10 Iconic Black Action Heroes

 I recently had a conversation with my brother about Black superheroes and Black action heroes. The differences between them, and if there really is a difference. So of course the wheels started spinning in my brain.

I present 10 iconic Black action heroes through film and TV. I omitted two just because everyone knows them, John Shaft originally played by Richard Roundtree and later Uncle Samuel L. Jackson. And my boy the one and only Bruce Leroy. Now that's all out the way, let's get into the list.

10. Blackbelt Jones

Blackbelt Jones was a Blaxploitation era hero. Portrayed by Jim Kelley who was known for starring in Enter The Dragon with Bruce Lee. This local L.A. hero kicked alot of ass protecting his neighborhood and karate school from mobsters.

One of the first depictions of Black martial artists, he paved the way for my guy Bruce Leroy. Zack from Power Rangers, and even the multiple Michael Jai White martial arts characters.

9. John Cutter

In the early-mid 90's Wesley Snipes was everywhere. I previously wrote a blog about his run of action films. Which all started with John Cutter in Passenger 57. A decorated ex-law enforcement agent who has to save the day when a plane is taken over, to release a criminal on board.

This truly is the film and role that made Wesley Snipes an action star.

8. Action Jackson

While Carl Weathers will always be known as Apollo Creed. His second most memorable role was of one Action Jackson. A Detroit detective who gets into some shady union and business dealings.

The film is all 80's muscles and mayhem action. Through its presentation Action Jackson became a legend in the common man action hero lore.

7. B.A. Baracus

Take one of the most unique personalities in entertainment history. Pair him up with a team of ex-military soldiers for hire, and we have B.A. Baracus from the A-Team. A gruff quick tempered fighter. The only thing holding him back from being a total bad-ass, is his fear of flying.

Yet no one would dare try Bad Attitude Baracus more than once. Making him an action hero icon.

6. Morpheus

Morpheus the sage resistance leader within The Matrix. Very stoic and good at holding his composure, he was an excellent leader on the battlefield. And a master combat fighter and marksman.

A central figure in the trio of heroes within the Matrix universe. Morpheus inspired a new generation of stoic philosophical field leaders.

5. Black Dynamite 

First things first, we should have had an entire trilogy of films for Black Dynamite. The 2009 Blaxploitation era spoof and homage film, follows Michael Jai White as a former CIA agent. Bent on cleaning up the streets, after his brother is killer by a new drug.

The movie is funny as hell, Michael Jai White is perfect in the role. And it hits all the right points, Black Dynamite is also a masterful fighter and a ace with the gun in his hand.

4 Robert McCall (The Equalizer)

Robert McCall a former Marine and Intelligence agent, is "retired" and just wants to live his life lowkey and out the way. When he helps out a young lady he has befriended, he lands in the wrath of some mobsters. He then has to show them he's not the one to mess with.

McCall is gentle but ruthless, a walking deadly weapon who plays no games. And he goes on about his business, making him a action icon.

3 Roger Martaugh

Roger Martaugh always remarked how he was "too old for this shit", now I completely understand what he meant. He just wanted to go home, and retire. With a loose cannon like Riggs by his side, it wasn't easy.

Martaugh was the perfect everyman action hero, a family man who could still jump into the thick of things when needed. If he was gonna end up sore as hell the next day.

2 Axel Foley

Eddie Murphy may not have started the quick thinking, wisecracking cop character is Axel Foley. What he did do though is absolutely perfect it, so much he influenced future wisecracking cop roles (Det. James Carter).

Axel Foley is just a regular street cop from Detroit, that somehow always finds his way back to Beverly Hills. To tear that city up, scheme a little, and save the day before heading back home usually with just a little scratch.

1 Mike Lowrey & Marcus Burnett 

Miami PD detectives and best friends family man Marcus Burnett and Romeo adrenaline junkie Mike Lowrey. Two bickering buddies that went from a shootout here and there, to full assault weapon battles over the course of four films.

Displaying apprehension, fear, a will to get out alive, and through out all the battles still bickering. Common cops trying to take down local crime who become action heroes. Since 1995 they've set the standard for cop duos.

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5 Valentines Day Horror Movies You May Have Missed

 

Valentine's Day is a "holiday" meant to celebrate love for a significant other. There are several romantic films released this time of year celebrating the season. As we know love can be dangerous, and for all the romantic films to warm your heart.

 There are films out there to warn about the dangerous side of love. Namely horror films, and in this article I'm going to touch on some Valentines day films you may have missed. 

Cupid

An independent film currently available on Tubi. This 2020 film follows a teenage girl who must contend with bullies and mean girls at her school. When one bullying incident goes overboard, she uses her witches powers to summon Cupid. Well this Cupid hates Valentine's Day and goes on a warpath 

Valentine

This 2001 film starred David Boreaneaz of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, and later Bones fame. Follows a stalker who is seems to be out for revenge, against some young ladies  who wronged him during his high school years. This movie flew under the radar upon its release, and still is not that well known. Its by no means a game changing horror movie, but it's serviceable.

It is available on Tubi.

My Bloody Galentine

This 2024 Tubi original is a horror film in a sense, but its more of a horror comedy with some over the topness camp thrown in. It follows three young ladies who endure many ladies V-day fear, getting dumped before the holiday. While basking in their sorrow and deciding to celebrate their Galentines. They opt to get back at their exe's, with no ill intentions at heart. They get a little shook up when things get deadly 

My Valentine

Once upon a time, Hulu had an anthology film series produced by Blumhouse called Into The Dark. With each film focusing on a holiday, and it ran for two seasons. In 2020 the series produced My Valentine. The plot follows a pop singer who has basically her entire music and image stolen from her ex, in favor of his new girlfriend making her way in the industry.

When the three get locked into a concert venue together, some blood gotta be shed.

Heart Eyes

Released last February this hidden gem, could one day be a new era classic. Ok, I maybe jumping the gun there; but it's one of the better horror films so far this decade. It follows a serial killer who hunts couples every Valentines day. When the killer mistakes two colleagues as a couple and goes on the prowl. They just maybe time enough for him.

The movie has some legitimate scares and laughs. And worth a viewing, it is currently available on Netflix.

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13 Songs I Love Because Of A Movie

It's February which means it's Black History Month, we just need to brave the cold for a few more weeks, and for the romantic types Valentines Day is next week. In true B fashion, I decided to get into the spirit as I know how. I'm going to focus on songs I love, because it was in a movie.

When the right song is inserted in a scene or the credits of a film. And it is edited just right, it leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Who back in the day may have went and bought the artist album or soundtrack. Now they stream it, but in any case the right song in a movie can have a powerful effect. Here are 13 (I know, 13?) Of my favorites.

13 Charlie Sexton- Beats So Lonely

1987's Some Kind Of Wonderful is John Hughes subtle f-u to Paramount who interfered in the ending of his 1986 film Pretty In Pink. Kind of funny since both films were distributed by Paramount. History lesson aside.

The ending climax at the party is amplified by the background song of Charlie Sexton's Beat's So Lonely. A guitar riff is edited perfectly to a sub character entering the party, to save the day. That slight moment with the perfectly edited song makes this scene so bad ass.

12 Billy Idol-Rebel Yell

Before the days of high speed internet and YouTube. I can remember recording these scene from 1985's Legend Of Billie Jean and playing it over and over again. All because of Billy Idol's Rebel Yell, which fits the tone of the movie. As well as make the mall chase a highlight of the film.

11. Soho-Nuthin' On My Mind

1990's Career Opportunities starring Frank Whaley and Jennifer Connelly, is one of John Hughes most underrated films. It follows a overnight sanitation worker for Target who is locked in overnight with the town beauty who has ran away.

This scene featuring Frank Whaley as Jim in his own world, doing a little jingle to Soho's Nuthin' On My Mind. The song is so smooth and soothing, and it relaxes me when I hear it.

10. Blink 182 Dammit

1998's high school party drama Can't Hardly Wait, does not get the proper love and respect it deserves as a teen classic almost 30 years later. Which is such a shame, because it is one of the best teen films ever.

This YouTube clip is not from the movie, but a collection of scenes from the movie. The song Damnnit by Blink 182, is played during a chaotic scene in the movie which fits the headbanging sound of the song.

9.Semisonic-closing time

I heard Semisonic's Closing Time several times; before it appeared in 2011's Friends With Benefits. It didn't enter the stratosphere as a favorite of mine until it appeared in the film. The flash mob scene along with Justin Timberlake's character realizing the error of his ways, with his relationship with Mila Kunis. 

It just all worked and the scene probably wouldnt have been the perfect ending, if a different song was used.

8 Go West-King Of Wishful Thinking

1990's romantic comedy classic Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Set's the tone at the very beginning of the film, that this will be a fun film. Kicking off the opening credits after a brief cold open, with Go West King Of Wishful Thinking. 

The tune while actually sad when listening to the lyrics. Evokes a sense of optimism and is ear candy.

7 RedBone-Come And Get Your Love

When RedBone's Come And Get Your Love kicked off the beat of the story, for 2014's Guardians Of The Galaxy. It showed that this wasn't a typical MCU film, and it introduced the song to a entire new generation. Many who upon hearing it said things like "damn, I like this song".

Another song that I heard before, but did not appreciate it until I saw it playing on the big screen. While Chris Pratt as Star Lord boogied his way through space.

6 Robbie Robb-In Time

One of my favorite time travel films, 1989's Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure had a chokehold on me since I was a kid. This pivotal scene in the movie, where the duo get a glimpse of how important they are to history just sends chills up my spine.

Ok, I may have been hyperbolic there but I do love the scene and song. I've never heard of Robbie Robb outside of this song but to me it as a triple platinum classic. Especially when it pops up on my playlists.

5 Stephanie Mills-I Just Want Love

This song frustrates me, sung by the legendary Stepanie Mills for a very underrated film. 1991's Strictly Business starring Tommy Davidson, Halle Berry, and Joseph C. Phillips (The Cosby Show). If you need proof how much I love this movie, here you go.

This Stephanie Mills new jack swing inspired song is my jam. It perfectly captures the vibe of love, the 90's culture and the end of the movie. Yet, its not available on ANY streaming platform.

4 Peter Gabriel-In Your Eyes

One of the most famous and often copied scenes in film history, is from 1989's Say Anything. The scene in question is John Cusack standing outside his girlfriends home with a boombox over his head. The song playing is Peter Gabriel's Your Eyes. A true love ballad if I ever heard one.

When it comes on my Amazon music or even Sirius XM 80's on 80. Even though I can't sing I harmonize to the melody perfectly.

3 Samm Henshaw-Church

2020's Charm City Kings starring rapper Meek Mill, and Baltimore dirt bike legend Chino Braxton. Follows a young teen who comes of age over the summer, as he aspires to join a legendary Baltimore dirt bike crew. The film introduced me to a song, that inspires me when I need some optimism.

Samm Hensaw's Church, which I will admit I hadn't heard of the artist or the song before seeing the film. Now it's one of my favorite songs thanks to the movie.

2 Simple Minds-Don't you forget about me

Come on? You didn't think I would make a list about song's in movies I love, and not include this one. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Mind's is the perfect 80's teenage song. It captures the teenage angst with the New Wave pop sound dominate during that era.

Playing over the end credits with Judd Nelson's Bender raising his fist in the air, is just legendary. It's another jam I have on my playlist and when it comes on 80's on 8. I am not changing the station until the last note is played 

1. Righteous Brothers-you'e Lost That Loving Feeling

I first saw Top Gun when I was around 10 years old on basic cable. I think it was TBS Dinner And A Movie, which is how I saw The Breakfast Club for the first time as well. To be honest I never paid the song by The Righteous Brothers any mind at all. Until I got older and understood the message of the song and how those guys were crying for love.

Then I watched the movie again, and the end credits. And if maybe the greatest edit of a song to the epilog. As The Brothers sing their hearts out, the cast is individually credited and somehow it all just works. Its an art in itself and I love the song because of it.

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January 31st Entertainment Anniversaries

Today is my 40th anniversary and typical fashion true to me. I decided to sort through the history books and see what landmark events, happened in the entertainment world on this day. 

1986

Down and out In Beverly Hills starred Richard Dreyfuss, Bette Midler, and Nick Notle turns 40 today. It follows a homeless man taken in by a rich family and turns their lives upside down. The film was a hit and even spawned a TV series a year later.

1988

The Wonder Years debuted on ABC network following Super Bowl XXII. The successful coming of age series starring Fred Savage ran until 1993.

1992

Capitol Critters was a smart adult oriented cartoon series that debuted on ABC. It followed a band of rats who resided in the basement of the White House. It sadly didnt capture a audience and was cancelled after 13 episodes. It gained a brief second life on Cartoon Network during its early years, but has disappeared to the land of time.

1993

Homicide Life On The Streets debuted on NBC in 1993. The long running cop drama based in my hometown of Baltimore ran until 1999. It also spawned a TV movie in 2000 and is still beloved today.

1997

In 1997 as technology was advancing, the Star Wars Special Edition released. This polarizing film updated the CGI and scenes that just were not possible when the original was released in 1977. It was essentially George Lucas remixing his film and peeps were not happy.

Over in the video game world, Final Fantasy VII released on the original Playstation. This highly acclaimed edition of the Final Fantasy series, was regarded for its story and cutting edge graphics (for its time).

1998

HBO's original film GIA starring Angelina Jolie debuted in 1998. Based on the true story of one of the first supermodel's Gia Carangi. Detailing his rise and descent in the industry.

1999

Seth McFarlane's long running and influential animated series Family Guy debuted on Fox in 1999. Following Super Bowl XXXIII where the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons. The series is still kicking and has produced two spin-offs and several specials, while gaining a hold on pop culture.

2000

Monday Night Raw the shocking WWF debut of Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn. Who all had just abruptly left WCW made an immediate impact. First appearing in the front row, then laying out D-X.

2003

The cult classic Biker Boyz Premeiered in Theaters. Highlighting motorcycle clubs particularly Black motorcycle clubs and motorists. With a focus on father and sons and how generations do things differently to get the same goal.

Final Destination 2 probably the most debatable film in the series, with whether its truly good or not was released. Continuing the story of cheating death and how it doesn't work out in the end.

The Recruit was a spy thriller starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell. Farrell plays a new CIA recruit training at their "farm" and trying to find answers about his father's death. He spirals deep into places he didnt plan to.

2011

Lie to Me a TV dramas starring Tim Roth aired its final episode on Fox. Ending a three year run for the show, which followed Roth as a investigator alongside his crew helping solve cases through applied psychology.

2012

Comedy Central's second greatest sketch comedy show debuted on the network in 2012. Key & Peele ran for 5 years, and was just as funny and influential as The Chappelle Show. Leaving a legacy of skits still referenced today.

2013

NBC's long running and successful sitcom based on SNL, 30 Rock aired its Series Finale after a 7 season run. 

2014

This hidden gem romantic comedy starring Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, and Miles Teller released in 2014. Following 3 friends navigating different stages of relationships in their twenties.

2020

One of Netflix's earliest animated hits Bojack Horsemen aired its series finale in 2020. Ending its 6 season run on the network, and letting audiences know Netflix could tackle the adult animated series world.

A fantasy horror film based on the fairy tale Hansel & Gretel. This film follows the siblings as they get lost in the woods and head to the evil witches house. It didn't fare too well when it released, but has gained a cult following since.

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40 Random Things That Make Me, Me!

I enter a new decade later this week, turning the big 4-0. One thing I can say about getting older is you understand yourself more and embrace them. The quirks you have, things that make you tick. Things that annoy you, and what keeps you pushing. 

I decided to write a quick blog of some my quirks, annoyances, get off my lawn moments and generally things that make me, Me!

40. I'm not picky about much, but I will pull onto several shopping carts until I find the right one.

39. People who post their cashapp for their birthday annoy me, its borderline begging.

38. Unless you have a "vintage" car, why are people still holding their phone in they're hand while driving?

37. People who go out of their way to make it known they don't celebrate certain holidays. We get it, let me eat my hot dog in peace.

36. This whole subscription model for every damn thing, is sickening.

35. People who still 100% hold onto political party affiliations, I really wonder about. The two biggest gangs in the world are playing us all.

34. When a app signs me out, and Now I gotta remember the password or reset it. 🤬

33. I parked away from the entrance for a reason. Why do people have to park right NEXT to me?

32. I'm sick of these beat up Hondas thinking they are Dominic toretto on the road.

31. More than 5-10 things to watch in my streaming queues, stressess me out. I eventually remove them all and start over.

30. If franchises in airports & malls can't accept gift cards, where are the damn signs letting me know? Before I pull my gift card out.

29. I randomly quote lines from movies, and I get a little disappointed if no one catches it.

28. Talking to me without starting with a greeting, grinds my gears. Especially if we dont know each other/ have a rapport.

27. People that dart out in front of you on the road, then go 5 miles an hour....are bitches!

26. I can't do loud music in the car no more, it needs to be a respectable volume for you to listen but not overbearing.

25. People who slide when they walk...my goodness!!! Pick your damn feet up!

24. Call me old school, but I still love physical media and books.

23. Why do people still litter when it's trash cans every damn where?

22. When did wearing air pods while driving become a thing?

21. I'm sick of these damn bonnets and PJ'S in public. It's the middle of the day damnit!

20. Why do people have to drive around every little dip they see in the road?

19. Do these kids know how to put in work to reach a goal anymore?

18. Speaking of kids working. Why are these kids making $15 a hour at 15 years old?

17. Chain messages...don't involve me in chain messages via text or social media post.

16. If I can only talk to a service provider through a email exchange, I'm cutting them off.

15. People who talk on speaker in public have mental illness.

14. People who play their music in public without headphones, assholes.

13. I wish these kids get rid of the shiesty masks.

12. People who post every little slight against them in life on social media, need attention bad.

11. Let me hold a menu to figure out what I want to eat, not scroll through a app.

10. Speaking of, Why does everything need a app now?

9. I hate loyalty apps that don't let you upload your receipt for points, if you forgot to scan at the register. What good are they?

8. I really hate when people are at the register yapping on the phone. Your slowing down the process.

7. I be no means am a social butterfly, but common social skills are non-existant these days.

6. If you eat at a fast food/quick stop restaurant take your trash when you leave the table.

5. I watched YouTube clips of my favorite movies over and over. Like I havent seen the movie a thousand times.

4. People who lack self awareness, especially over 30. Need help!

3. Sounds very cliché, but at this point in my life, I just want peace. I want minimum bother of dumb shit and be left alone.

2. People that just complain! Especially for every little thing. Life is hard enough I don't need you complaining cause the store didn't have a small box of Applejacks.

1. Whether its bills, credit scores, work or other stuff. Everything in this world is designed to keep you stressed. Give everything a big F-U!

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Dont Be A Menace: 30 Years, 10 Funniest Scenes

Today is the 30th anniversary of The Wayans Bros. Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood. An long outlandish title that everyone just calls Don't Be A Menace. If you ask me this spoof of 90's "hood" movies, is a top 3 film from the Wayans family. And the best spoof ever created by the family. 

I'm Gonna Git You Sucka kickstarted Keenan Ivory Wayans career, which led to the classic sketch show In Living Color. He bought his family along for the ride.

While Scary Movie put Shawn and Marlon into the stratosphere of pop culture in the early 2000's. By the way, I think they will bring the franchise back to glory with the upcoming sequel Scary Movie 6.

Don't Be A Menace though took from the foundation of I'm Gonna Git You Sucka while laying the groundwork for Scary Movie, and is overall a better film. While making the most complete spoof ever. In honor of the film here are ten of the funniest scenes.

10. Liquor Store

A funny scene not only for the line and antics. Also for the social commentary regarding the profiling of young Black men particularly in Asian owned stores. While other races rob them blind, showing the Wayans are as smart as they are funny.

9. You Are Not The Father

A few years before the talk show Maury became famous, for its paternity test episodes. The Wayans may have gave him the idea, with this simple yet funny scene.

8. Grandma

An old grandmother thats battle tested and an "OG" of the streets. Testing her grandson, when I first saw this scene I thought it was the craziest thing ever.

7. Hotep Jungle Fever 

Before Hotep was a word, the Wayans took aim at seemingly pro Black men who are attracted to women of other races. Highlighting the walking contradiction some of these guys are.

6. Father & Son Talk

Imagine having a talk with your father, and he purposely gives you all the bad advice in the world. Thats this scene lol.

5. Sunday Sermon

Another social commentary riff. This time on pastors who seem to have it all, while their congregation struggles. Comedian Lester Barrie also gave this scene his all.

4. Stomping Toothpicks Boy

In a spoof of a scene taken right from the 1993 film Menace II Society. Even using the same actor, The Wayans offer the most childish "beat down" ever.

3. Father & Son Haircut

In one of the first displays of how "off the wall" the world in the film is. Ashtray played by Shawn Wayans has a talk with his father, who he is actually older than. Taking from Boyz 'N The Hood, the bonding scene produces strange topics. 

Not only that Easter eggs for eagle eyed viewers like plastic slip covers over everything. Which was a running joke in Black households, especially if the household is ran by the grandparents.

2. Gang Initation Scene

A true upside down on the idea of a gang initiation. Jump Roping?

1. Officer Self Hate

Another character spoofing Boyz 'N The Hood. Bernie Mac steals the show as a self-hating Black man who happens to be a police officer. He has no problem sharing how much he hates himself and asserting his power as a cop. Though its played for laughs perfectly, it also sheds light on a serious issue.

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The Movie Theater Experience Isn't Dead

 

If you're a frequent reader of this blog, then you know I am a huge movie buff. I've been seeing alot of Doom and gloom articles about the state of movie theaters. Predicting one day they will no longer be around, as more and more people prefer streaming. Now I won't lie the theater industry does look bleak right now.

Theaters were hit with the pandemic in 2020, and as the industry slowly crawled up from the gut punch that gave. Then came a left hook of the Hollywood strikes with the writers and actors union respectively in 2023. 

Even before the pandemic and the strikes, there was a problem that still exists today. Hollywood isn't supplying adequate movies to fill theaters. They moved everything to streaming with the exception of big budget movies, namely superhero films. Which after Avengers: Endgame began experiencing consumer fatigue. You'll get a drama here and there, family films, and belated sequels. But romantic comedies, comedies, and other genres are few and far between. Theaters have resorted to playing classic films for anniversaries or just because, to help stop the bleeding.

Add the prices of concessions and its easy to see why theaters are struggling right now. However, New Year's Day I went to see the Stranger Things Finale in theaters and it was packed. And the concessions was busy handling the multiple showtimes, and more people were coming in as we were leaving for their showtimes.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and ate their concessions while watching the closure of a beloved show. A show they could have easily watched at home, but wanted to experience in a theater. 

Hollywood should take heed, movie theaters aren't dead. You have to give people a reason to come to the movies. Not just for the tent pole films, but in general. When I saw two "old" films I grew up on 1985's The Last Dragon on a Sunday night in October and 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on a Sunday afternoon in August. Both theaters were packed!

People enjoy the experience, there just hasn't been much to experience lately. And that falls on Hollywood, yes Netflix disrupted the industry but much like linear TV Hollywood didn't put up much of a fight.

If movie theatres were to cease to exist, eventually people would turn on the streaming only model in droves. Much like the current backlash brewing against these subscription models and consumers not actually owning any media.

I personally think the days of huge megaplex's may be numbered, but the coziness of theaters are still desired. Grabbing your insanely marked up bag of popcorn, overpriced drink and watching a movie on a huge screen with the lights lowered. Is an amazing experience that can survive, it just needs to be fed.

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