1996 Blockbuster Season Was A Beast

 

Summer's coming to a close, which means the Summer blockbuster season is coming to a end. 2026 proved to all the naysayers that movies and the movie theater experience are BACK.  Spiderman, The Odyssey, Devil Wears Prada 2 and Toy Story 5 were the heavy hitters of the season. While surprise hits like Obsession, Coyote vs Acme and Backrooms proved there's still a market for more than the big budget action films. With this season slated to make over $4 billion at the box office.

While thinking about the good news regarding box office. I started thinking about the 1996 Summer Season, it doesn't get talked about enough when people mention years Hollywood was on a roll. However, that year provided industry game changers, hits from different genres, and genuine classics that still loved years later. 

So here's a quick history lesson on all that the Summer of '96 gave us.

Independence Day was that years box office heavy hitter that made Will Smith into a star. Hot on its heels was the tornado chasing disaster flick Twister. Tom Cruise probably didn't intend to create a 20 plus year franchise with Mission Impossible, but he did. Michael Bay, Nicholas Cage, and Sean Connery bought us one of Bay's best in The Rock. And Arnold himself gave us one of his more underrated action films in Eraser.

Eddie Murphy gave his career a second wind, when he put on a fat suit and became Sherman Klump in The Nutty Professor. Jim Carrey continued his mid-90's hit streak playing a deranged cable technician in The Cable Guy. While Robin Williams dramedy Jack made you laugh and pulled at your heart strings 

Hollywood didn't leave the kids and families out either. Disney's 90's renaissance continued with The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The adaption of Roald Dahl's Matilda, inspired kids to believe in magic and intuition when life twists and turns.  And Harriet The Spy encouraged kids to write more and  journal, even if theres a chance they got in some trouble.

When it comes to blockbuster season, 1996 was a heavy hitter. And Hollywood created enough memories and magic in various genres, there are lessons they could use today. 2026 was the comeback for movies in theaters, 1996 set the standard.

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Hindsight Edition: Ghostbusters Answer The Call

 

This past week marked 10 years since Sony rebooted GhostBusters with an all-female cast. Later given the subtitle of Answer The Call, this version had some mid 2010's heavy hitters. The ensemble cast starred Kristen Wiig and Melissa Mccarthy, who honestly both were still riding the wave from 2011's Bridesmaids. Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon both who were on SNL at the time. And Chris Hemsworth Thor himself branching out into other franchises, during Marvels peak cinema era.

While there was initial excitement and enthusiasm surrounding this reboot. Things quickly took a turn for the worst when Twitter trolls started spewing misogynistic and racist rhetoric at the cast. And that pretty much derailed the film, as it was lauded as unoriginal, not funny. You name it.

Well 10 years later when hindsight is always 20/20. We were wrong about the film, is it better than the original? No. Could it be debated its better than Ghostbusters 2? Ehhhh depend on who you talk to.

While it 100% takes much of the character tropes and story beats from the original Ghostbusters. This version works to build its own mythology while acknowledging the past.

 As well as paying homage by including cameos from the OG's. Each of the female ghostbusters also have DNA from the original characters sprinkled in, but they all are their own people within the films universe. Chris Hemsworth as their secretary is a funny play on gender expectations and roles. And some of the jokes are genuinely funny.

Watching it now I feel like Paul Feig who co-wrote and directed the film, and directed Bridesmaid and other early 2010's comedies. Tried to use that same formula and border on risky content, and Sony pulled back to build a franchise. Making the film a bit uneven in tone.

In 2026 I think this movie was unfairly mangled by audience and critics alike. It had good moments and tried to put a new spin on the franchise. Sometimes it takes years to go by for some things to be appreciated, and Ghostbusters Answer The Call is one of those projects. 

If you havent seen it, give it a chance and you won't be disappointed.

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5 Black Artist Biopics We Need

I've been meaning to finish and release this article for a good minute. Yet as they say, life be lifing. With Michael proving audiences love a good biopic, and June being Black Music Month. I wanted to explore some artists who's life and careers and  would make for a good biopic.

Now when I say biopic, I'm talking about film or a TV limited series. Long as detail, budget, and care is put into the production. Along the lines of Jacksons: An American Dream, Temptations, or New Edition Story. And less a lifetime biopic. All would be right for me, so lets get into my 5 choices.

The O'Jays

The O'Jays were a influential group of the 1970's Philadelphia sound era. A musical cousin of the Motown sound. While honing their craft trying to get their big break in the 1960's. It wasn't until they met production duo Gamble and Huff that their career turned around.  Their first hit Backstabbers, parlayed into other hits like For The Love Of Money, Love Train, Used Ta Be My Girl, Give The People What They Want. And many more songs.

Original member Eddie Levert is still performing with the group today. He has experienced tragedy with sons Gerald and Sean who followed in his footsteps in the music industry. Both sons alongside his daughter Ryan have all passed. Leaving one son remaining for Eddie. A tough pill to swallow amongst a successful career.

The O'Jays were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2005, Grammy Hall Of Fame, and The National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame. Legendary material for a good biopic.

Heavy D

Hip Hop is known for not truly giving artists their flowers until it's too late, and Heavy D is one of those artists. The overweight lover had a unique flow to match his wordplay, and his lighting quick footwork.

Along with his group The Boyz, they were the first artist signed to Andre Harrell's Uptown Records. Which Heavy eventually became president of. He had a hand in Diddy's rise as a music executive. Founded groups like Soul For Real and female artist Monifah. Eventually becoming Senior VP of Universal music in the mid-90's.

He wasn't a controversial artist, but Heavy D was instrumental in the party era of Hip Hop and giving heavier guys a chance. 

En Vogue

In the early 90's En Vogue was a female R&B group that personified that era. Depending on who you talk to, it was TLC, En Vogue, and then SWV. Or En Vogue before TLC since they were better vocalists.

The group got their start in Oakland as a manufactured group, but quickly proved they were anything but. They embraced the new jack swing and r&b sound and influenced several other female groups. Yet, the group experienced infighting and defections, along with a rotating roster of members.

Still performing today, a biopic could introduce a new generation to these soulful sisters. 

Tammi Terrell

Tammi Terrell was a Motown records singer that lived a short tumultuous life with highs and lows. She was known for partnering with Marvin Gaye and creating a trio of timeless duets. Ain't No Mountain High Enough, You're All I Need To Get By, and Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing.

Outside of her music, she experienced abusive relationships with James Brown, and later David Ruffin of the Temptations. Fighting brain tumors during this time, she collapsed into the arms of Marvin Gaye during a performance. Later passing at the young age of 24.

M.C. Hammer

For about two years in the early 90's M.C. Hammer was EVERYWHERE. On tour, late night TV, Saturday morning cartoons, commercials, sitcom appearances you name it. I wrote a article previously about how he was raps first pop star. He was on top of the world and then overnight he lost favor within the rap community, and his fortune. Eventually transitioning to a calmer life.

Now a TV-movie was made back in the early 2000's on Hammer. It starred Romany Malco and aired on VH1. It was a standard low budget TV movie biopic, but Hammer's story deserves more care, detail, and budget. We need to revisit Hammer so he can get his flowers.

 

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Julius Rock Was Right All Along

 

This Father's Day weekend I want to acknowledge an underrated TV dad, that had the right idea all along. Julius Rock played by Terry Crews was the father on Chris Rocks exaggerated bioseries Everybody Hates Chris. Julius was a hardworking family man, who took care of a wife and three kids. He worked multiple jobs and was notorious for being CHEAP.

While his cheapness was cartoonish at times and played for laughs, as a frugal guy myself I understood it. He didnt believe in wasting a damn thing, didnt believe in excess and could break down to the cent how much everything costs. 

Now, as a husband and father of two kids running a household, I completely understand Julius Rock. Turn those lights off in you not in the room, dont ask for something just to waste it. Don't leave the TV on all night, dont run my hot water just to be running it. Yeah, I don't have McDonald's money right now. All things I've said since becoming a dad.

You truly have to penny pinch raising a family. If not for survival, just to make your money stretch to cover the needs of each child, your spouse and yourself. With hopefully some extra left over to enjoy life. At times you truly have to be Julius Rock, even if people call you cheap.

Julius Rock was giving us life lessons on the show. A hardworking man who was there for his family, and made them learn the value of sacrifice, delayed gratification, and true life values. Julius Rock is a iconic TV dad who had the right methodology all along.

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5 Sci-Fi Movies About Fatherhood

 

Father's Day is this weekend, which means time to show love to the dads. In this blog I'm covering sci-fi films with strong dad themes. So, for that father who prefers to spend his day on the couch watching TV. Here are 5 recommendations for him.

After Earth

Let's kick it by being real and acknowledging After Earth is not a good movie. The 2013 film stars Will and Jaden Smith as a father and son navigating an abandoned earth and their relationship. 

Though flawed the film does touch on expectations by parents, legacy. Coming of age and the father/son dynamic when there are issues, but they must rely on each other to survive.

And You Thought Your Parents were weird 

This is a out of left field selection, that was a Disney Channel staple in the early 90's. The biggest star in the film was Alan Thicke who strictly did voice over for a main character.

The film follows two grieving brothers who are both intelligent and socially akward, grieving the lost of their father. A robot they create is suddenly infused with the spirit of their father.

The film touches on grief, just how much young men need their fathers. And getting closure when a love one passes.

War Of The Worlds

This 2005 Steven Spielberg directed, Tom Cruise starring Blockbuster is all about a dad trying protect his kids during an alien invasion. Cruise's Ray Ferrier doesnt have a great relationship with his son and daughter. He hasnt always done the right thing nor been there for them.

When aliens attack earth, despite his flaws his parental instincts kick in. All he's concerned about is getting his two kids to safety and far away from the invaders.

Return of The Jedi

Empire Strikes Back is considered the best film of the original Star Wars trilogy. Some may consider it still the best film in the entire franchise. Bookended by the classic reveal of who Darth Vader really is.

It's follow up film Return Of The Jedi didn't go deep into the topic, but touched on the aftermath. A son who realizes his father isnt who he thought he was. A legacy he was working to live up to is flawed. The father evil to the core..or maybe not? Closure on knowing who you are. 

It would have been a entirely different film if Lucas dug that deep into it. However the foundation is there.

Interstellar

Interstellar maybe Christopher Nolan's best film. The 2014 piece stars Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway alongside legends like Michael Caine. The filn can get quite complicated so I'll try to keep the summary simple.

Exploring space and time travel, wormholes, legacy and humanity resistance. The film follows a group of astronauts sent to a mission to save humanity. In the process we follow McConaugheys Coop who just a dad, trying to be a better dad. Who learns alot about time and whats most important during his mission.

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Masters Of The Universe Is The Perfect Summer Kickoff

 

I saw the new Masters Of The Universe this past Thursday. Although by industry standards the movie bombed opening weekend. Let me tell you I thoroughly enjoyed the film. And truly think good word of mouth will help the film in the long run.

 From a storyline perspective it did what it had to do. It told the story of Prince Adam believing in himself to become He-Man. From a presentation standpoint it was loud, colorful, and campy. Leaning into how absurd the concept of Masters Of The Universe can come off. Had some genuine good laughs, fight scenes were decent and the soundtrack was spot on.

In all at least to me, the film is the perfect kickoff to the summer blockbuster season. It was a bit of a adventure ride film. And perfectly laid down the carpet for fellow blockbusters. Disclosure Day, SuperGirl, The Odyssey, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are all up next. 

He-Man and Skeletor along with The Mandalorian and Gorgu which released a week before. Although I didnt see that film, I'll give it props for being a Star Wars film. Both films have set the stage for a very enjoyable summer blockbuster season. Don't listen to the haters go see the film!

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More Marvel One-Shots Are Needed

 

I finally had a chance to sit down and watch the Disney + special The Punisher: One Last Kill. The short film explains what Frank Castle has been up to since season 2 of The Punisher, leading to his role in the forthcoming Spider-Man movie.

Watching the movie I started thinking about the original Marvel One-Shots. Back when the MCU first came to fruition, and Marvel was building out their world. There would be short films on Marvel DVD's and Blu-Ray's. Meant to bridge gaps between movies, or sometimes a playful nod to something that occured in a film.

The One-shot series slowly went away as streaming took over how people consume media at home. It was a brilliant idea, maybe even ahead of its time. 

Originating in 2011 with an Agent Coulson based story on the Thor dvd. And ending in 2014 with a Trevor Slattery in prison story (the best one), on the Thor: Dark World DVD. 

As the MCU tries to rebuild ahead of Doomsday, One-Shots are exactly what we need. The MCU started to get too big in that it was too much to keep up with. Between the films and Disney + churning out shows, eventually the interconnected world became overwhelming.

What a revived series of One-Shots would do is limit some of the commitment for one's. While they need to watch show A & B to know what will happen in the next film. A stripped down low budget one-shot could achieve the same result, for a fraction of the cost.

It also would allow Disney + to stand out more in this crowded streaming world . I hope more one-shots are on the way, it could make following every MCU detail fun again.

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