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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Fantasy Screenwriting: Michael 2

 

Michael Jackson's biopic Michael is moonwalking towards a $1 billion box office gross. That total is fitting for the king of the pop, and soon as the movie was released. With acknowledgement that it was originally 4 hours long, and legal reasons for certain scenes being cut. Fans clamored for more.

Lionsgate last week pretty much confirmed that a sequel is in development and will happen. Even hinting that they have a general idea of jumping through time to tell the story, but not in chronological order. The wheels in my head started spinning and I have my own framework on how to tell the story.

So, here are three possible ways I would frame the sequel to finish telling MJ's story.

3. This Is It Rehearsals 

It's well documented that when MJ died he was rehearsing for his London residency tour. And it was supposed to be his final string of performing, kind of crazy to think he was ready to call it quits at 50 years old. Yet, he had been in the business for 40 something years at the point.

So the film could show him during rehearsals, in the days leading up to his death. Weaving in flashbacks to the remaining stories that need to be told. 

2. 2005 Trial 

This would be a more controversial option, but would satisfy those who wanted more drama. While the 1992 allegations couldn't be referenced or portrayed on screen, the 2005 trial to the best of my knowledge isnt off limits.

It could show how much the trial took a toll on MJ. Joe Jackson was often by his side during the trial, perfect opportunity for Colman Domingo to portray an older and maybe wiser but still the same damn Joe Jackson. Weaving the trial, with MJ's musicial heyday.

1. History Album

MJ's 1995 HIStory album was both a greatest hits and new music album. With side A being his biggest hits from previous albums, and side B having new tracks. Such as Scream, They Don't Really Care About Us, and You Are Not Alone. 

He obviously had to look back to the past, to make that album right? So there's a golden opportunity to make that focal point that connects the other eras together. Director Antoine Fuqua mentioned the original film ended around '95. The ending of Michael has a title card with History Continues. Perfect tie in to a sequel there.

It's also been reported there is 30-40% of content from that film that is reusable for a sequel. It all ties together to make the perfect plot point to use.

However the filmmakers decide to proceed with the 2nd film. I expect a phone call to help set it up with my brilliant ideas.

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Time Is Ticking For Mike Elias

 

This time last year amidst a runaway train wreck of a season. The Orioles fired Brandon Hyde as their manager, when the news hit I felt like he was a scapegoat. And now with a new manager in Craig Albernaz, a new philosophy of playing the game, and the core still intact. The Orioles still can't seem to get out of their own way.

Pitching continues to be their Achilles heel. I swear its been a hex on pitching since Mussina left. Players continue to make questionable mental errors during plays. There still is an overreliance on the long ball, if homer's aren't being hit they aren't scoring. Star players seem to regress out of nowhere. They are just very inconsistent overall.

We as O's fan's have been down this road many many times. We thought Angelos was the problem he collected his check after selling the team and hauled ass. After a couple playoff appearances suddenly Hyde's message had gotten "lost" and he was ousted. The jury is still out on David Rubinstein as a owner, but he seems mighty thrifty.

So right now all eyes should be on Mike Elias. He is the architect of the team and has been the GM since the 2019 season. Sure, we gave him some time to put his stamp on things. As the Orioles truly were behind other organizations in various areas. He made some quality draft picks and a few trades that panned out.

When the O's overachieved and then made the playoffs, fans expectations significantly rose. Our expectations arent being met and Elias is a big part of that. He seems to do well with the building of a talent pipeline and drafting players. However once he's dealing with major league players his track record suffers.

If I was Rubenstein I'd be keeping a close eye on Elias and the team. And if the team just completely collapses again, give him well wishes and send him packing. He may get one more season as I can see Reubenstein wanting him and Albernaz to work together more. However, time is ticking for Elias and when its time to clean house he should be first on the list.

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6 Characters We Need For Mortal Kombat 3

Mortal Kombat II opened in theaters this weekend. While I enjoyed the movie for its fight scenes, with brutal gorey moments. Along with the comedy of the film, it did not have a plot whatsoever. However, the film did leave the door open for a sequel with an actual plot. 

So while we as fans wait for an official announcement. It's time to start thinking about some possible new additions to the next film. So here are 6 characters from the series, 3 villains and 3 heroes. I would like to see in the next film.

Ermac

Ermac debuted in the game series in 1995's Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. A villain in the game's lore he is a ninja comprised of various souls, mainly from Outworld warriors. The various souls give him powers such as teleportation and telekinesis.

With the way Mortal Kombat 2 ended, I could definitely see him appearing in the next film.

Nightwolf

Nightwolf the games only Native American character debuted in Mortal Kombat 3. He briefly appeared in 1997's Mortal Kombat: Annihilation film. He is a shaman with powers such as enhanced strength. He is a master of various weapons and is one with the spirit world.

A perfect fighter for the next adventure in Mortal Kombat land.

Cyrax

Another character that debuted in Mortal Kombat 3. Cyrax is a cybernetic ninja, aligned with Shao Khan. In later retcons of the series history, he was a member of an African tribe. In which he was an assassian and protector of his tribe.

Despite being a cyborg he is quick footed and dangerous. Him vs Jax on the big screen would be possibly the fight of the third movie 

Ashrah

Ashrah debuted in 2004's Mortal Kombat: Deception. Her storyline would add some good weight to whatever the plot of the third film maybe. Ashrah is a demon warrior, who one day comes upon a sword that cleanses her soul. Now on the side of good, she works alongside Raiden and company to protect the earth realm.

Just what the third film needs.

Onaga

In the MK world Onaga is thee Final Boss. He also made his series debut in Deception. Known as The Dragon King, he ruled outworld with an iron claw long before Shao Khan. Depending on the story he has been imprisoned for centuries, or was killed and mummified and bought back to life.

In any case, Depending on how we get there in a third movie. It's time our crew of heroes face off against this draconian figure.

Kurtis Stryker

While in Mortal Kombat 2 Johnny Cage was the stand in for the audience. The everyman unfamiliar with this new world he was thrown into. For the next film Kurtis Stryker would be the perfect option. A SWAT police officer who debuted in Mortal Kombat 3, he's more about tactics than superpowers. 

He also is not afraid to use a weapon to gain the upper hand. And by weapons grenades, night sticks, lasers, even Pistols. Something slightly different than we've seen so far for the films in the series.

Depending on who would play him, and how much of a straight man he'd play. He could be the unofficial comic relief in the film.

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My Quick Take On American Gladiators

 

Back in the late 80's-early 90's an athletic competition game show called American Gladiators, took the syndicated and world in general by storm. Featuring everyman contenders against physical specimens, it became a pop culture phenom. Having toys , video games , hell maybe even cereal. I remember faithfully watching the show during reruns on the USA network.

Well after a previous attempt at rebooting the series back in 2008 on NBC. Amazon decided to revisit the well and introduce it to a new generation. They probably should have kept it in the vault honestly.

The new version is over produced but lacks substance. Sure the action is in high definition and entertaining enough, and The Miz and Rocsi Diaz are serviceable hosts. However, nothing else really sticks. The editing of each episode is quite dizzying, and I often questioned if audience members were actually there.

The idea of a one man commentator in Chris Rose was asinine. He does the best he can but the editing just makes his commentary off. And again, despite the above photo showing him in the studio, I often questioned if he was truly there during taping.

My last gripe is the cast of Gladiators. Featuring five current or former pro wrestlers in Bull (Rick Boogz in WWE). Fang (Wardlow in AEW), Hurricane (Kamille in AEW), Supernova (J-Rod), and Steel (Jesse Godderz). Yet none of them display larger than life personalities here. 

In fact we know very little about the gladiators. They don't stand out like the original cast, and really show nothing that makes them stand out from one another. The competitiors are there for the audience to relate to, but the gladiators should be the true stars of the show.

If there is a season 2, I hope there is more focus on the gladiators. As well as more of an emphasis on a more "gritty" tone and not so stylized for a battle. That's just my two cents though.

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My Quick Take On Michael

 

After a couple days of dodging social media as much as I could, I saw Michael and to me the wait was worth it. Now to be honest I had no intention of writing a review, BUT I've seen several silly reviews. In addition with all the blogs I wrote leading up to the film, I figured I might as well cap it off with a review.

To be honest is it the greatest biopic ever made? No it's not, the film falls victim to the biopic trap of rushing through timelines. What it is though is an brisk enjoyable 2 hour and 7 minute film on a legendary figure.

Jaafar Jackson did right by his uncle, effortlessly capturing his mannerisms, personality quirks. His naive view of certain things, and his work ethic. He really carried the movie on his shoulders, and made it electric.

While Jaafar carried the film, Colman Domingo stole the show as Joe Jackson. Eerily looking like Joe's doppelganger he drove point A of the plot of the film. A story about a father and a son and the complexities of those relationships.  He should get some nominations during awards season for sure. Hell I was scared watching him.

There have been many people talking about the controversies that were left out, to not give MJ a bad name. While there were legal reasons they did not get into that. That is not the purpose of ths story in the film. The second plot in the film of Plot B, is what made Michael..well Michael and influenced his career decisions and creativity early in his solo career.

The original runtime of the film was projected at 4 hours. Then 3 and a half, before settling on the 2 hour runtime. I will say I'm sure they landed on the cutting room floor, but I felt the Motown years were just a drive by. I was looking for more scenes with Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy and Laurie Harrier as Suzanne De Passe. Who greatly influenced his early career.

I wish time was spent covering The Wiz and how he met Quincy Jones on the set. More legal issues that resulted in Diana Ross being cut, likely killed that in the story though 

Those story beats and a particular favorite of mine, I wont spoil not being played are my only issues with the film. I definitely plan to go old school and get a physical copy mainly for deleted scenes, when it relases on home media. And I think with time, naysayers will change their tune and the movie will become an all time classic.

Hell I just saw it and am thinking about seeing it again this week.

Note: In celebration of the film I made two Playlist.

MJ performances YouTube Playlist

MJ On Your Feet Spotify Playlist

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Why The Michael Movie Is A Culture Celebration

 

Michael the highly anticipated biopic about Michael Jackson officially releases today. While critics have gave their opinion, and it seems like everyone who has seen the movie so far has theirs. I'm seeing the film Sunday, does not spoiling for others exist anymore? Anyway while everyone has their opinions about the film, one thing is true this movie is a celebration.

If you haven't noticed most moviegoers have or will be attending the film in Michael Jackson focused t-shirts or full on costumes. If the storytelling within the film doesn't make it an experience, fans sure will. Between the costumes and social media posts of how we plan to act before, during, and after the movie.

The reason for that is because we are celebrating an icon. Even if we already know his life story from his time in the Jackson 5 to his death. Every ridicule, controversy, and critique the man was and still is iconic. A record breakingn entertainer and showman, he broke down doors at MTV. Turned music videos into movies. Kickstarted the modern day Super Bowl, and was a visionary. Inspired fashion trends throughout the early 80's and early 90's 

 His last album 2001's Invincible was considered a letdown and was critiqued for what seemed like, MJ not keeping with the times. Yet 25 years later the tide has turned and many consider the album ahead of its time. A testament that the world just needed to catch up with him.

In a time where Black Culture and Black history is being vilified by some, and severly attacked to erase our history. The film while likely unintentional is a reminder that Black History is American history, and much of America's pop culture doesn't exist without artists like MJ.

This weekend turn your favorite MJ song up to reach the sky. Put on some aviators with a sequin jacket, a bad wig, and some white socks with loafers. Can't forget the sequin glove and moonwalk everywhere to celebrate a legend.

Note

I created two Playlist in celebration of MJ. A music version featuring favorites and deep cuts. And a YouTube version of performances.

Spotify

YouTube

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