In the summer of 1999 blockbusters films such as The Mummy, Wild Wild West, American Pie, and Blair Witch Project were released. Amidst the crowd was a low budget coming of age movie called The Wood. This week marked the 25th anniversary of TheWood and the film is a hidden gem in the world of cinema that is in all actuality a classic.
The film features present day best friends Mike (Omar Epps), Roland (Taye Diggs), and Slim (Richard T. Jones) tryna make it to Roland's wedding as he goes awol earlier in the day. Throughout they reminisce about their time growing up. That's where the heart of the movie comes into featuring young Mike (Sean T. Nelson), young Roland (Trent Cameron), and young Slim (Duane Finley).
The three friends truly come of age in the flashback scenes. Learning about life via crushes, losing their virginity, tips to talk to young ladies and staying out of trouble. They also frequently crack on each other which is what friends do.
The movie is not only a coming of age story for young Black males. It also is about brotherhood and that foundation that its built on. You truly believe these guys have been friends for years. Message of the film aside, it is a damn funny movie regarding everyday life. It also had a soundtrack that could be in the conversation as one of the best movie soundtracks ever.
First seeing the film when I was 13 Years old, I thought it was enjoyable, and relatable with some of the puberty jokes. Now as a adult I really appreciate the movie for capturing the magic that is young friendships/brotherhoods, especially amongst young Black men.
25 Year's later, I will still watch the movie and laugh like it's my first time seeing it. I'll randomly say in a down south accent "Stacey!", and discuss the benefits of tic tacs.
And forever stand around and say the words Mackin and hanging.
The first half of the final season of Cobra Kai descends upon us next week. Recent trailers have shared that Mike Barnes will assist Daniel and Johnny in training their students for the Sekai Taikai tournament. The trailer also hints Mr. Miyagi has kept some "secrets", possibly a training philosophy he never shared? Or maybe he only one shared with one person?
That one person being his only other known pupil Julie Pierce, played by Hilary Swank in The Next Karate Kid. It's no secret that since Cobra Kai became a runaway hit starting with his first season on YouTube Red. Fans have been clamoring for Daniel and Julie to cross paths. The calls increased as the show bought back several minor characters from the film's. Characters such as Johnny's old Cobra Kai buddies, and Yuna the young girl Daniel saved in Karate Kid II.
While Hilary Swank is a bigger star than those actors and much busier. Fans can't help but hope she enters the final season with a bang to help Daniel out. Even if Swank does not appear herself, some sort of acknowledgement of Julie in the series maybe enough for most fans.
I wrote a blog at the end of season 3 of remaining characters we need to see. Julie was number one then and is still number one. It would be a disappointment to fans and a disservice to the series, if she is not included in some form. Let's hope the series creators have a big surprise up their sleeve, that will leave fans very statisfied.
Heading into the fourth of July holiday and the dog days of summer, many people are making plans to hit the beach to beat the heat. I randomly thought about beach movies and while everyone know's films like JAWS, Weekend At Bernies or Baywatch. I started thinking about the cult classic beach movies that deserve more love. With that let's get started on five cult classic beach movies.
5. Miracle Beach
Miracle Beach is a 1992 film that was a staple of the Showtime/The Movie Channel family back in the day. It stars Dean Cameron who while never a big star, was one of those consistent working actors when you see him you go oh that guy. And Ami Dolenz who is best known as Fran in 1987's Can't Buy Me Love. Legendary actor Pat Morita has a role in the film as a older wise friend of Dean's character Scotty. Scotty is a beach bum who stumbles upon a Genie's lamp and out comes Jeannie played by Ami.
While Jeannie grant's Scotty his three wishes leading to riches and popularity on the beach, as well as a supermodel girlfriend. She can't help but fall in love with him, while he has to learn the tough lesson of what really matters. That's the plot of the movie nothing more, nothing less. It has the makings of a 90's film, corny dialogue and lots of nudity. The actors try but it is a straight b-movie, that has developed a cult following over the years. I recently saw it available to stream which highlights the hold it has to this day.
4. Back To The Beach
During the 1960's Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon starred in an series of Beach themed films. These films catered to teens of that time were very formulaic. They were generally comedies, very limited plots, campy acting, surfing and the beach life were the main topics and most of all spread the message to have a good time and party. The genre died out by the 60's into the 70's and in the mid 80's someone had a light bulb moment to revisit that time.
Back At The Beach features Annette and Frankie as a middle aged couple who return back to the beach for a family vacation and in the process rekindle their relationship both romantically and with their children. Much like Coming 2 America, the film is essentially a homage to their original beach films. With plenty of references and gags to tie things together. Cameo's but actors of those films, and pop culture celebs of the 80's. Pee-Wee Herman even make's an appearance in the film. It's a very campy movie, but it is fun and mindless and does not take itself serious at all. It use to come back local Baltimore station WNUV Channel 54 all the time when it was an independent channel, which is how I watched it. Let your mind free, give a watch and you may become a big Kahuna.
3.Blue Crush
Blue Crush is a 2002 film starring Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, and actual surfer turned model and actress Sanoe Lake. Along with Bosworth's character's Anne younger sister (Mika Boorman), the four live in Hawaii experiencing the daily grind with hopes of one day surfing on the North Shore of Hawaii. Anne was a aspiring surfer who experienced a terrifying wipeout that left her frightened of the big waves. With the support of her friends and family, and her new love interest in a NFL quarterback Matt Tollman. She soon overcomes those fears, surprising herself and making waves.
The film is about overcoming fears, determination, friendship and sisterhood and of course relationships. In addition competing and being successful in male dominated spaces. It is a great film for young people and the surfing scenes are very realistic. It also play's and updated Banarama's Cruel Summer classic, which anytime that song get's love is a win in my book.
2. Phat Beach
Phat Beach the 1996 B-move classic stars Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkin and Brian Hooks. Jermaine plays Benny a daydreaming writer, who get's into mischief with his playboy buddy Durrell. Expecting a dismal summer dictated by his parents, Durrell decides to cheer Benny up by devising a scheme to travel to the beach. They take Benny's father's mercedes and head's on down the road, experiencing lust, potential love, some volleyball even Coolio while at the beach.
The film is considered a hip-hop beach film, which still maybe the only film of that genre almost 30 years later. It has some heart to it, as Benny deals with self-esteem issues and experiencing a first love. It's another film that offers plenty of gratuitous nudity which was a staple of films like this. It's another film if you let your mind free, you really will enjoy it.
1. The Inkwell
I'll admit I did not appreciate The Inkwell until I got older. This 1994 film stars Larenz Tate and Jada Pinkett Smith, with supporting cast members like Duane Martin, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Joe Morton, Suzanne Douglas, Glynn Turman, and Morris Chestnut. Tate play's Drew, a shy loner 16 year that is just different from typical teenage boys his age. His parent's decide to spend a couple of weeks at Martha's Vineyard with relatives, who happen to be very successful and comfortable. Which was a rarity for Black's in America at that time.
He grow's out of his shell during the time, and experiences his first true flirtatious situation. Experiences heartbreak, and loses his virginity (which is problematic, but if you never seen the film I'll leave out why). I thought the film was boring when I first saw it as a kid, but it perfectly captures that weird teenage phase and is a true coming of age story. Also exploring topics such as infighting within the Black community regarding the haves and the have nots and political differences. Those butterfly feelings for the first time, and just being an awkward teenager. The film is a cult classic and is still revered to this day while still highly underrated.
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