5 Fictional Places Not To Visit

 

It's spooky season a fun time of the year. When we talk about this time of year and Halloween. The focus is always on which horror characters to stay away from. But, in life no matter where you live or where your from there are places you stay away from. So with that, here are 5 fictional places if you were in the area, just keep moving.

5 Stepford, CT

A quiet suburb in Connecticut that on the surface signals you made it. Yet, once in the town of Stepford, things seem a little off. On the outside looking in, folks who live in Stepford "made it". 

However the town was creepy, full of normal wives turned into very subservient off the assembly line wives. And it was all by design for the town. Influenced by misogynistic men stuck in a certain time period. Stay away from there.

4 Santa Clara, CA

A coastal beach town with beautiful views, and a bustling boardwalk that is packed every night. Why would you not want in live in Santa Clara? Well Grandpa in the Lost Boys said it best, "All The Damn Vampires."

That's right, Santa Clara was the missing persons capital of the world. And a breeding ground for blood thirsty vampires. 

There are several other beach towns to visit instead 

3 Cuesta Verde

You get the keys to a newly built home in a newly built subdivision. A feeling of euphoria that all that hard work has paid off, that is until supernatural forces let you know you're not welcomed.

The neighborhood of Cuesta Verde sits atop a relocated cemetery, which included the remains of a cult leader and his followers. Who all want their land back.

If a friend or family member moved to Cuesta Verde, let them know you can't visit them.

2 Hawkins, Indiana

If you talk about a town that's been through some sugar honey ice tea, Hawkins, Indiana is the poster child. Hawkins experienced monsters invading the town, abducting and murdering folks. Secret labs occurring in the town inviting these monsters in via portals. And oh yeah hoarding and exploitating young children and their psychic powers.

And oh yeah a demonic villain literally ripped the town in half. While the government spun the scenario as a major earthquake, yet quarantined the town from the rest of the country.

Don't even stop for gas in this town.

1 Derry, Maine

Imagine a town that did nothing wrong, but is the playground of a demonic cosmic entity. That place is Derry, if you're on a road trip and come up on Derry. Keep on driving right through the town.

Derry has been home to a creature known as Pennywise that has feasted on it for centuries. Awakening every 27 years, preying on children of the town before hibernating for another 27 years. The creature has such mind control over the town, most folks are oblivious to his existence.

Don't stop in Derry for any reason!

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Swamp Thing Needs A Revival

Warner Bros latest DC comics film Clayface opened this weekend to good word of mouth. And a modest $44 million opening in theaters. The B level Batman villain showed there is a market for lesser known characters in comic movies. Especially when its a rare character piece. Since the comic horror film did pretty well opening weekend, its time Peter Gunn and company gear up the next Horror comic book character to showcase.

Swamp Thing the bayou crusader out to save the environment and stop mad scientist.  The avatar of the green, the humanoid plant matter has several superpowers to assist him in his efforts. It's the perfect blend of action, horror, science, mysticim, and heart. He was once a man, a brilliant scientist looking to help humanity. who turned into that green matter after a freak accident. Now he wrestles with who he was and who he is now.

The character first debuted in comic books in 1971 and enjoyed a great deal of success in the era. Enough that in 1982 a live action film was commissioned, directed by Wes Craven it definitely had a horror action vibe. The 1989 sequel possessed more of a campy lighter route to appeal to kids.

Which lead to a animated series (which I still have a VHS copy of) and action figures. Along with a television series in the early 90's that lasted for three seasons. Once upon a time Swamp Thing was a popular guy.

Then in 2019 the DC universe streaming app released a 10 episode season that was part small town mystery, cop procedural, and science story all wrapped in one. Unfortunately audiences didn't gravitate to it, mainly because streaming service fatigue was starting to set in. Leading to the series being canceled.

However, now its time to revive him from the woods. Give him a deep story of a intelligent man, adjusting to this new lonely life in the woods. Throw the horror elements in the pot, and some bad ass unique action scenes. And Swamp Thing could experience a rebirth.

If the comic book movie genre is going to evolve to maintain popularity. Studios are going to have to introduce new characters outside of the heavy hitters. Now is the perfect time to bring Swamp Thing back.

 

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Why Black Millennials Still Love Insecure 10 Years Later

 

Insecure recently celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this month. I want to take a moment to celebrate this amazing show and its run. Created by Issa Rae who gained fame on YouTube with Akward Black Girl, the show was a true moment for young Black Millennials.

When the show debuted, many of us were at the age where major life milestones were happening or not. Making Insecure one of, if not the first show most Millennials could relate to as adults.

The show touched on the typical relationship, situationship, damn why did I do that? Subjects. Along with casual dating, hoe phases and everything in between. But it also touched on real life matters in humorous ways. How millennials did everything right as far as attending college. Yet, still can't get ahead. With both Issa and her boyfriend Lawrence either not working or in dead end jobs, for a period of the show.

The stress that brings with the stress of bills. Friendships changing, not because of squabbles but just life shifting. Celebrating friends wins and milestones, wondering when it's gonna be your turn. And hell even still being relatively young in your late 20s-early 30s, and still contemplating are you running out of time?

The breakup between relationships but not friendship, when you have the same circle of friends. It can messy there.

The show was genuine, funny, had several oh damn moments. While also paying homage to shows and movies before it. And making all of us Black Millennials realize we weren't alone in the struggle. Those five seasons were gold, and it's why 10 years later we still love the show.

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5 Fighting Games That Could Become Movies

Paramount's Street Fighter released this past weekend. The third live action attempt to do right by the franchise. While I had a couple issues with the film (no real plot, film all over the place), I took it for what it was and enjoyed it. It's miles above the 2010 film and even more campy and silly than the 1994 film starring Jean Claude Van Damme and Rual Julia.

While a sequel is likely on the horizon. I started thinking about something Hollywood loves to do when a film is successful. Find copycat films and franchises to make. So with that here are 5 video game franchise, I think have potential to become movies.

 Primal Rage

This would have to be animated because the plot is so absurd. The plot of the game existed in a alternate version of Earth, called Urth. Devastated by a Meteor strike nearly wiping out humans, but the ones who survived worship prehistoric animals with supernatural powers.

These creatures fight one another with the fate of the planet, in the winners hands. Like I said very out there and absurd. It could be a very fun film though.

SoulCalibur

SoulCalibur first released in 1998 and since then has built a franchise with 7 main titles and some spin-off titles. The premise of the games are built around swords. Namely the souledge sword which is a personification of evil, the sword itself and the person who holds it. And the soulcalbur which is used to fend off that evil.

The games are typically set in the 16th and 17th century when swords were the weapons of choice. Some high octane action sequences with masterful swordplay. May have folks signing up for classes to learn how to wield swords.

The King of Fighters

The King Of Fighters was released in 1994 and since then has spawned 14 additional games. The premise of the game is a fighting tournament, but not one on one tournaments. It's teams of 3 against each other in these matchups.

Which could explore themes like jealousy, collaboration, brotherhood, and all the teamwork tangible in the world. Life lessons against the backdrop of exciting fights. Could be a good time.

Def Jam: Vendetta

Due to a variety of reasons the Def Jam brand is not as strong or popular as it once was. That doesn't mean a new generation couldn't admire it for the first time. And that's where Vendetta comes into play.

The 2003 video game featured the protagonist (who I don't remember actually having a name). Facing off against actually rap artists such as DMX, Method Man, Ludacris, N.O.R.E. and more through the streets of New York. It was popular enough to get a sequel just a year later.

A movie with a hard hitting soundtrack, a few cameos from rappers and singers. Some fun fights that doesnt take itself too serious, and audiences could be in for a good time.

Double Dragon

When it comes to fighting video games, Double Dragon is an OG game. One of the first fighting arcade games in 1987, it laid the foundation for Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and other popular fighting games. The plot follows two brothers fighting threwthe mean streets of their town. Much of the crime ran by overlord Willy Macky in the video game. And martial arts crime boss Shadowboss in the animated series.

The 1994 film has been mangled over the years for its campiness, and deviations from the source material. However to this day it is a cult classic and acknowledged as a product of its time. If Street Fighter is now on its third try, getting a film adaption right. Double Dragon deserves another chance.

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5 Underrated Action Horror Movies

It's spooky season, one of the most fun times of the year. When most folks sit down to watch a movie this time of year, their aiming for the straight up horror films, maybe a little comedic horror film, or a family friendly one. Which leaves the action horror genre to get left behind.

Fear not, I'm here to provide you with some films in that genre. They aren't the most popular or the best, but something quick to watch just to be entertained. It gets the job done, here are 5 underrated action horror movies.

Dylan Dog: Day Of Night

This 2010 film starred Brandon Routh who was trying to reinvent himself and move on, from his failed run as Superman. He took on this film inspired by the comic book, about a New Orleans detective who investigates crimes from the undead. The creatures of the night like vampires, zombies, and werewolves.

Taking on a investigation he stumbles into a ancient artifact wanted by vampires. And sets out to protect it and solve his original case. It's more silly and comedic than a straight up action horror film. However if you don't mind a good laugh with your werewolve sightings, this film is as good as any.

It's currently available on tubi.

Ghosts of Mars 

This 2001 film was written and directed by horror legend John Carpenter. It's trailer is actually better than the movie, but that doesnt mean the film was horrible. Starring Ice Cube, Jason Statham, Pam Grier, and Natasha Henstridge. It follows a police unit sent to Mars to transport a criminal.

Well Mars has other plans. Ancient spirits of Mars take over human bodies on this small colony and are on the hunt. The hunt for other humans leading to a battle for survival. It actually has some cool action scenes in the film. It's definitely a product of it's time with some corny jokes sprinkled in.

Currently if you wanna watch it, its only available to buy/rent on streaming services.

Planet Terror

Robert Rodriguez is a gifted filmmaker with a polarizing record. You either love his films or hate them, with very much in the middle. His 2007 Planet Terror is one I was initially eh on and learned to enjoy. It's very off the wall and is a call back to those late night B movies you'd find on local stations or cable TV.

Set in a small Texas town, a biochemical agent is exposed to the town. Cause citizens to turn into zombies with a thirst for blood. Rose McGowan leads the charge to save the day, as a one legged go go dancer. Who soon turns that leg into a weapon of destruction.

Like I said straight B movie vibes and campy. Give it a shot you'll love it.

Doom

The 2005 video game adaption starring Karl Urban and The Rock was widely panned by critics and fans upon its release. One thing it was praised for though was its first person shooter point of view, true to the game its adapted from.

The film follows a elite space marine unit, sent to Mars to respond to a distress signal. Well they got more than they bargained for on the red planet. And all hell breaks loose. The film is harmless action fun when you turn your brain off. Making it just right for spooky season.

It's currently available on Starz through cable providers or the app.

Tales From The Crypt: Demon Knight

The beloved Tales From The Crypt franchise produced two films in the 90's. The first film was 1995's Demon Knight. A campy mid-level film starring William Sadler, Billy Zane, & Jada Pinkett Smith. It features Sadler as a military vet guarding a key that could eradicate evil.

Zane is The Collector hell bent on getting that key. And Pinkett Smith is one of several inhabitants of a boarding house caught up in the mix. In true Crypt fashion it is a campy, but fun action film that has flown under the radar.

It's currently streaming on peacock

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D3 Is Better Than You Remember

 

It's the 30th Anniversary of D3 The Mighty Ducks, the final film of the Mighty Ducks trilogy and probably the least revered one out of the three. While the original is a Millennial classic and the greatest Kids sport film ever. D2 raised the stakes just enough and people still loved it. D3 same beat, same formula and its not as beloved.

Yet, I don't understand why that is. Because truthfully D3 has the best main plot of the three films. It's a film about change, growing up, and the pains that come with it. Something we all experience in life. The Ducks are now teenagers, entering a private school on scholarship a completely new world to all of them. And a new coach who is more stern and a hardass then Coach Bombay was. He has his own views on how hockey should played, and the team primarily Charile have a hard time adjusting.

In truth Charlie doesn't want to grow up, he's still holding on to his younger years and the "Duck" way of doing things. And Coach Bombay was the father figure in his life, and him moving on Charlie feels like he abandoned the team but most importantly him. Some deep stuff beneath the surface of a kid oriented hockey film.

Of course Coach Bombay proves otherwise and comes through in the clutch to legally save the team, one of the better scenes in the movie. Only behind a scene spearheaded by Jeffrey Nordling who plays Coach Ted Orion, in a beautifully crafted scene comparing hockey to life. If I was a youth sports coach I would show that scene to my team for the motivation. And the older I've gotten I appreciate that scene so much more and all the gems in it.

Simply put on this 30th Anniversary, D3 deserves so much more love than what has come its way. It truly is a early lesson about life, change, and preserverance. It is a classic in its own right.

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We Need A UPN & WB Documentary

 

Last week marked 20 years since the CW hit the airwaves. The network was born out of UPN and the WB network ceasing operations and merging. Honestly looking at how the media landscape has changed in the past 20 years, it was the right decision. Had both netlets continued operating, streaming would have definitely decimated both.

The 20th anniversary of the CW, got me thinking. We are past due for a documentary on both UPN and WB and what happened leading to them being forced to merge. Especially right now with 2000s nostalgia starting to catch more heat, and for what these streaming apps are charging their content lacking.

Both networks were owned by major media conglomerates and served a niche audience. The WB debuted in 1995 and was owned by Time Warner and in its initial years catered to families with shows like 7th Heaven, and Black audiences with sitcoms like The Wayans Brothers, Jamie Foxx Show, and Steve Harvey Show. They even had a funny Married With Children rip-off show called Unhappily Ever After. Complete with a fun intro (sitcoms today are really missing that factor).

The network then found its lane that gave the WB its greatest success, teen and young adult oriented programming starting with Dawson's Creek. Alongside shows through the years like Gilmore Girls, Smallville, One Tree Hill, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Felicity to name a few. It became the core to the networks DNA and eventually the CW's.

UPN stood for United Paramount Network and was co-owned by Paramount later Viacom and a indy TV station magnet named Chris Craft. Debuting in 1995 as well the network used its Paramount connection to make Star Trek a focal point of the network. Starting with Star Trek Voyager. Leading the way for other sci-fi shows like 7 Days (super underrated show), Special Unit 2, Jake 2.0, and Star Trek: Enterprise.

The networks bread and butter though were first Black sitcoms. Starting with Moesha starring teenage r&b singer Brandy which debuted in 1996. Other successful sitcoms followed like spin-off The Parkers. Girlfriends, Half & Half, One on One, Everybody Hates Chris, and Malcolm & Eddie.

The next bread and butter started in1999 at the height of the attitude era, the then WWF debuted Smackdown on the network. That gave the network some crossover appeal to assist their other shows. It was their highest rated program every year. Smackdown ran on the network until it ceased operating.

Last up to bat, was reality show America's Next Top Model starring Tyra Banks. This is back when reality shows really started taking off in the early 2000s. This competition was the networks first reality show hit debuting in 2003 and running for six seasons, before moving to the CW. Netflix released a documentary on the series earlier this year.

With these niche audiences, both networks had some success but just could never truly compete with the big four TV networks. We need to know why, what happened in the TV landscape that caused it. Since its been 30 plus years since the networks debuted, we need a documentary honoring them and what they bought to broadcast TV. The players involved in making things happen and the legacy both networks left behind.

Damnit we need a documentary!

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