he's the one who persuaded Bombay to coach Team USA. He also introduced Bombay to a potentially lucrative career and lifestyle that took his focus from coaching Team USA.

Don is a good guy just a guy who's trying to make money and keep his job. Don would obviously be retired by this time but he may still have connections to Hendrix Hockey (which gets a Easter egg in episode 1). His connections could help out the new Ducks in season 2 regarding gear or maybe upgrades to the Ice Palace to become the Hendrix Ice Palace. 

Michael Tucker who played Tibbles is in his late 70's and I'm honestly not sure if he's fully retired from acting but a small cameo would be very rewarding to long time fans.

Coach McKay

Coach McKay (Kathryn Erbe) was the tutor of the Ducks while they competed in the Junior Goodwill Games as Team USA. Side rant: it was never made explicitly clear in the film, but I was always under the assumption the competition took place in the summer to account for teams of minors traveling from all over the world to compete. So I always confused why they had an tutor. Anyway she joined the team as an assistant coach out of necessity and was an catalyst for Gordon realizing the error of his changing behavior. 

Honestly the character didn't offer much more than that. However as an educator she could be helpful in helping Bombay and Alex navigate the tricky landscape of student atheletes in todays world and all the rules that come along with it. She may also help some of the team with a school subject they're struggling with, showing the delicate balance these kids must endure being student atheletes. 

Casey Conway

Charlie Conway played by Joshua Jackson is the heart of the Mighty Ducks franchise. When the series was announced fans were clamoring for Conway to make an appearance, but Joshua's schedule and covid made appearing this season impossible.

There is hope Charlie can appear in a season 2 in the event that he can't, an appearance from his mom would be an welcome addition.

Casey played by Heidi Kling could appear and provide some detail on Charlie's whereabouts. It was hinted at in episode 6 during an appearance by the OG Ducks that Charlie holds some resentment towards Bombay. Casey could further that storyline and give Bombay an idea of where the resentment stems from, until he and Charlie can hash it out once he makes an apperance. She also kind of had an romantic relationship with Bombay in the first film, maybe they take steps to try again or just have an friendly conversation that helps Bombay find a spark he's missing.

Coach Orion

Ted Orion played by Jeffery Nordling appeared in D3 as the Ducks new coach at Eden Hall. Orion wasn't an believer of the Ducks pee-wee hockey style. As such his style didn't mesh well with many of the Ducks and he came across as harsh and dismissive of the Ducks way. The two sides eventually learned from one another and defeated the Varsity Warriors.

The Orion character was written to show how things change in life and how you have to adjust. While we didn't get to see the character lead the Ducks to championships, it'd be interesting to see how his life turned out the past 25 years.

Did he lead the JV Eden Hall Ducks to state championships? Did he move to coaching Varisty when the Ducks moved up? If so did they win the state championship those 2 years? Is he still at Eden Hall? Could he be the athletic director of the school now?

Based on what we know him and Bombay have mutual respect for one another. Bombay could call him in for a coaching session of the new Ducks. Providing them hockey skills Bombay doesn't posse to make them more well-rounded players such as playing two-way hockey.

More O.G. Ducks

Besides Charlie Conway who everyone wants to see, fans are clamoring for more O.G. Ducks anyway we can get them. Kenan Thompson who played Russ Thompson is the biggest star out of the Ducks and he's rumored to have agreed to make an appearance in season 2, should scheduling line up. The six who appeared in season 1 were Fulton (Elden Henson), Connie (Marguerite Moreau) and Guy (Garette Henson), Averman (Matt Doherty), Ken Wu (Justin Wong), and Adam Banks (Vincent Larusso). 

That leaves characters like Portman (Aaron Lohr), Julie Gaffney (Colombe Jacobsen), Jesse (Brandon Adams), Luis Mendoza (Mike Vitar), Dwayne Robertson (Ty O'Neal), and Goldberg (hopefully Shaun Weiss works through his issues.) There's also members who were never mentioned again after the first film including Jesse's brother Terry (Jussie Smollet). Karp (Aaron Schwartz), Peter (J.D. Daniels), and siblings Tommy (Danny Tamberelli) and Tammy (Jane Plank).

If they bring several O .G. Ducks in for an episode at once or sprinkle cameos throughout the season, fans would be elated either way. Every one of them could bring something to the table in guiding the new Ducks to success. I for one am looking forward to seeing how the originals are bought back into the fold.  

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