Top Ten Pro Wrestling moments of the decade

The 2010’s are coming to an end and a lot can happen in ten years. Especially the fast-paced world of professional wrestling where things change on a whim. Below are ten moments I believe helped define professional wrestling this decade.

10. WWE Network

It's no secret Vince Mcmahon has always aspired to be known as more than just a wrestling promoter, and for his company the WWE to be known as a entertainment entity not just a pro wrestling or 'rasslin organization. In the 2010's those plans begin to come to fruition with reality shows featuring members of the WWE roster, YouTube channels, and more recently podcast. The biggest project that has led to that movement in my opinion is the WWE network. On Februrary 24, 2014 the WWE network debuted as subscription based streaming service. For $9.99 a month viewers could watch old episodes of Monday Night Raw, Monday Night Nitro, documentarys, interviews, and most importantly current monthly pay per views. The WWE network was a game changer taking the model Netflix had and catering to wrestling fans. Since the WWE network debut, other organizations have joined in the streaming game. Ring of Honor with Honor Club, Impact Wrestling with Impact +, New Japan with NJPW World and a assortment of other indepdent streaming services. Changing the way wrestling fans consume content.

9. Impact Wrestling is Reborn

TNA wrestling debuted in 2002 as an alternative to the WWE. For seventeen years despite several failures and near closures, it has continued to chug along as the little engine that could. Experiencing growing pains and mismanagement, from the Carter years, the failed planned merger with Global Force Wrestling, and the Corgan era. In early 2018 new owners Anthem Sports & Entertainment hired industry veterans Don Callis and Scott D’Amore to lead Impact Wrestling, and despite some missteps here and there they have found a core group of wrestlers to build around, and turned Impact around for the better.

8. The Rock returns to WWE

February 14, 2011 Monday Night Raw, the arena blacked out as anticipation mounted for the host of Wrestlemania 27. As the beat dropped and the familiar sound of “If you Smell……” hit the arena, the crowd erupted as one WWE’s biggest stars ever The Rock returned home after 7 years away. The Rocks return as a host led to matches over the next couple years with John Cena, The Miz, CM punk, and winning the WWE championship one more time. All the while continuing to be the most electrifying man in sports entertainment. After initially shying away from the WWE as he transitioned to Hollywood, returning only helped his star rise which he is greatly benefitting from today.

7. Women’s Revolution

For years TNA knockouts division took women’s wrestling seriously and was the forefront of the womens revolution. Showcasing talent such as Gail Kim, Awesome Kong, ODB, and Angelina Love and Velvet Sky. Unfortunately due to the stigma against TNA many folks did not witness some of the great female wrestlers on their roster. Meanwhile indepedent organizations such as Shimmer and Shine were all female promotions highlighting the best female talent in the business.In 2015 after years of squash diva matches and bra and panties match, fans took to social media with #givedivasachance. That sparked WWE to finally give divas a chance, and that has led to women main eventing episodes of RAW, pay per views, and Wrestlemania. An all-female pay per view in 2018, Mae Young Classic, and singles and tag team championships. As WWE built their female talent up, other organizations such as Ring of Honor also built up their female talent. Shows such as the return of Women of Wrestling (WOW) have put a renewed focus on Women’s wrestling. 

6. Daniel Bryan wins WWE championship

Daniel Bryan is one of the best technical wrestlers on the planet. In 2013 his quest to regain the WWE world championship was consistently thwarted by Mr. McMahon and company as he did not fit their “image” of a world champion. That all changed when fan support called for Daniel to be giving a fair shot, and no matter how much the WWE brass tried to resist they finally couldn’t. The Yes Movement was strong and at Wrestlemania 30 April 6, 2014 Daniel Bryan won the WWE world championship.

5. AEW is born

January 1, 2019 on the popular YouTube series Being The Elite standing outside of the Tokyo Dome. Cody, Adam Page, and the Young Bucks officially announced a new wrestling event "Double or Nothing" and with it the formation of All Elite Wrestling. Backed by the Khan family, owners of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and with signings of some friends from ring of honor such as SCU, recent WWE release Pac, indy star Britt Baker, and  living legend Chris Jericho, and later on Jon Moxley. AEW was hailed as the first true competition to the WWE, backed by deep pockets and with a television program on cable network TNT debuting in October. AEW has set a solid foundation, it’ll be interesting to see what the next full year in operation will bring. 

4. Alternative wrestling

In the early 2000s as the Attitude era faded, WCW and ECW both folded consumed by the WWE. In their absence TNA was born, as well as a little company out of Philadelphia called Ring of Honor. Entering the 2010’s the same 3 organizations stood, neither TNA or Ring of Honor able to financially compete with the WWE. In 2011 Ring of Honor was purchased by the Sinclair Broadcast Group, and during the later part of the decade off the star power of the Elite (Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Marty Scrull, Adam Page etc.), Briscoe Brothers, Jay Lethal, Flip Gordon and SCU among other went to new heights. In the meantime, other organizations that provided an alternative to WWE appeared such as Major League Wrestling (MLW) and overseas juggernaut New Japan Pro wrestling were more accessible due to technology. Financially backed by smashing pumpkins Billy Corgan the prestigious wrestling organization NWA returned. The rise of streaming and social media led to independent organizations such as beyond wrestling, progress wrestling, house of glory and pro wrestling guerilla found their footing and audience in the crowded pro wrestling landscape. 

3. Kofimania

Earlier this year WWE veteran Kofi Kingston was a last-minute replacement in a gauntlet match for Mustafa Ali. What then occurred was a show stealing performance and fan support that led to him winning the WWE championship match against ironically Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania 35. In that two-month span Kofimania ran wild as fan support got louder and louder for Kofi. His win meant so much as the first African born WWE world champion, and leading hope to little Black kids that they one day can be world champions. All over social media you saw joy and industry veterans such as MVP and Shad Gaspard cry tears of joy for the win. Kofi held the championship for 180 days and Kofimania wasn’t just a win for Kofi Kingston it was a win for the culture.

2. CM Punk PipeBomb

The Best in the world, the voice of the voiceless, the second city saint, straight edge as it gets. June 27, 2011 CM Punk ended Monday Night RAW with his infamous Pipe Bomb, that blurred the lines between fiction and reality in the ever-gray area of professional wrestling. The promo had everyone talking "was it real?" did he really go off script? What happens next? That led to the summer of 2011 being the “Summer of CM Punk”, including winning the WWE championship at Money In the Bank and leaving WWE shortly after. His return was much too soon, but thats another article for another day. The pipe bomb cemented his role as the anti-establishment and hopes that a new attitude era was on the rise with CM Punk taking over Stone Cold Steve Austins role. The industry has grown in different ways, but hasn’t gone to the heights in popularity that it did with the attitude era, however CM Punk status as a legend grew that night. 

1. ALL IN

The idea that begin from a comment made by Dave Meltzer to a fan on twitter that Ring of Honor could not sell out a 10,000 seat arena. Cody Rhodes took that bet and sparked the eventual formation of AEW, ALL IN held September 1, 2018 in Chicago, IL. Fully self-funded by Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks, the event was a wrestling fans dream. After announcments here and there on Being the Elite, the trio held a press conference at Pro Wrestling Tee's store May 13, 2018. The press conference announced talent such as Tessa Blanchard, and lucha legend Rey Mysterio Jr. would be joining the show. Tickets were released later that day and sold out in mere minutes displaying the excitement around this event. Throw in the new wrestling convention founded by wrestling podcast star Conrad Thompson, Starrcast held in conjunction with the event that allowed many fans to really interact with stars and legends.  Independent wrestling store Pro Wrestling Tees held meet and greets at its location. Wrestling panels and after-partys were also apart of the fray. With talent from Ring of Honor, Impact, CMLL, AAA, New Japan,MLW, NWA, and the independent circuit, ALL IN had something for everyone. The card was a success, the ppv buyrate was a success and ALL IN weekend was wildy successful. Being in the atmosphere among pro wrestling fans, and seeing a simple idea grow into this mega success was great. It’s something I’m happy to say I experienced first hand and definitely defined this decade in wrestling in my opinion. When the wrestling culture comes together it's nothing that can stop it.

Read More

Top Ten Movies of the Decade For The Culture

Hope you enjoyed my previous blog on Top Ten TV shows of the Decade for the culture. As we inch closer to 2019 winding down, it's time to touch on the next top ten list. The Top Ten movies for the culture, movies in this decade bought us superheros, new horror classics, and political statements. It was alot to choose from so let's start the discussion.

10. Creed Series

In 2015 Ryan Coogler fresh off critical acclaim with "Fruitvale Station", joined Michael B. Jordan at the time most known for his role as Wallace in "The Wire" and Oscar in "Fruitvale Station", and Sylvester Stallone who was in the twligiht of his career to introduce a new character to the Rocky universe, Adonis Creed. Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) is the son of Apollo Creed, the result of a extramatrial affair. The Creed series introduced a new generation to Rocky, and made an older generation realize why they loved Rocky. Adonis learned alot about himself in the first film, and in 2018 a sequel was released that furthered Adonis personal journey. At it's core both films are about father and sons, never meeting your father and trying to be on pace with his legacy or exceed it. Reconciliation, and sometimes the "father" you need is not your biological father. There are alot of life lessons in Creed and was one of the best films this decade.

9. Think Like A Man

Released in 2012 and based on Steve Harvey's book "Act like a lady, Think like a man". This film starred a ensemble of heavy hitters of Black actors. Gabrielle Union, Megan Goode, Tajiri P. Henson, Michael Ealey, Terrance J underrated Romany Malco, and Kevin Hart. While Kevin Hart was selling out stand up shows around the world at this time, this film really let his star shine and show it could translate to film as well. I'm no relationship expert, but the film covers alot of different relationship scenarios and hits all of the targets well. In 2014 a sequel was released, that kept the same chemistry and comedy firing away.

8. Best Man Holiday

Released in 2013, this follow up to 1999's The Best Man had everyone in tears watching it. The film is really about friends turned family, and coming together when needed the most. On the subject of friends turned family, the film touches on staying touch and keep that bond with your closest friends no matter what direction life takes you. Talking about this film doesn't do it much justice, just know you will laugh, feel joy, and oh boy will you cry watching this film. In the end you will appreticate everything this film has to offer.

7. Girls Trip

The Essence Music Festival is a bucket list item for many in the Black community. In 2017 the film "Girls Trip" starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall, and Tiffany Haddish fully displayed why that is. No disrespect to the talented actresses in this film, but the the star of this film is truly the Essence Music Festival and New Orleans. Proudly displaying the culture of New Orleans, and all the events, musical performances, parties, and shenangins that occur during Essence. If you went to Essence the year after this films release (which I did), you saw firsthand the film wasn't lying and was responsible for the additional influx of folks coming to town to see what the hype was all about.

6. Blackkklansman

Directed by the legendary Spike lee and starring John David Washington, Adam Driver, and Topher Grace. The film released in 2018 is based on a true story of a Black police officer Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) assigned to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan, while he successfully does so over the phone. He requires the assistance of a White officer Phillip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) to infiltrate the organization in person. The film uses the climate of race relations in the 1970's as commentary to show similiarities to the current climate of race relations in the 2010's. The film is highly regarded and is definitely worth viewing.

5. US

Jordan Peele's second film released earlier this year proved he is a genius. When trailers first released for this film, I sat and wondered what the hell is this? I was intrigued enough to check it out when it released and while watching it at times still thought, What the hell is this? The movie is a mind bender and really will have you questioning alot of situations that occur in the film. I've rewatched this film several times this year and find new nuances I have missed on previous viewings. The film also has had me pondering since I first saw it. Who the hell was the real villian here?

4. Moonlight

Released in 2016 and winner of Best Picture for the Golden Globe and Academy Awards. This film really made folks take notice of the screen prescene of Mahershala Ali, who won a Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The follows the character Chiron played by Alex Hibbert as young Chiron, Ashton Sanders as teen Chiron, and Trevante Rhodes as adult Chiron. The film explores different moments in his life from his upbringing drug dealing, experiencing bullying, and exploring his sexuality. The film explores the often discussed topic of what you physically see in a person, internally it is often much deeper then that.

3. The Hate U Give

Released in 2018 and based on the 2017 novel of the same name. The film stars Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter. Starr lives two different lives one life in her neighborhood and another life in the predominantly white private school she attends. When a friend of Starr's is killed by a police officer, she is conflicted between standing up and speaking out or keeping quiet. Another film that touches on the political climate of America, current criminal justice laws, police brutality, neighborhood gangs. So much more that has led to alot of the tension in the country, the film is well written and is a good starting point for younger audience who may not understand some of the situations that led to the current climate.

2. Get Out

"Get Out" is the film that made people stop, and realize Jordan Peele had alot to offer than just being one half of the comedy duo  Key and Peele. Released in 2017, the film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Lil' Rel Laketih Stanfield, Alison Williams, and a guy who's made a career out of playing the slimey type Bradley Whitford. Daniel stars as Chris Washington, who spends the weekend with his girlfriend Rose (Alison Williams) and her family and realizes something isn't right with them. It's not a straight up horror film, but the film does contain horror elements, and primarily covers how Black people continue to be regarded as centerpieces or trophys in different fields as opposed to people.

1. Black Panther

In 1998 Wesley Snipes, Marvel and New Line Cinema bought Blade to the big screen. A Black superhero who was a badass saving the uninformed from the underground world of vampires. Fast forward 20 years later 2018, Marvel now a juggernaut of a brand and studio released Black Panther. The 18th film in the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe.Directed by Ryan Coogler who became a talent to watch after "Creed", and Chadwick Boseman as African prince T'Challa/Black Panther and Michael B. Jordan as the villian Erik Kilmonger. The film was a cultural event, theaters filled up with audience members proudly displaying traditional African attire. Schools and churches filled theaters, celebrities bought out theaters to ensure less privileged members of the commuity saw the film. The positive representation of a African prince in a very rich African country, saving the world was one the culture yearned for. Everyone wanted to be apart of this film and hail from Wakanda.

Speaking of Wakanda, the fictional African utopia that was far more technological advancd then anything we currently have left some people wondering was it a real place or not. Throw in the geopolitical background of the story, including themes of family, righting the wrongs of a previous generation, creating your own legacy. The Colonization of African countries, slavery and how it still affects many today. The film also raised a important debate of Kilmongers motive in the film, and just how wrong his ideaology was, or was it even wrong in the first place. An sequel is highly anticipated and currently slated for release May 6, 2022, that seems like forever away but it will be worth it.

Read More

Ten TV Shows Of The 2010's For The Culture

2019 is coming to an end and with that the 2010’s is ending as we push toward the 2020’s. The 2010’s bought some quality television shows to the masses, through traditional network and cable television and the new method of watching entertainment streaming media. For the culture these television shows were relatable, provided a voice when messages needed to be heard, and at times were just flat out entertaining. Here are ten TV shows of the 2010’s I think were the top of the heap for the culture.

 10. Carmichael Show

 Debuting in 2015 on NBC, this comedy starring Jerrod Carmichael, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel, Loretta Devine, and David Alan Grier. This comedy was unapologetically Black, funny, politically aware of the current climate in America. It also made comedic situations of life occurrences you may expect could have funny undertones. Episode topics such as confronting death, changing eating habits as you grow older, religion, Black lives matter, gentrification, even touched on cancel culture with an episode around still supporting Bill Cosby or not. The show ended in 2017 after a few disputes between Jerrod and NBC, sadly there were a couple more seasons left in the tank. Underrated and honestly slept on by many, if you’ve never seen the Carmichael Show it’s available on Hulu.

9. Greenleaf

“Greenleaf” debuted in 2016 on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). The series follows the leaders of a Megachurch, Bishop James Greenleaf played by a ninja that always looks like he’s up to something Keith David, and his first lady Mae Greenleaf played by the always classy Lynn Whitfield. Their family and church congregation contain a lot of secrets and scandals that unfold over the series 4 seasons. Greenleaf touches upon a section of the Black community, many often talk about but don’t highlight much. The influence of megachurch’s, “celebrity” preachers, and the issues that exist within the confines of those walls. If you enjoy a good drama with some scandal thrown in check out Greenleaf.  A fifth season will premiere sometime next year.

8.Empire

  Created by Lee Daniels and starring Terrence Howard, Tariji P. Henson, Bryshere Gray, and Jussie Smollet. This Fox drama debuted in 2015, and was an instant hit. A combination of soap opera and musical drama this series followed music mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrance Howard), and the exploits of his family and record label. The series fired on all cylinders in the first few seasons, having guest appearances from various musical artists, and a hit soundtrack to boot. The series is now in it’s sixth season and has jumped the shark as far as content, in addition to the Jussie Smollet scandal earlier this year. Empire has seen better days but it definitely left a mark on the culture this decade.

7. Atlanta

 The brainchild of Donald Glover, this series debuting in 2016 on FX is unlike any other series currently on television. It follows down on his luck Earn (Donald Glover) who goes about life just trying to make it, with his cousin local rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), and homeboy Darius (Lakeith Stanfield). The series has a very surreal vibe to it, including invisible cars and revolving nightclub doors. Had some very Black moments, such as an episode where Earn wiggles his way out of paying for a expensive dinner, and an episode featuring a barber that does everything but cut hair. It also had a genius episode in the first season satiring the medias portrayal of the Black community through the lens of a talk show, with accompanying commercials. Donald's a bit busy these days. The series third and fourth seasons are on the horizon, scheduled to begin filming in early 2020. 

6. Power

The series that put Starz original programs on HBO levels, Power debuted in 2014. Starring Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, and Naturi Naughton. The series follows Omari Hardwick as James St. Patrick better known as Ghost. A drug dealer turned legitimate businessman who is constantly in conflict with which life he wants to live. Along the way he encounters numerous foes with his best friend/brother turned on again off again enemy Tommy (Joseph Sikora) and Kanan (50 Cent). Power was a highly anticipated show every season, and every week the previous episode was heavily discussed while looking forward to the next one. 2020 brings the last 5 episodes of the series and no matter which way it goes; it will be highly debated.

5. How To Get Away With Murder

I admit I have never watched a episode of “How To Get Away With Murder”, however the series starring Viola Davis and produced by Shonda Rhimes definitely left it’s mark on the culture. Debuting in 2014 on ABC, the series involves a lawyer Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) who’s involved in a murder and is always caught up in some shit related to the murder. The story involves a lot of twist and turns, when each episode airs you cannot escape the chatter around the show. It's talked about on social media and water coolers across the country. Now in it’s sixth and final season How To Get Away With Murder left it’s mark on the culture, just as the next series on the list.

4. Scandal

Starring Kerry Washington and created by Shonda Rhimes. “Scandal” debuted in 2012 on ABC and followed Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) as a high-powered Washington D.C. crisis manager. She fixes a lot of crises that arise in political circles in D.C., while being involved in quite a few herself namely her affair with the President of the United States Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn). The show ran for seven seasons ending in 2018, and despite creating “Greys Anatomy” really was the series that raised Shonda Rhimes status. Many aspired to be like Olivia Pope and through reruns, she will likely inspire generations to come to hop into the crisis’s management field.  

3. Insecure

Issa Rae started the decade on YouTube with her web series “Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” and ended the decade a bonafide star. Starring in films, being a creative mastermind, and being included on numerous “one’s to watch” list, all of the praise she received was amplified by her 2016 HBO series “Insecure”. Starring Issa as a 30 something LA resident who life hasn’t quite gone to plan, whether in her work life or personal life. The show is very relatable to members of the Millennial generation male or female with the current landscape of life. Being a Millennial I feel like it’s one the first television series that accurately addressed some of the issues Millennials face. Like “Atlanta”, “Insecure” has been renewed for a fourth season but due to Issa’s hectic schedule has not yet commenced filming.

2. Snowfall

Created by the late John Singleton this FX series debuted in 2017 and chronicled the origins of the crack epidemic in 1980’s Los Angeles. The series follows main character Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) and his rise through the drug business from a naïve small-time dealer to a kingpin. The series also covers how crack destroyed families and neighborhoods, drug distributors and their role and federal agents assigned to fight the war on drugs, and the games they play. Snowfall will be returning for a fourth season and after the ending of season 3, I’m looking forward to where Franklins story heads next.

1.     1. Blackish

Debuting in 2014 on ABC, Blackish was originally perceived as a Cosby show for the 2010’s. Mannn the series has turned out to be even more then that. Starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis-Ross, Blackish follows the Johnson Family Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis-Ross). A highly successful upper middle-class Black couple raising their four later five children in a life of privilege, while still ensuring they appreciate their “blackness”. Blackness has had educational episodes and has not shied away from controversial topics on the series, having episodes focus on the “N” word, police brutality, being biracial, the existence of God, and Juneteeth. It also famously had a episode pulled due to a controversal topic that caused a rift between ABC and series creator Kenya Barris The series has spawned two spin-off series “Grownish” and “Mixed-ish” and now in it’s sixth season has created it’s own legacy and will be enjoyed by many for years to come. 

Read More

The Classic that is My Brother and Me

Twenty-five Years ago Nickelodeon debuted My Brother and Me showcasing a middle class Black

family in Charlotte, NC and the hijinks of the two sons and daughter in the family. It's historic as it

was the first show on Nickelodeon to feature a predominately Black cast. It's definitely a product of it's

time straight 90's, from the attire to the lingo, it's funny yet looking back some aspects of it are very

very corny.

At the time of its release I simply watched the show because I enjoyed it. Looking back now I realize how important the show was to the Black community. The show is a milestone in my eyes because of course we had the Cosby's and Family Matters, but My Brother and Me was actually the first show featuring a Black family where the kids were around my age getting into shit. I could relate to some of their problems they had or even the sibling rivalry all siblings go through.

The series introduced the world to a young Amanda Seales, Kim Whitley as Ms. Pickney in one of her first roles. Vanessa Baden who is more famously known as Kyra from Kenan and Kel and Vanessa from Gullah Gullah Island made her debut on the show. Pro wrestler Kenny King made his TV debut on an episode as a cool kid from L.A.

                                              

The show was also unapologetically Black when that necessarily wasn't the norm. The dialogue,

the opening credits. The way the characters talked, little nods to Black culture on the sets

such as the Greek memorabilia in the Parker's living room. The father with the corny jokes or

long ass stories which we've all experienced and I'm worried I may grow into.

It contained so much authenticity for the culture, it's beyond a crime it didn't last longer.

Who can forget classic episodes such as Dee Dee getting bullied and the famous line "Hit Me",
basketball tryouts and the famous "Goo Punch" scene we all sung along to, wishing

we were shilling our own product Dee Dee being very impressionable in an attempt to be cool

getting a wild haircut.  Life lesson episodes such as stepping out of your

comfort zone in the Robin Hood episode.

If for some reason you have never seen it, do yourself a favor and check out the clips on YouTube or

buy the dvd of the show you'll thank yourself later,

My Brother and Me only lasted one season but has left a legacy for a lifetime.

Read More

Halloween Horror Nights Experience

Last weekend I visited Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, in my 33 years of living this was the first haunted house I’ve attended and I had a blast. Being Universal Studios most of the themes and haunted houses were pop culture themed which I love. The themed haunted houses were Ghostbusters, Stranger Things, Us, House of a 1000 Corpses, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Universal Monsters, Yeti, Depths of fear, graveyard games, and Nightingales Blood Pit

                                                          

I did the top six haunted houses wish I had more time and energy to do Universal Monsters but I was beat by 1:00 at night, can't hang like I use to. Here are a few things I noticed and appreciated about Halloween Horror Nights.

• The Atmosphere

In addition to the haunted houses there are several “Scare Zones” throughout the park with different themes Vikings, zombies, a undead runway, but my personal favorite was an arcade full of neon, darkness, edm music, women on stilts with nunchucks and of course folks walking around ready to scare you. When you walk into the scare zones it truly feels like you are walking into another era, world or straight out of a Hollywood movie. It adds to that “creepy” factor that is synonymous with Halloween.

• Attention To Detail

I am a movie geek and am a sucker for experiences that make me feel like I’m a part of the movies and shows I’ve watched on TV. The Haunted Houses do just that, walking through the haunted houses feels like you are on the set of these shows and movies, from the replicas of buildings, characters portrayed throughout the haunted house, scenes recreated that you don’t get to appreciate cause you just want to get the hell out of there. You either pretty much walk through a entire movie or a entire season all within a couple of minutes. It all does a great job of immersing a visitor into that world.

                                                        

• Pay Attention

               You should always be aware of your surroundings but at Halloween Horror Nights you need to keep your head on a swivel at ALL times. You never know when your gonna get spooked and get the shit scared out of you. Going through the haunted houses or scare zones, hell anywhere in the park be prepared and on alert.

 I had a great time and am glad I got to experience it. My favorite haunted house was the Ghostbusters simply because I am a big fan of that franchise. As far as what haunted houses scared me the most while I thought it was the Us haunted house, the award goes to House of a 1,000 Corpses I legit jumped quite a few times and moved quickly to get the hell out in that haunted house. 

Read More

Horror Films For The Culture

It’s October..the leaves are falling..it’s a little chill in the air..and for some folks pumpkin spice is available. October of course brings with it Halloween, costumes, candy, spooky decorations, and movies! Lots of Horror marathons to get you through the month of October, we all know the staples like Jason, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Meyers. In this article I’m going to break down 5 Horror films for that culture that you should watch. Some are straight up horror films, others are more thrillers, and some are just campy.

5. Blacula

Released in 1972 during the Blaxploitation era. The film follows a vampire who has been dormant for centuries and awakens in 1970’s Los Angeles to wreak havoc. The film was one of the first Horror films to focus on Black characters and has its place in history because of it. It contains the common tropes of a 1970’s Blaxploitation film and has it’s fair share of gore in it as well. It spawned a sequel in 1973 “Scream Blacula Scream”

4. Bones

Turn on BET during the month of October and you’re bound to find this movie on. Starring Uncle Snoop, Pam Grier, Bianca Lawson, and Clifton Powell. This film was released in 2001 and directed by Ernest Dickerson (Juice, Never Die Alone, The Wire, Dexter, The Walking Dead, The Purge). Snoop Dogg stars as Jimmy Bones, a street hustler murdered by people he trusted the most. He returns from the dead years later to enact his revenge. The film is a homage to the Blaxploitation era, while the production values may scream B-movie but is actually a decent film with its fair share of gore.

3. The People Under The Stairs

Directed by Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm Street) and starring Brandon Adams, Ving Rhames, Bill Cobbs, and Kelly Jo Minter. The film was released in 1991 and while classified as a horror and depicting killings it isn’t gory but more disturbing. Disturbing along the lines of “Black People don’t do that shit”. Brandon Adam stars as a kid who finds himself trapped inside the home of a very strange family and finds out just how strange the family is and how their behavior has affected other people. The film touches on subjects that are still relevant today such as gentrification, child abduction and abuse, and class warfare. 

2. Tales From The Hood

You should know this anthology film or at least seen clips of it. Released in 1995 and directed by Rusty Cundieff with Spike Lee executive producing. The film stars Clarence Williams, David Alan Grier, Paula Jai Parker, Joe Torry and several others. Among the different topics covered throughout the film are domestic and child abuse, police brutality, slavery and racism, inner city gang violence and more. All with a horror twist that’s truly entertaining and provides social commentary. A sequel followed years later in 2018 that was rather lackluster, skip this sequel and watch this classic over and over again. 

1

1. Candyman

Released in 1992 and starring a guy who is frightening just by standing Tony Todd. The film follows the urban legend of The Candyman  a ghost who was brutally killed in the 19^th century. Say his name five times in a mirror and he’ll kill those who speak of his name. The film is very gory and Candyman as I mentioned is frightening, add the setting of the notorious Cabrini-Green projects in Chicago. This film was a horror film made just for the culture and it delivers on all cylinders. It spawned two sequels “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh” and “Candyman: Day of the Dead” with a remake scheduled for release in 2020 co-written and produced by Jordan Peele. Candyman the character is a legend in the Horror genre along with the Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger’s , etc. If you enjoy horror movies and have never seen this film do yourself a favor and check it out.

These are just the top five Halloween films for the culture, but there are several more out there, What are some other great Halloween movies for the culture?

Read More

G.I. Joe The Rise Of Cobra Deserves A Second Look

Today marks 10 years since G.I. Joe The Rise of Cobra was released in theaters. Highly anticipated when it was released due to being a live action interpretation of the beloved G.I. Joe brand and the flashy trailers highlighting plenty of action. The film was trashed by critics, while receiving mixed reviews from fans upon it's debut. Looking back at it ten years later the film definitely has it's flaws but it actually deserves a second chance, here are three reasons why.

Action Scenes

The beginning of the film starts off very brisk substituting providing much of a plot to get to the point of action. The first action scene in the film is a very exciting scene, and sets the tone for what I believe the film was going for. A modern day "roller coaster" adventure film containing just enough story to move the plot forward and head to the next action beat. The martial arts scenes between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow did not disappoint at all, and Ray Park was born to play Snake Eyes. The chase through the streets of Paris no matter how cartoonish, outlandish and all over the place it  was, is alot of fun and a highlight of the film. 

Live Action Cartoon

While many adaptions and reboots today take a darker more serious tone (i.e. Power Rangers released in 2017). G.I. Joe tried to maintain the feel of a live action cartoon. This included some very corny dialogue and callbacks to traditional G.I. Joe slogans. The film tried it's best to pay homage and include G.I. Joe code names, and locations/headquarters. Some of the sets including the G.I. Joe headquarters and the submarine of Destro along with some of the science in the film had cartoon elements to it. The film isn't really grounded in reality but I believe that was part of the point.

Technology

Released a year after Iron Man spearheaded the MCU and a year before it's sequel, the technology in the Rise of Cobra rivals that of a world inhabited by Tony Stark. With the combination of technology and weaponry used in the recently released "Hobbs & Shaw", this film may have been ahead of the curve in the marriage of weapons and technology. G.I. Joe features nanotechnology called "nanomites" that can be programmed to attack and "eat" through any material. Or it can be used as a mind control device once implanted into a subject. In addition holographic communication, laser guns, devices that can read and display the memories of a dying villain. Fighter jets that rely on voice activation and commands to fly and shoot sonic missiles. Mechanical accelerator suits that provided superhuman abilities to the wearers.  Underwater headquarters, secret bases with state of the art technology. A technology geeks wet dream is displayed in this film.

Overview

Surely the filmmakers made a huge mistake with their handling and backstory of Cobra Commander. Making him a doctor gone "crazy" as opposed to a maniac who just wants to take over the world. Altering his mask for the worse was not a smart decision at all. This iteration of Cobra Commander was a far cry from the Cobra Commander everyone loved to hate. Making Duke and Baroness lost lovers also was a unnecessary subplot. A few years later a sequel G.I. Joe Retaliation  was released that attempted to rectify some of the issues. While that movie was more grounded in reality and generally more well received it still had it's share of problems and the planned franchise was halted. Hasbro and Paramount are developing another G.I. Joe film and planned spinoff, hopefully they can find the right components of The Rise of Cobra and Retaliation to make a truly great G.I. Joe film that satisfies all fans.

Read More