5 Forgotten Action Movies Set Around Christmas

 

Christmas time brings Christmas cheer, festive atmosphere's, the season of giving and Christmas movies. While some like cheesy Christmas romantic movies (looking at you Hallmark), or Christmas comedies. Others prefer some good ass-kicking and shootouts for Christmas movies, we all know Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and Batman Returns are Christmas movies. What about the movies set around Christmas you don't remember? There's quite a few of them and here are 5 to refresh your memory.

5. Detective Knight: Redemption

                                     

This 2022 film stars Bruce Willis in his series of Detective Knight films. Detective Knight is doing a bid after the events of the previous film Detective Knight: Rogue. However he negotiates to get released and help save the Christmas season after a jailbreak gets him jammed up. He has to stop The Christmas Bomber and The Real Saints Of Christmas terrorizing the city. The film of course has some inspiration and remnants of Die Hard.

It's available to watch on Tubi.

4. Assault on Precinct 13

So technically this movie takes place on New Year's Eve, but the Holiday season encompasses Thanksgiving til New Years. With Christmas and New Year's a week apart the Christmas season is New Year season as well. This 2005 remake of the John Carpenter original, follows Ethan Hawke as a struggling Detroit police officer who is working the holiday with a skeleton crew. His precinct is set to be closed, but has to accept some prisoners who have to be rerouted due to a dangerous storm approaching. One of those prisoners is mob boss Marion Bishop played by Laurence Fishburne, before they know it the precinct is under attack and they must band together.

Assault on Precinct 13 is currently not available for free on any streaming platforms.

3. Money Train

I just went through my new years spiel with the previous entry, and here we are again. This 1995 film stars Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes in their third film together, and Jennifer Lopez before she shot to stardom a couple years later in Selena. The trio are a pair of NYPD officers assigned to work the subway system of New York City, and help protect the money train which collects fares at every station. In their way is Donald Patterson (Robert Blake) who runs the subway system, hates their unorthodox ways and any obstruction to the money train running on time. After some hardships, Harrelson's Charlie decides to rob the Money Train on New Year's Eve.

Money Train is currently not available for free viewing on streaming platform.

2. Enemy Of The State

This 1998 film by Tony Scott starring Will Smith and Gene Hackman was ahead of the curve on it's commentary on surveillance. Will Smith plays Robert Clayton Dean, a lawyer unknowingly swept up in a murder coverup from a high-ranking government official against a politician. He soon needs the help of a recluse ex-CIA agent played by Gene Hackman to clear his name and get out of the mess. The movie does not dwell on it's Christmas season setting, but you will notice Christmas lights in the background of various scenes. And the kind of kick-off point when Dean get's thrown into the thrust of thing's he is doing Christmas shopping in a lingerie store for his wife.

Enemy Of The State is currently not available for free streaming (long live physical media).

1. Long Kiss Goodnight

There is a running joke amongst movie fans and Hollywood in general that writer/director Shane Black loves some Christmas. Lethal Weapon is set during that season, along with Iron Man 3, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Last Boy Scout (though I don't remember it). And this film The Long Kiss Goodnight starring Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson. Geena Davis plays Samantha Caine an amnesic woman rising her daughter alongside her daughter in a small town. After a car accident she slowly starts gaining new lethal skills she knew she had, and alongside P.I. Mitch (Samuel L. Jackson) she sets out to find her real identity. Besides snow on the ground, there's a Christmas parade and decorations everywhere to let you know it's set during Christmas. 

The film is currently available on Pluto.

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5 Christmas Specials You Don't Remember

 

Christmas time is a very festive time of the year. It brings Christmas lights and decorations, music, movies, special episodes of television series. And those Christmas specials to cash in on the spirit, there are Christmas Specials that are classics and must watch every year. Specials such as Charlie Brown Christmas, A Year Without Santa Claus, and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer to name a few. It's customary that for every classic that's watched every holiday season, there are several people just don't remember. 

Here Are 5 Christmas Special's you likely don't remember

5. Munsters Scary Little Christmas

                                   

In the mid-90's Fox tried to bring back the 60's sitcom family The Munsters into pop culture. They had a TV movie to "reintroduce" the family and this special followed. Released in 1996, the film follows the Munster family as young son Eddie get's homesick and wants to return to Transylvania. His father Herman decides to do a Transylvanian Christmas, but soon everything just goes left. Including Santa and his elves needing assistance from The Munsters to ensure Christmas actually happens that year.

The film is available on Youtube to watch.

4. Santa, Baby!

                                     

This 2001 special that aired on Fox boasted several legendary entertainers as members of it's cast. The like's of Gregory Hines, Patti Labelle, Vanessa Williams, and Eartha Kitt. The film follows a struggling songwriter Noel (Gregory Hines) who with the assistance of his family and a partridge finds the Christmas spirit once again. This special was produced by animation powerhouse Rankin/Bass but for some reason is rarely aired. 

A rip of I believe the original airing is currently available on YouTube.

3. The Town Santa Forgot

Airing on NBC in December 1993, this Holiday special follows the story of a young boy named Jeremy Creek. Jeremy was a mischievous, selfish kid who surely would end up on the naughty list most years.  One day after being punished he decides to write Santa a letter of all the toys he wants, an substantial list by the way. When it reaches Santa he assumes the letter came from a town and not just one person.

Jeremy is dismayed Christmas morning and he realizes Santa forgot to pay his town a visit. He however learns a valuable lesson about Christmas, giving to others and the Holiday Spirit.

Produced by Hanna-Barbera, the special was a staple on Cartoon Network and Boomerang cable channels for years. Unfortunately it's no longer aired and not available for streaming, the most you can find it is on some third party sites if you look hard enough.

2. Jingle Bell Rock 

                                                        

This ABC original special aired in 1995, produced by animated powerhouse Dic is actually intriguing and a bit ahead of it's time with what kid's would understand. Santa Claus has been too generous rarely putting anyone on the naughty list, as such his operation has ran out of funding and he has to lay off his elves. With the likelihood that Christmas will be cancelled for children all across the world, one elf named Buddy set's out to Hollywood and write's a song to enter a talent contest. Buddy has hopes of winning to give Santa the earnings and save Christmas.

The special is available on YouTube from a few different sources.

1. Have Yourself A Goofy Little Christmas

This special aired in 1992 and is canon in the Goof Troop episode list, originally airing as a one hour special and broken up in subsequent airings. It also sadly was the finale of the series, which while sad isn't a bad way to go out. The special follows Goofy and his son Max as they follow their neighbors to Aspirin, Colorado for the holidays. The only thing is Goofy isn't exactly welcomed, but he ends up saving the day anyway.

Only season 1 of Goof Troop is currently available on Disney Plus, unfortunately this special is not available. 

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5 Celebrity Video Games You Don't Remember

 

One day I was aimlessly scrolling through instagram and found a reel referencing a Kris Kross Sega CD video game. I had never heard of it, so I asked some friends and they never heard of it, did a quick google search and sure enough it was an actual game. So me being me that sent me down the rabbit hole of video games featuring celebrities. We all remember 50 Cent's video game, or though not one celebrity but a whole record label in Def Jam Vendetta. And of course the arcade game that is Michael Jackson's Moonwalker or even his dancing game on Wii.

Here are 5 video games featuring celebrities you either never heard of or don't remember.

5. Power Factory: C+C Music Factory

It's very easy to see how this game has been forgotten to time, as C + C Music Factory is really a one-hit wonder group. However, in the early 1990's their song Gonna Make You Sweat was just about in every movie scene or commercial were folks were up and dancing. I guess it's not surprising they were tapped to lead an cutting edge game.

Released in 1993 on Sega CD, the game featured players editing videos to some of C + C Music Factory's games. Actually when you think about it, it was ahead of it's time as about 13 year's later the Nintendo Wii debuted which clearly took hints from this game.

4. Aerosmith-Revolution X

Aerosmith is a legendary rock band, and lead singer Steven Tyler has always had that enigmatic charisma about him. Which is typical with celebrities and the entertainment world someone thought it would be a good idea to make a video game and use the group's likeness for it. Thus we got Revolution X, an arcade game released in 1994.

The plot of the game is Aerosmith have been taken hostage by a group meant to evoke a new world order. The primary player's mission is to save all the members of the group through various levels. The game engine was similar to T2: Judgement Day arcade game and was a critical and fan success. Eventually making it's way to home consoles such as Nintendo and Sega.

3. Jet Li: Rise To Honor

Released in 2004 on Playstation 2, Jet Li: Rise To Honor is a bit of a odd game to be honest in the sense that while the name and likeness of Li grace the title and cover. As well as the fighting style and references to film's of his, the main character is not Jet Li rather a fictional character Jet Li plays. It's kind of confusing at least in my opinion why that decision was made.

The cut scenes of the game are even presented like a movie, and the plot is a bit more in depth than a traditional video game of that time. It received favorable reviews, but not enough to make a sequel.

2. Spice Girls-Spice World

Released in 1998 as the Spice Girls phenomenon was winding down due to Ginger Spice separating from the group. The game is another one that was ahead of it's time and displayed game play that would be perfected year's later with the Wii. In this game players are tasked with getting the Spice Girls ready for a live performance. This is done with choreography, picking which song out of 15 listed the group will perform and then "recording" the performance.

The game received a lot of criticism for the design of the group and the graphics. In addition to the lack of additional features to enhance the game play such as wardrobe changes. For all of the faults, I'm sure diehard Spice Girl fan's love the game regardless.

1. Wu Tang: Shaolin Style

If you know much about Wu-Tang, you know the group is heavily influenced by martial art's films of the 1970's. So it should be no surprise when a video game based on the group was created they followed the same path. Released in 1999 on Playstation, the plot focuses on Master Xin the last master of the Wu fighting style who is kidnapped in Staten Island. It is up to some of his last students coincidentally Wu-Tang to rescue him.

The game is mostly played in fighting tournaments inspired by games such as Mortal Kombat, Tekken, and Street Fighter. It was also known for being very gory and graphic with blood for a video game during that era. It also allowed four players to play at one time, quite revolutionary for Playstation at the time. 

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10 Of My Favorite Song's From Musicals

 

 Wicked the film adaptation based on the Broadway musical has been dominating the box office since it's debut the week of Thanksgiving. It has made almost $400 million worldwide in just a few short weeks. Sitting at a 2 hour and 40 minute runtime, I plan to see the movie when it releases for home viewing (I'm always good for a nap in movie theaters these days by the way). The popularity of the film got my brain running about song's from my favorite movie musicals. 

Just to clarify, I classify a musical as a film where the music advances the narrative not just a movie with performances in it. With that here are 10 of my favorite songs from musicals. 

10. Grease-You're The One That I want

The finale of the 1978 classic film Grease. The song is a reflection of the 1950's era that the film (and play) is set in. It's an infectious pop and rock and roll beat that will make you tap your toes soon as you hear it. The carnival scene help's sell the song and the vibe that everyone is just having a good time. As a single it has sold 4 million copies and it is still played in many films and commercials. Quite frankly it is a classic.

9. Little Mermaid-Under The Sea

Disney produce's some of the catchiest and timeless movies in the history of filmmaking. The Little Mermaid is no exception, and I love me some Under The Sea. Especially when my daughter who love's Disney Princesses was in her everything Little Mermaid phase. I could not help but to sing the song over and over again. Inspired by sounds of the Caribbean including genres such as calypso and reggae Under The Sea even if your too cool for school will have you do a little dance. Honorable mention Kiss The Girl is another favorite from this film.

8. Hairspray-Welcome to The 60's

If you love Motown music and the sound's of the 60's a blend of doo-wop, soul and rock and roll, you will enjoy this song. The song is about counter-culture and woman empowerment, coming into their own in the 1960's hidden by a beat that one would think was produced by The Funk Brothers themselves (Motown's In-House band). This is another one if you don't at least tap a foot while listening to it, you may not be living right.

7.Dreamgirls-Patience

Patience performed by Eddie Murphy and Anika Noni Rose was an original creation for the 2006 adaptation of the play Dreamgirls. It became so popular that it was eventually incorporated into later renditions of the musical, and for good reason. Meant to evoke social protest song's of the 1970's, the song gives you every bit of feel's as Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder did during that time. Eddie Murphy get's to show off his singing chops with a mix of r&b and gospel infused in this song.

6. Lion King-Just Can't Wait To Be King

Ask any Millennial to sing their favorite song from The Lion King, the response is either going to be Hakuna Matata (which truthfully maybe how many of us learned how to navigate through life). Or my favorite I Just Can't Wait To Be King. Not sure if it's the horn's or the drums but when you hear it your bound to just start belting out how you want to be in charge one day. It's just an upbeat fun song that has stuck with me all these years later.

5. Newsies-King Of New York

1992's Newsies still to this day does not get the credit I believe it deserves. I enjoy just about every song in the film but The song King Of New York stands out to me. Maybe it's because everyone dream's of what they would do if they had infinite riches or were "king" for a day. Which makes this song so relatable and fun. The dancing in a restaurant which is kind of absurd when you think about it help's sell the song too.

4. Moana-You're Welcome

This song from 2016's Moana I must admit I just love this song. It's one part a history lesson in Polynesian mythology where the demigod Maui explains everything he has bought to the world. It's two part a damn good catchy Disney song. I enjoy the song so much, I actually was a bit disappointed when we took my daughter to a Disney on Ice show, and Moana was apart of the show and this song was not performed. I was ready to sing along like I was 6 years old.

3. Hairspray-You Can't Stop The Beat

The finale to Hairspray the song's theme is about how time changes and you have to move forward with the changes, no matter how hard one tries to change it. A powerful message about moving towards a progressive society wrapped up in a bubbly, over the top and crowd pleasing song. If you danced to Welcome To The 60's, then you will absolutely be out of breath dancing to this one.

2. Rent-Seasons Of Love

If there is such thing as a perfect song, I think this one personifies a perfect song. The piano keys hooks you in and touches your soul, then the cast have a united boombastic intro singing the chorus. There are several people walking this earth who only know how many minutes are in a full calendar year thanks to this song. The song is relatable to anyone listening in whatever maybe occurring in their life at the time. And then Traci Thomas's high note at the end just take's it home.

1. The Wiz-Brand New Day

This celebratory song in The Wiz is a damn good time. When I need a song to put me in a good mood I often turn to this, and when I need a song that gives me an uplifting message I also turn to this. The song's title A Brand New Day also known as Everybody Rejoice, can be interpreted so many way's. Since the film was a Motown film production, you hear hint's of that Motown sound in the beat. And legends like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson along with Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross, and background vocals by one Luther Vandross just make this song legendary.

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6 Underrated Christmas movie's

 It's December, which mean's if you haven't started it's time to watch our favorite Christmas movies. While there are certain Christmas movies that are a must watch every year. You know the Home Alone, This Christmas, Jingle All The Way, Elf and Christmas Story of the world.

While these classics are must watch, every year and in some cases anytime of year. There are some Christmas movies that should be added to the yearly rotation. I'm here to let you know about those ones if you haven't watched them or heard of them.

The Night Before

This 2015 film is a lot funnier than it is given credit for. Starring Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the movie touches a very important topic that is often overlooked. That is when life changes force friendships and brotherhoods to adjust things.

The three friends are poised to end a yearly Christmas tradition, but not everyone is completely on board with the idea. The film explores a wild night for the trio as they try to attend an exclusive event that's been eluding them for years.

The Night Before is currently available on Starz.

Christmas with the Kranks

This 2004 film stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as a married couple in a very festive neighbor who decides they are skipping the Holiday cheer. Their daughter is on a peace corp's mission and they decide to take a 10 day cruise to the Caribbean, then at the 11th hour their daughter share's she is coming home for the holidays. What soon ensues is some last minute efforts to get in the Christmas spirit.

It's not a laugh out loud movie, but it has a certain charm to it. Also the older I get the more I understand the Krank's mindset of doing the holiday's a bit different and not being "extra". If you need a Christmas movie you've never seen that is entertaining, You won't be disappointed with the Kranks.

The film is currently available on Disney +, Hulu, and Prime Video.

Deck The Halls

The older you get while you deal with the complexities and stress of life, the little thing's can bring you great joy. Sometimes the joy is decorating your house in the most extravagant way possible, often refusing to be shown up by the competition. That's the basic premise of this 2006 film starring Matthew Broderick and Danny Devito. 

The two are competing neighbors vying for who can decorate their house in the most over the top way possible. Eventually competing with one another in other parts of life. Is it a Christmas classic? if you ask me no. Is it a quality Christmas film that is criminally overlooked? yes. Should you check it out? Absolutely.

It's currently available to watch on Hulu, Disney +, Paramount +, and Pluto. It's also frequently shown on cable TV this month.

The Perfect Holiday

Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union starred in this 2007 film, flanked by Terrance Howard, Queen Latifah, Katt Williams, Faizon Love (I guess before the beef) and the late hella funny Charlie Murphy. Gabrielle Union stars as a divorced mom of three just trying to maintain her sanity, while yearning for a new relationship. Morris Chestnut plays a songwriter and part-time Mall Santa Benjamin just trying to find his way. Through some mischievous planning by Union's daughter, the two eventually start dating. 

Of course there are some bumps and hurdles along the way, in the name of love and the Christmas spirit.

You can watch The Perfect Holiday this month on Hulu, Disney +. and Peacock. It typically is shown on BET and Starz during the holiday season. 

Holiday Rush 

This 2019 Netflix Original Movie stars Romany Malco and Sonequa Martin-Green. Romany play's a radio DJ named Rush who is laid off just before the holidays as his radio station is bought by a larger corporation who change the format. He and his four children are forced to readjust their lives and lifestyles and move in with his aunt (music legend Darlene love). He then buys an old radio station with his producer played by Sonequa Martin-Green, soon they face an uphill battle against the same corporation trying to block them from hitting the airwaves.

While also starting a new relationship as they can't resist the sparks flying, and his children having to adjust to their new lives and his new relationship.  It's really akin to a traditional Hallmark movie, but I greatly enjoy it. Give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.

8-Bit Christmas 

Since it's release in 2021, I love this movie and look forward to turning it on soon as Christmas season hit. This HBO Max (now Max) original film stars Neil Patrick Harris and Steve Zahn, taking a queue from A Christmas Story the film follows an adult character named Jake Doyle played by Harris. Who recounts a Christmas of his youth in 1989 when all he wanted was a Nintendo for Christmas. Of course chaos ensues to get one and it's not an easy feat, yet the child Jake learn's a viable lesson that Christmas.

It's funny, it speaks to so many kid's experiences with popular toys and electronics over the years. It has messages of hard work, and family that are important in all stages of life. I highly recommend it as more people learn about the movie, in my opinion it will be a future Christmas classic. 

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My Top 10 Christmas songs

 Turkey Day is upon us and right on it's back is Christmas. If you haven't already put up your Christmas decorations, now's the time. While some folks may already have holiday music in full rotation while cooking. If you haven't already, fire up those Christmas playlists to get in the holiday spirit. I decided to switch thing's up a bit and share my 10 favorite Christmas song's, although I no longer play Christmas song's around the clock during this time of the year like I use to. These 10 song's will get some airtime this year, here we go.

10. Cyndi Lauper-Feels like Christmas

This jingle by Cyndi Lauper was released on her 1993 album Hat Full Of Stars. I first remember hearing it in the '93 film Life With Mikey starring Michael J. Fox, which Lauper had a role in. It's a catchy jingle with many influences in the crafting of it from pop to Irish bag pipes. It may not be everyone's cup of tea when it comes to Christmas music, but damnit it works for me.

9. Savage Garden-Last Christmas

I know many people consider Wham's verison of Last Christmas to be the holy grail of that song. I however love this version by Darren Hayes of the band Savage Garden. His version released in 1999, updated the beat to create in my opinion a vibe. The pain in his voice is felt more in this version and it just hit's your soul.

8. TLC-Sleigh Ride

This song by TLC is just the epitome of a New Jack Swing style Christmas song. It was on the Laface Records Christmas Compilation album, and can be heard in the background in the toy store in Home Alone 2. It has a catchy beat, it's playful, and Left Eye has a easy to rap along to verse. It's all about having a good time and enjoying the holidays, which at this point in my life is all I want during this time of the year. 

7. Darlene Love-All Alone On Christmas

Another song featured in Home Alone 2, it's played during the montage where Kevin enjoys New York City. Sung by Darlene Love (Danny Glover's wife in the Lethal Weapon series), she has a powerful soulful voice that perfectly aligns with the jazz and blues heavy beat.

6. Toni Braxton-Holiday Celebrate

This lover's Christmas song  by Toni Braxton is not widely known, but it should be. Using her sultry voice, Toni Braxton perfectly blends love and relationships with celebrating the holidays. And reminds folks it is something special when you have both. 

5. Alexander O'Neal-Our First Christmas

Another song celebrating love and Christmas this time by soulful Alexander O'Neal. This song should be a required listen for any new couples that are celebrating Christmas together for the first time. And for long time couples to help keep the spark alive get under that mistletoe, because you will two step to this in your kitchen.

4. Jackson 5-Merry Little Christmas

This timeless song by The Jackson 5 should be on every Christmas playlist. Jermaine Jackson take's the lead on this one and does a perfect rendition of Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas. What makes this song stand out though, is in the last minute and a half of the song when the beat get's more uptempo and the Jackson's put their own spin on the song. Making you get up and dance. 

3. Jackson 5- Up On The House Top

Another Jackson Jam off of their Christmas album, this one is my favorite off that album. It explains what all the brother's are getting that night as they hear Santa Claus coming. The beat is a bop in itself and just get's you in the mood to put up all your decorations and get in the spirit of Christmas.

2. Sounds Of Blackness-Soul Holiday

This Christmas song is a Black household staple and must be played religiously from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It's likely family holiday heirlooms at this point. Performed by Sounds Of Blackness, it is Gospel, R&B, and soul music all in one. It literally touches your soul as it explains what most people look forward to during the holidays, food, family, and good times with those you cherish.

1. Stevie Wonder-Christmas means to me

Sung by the legendary Stevie Wonder during the legendary era of Motown, this song is just so addictive in my opinion. It's lighthearted, brings plenty of joy to listeners, makes you dance and above else highlights some of the most important thing's about Christmas. The little thing's that make it special and festive. Simply put I love this song. 

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5 ThanksGiving Movies

 There is an holiday wedged between Halloween and Christmas that doesnt get a ton of love. I'm talking about Thanksgiving, we enjoy it for spending time with family, food, football and lastly getting deals on Black Friday.

If you're a person who goes all in on holidays, which includes watching movies set around the holiday. You may notice there are slim pickings when it comes to Thanksgiving movies. There are the well known films like Planes, Trains, & Automobiles, Dutch, Home For the Holidays and Son-In-Law. Other than PTA I'm not sure any of these are considered Thanksgiving Classics (although I love Dutch). I'm going to touch on a few movies you should add to your Thanksgiving watch list.

5. FriendsGiving

                                                                   

This 2020 film is one I can almost guarantee no one has ever heard of. Besides being released during the pandemic, the film received almost no promotion. It stars Kat Dennings as Abby and Malin Akerman as Molly, two best friends attempting to move on from their respective relationships, decide to have Thanksgiving dinner together as  just the two of them. Plans soon change when Molly decides to invite her fling to dinner, her mother played by Jane Seymour shows up unplanned and invites her ex-boyfriend, and some friends of their played Aisha Tyler and Deon Cole and their kids are invited over when their plans go south.

Dinner doesn't go haywire, but there are some bumps along the road during the day. The movie has good intentions, it's not great but it's not horrible either. It's kind of there, but in the Thanksgiving film genre maybe worth a view.

FriendsGiving is available on Starz.

4. Tower Heist

Tower Heist released in 2011 stars Ben Stiller, Matthew Broderick and Eddie Murphy in what was considered his comeback role of the "gritty" Eddie Murphy. The film follows a group of hotel employees who after losing their retirement accounts in a ponzi scheme spearheaded by a resident. Decide to take their money back and steal from him.

They build their team and set up their heist, think Ocean's Eleven just not as sophisticated. With the big heist taking place Thanksgiving morning during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the crew work through some mishaps to use the parade as their cover. It actually is a pretty decent movie and Murphy does return to form here.

The film is currently available on Prime Video

3. Home For The Holidays

This movie gets some extra brownie points for being filmed and set in Baltimore. Directed by Jodie Foster the film stars Holly Hunter, Dylan McDermott, and Robert Downey Jr. Steve Guttenberg, Anne Bancroft, and Clare Danes fresh off her My So-Called Life days help round out the cast.

The film is about Holly's character Claudia who returns home for Thanksgiving to spend with her family, after an unfortunate sequence of events. The film is broken down into segments over the Holiday weekend, and honestly the plot is along the lines of a Seinfeld or even the movie Diner. It's really about nothing grand, other than sibling rivalry, holiday traditions, finding love again, and family will always be there and be family. 

It's available on Paramount Plus and Pluto.

2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop

                                                        

This 2009 film stars Kevin James as a blumbing but well-meaning mall cop, who once had aspirations of being a police officer. He's a single father trying to do his best raising his daughter, and meets a new love interest who works in the mall. On Black Friday the mall is taken hostage by a group of thieves led by a former coworker of Blart's. As luck would have it, there is only one man who can save the day.

Paul Blart is a mindless, enjoyable holiday comedy. It doesn't take itself too and has a good heart to the story about overcoming odds. If you need a good film to watch on Black Friday while you eat leftovers, this film is it.

It's currently available on Netflix.

The Ice Storm 

1997's The Ice Storm based on the book of the same name, is one of those films were some wild shit goes down over a weekend. It follow's two Suburban families who are very intertwined with each other over Thanksgiving weekend. Directed by Ang Lee, Sigourney Weaver, Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, and Jamey Sheridan round out the adult cast. While younger cast members Christina Ricci, Elijah Wood, Tobey Maguire, and Adam Hann-Byrd of Little Man Tate fame. A pretty serious cast list of heavy hitters bringing these characters to life.

They deal with adultery, mid-life crisis, young curiosities and puberty all over the weekend. To make things more difficult a ice storm is coming to town which keeps everyone on edge. The families in the film would never be the same after this Thanksgiving weekend. If you've never seen the movie, you will definitely feel their pain.

The film is currently only available to rent on various streaming platforms. 

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Oroku Saki Origin Series

 

I wrote a blog last week on a wish list of comic book villains, I would like to see have their own TV series. After I completed and shared it, a thought randomly popped in my mind. I forgot to add one Oroku Saki to the mix.

For those unfamiliar Oroku Saki is the man who would become The Shredder in the Ninja Turtles-verse. And his backstory could create a very interesting and dramatic origin television series. Oroku Saki was a student of the ninjitsu form of martials arts in Japan. Depending on the variation of the Turtles lore, he was either a member of the Foot Clan who rose up the ranks, or he founded the Foot Clan. Either story would work to show how he became so cunning and ruthless.

One factor that would show how he became The Shredder, would be the love triangle he was embroiled in. Again, based on the variation Oroku was a friend of fellow ninja Hamato Yoshi (Splinter's human owner) turned foe, or they were always foes. The wedge being driven by their respective love for a young woman named Tang Shen. Who doesn't love a good love triangle on TV shows?

Oroku Saki's journey to becoming The Shredder would be must see TV. It also would help expand the Ninja Turtles universe and provide a fairly new spin on the main villains arc. Of course there would be fan service hinting towards things that fan's love about the franchise. While also bringing another new generation to the world of the Turtles. I'm all for a Oroku Saki series, and hope one day it come's to fruition. 

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Paramount + Music Docs Wishlist

 

Paramount Plus has recently released a documentary about Boy Bands and the chokehold they have had on pop culture throughout the years. It's a very interesting documentary that I really enjoyed. Paramount Plus can be a frustrating streaming service, but one thing it has going for it is the amazing music focused docs they have been produced. 

The latest one joins a growing list of Paramount Plus produced docs such as the Milli Vanilli doc which helped people realize how great they were and how wronged they were. Cyndi Lauper, 80's hair metal genre, and how napster and downloading music blew up. After watching the doc, I did my usual and started thinking about subjects I would like to see Paramount Plus do documentaries on.

10.Ashlee Simpson Lip-Sync Scandal

Ashlee Simpson has never been considered a strong vocalist. Yet on October 26th, 2004 during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, she became the subject of mass scrutiny when a recording track played before she took the microphone.

It led to wide confusion before she did an awkward dance and left the stage. Accusations of lip syncing spread out and it took her some time to recover. It'd be nice to hear the whole story behind this mishap and the ensuing issues it caused.

9.B2K

One group that wasnt mentioned in the Paramount doc was B2K. In the early 2000's the popularity of B2K rivaled that of a Backstreet Boys and Nsync, especially in the Black community. Debuting in the fall of 2001, the group released their self-titled debut album in March of 2002 and the train known as B2K went full speed ahead from there. From that point on they headlined scream tours, made music videos for what seemed like every song they had. And stole the stage when they performed.

In early 2004 just as their debut film You Got Served was about to be released, the group broke up. With three members separating from Omarion and more importantly their manager Chris Stokes. Allegations and finger pointing presumed from there. Omarion went on to have a successful solo career, and the group reunited in 2019 to go on tour. They just can't seem to get out of their own way as a unit, and are holding back their legacy. Time for everyone to express the reasons why.

8. Latin Pop Craze of the 90's

During the late 90's while the pop Craze led by Boy Bands and teen sensations was taking the world by storm. There was another genre ruling the airwaves, the Latin Pop music scene exploded. Led by Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, and Christina Aguilera pulling double duty. Other stars such as Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez who released her debut album in 1999, helped the genre gain crossover appeal. 

The Latin Pop Craze story has never been told fully from its fruition to the flame out. It's time it is given it's due.

7. Dixie Chick's exiled 

This moment in music history was covered in the 2006 film Dixie Chicks: Shut up and Sing, but it's been over 20 years since the whole ordeal happened and needs to be revisited. In 2003 the Dixie Chicks were one of the most popular music acts in country and music overall. That was until they publicly denounced President George Bush and the Iraqi war.

It seemed like they lost just about everything when that occurred. And they had to wade through death threats and such. They were able to eventually move past that controversy and the journey needs to be shared.

6. Regional Music

This topic would need to be a docu-series more than a documentary so that each subject would get their proper due. That is region based genre's of music, sounds that are unique to certain areas and usually only natives to that area appreciate it for what it is. Baltimore club music, D.C. go-go music, Chicago House Music, New Jersey Club, Miami Bass, crunk music the list goes on and on. These sounds are unique and speak to people in different ways, time to really spotlight these various genres.

5. Emancipation of MiMi

2025 marks the 20 year release of Mariah Carey's album The Emancipation of Mimi. This was her comeback album that bought Mariah back to her chart topping ways, after the much publicized mental health breakdown she had during the release of her Glitter album and film. During the production of this album Mariah enlisted the aid of producers such as Babyface, Jermaine Dupri, Pharrell Williams, and Kanye West among others. It paid off big time.

The album's top single We Belong Together you could not escape that year. It went 7 x platinum and was nominated for 10 Grammy's, winning two. It was even rereleased with additional songs and the public still ate it up. The Emancipation of Mimi reminded people that Mariah is a legend, and it's time the backstory of that album is shared to celebrate it's greatness.

4. M.C. Hammer

I wrote a blog about M.C. Hammer and his rockstar status earlier this year. Hammer's story has been covered in a VH1 Behind The Music episode and a 2001 TV movie on VH1. And then the story kind of stopped there, he went from the highest of the highs to the lowest of the low's after he squandered his money and the rap industry turned against him. He eventually found happiness and Christ, became a tech investor and even had a reality show in 2009 on A&E dubbed Hammertime. He's also starred in several commercials in the 2000's and 2010's starting a second career as a endorser.

There have been reports the hip hop industry has been trying to give Hammer his flowers every chance they can in the last few years, yet he constantly turns them down. A documentary for him to explain his reasonings and how he feels about the newfound appreciation for him would be amazing TV.

3. One-Hit Wonders

One-hit wonders are probably the most consistent thing in music. All genres have them, and all eras have them. There's also no rhyme or reason or "science" to what makes a one hit wonders. Here today, gone tomorrow is often the story of one-hit wonders. A fun introspective documentary covering some of the biggest acts that had one hit and was gone in a blink of a eye, would probably help some of these acts get introduced to a new generation. 

2. Spice Girls

Formed in 1994 and hailing from London, England five young ladies burst onto the U.S. music charts in 1996 with their hit single Wannabe. From there Sporty, Scary, Ginger, Baby, and Posh Spice took over pop culture screaming Girl Power. For the next year and a half, the Spice Girls released their debut album Spice and a follow up Spice World. They starred in a film carrying the same name, had dolls and young girls aspired to be them.

Then suddenly in May of 1998, member Ginger Spice left the group and things spiraled from there. The group's popularity tail spined, and just like that it was over. They released one more album as a quartet in 2000, Forever. Since then the group has gotten back together and broken up more times than one can count. Yet their legacy is still as strong as ever, as the 90's nostalgia cycle is still running. It's time all 5 women tell their side of the experience and bring fan's in on the wild ride...which hopefully leads to a reunion tour. 

1. New Jack Swing

To me New Jack Swing is the one of the greatest genre's of music ever, that still does not receive the full credit it deserves. Merging the styles and sounds of hip-hop and r&b, the sound of New Jack Swing still influences both genres as well as pop music to this very day. Founded by producer Teddy Riley in 2018, New Jack Swing became more than music. It became clothing, lingo, and a way of life it was a certain style.

Record labels such as Uptown Records headed by Andre Harrell were built off of the new jack swing era. Television series like New York Undercover were birthed from the culture of new jack swing. As tastes changed in the mid-90's the sound kind of faded away, but it's legacy lives on and it's time the entire story of that era is told.

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5 Comic Book Villains Who Deserve A TV Series

 

Two heavily praised series focused on comic book villains both recently completed their first seasons. Agatha All Along on Disney plus, and The Penguin on Max. Both series were produced in a way that someone not familiar with the backstory could drop right into them and not be lost. I'm not sure if either show will get a second season, but I hope they both opened the door for more villains to get some shine. 

Per usual I started bouncing ideas off the wall on which villains from comic books maybe good fodder for TV. With that here are 5 villains who should get a TV series.

5. Anton Arcane

Dr. Anton Arcane is the main villain in the Swamp Thing franchise and a bit of an underrated villain. He is a wealthy scientist who is consumed with immortality, and will stop at nothing to achieve it. Going as far as to experiment on other's with biogenetics mutating them into "Un-Men". He's a mad genius when you think about it.

A TV show focused on Arcane would be a tough sell being that Swamp Thing is a very niche product amongst comic book fans. However, the potential is there the show would be on the lower-budget of the production spectrum and it would be a good procedural mix of horror and drama. The character was portrayed on TV by Mark Lindsay Chapman in the early 90's TV adaptation of the comic. As well as Louis Jordan in the 80's film and it's sequel. A TV show would allow the character to be fleshed out and introduced to a new generation, possibly reviving the entire franchise.

4. Black Cat

Felicia Hardy better known throughout the streets of New York City as Black Cat, the best burglar in town. She has a very love/hate relationship with one Peter Parker but that would distract from the story. A Felicia Hardy led TV show should focus on her starting her cat burglar journey, as the daughter of a cat burglar who was known on a global scale Walter Hardy.

The series could focus on a father/daughter relationship and Felicia getting use to her main "job" as well as her day job. The tone of the show could be comedic in nature more along the lines of She-Hulk or a bit more dramatic and intense like a Agatha or Loki. Maybe the popularity of a television series, would finally lead to an appearance in a live-action Spider-Man film.

3.Deadshot

Deadshot is a hit-man in the DC Comics world, quite possibly the greatest hit-man who's ever lived. He also is a hitman with a code of conduct, but also has a tendency to do death defying stunts. He is considered by most in the comic book lore to possess self-destructive behavior. Depending on what variation of Deadshot who's real name is Floyd Lawton one get's, he also is a devout family man.

Which brings a whole layer of wonderful TV to the landscape. A globetrotting assassin that kills at will, and sometimes is forced to work for the Suicide Squad. Just want's to get home to his family at the end of the day. Think John Wick with the family theme and man that could be some amazing TV.

2. Tombstone

Another member of the Spider-man rogues gallery, Lonnie Lincoln better known as Tombstone was a ruthless imposing figure in the world of crime. He was a black Albino man, who filed his teeth to give off the appearance of a vampire. Using his look and strength to intimidate his opponents. Lonnie was a enforcer for Kingpin, but eventually branched out on his own. Or depending on the story, never worked for Kingpin.

Which would create a new street-level crime lord in the MCU world, working to take control of Harlem. While also going through the effects of how much he stands out in the world of crime, and honestly since youth never feeling like he belonged anywhere. Damn, now that's a good premise for a villain's TV show to display the complexity of these characters.

1. Mr. Freeze

I wrote a blog back in 2018 practically begging for a origin story film for Mr. Freeze, I still stand behind that. However, now I would settle for a television show that would allow more time to tell his full story. And it is a simple yet relatable story, of a scientist Victor Fries driven by the desire to save his wife from a terminal disease uses cryogenics to freeze her until a cure is found. Until a lab accident changes his molecular structure and he can only survive in sub-zero temperatures.

We always see the journey of superheroes of course, but the journey of a villain with his newfound "powers" and adapting to his new life has not been explored yet (I don't think). How he must quickly use his brains to create an environment suitable for him, while also working for a cure. And becoming the latest villain to try and take over the city of Gotham. All the ingredients for prime television. Mr. Freeze is a far more complex character than his live action depictions would have believe. 

It's time we really see his story and be entertained in the process.

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