The HBO classic series The Wire recently turned 22 earlier this month. I rewatched the series a few months ago with my wife who had never watched the show. For five seasons The Wire introduced institutions in Baltimore which truthfully represented all American cities, and how these institutions were letting common folks down. Without a doubt season 4 is the best overall season, season 5 while still a good season, did not meet the standards fans had come to expect from the series, Season 1 and 3 are honestly neck and neck, it's really a matter of personal preference on which one is the "better" season.
Then there is season 2, which upon it's debut caught a lot of flack for kind of straying from the story that season 1 laid down. The Wire is revered for its realism, and season 2 was very real. Looking back that season is a very underrated season, because it included a component of crime and the war on drugs that weren't exactly covered at that time. The organizations at times very sophisticated and connected criminal organizations that arrange for drugs and other contraband to come into the country. As well as it showed the struggles the every man goes through just to make ends meets with the port of Baltimore dock workers representing the everyman.
Just like Walter White in Breaking Bad, dock workers like Frank Sabotka and his crew made some tough, morally wrong decisions to simply make it in this rough ass world. As a teenager when I first watched the show I didn't get it. Now as an adult, in this rough economy where everything is sky high but compensation, and the increasing divide between the haves and the haves not. And the shrinking middle class, which really propels this country you understand they dilemma they had. 20 plus years later, the unfortunate collapse of the Key bridge in Baltimore earlier this year, which severely affected work at the ports for many working families. Highlighted just how important the port is to the city of Baltimore, and the dock workers. Which the series creators of course had no idea would happen, but makes the season and the story of these men told even more relevant.
Along with the dock workers, the story used the criminal organization led by the mysterious Greek to connect the dots on the partnership between these big players bringing the drugs in, and the players on the street level selling them. While alluding to on a global scale how small the drug organizations are in the big picture. The Greek's would also come into play in later seasons which made that whole idea of all the pieces fitting the puzzle matter even more.
I will admit when season 2 debuted in 2003, I was very on the fence about it downright debating about not watching the season. As it progressed and everything came together I understood the purpose of the season, especially as later seasons followed it. Now, I downright appreciate it and the story it was telling in the grand scheme of things. Still to this day it is the most underrated season of The Wire and deserves more credit.
Every summer movie buffs like myself look forward to the upcoming Summer blockbuster slate. The Summer blockbuster season is defined as movies released from early May to mid-late August covering the entire Summer. It is comprised of big-budget action, adventure, or comedy films with a Horror or thriller big budget film sprinkled in. And usually there are big promotions and merchandise associated with these blockbuster films.
I went down the rabbit hole of movies released during the summer of 1989, and hot damn it may just be the greatest Summer blockbuster season ever. Batman was released June 23rd, 1989 and one proved superhero movies had a place, and with the merchandising power behind it. Seemingly created the merchandise mania that would follow blockbusters in subsequent years. Batmania was everywhere that year thanks to the merchandise. I was only 3 years old but I distinctly remember going to General Cinema theater and the whole concession area was overran by Batman merch.
Batman wasn't the only film released that summer, a great deal of popular sequels debuted that summer. Ghostbusters II and Karate Kid III were also released in June. With Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade which saw Harrison Ford partnering with Sean Connery as his father released in May. The fifth film in the Star Trek series Star Trek V The Final Frontier debuted in June as well. The 16th film in the James Bond franchise License to Kill starring Timothy Dalton as Bond was released in July. Lethal Weapon 2 starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover with Joe Pesci joining the cast premiered in July as well. That is a heavy hitter roster of film sequels debuting weeks apart.
Spike Lee's classic film that is still oh so relevant today Do The Right Thing debuted in July as well. While adult comedy cult classic Weekend At Bernie's was a mid-summer hit. On a more family friendly note, Disney's classic backyard adventure film Honey I Shrunk The Kids premiered the same day as Batman. Parenthood starring Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Rick Moranis, and a young Joaquin Phoenix and Keanu Reeves debuted in August that year. John Candy's classic Uncle Buck released in August as well, prepping audiences on the importance of family right before school season kicked back up.
In the horror realm Friday the 13th VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan was released, even though the franchise had long ran it's course by then. Ditto for Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child which was the other horror summer blockbuster that year. James Cameron sci-fi cutting edge effects film Abyss premiered in August. Movie buffs spent a lot of money that year going to the movies.
When you look at that roster it just maybe the best blockbuster season ever. Every week that year provided quality highly anticipated movies for audiences. All of those films have a lasting legacy 35 years later, which says alot about just how special that year was for Hollywood. I'm going to do my due diligence and research other years, but I truly believe from the beginning of the season to the end no other year compares one bit.
That year is so iconic the 2017 horror film IT which is set in 1989 references two of the biggest blockbusters that year. Also doesn't hurt all three films were released by Warner Bros. Studios. So I've said all that to say this, the blockbuster movie season of 1989 as a whole may be untouchable.
Today is the 35th anniversary of 1989's Batman, a film that had a lot of all and a lot to prove. Superhero movies were considered a dead genre after Superman III and Superman IV. Michael Keaton was a comedy actor, and Tim Burton a very niche director although he had Pee Wee's Big Adventure and Beetlejuice under his belt. Throw in the wild card of Jack Nicholson and folks weren't too sure, but with a unheard of at that time marketing campaign behind them. Audience members worldwide learned quickly the magic they created.
No disrespect to any of the other Batman films and actors, but this one in my opinion is just about flawless. It's implied that Bruce Wayne in this film has only been Batman for a couple months but the film doesn't dwell on that. He also shows but doesn't drag it out how he still has confliction with his dual personality as Bruce Wayne and Batman, especially when it comes to keeping it a secret from Vicki Vale as their relationship gets closer. The movie get's to the point from the very beginning and moves the story along so swiftly, it does not feel like it's 2 hour and some change runtime.
The action scenes aren't over the top but they are effective, highlighting Batman using his fighting skills, wit, and tech arsenal to combat Joker's goons. Speaking of Joker, Jack Nicholson's Joker is still revered today for his perfect blend of the Joker character. Homicidal and clearly dangerous, yet campy and over the top. The parade scene where he poisons the citizens of Gotham is the perfect example of that and one of my favorite scenes in the movie.
The city of Gotham with it's cathedral's and grimness became it's own character within the film. The museum scene, parade scene, and the rooftop battle help show the culture of the city. The look and feel of the city and the film overall inspired the design of the 90's cartoon classic Batman The AnimatedSeries and to a degree the 2010's series Gotham. The film score is iconic and even that was adapted for the cartoon series as well. The fight scenes have audiences adrenaline pumping hoping Batman overcomes the numbers game. And there truthfully aren't a ton of fight scenes, and they are spread out which makes it more digestible and every fight scene matters.
Without sounding like a broken record, I love watching all of the Batman films, yes even Batman & Robin. But I just really love this particular Batman movie and even though later films have more action, drama, and higher stakes. This one is just magic in my eye's and is without a doubt the best Batman movie ever.
It's officially summer, kids are out of school. It's hot and muggy, grills are fired up, the sound of shaved ice scraping against a spoon is adored. Summer camps whether local or sleepaway are in full swing, which brings me to my topic for this blog. When I was a kid I was amazed at the summer camps I saw in movies, since at that time money wasn't a concern to me I wondered why I didn't get to go to one of those camps.
Years later now knowing how expensive those camps are, I just sit and watch the same movies over pretending I lived that sleepaway summer camp life. Since it's hot outside, I decided to bring some heat of my favorite movies held within the wooden boundaries of a summer camp.
8. A Pig's Tale
A Pig's Tale is a 1994 B-movie that I use to watch on cable all the time. To be honest looking back it's not a very good movie, but since I saw it as a kid and I am a nostalgia geek it holds a special place in my heart. It follows a simple formula of the have's vs. the have nots, a rag tag group of "misfits" known as the pig's stand up to the camp bullies. The rich kid's in camp The Wolves completely with letterman jackets (who the hell is wearing a letterman jacket in 90 + degree weather?)
If you've seen one movie about misfits against the cool kids, you are not missing anything here. However, if you stumble across it somewhere even though it's highly unlikely let your brain relax and don't expect anything from this movie you'll be fine.
7. Camp
Camp is a 2003 film following teenage attendees of a performing arts camp, Camp Ovation. Being a performing arts camp, there is performances in this film. The heart of the film is a typical coming of age regarding teenagers trying to find themselves in a rapidly changing world. Each of the teenagers are dealing with real life issues that teenagers face. Parental pressure, crushes, weight challenges, homosexuality. Jealousy, young love any issue a normal teenager would face, a character in the film deals with it.
The film is also known for a young Anna Kendrick having a costarring role in the film. Other notable cast members include Sasha Dee who has sung backup for many artist and was a participant on The Voice. And singer Tiffany Taylor who sung one of my favorite songs from the film, Here's Where I Stand.
Another one of my favorite's is the opening song of the film How Shall I See You Through My Tears, which Sasha Dee sing's lead on alongside Steven Cutts who portrays Shaun in the film.
Camp is currently available on the CW app.
6. Sleepaway Camp
When most people think of summer camps and horror films, the first movie that comes to mind is the original Friday The 13th film and Camp Crystal Lake. Sorry to tell you, in my opinion SleepawayCamp gives Friday The 13th a run for it's money. The film follow's a young girl Angela who is shy and quiet due to a traumatic incident earlier in her life, she attends Camp Arawak where is she bullied and tormented.
She starts to get worried though when camp counselors and campers turn up severely injured or dead. The film contains a big twist and cover's a very relevant topic in today's world, that I can't talk about or it would spoil the movie. If you've never seen it give it a try you won't be disappointed, the original spawned four sequels.
Sleepaway Camp is currently available on Tubi and Pluto.
5. Summertime Switch
Summertime Switch is a 1994 movie starring Jason Weaver and Rider Strong, it is a TV-movie that aired on ABC for Disney's Wonderful World Of Disney programming back in the day. The basic premise follows a stereotypical trope Hollywood is known for. Jason Weaver portrays Frederick Egan a Juvenile Delinquent headed to what is essentially a youth jail disguised as a camp. Rider Strong is spoiled rich kid Frederick Egan the third headed to an upscale summer camp.
In a case of mistaken identity they are sent to the wrong camps and learn to deal with their new environments. It's not a bad movie at all, and it is actually quite enjoyable. The film includes an performance by Jason Weaver who everyone who has seen Jacksons: An American Dream or listened to Chingy's One Call Away song can attest to.
The full length version of Summertime Switch is available on YouTube....keep that on the low though.
4. Camp Cucamonga
1990's Camp Cucamonga is a made for TV movie that aired on NBC. The movie is more famous for it's cast which was a who's who of TV stars during the time than anything else. The cast included WonderYears cast members Danica Mckeller and Josh Saviano. Cheers cast member John Ratzenberger, Brian Robbins who was a cast member of Head Of The Class, played a role in developing Nickelodeon programming during it's golden age of the 90's and is now a co-ceo of Paramount Studios. Breckin Meyer, Chad Allen (My Two Dads, Our House) and Johnny Galecki (Roseanne, Big Bang Theory). Sherman Helmsley, TGIF stars Candace Cameron of Full House and Jaleel White of Family Matters and a young Jennifer Aniston,
The plot is pretty standard kids at summer camp fare nothing special. The most remembered aspect of the film is the camp rap Cucamonga with Jaleel White spitting bars, aided by cast member Tasha Scott belting out the vocals. Besides the hit rap, you just don't see ensemble films like this any longer.
3. Fear Street Part Two 1978
Fear Street Part Two 1978 released in 2021 a part of Netflix's Fear Street trilogy release. All three films tie into one another to tell a complete story, and this one picks up where the first one left off. Leading to a story being told of Camp Nightwing and the horrors that occurred there. Starring Sadie Sink of Stranger Things and Emily Rudd. The pair play the Berman sisters, who are caught up in some crazy stuff happening at the camp.
Horror, suspense, twists, and a camp feeling inspired by 1970's movies like the godfather of camp films Meatballs. You should have seen this by now, but if not go ahead and check it out along with the other films in the set.
2. Heavyweights
This 1995 Disney film probably was greenlit to ride the wave of The Mighty Ducks. After all Steve Brill who wrote The Mighty Ducks also co-wrote this film in addition to directing it. It also stars Mighty Ducks alum Kenan Thompson, Shaun Weiss (Goldberg), and Aaron Schwartz. The film follows Aaron's character Gerry whose parent's send him to a camp to lose weight Camp Hope. Upon arriving at the camp, it is soon taken over by a crazed fitness instructor Tony Perkins Jr. played by Ben Stiller.
The camper's soon band together with the helpless staff to combat the psycho antics of Mr. Perkins. While also preparing for a competition against a rival camp, and learning about themselves in the process. This film actually had a strong message that went over our heads as kids about accepting yourself and having confidence in oneself.
Almost 30 years later, the film has become a cult classic for 90's kids. If you've never seen it, it's available on Disney Plus
1. Camp Nowhere
My favorite summer camp movie of all time, Camp Nowhere. Released in 1994, the film stars 90's child actors Jonathan Jackson, Andrew Keegan, Marnette Patterson, and Melody Kay who are all dissatisfied with their parents summer camp plans for them. They devise a plan to rump their own summer camp, one with no rules and no adults around with the exception of down on his luck actor Dennis Van Welker played by Christopher Lloyd. Paid to help keep their scheme going. Soon other kids get wind of and want in, including other child actors Allison Mack (Smallville) and a young Jessica Alba.
I remember seeing the previews for this, and then the actual film I thought it was smart of the kids to devise a plan like that. Myself wishing I could partake in that kind of adventure, it's a standard 90's kid movie and has reached cult status. If as a kid you wanted to do something super crazy be mischievous and carefree this movie gave you hope that was quite possible.
Camp Nowhere is available to watch on Disney Plus.
Fatherhood is a very complex role that is often overlooked honestly. It is a tough job that one doesn't always get right and is always learning in. With Father's Day this weekend, I went through the film crates and picked five action/adventure movies about father's and fatherhoods that are themes of films, and you wouldn't realize it at first.
5. Hook
1991's Hook directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook and Robin Williams as Peter Banning, an adult Peter Pan. I enjoyed the movie as a kid and wanted to be a part of the cool kids known as The Lost Boys, but I always felt the movie was a little long. Now as an adult I kind of understand why. The movie follows a typical Spielberg subject is about fathers and fatherhood and it was quite a lot to unpack in the film. Let's break it down really quick.
Peter Pan was abandoned as infant, grew up alongside his fellow lost boys raising themselves in Neverland and never aging. Once he decided to leave Neverland he was adopted by a now adult Wendy and raised by her. Peter never had a father role model, so he grew up to become a success driven yuppie who often neglected his kids not on purpose, but because he didn't know any better. His son Jack yearns for nothing more than his dad to acknowledge him and spend time with him and his sister Maggie. Jack nearly falls under the spell of his almost "surrogate" father Captain Hook, until Peter realizes a lot about himself in his return to Neverland.
4. Rocky V
Rocky V is like a paradox of a movie for lack of a better word. It begins right after Rocky's Christmas bout against Drago in Rocky IV which was in 1985. Yet several years have clearly passed, and Rocky Jr. who we last saw as a 9 year old in the previous film is now somewhere between 12 and 13 years old. Yet no one bat's a eye at this development, there are some other hiccups with the film but it is not as bad as many claim.
Despite it's issue one thing it does get right is one area Rocky needs to work on, in being a father. Rocky and his son have a close relationship that deteriorates as Rocky's protege Tommy Gunn steps on the scene and begins to gain acclimate. Rocky treats him as a son, in turn neglecting his own son yet not fully realizing it, (Rocky is a tad slow after all). Rocky must work to repair that relationship and although it's quickly resolved, it does highlight the importance of fathers maintaining that bond with their kids. Being self aware of intervening and acknowledging when things are no longer going smooth in the relationship.
Rocky V is not the only film in the series that touches on fatherhood, here's an article from the crates on the theme of fathers in Creed II.
3. Black Panther
Which segues into the next film on the list Black Panther, starring Michael B. Jordan and the late Chadwick Boseman. Directed by Ryan Coogler who directed the original Creed film. Jordan and Chadwick play distant first cousins on opposite sides of ideology, who are more alike than they may think. They both have been molded and severely affected by actions of their fathers, Killmonger has a thirst for revenge and a desire to turn the world order upside down. Inspired by the teachings of his father. The scene where Killmonger meets his father in the ancestral plane shows how much he really needed his father. T'Challa while more noble aspires to make his father proud in the afterlife following his steps.
Yet T'Challa soon learns of past trangressions of his father, and that the ideals shared by his father and past generations of how to protect Wakanda are harming people more than helping. The two wrestle with the shadows of their respective fathers, while forging their own paths. Sometimes no matter how much you aspire to be like your father, or finish what they started you have to make your own way. On the other hand, as one grows older they may learn their father's teachings weren't always right and set out make their own way.
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie
1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is without question the best live action Turtles film ever produced. Besides the grittier tone than the other films, the at that time cutting edge animatronics and the cool fight scenes. The film also had a heart and a message about fathers and the importance they play in youngsters lives. The turtles really come into their own and learn to lean on one another more when their surrogate father Splinter is abducted by the foot clan. It's clear from the moment they realize it, they are essentially lost without him as he has guided their lives thus far.
On the flip side Shredder is leading astray youths recruiting them into his organization to do his dirty work. He reminds the wayward youths that they are family and he is their "father", brainwashing kids who just want to belong to something or feel loved. That point is driven home by the inclusion of a teenager named Danny, who's father is April O'neil's manager. His father has his head so deep into work, he doesnt realize he's neglecting Danny. Which leads him to the Foot Clan and Shredder.
The movie is really deep on the subject of fathers when you think about it.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy 2
When we met Peter Quill in Guardians Of The Galaxy, we learned he was an only child of his mother who was dying from cancer. Upon her passing he was abducted and whisked off to space, becoming a rogue space pirate who eventually helped save the galaxy. At the end of the film he learns he is half human and his father is from a powerful alien race. Fast forward a few years, and Peter finally meet's his father Ego in Guardians Of The Galaxy 2. Trying to catch up on years of missed time, he becomes a starry eyed kid again,
Until he learns his father isn't what he seems and just because someone sires you, that doesn't make them your father. Eventually Peter is torn between the biggest father figures in his life, Ego who he just met. And Yondu who actually raised him the best way he knew how and cared for Peter as a person. In addition to coming terms with who his true "father" was, Quill also learns about family. Accepting the rest of the team as his true family.
When it come's to sitcoms the most well known sitcoms set in Baltimore are Roc, One on One and spin-off series Cutz. There have been a few sitcoms that were set in the charm city, many of them truly obscured. Once I went down the rabbit hole, I will admit most of these sitcoms I've never seen or heard of. In the spirit of sharing knowledge, even it's information you absolutely do not need. Here are 5 sitcoms based in Baltimore.
5. In The Beginning
This sitcom is probably the legendary Norman Lear's biggest sitcom failure in his storied career, next to another Baltimore based sitcom he created in the 70's Hot l Baltimore. Released in September 1978 on the CBS network, the sitcom followed Mclean Stevenson as an uptight conservative priest Father Clearly, who is assigned to an inner-city parrish. He experiences a bit of a culture clash and frequently butt's heads with a nun who is more liberal minded named Sister Agnes, portrayed by Priscilla Lopez.
The sitcom managed to only air 5 episodes, with the remaining four never to be seen. The most footage available for this sitcom is the opening intro, but beyond that nothing on this series.
4. The Ellen Burstyn Show
Looking this sitcom up, I'll be honest I only knew Ellen Burstyn as the grumpy neighbor in the Baby-sitters Club movie from the mid-90's. Watching clips of the sitcom, I also got the feeling this was inspiration for a sitcom that would premiere just a couple years later in Murphy Brown. Debuting in September 1986 on ABC, the series followed Ellen as she handled being a college professor and dealing with her busy body mother, her daughter who is getting over a divorce and her active grandson.
This sitcom did not last either, it was cancelled after eight episodes and then bought back the following year to run through the remaining episodes. 12 episodes aired, with only one never making it on-air. The biggest success story from this sitcom is probably Megan Mullally of Will & Grace fame.
Family Rules
This UPN sitcom debuted in 1999 and was an outlier of what the target audience was for the network at the time in the sitcom realm. The sitcom starred Greg Evigan as a widowed dad, raising his four daughters in Baltimore. He is the basketball coach at a university called....Morgan College, and that's probably the most Baltimoreish connection the series creates. The show was a mid-season replacement and survived for one full month, before catching the axe. No wonder no one remembers it, or that it was set in Baltimore.
Life's Work
Life's Work was a sitcom ABC that debuted in September of 1996 and lasted for only 18 episodes. It starred Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa in Abbott Elementary) as a assistant district attorney in Baltimore. Juggling the demanding job and home life of being a wife, and mother to a young daughter and toddler son. The sitcom was intended to be the next breakout sitcom of a stand up comic but it never caught on to get that far.
I don't remember this series at all, a promo clip on YouTube includes a rendering of the Inner Harbor to help drive the fact it is set in Baltimore.
True Colors
This Fox sitcom lasted the longest of the forgotten Baltimore sitcoms stables, it debuted in the fall of 1990 and ended in '92. The season were broken up so it really only had 2 seasons for a total of 45 episodes The sitcom starred Frankie as widowed dentist Ronald Freeman, who meets Stephanie Faracy's character Ellen, the two soon elope and blend their families together. Ronald had two teenage boys, while Ellen had a daughter and her mother who did not approve of a interracial marriage to bring into the fold.
In season 2 Frankie was replaced by Cleavon Little of Blazing Saddles fame. Cleavon was battling some health issues during this time, along with Nancy Walker who played Ellen's mom Sara. Fox cut the show from under it's leg's and cancelled it early in it's season 2 run.
There are a few full length episodes on YouTube, along with promo videos and the original intro.
I'm sure there are more sitcoms set in Baltimore and I may revisit this topic. Until then, maybe time a new sitcom rises to show Baltimore some love.
TBS has bought back the classic 90's TV Series Dinner And A Movie, releasing June 1st with husband and wife duo Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen hosting. For those unfamiliar the series is basically a movie is played with segments intercut with commercial breaks featuring commentary from the hosts on the film being played. The original series, the hosts would provide recipes on dishes which often were puns related to the film playing.
I'm not sure if the same recipe format will be followed, and some may scoff at the idea of reviving the series in today's world. However, I for one believe there still is a place for these type of programs and will check it out. So it got me thinking about similar programs that you probably forgot about. Here are five movie entertainment programs, you may have tuned into at one time and don't remember.
5. Casino Cinema
In the early 2000's country themed network The Nashville Network (TNN), morphed into The National Network before finally settling on Spike TV. In 2004 the network debuted Casino Cinema featuring Beth Ostrosky Stern and Steve Schirripa famously known as Bobby Baccaleri on The Sopranos. In between commercial breaks, the hosts and sometimes guests guests would engage in a different gambling game showing the audience how to play. The set is made to resemble a small casino and the vibe was very adult themed but clean enough and fun. The series lasted until 2007.
4. Monstervision
Horror TV icon Joe Bob Briggs debuted a series on TNT in 1991 with MonsterVision. In which the series would often play classic horror films, before mixing in middle of the road and b-movie films which were not always horror films. Joe Bob would often provide his off the cuff commentarycommentary on the film playing, including if he hated the film. The series lasted until 2000, and Joe Bob's commentary put's in a class of it's own.
3. Joe Bob's Drive In Theater
Before hosting Monstervision, Joe Bob had his own show on premium B level cable network The Movie Channel. Starting in 1986, it was essentially the same format as his TNT program watched a program or two during his allotted time and offer his commentary on the film. In this case since The Movie Channel is a premium channel, his commentary was often before the movie setting up the film and after giving his stamp of approval or hatred. He hosted this show alongside Monstervision, until Drive-In Theater ended in 1996. Joe Bob currently has a similar program on streaming service Shudder The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs.
2. The Movie Lounge
A spin-off of Dinner And A Movie, Movie Lounge I'll admit I vaguely remember and not even sure if I sat down and watched it before. It starred actor Kent Osborne and the set was that of an actual lounge, to help round out the cast were talking puppets and a mascot for the program. The series debuted in 1998 and while the format was slightly different than it's companion show. Audience members found them too similar and it was not as well received. In case you need a memory refresh, here's a promo for the series.
1. Saturday Nightmares
Many remember USA Up All Night, the late Saturday Night programming block hosted by Rhonda Shears. Many however, do not remember USA Saturday Nightmares, likely because there was not a host associated with the program it was just a TV block. Debuting in 1984 and running until 1994, the series had it's own intro to let audience know what they were in for. Which mainly were B-level horror films with the occasional mainstream horror film thrown in. Very simple and to the point, which has made it forgettable these years later.
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