5 Things Cable Needs To Reinvent Themselves

 It's no secret Cable TV is dying a very slow death.To be honest a lot of it is the cable industry and respective networks fault. While I personally believe linear TV still has a place, and while not the juggernaut it once was. 

Can still survive in modern media. There are several things the industry could do to breath new life into itself. So I decided to be a media pronogsticator, and share what I think the industry needs to do to stay afloat.

5. Go Back To Brand Identification

Once upon a time, USA network welcomed characters, TNT knew drama, while TBS knew funny. Oxygen was very real, MTV which at one was a pop culture juggernaut as much as cable network. Had several slogans from I want my MTV to we're music, we're MTV and many more. ABC Family (now freeform) presented a new kind of family.

You dont see that with cable networks really anymore. BET has a slogan and it's where Black Culture lives and that could be up for debate. However at least they have something to help brand their network.

Thats missing in todays world and shows fans, the owners of these networks no longer care.

4. Make Compelling Shows For Cable

In the media landscape we live in, every streaming service has programming exclusive to that service. The same can't be said for Cable TV, it is rare you find a original cable TV show and thats the only place you can watch it.

If USA or TNT release a new original drama, its on peacock, HBO Max or Hulu the next day. Make Compelling shows Cable Only viewing and the tide may change a bit.

3. Stop Relying on Reality TV

I get it reality TV has a space in the media ecosystem. Compared to original productions, they are relatively cheap to produce. And people love the drama that comes with these shows. They are entertaining low brow, drama filled shows. Many with traditional character and storyline tropes.

However since they focus on real people, audience members eat it up. Networks like VH1 and Bravo are really only surviving because of their reality shows. However, at some point you have to branch out and not put all your eggs in the reality TV basket.

2. Reinvent The Cable Business

The fall of cable TV can't be solely blamed on streaming. Yes, streaming took over and many conglomerates that own these networks focused on building their own streaming app to compete with Netflix. Thus innovation, competition, and all those buzzwords went out the window. Cable networks and the industry have just been floating by since at least 2017-2018ish.

Now its time for the industry as a whole to look at itself and rebuild, reinvest, and reinvent itself for the future. The days of 500 plus channels are over. Networks that were created to serve a niche audience can't survive. The one EXPENSIVE base package for a host of channels you'll never flip to are cables Achilles heel. People are just sick of paying for a bunch of channels they'll never tap into.

Expensive ass boxes to get the cable signal. Come on at this point, they should send a fire stick ish device compatible to a particular provider and viola you have cable. 

With so much money and jobs relying on the cable TV. I'm not understanding why they just twiddle their thumbs while streaming eats them alive.

1. Cater to Gen-Z

As an older Millennial (39) it took me a minute to realize, Millennials were no longer the demographic companies are fawning over. Gen Z is now the primary demographic with Generation Alpha fast approaching on their tails. These generations like quick content, they can easily digest and keep it moving.

To be honest I'm not sure how you can combat that in long form storytelling. However I do think there are ways to bring them in. Quick adverts about network programming that resembles the short videos on tik tok and YouTube. 

Fill programming up with podcast esque shows, podcasts have taken over the daytime talk shows our grandparents watched space. It's time cable networks lean into that to their advantage.

ESPN has done it with the Pat McAfee show, what's taking other networks so long to do something similar to their targeted demographic? MTV wastes precious time slots on Ridiculousness reruns, why don't they produce original podcasts with modern musicians and stars of the past?

Cable hasn't moved forward with time or the new millennium, in a long while.

Read More

Barbershop The TV series: Gone Too Soon

 

 In the early 2000's a sleeper hit film starring Ice Cube, Eve, and Cedric the Entertainer, made people laugh, made money at the box office, and spawned a film franchise. That film was 2002's Barbershop (hard to believe that was 23 years ago), which spawned 2004's Barbershop 2: Back In Business. A belated sequel in 2016's Barbershop 3: The Next Cut. The 2005 spin-off starring Queen Latifah Beauty Shop.

And a TV series you either forgot about or never knew existed. Today is the 20th anniversary of that show called Barbershop The Series. A continuation of the film series, minus some minor adjustments all of the characters from the films were included in the show. With Omar Gooding taking over Ice Cube's role as Calvin.

It aired on Showtime for 10 episodes and had potential. Yeah some of the jokes didn't land or were outright corny, and the chemistry of the cast wasn't as good as the films. However with the ability to really spend time with the individual characters. It helped draw attention just to what the Barbershop means to the Black community.

Therapy sessions, shit talkin, relationship advice, world issues and how to fix them. You name it and its bought up in a barbershop. And the series touched on these and other areas of discussion. Unfortunately the show just didnt land and connect with audiences enough to gain traction.

Which was a shame, especially for me. My grandfather owned his own Barbershop for forty plus years and my brother is a barber. I grew up around the Barbershop and heard many interesting stories there. And could relate to the dynamics of the crew at the shop.

 I wish this short lived show had been given a chance to find its footing and build on the franchises legacy. Maybe it was just a little ahead of its time? 

It's a crime though that it did not get to explore more the strength, the wisdom, and history that comes out of a Barbershop in more detail. Prime Video recently ordered an updated series for the franchise, hopefully that finds the audience it deserves.

Read More

5 Future Members Of The Orioles Hall Of Fame

 

This past weekend The Oriole's inducted three new members into their Hall Of Fame. Long time O's broadcaster Tom Davis who hosted pre and post game shows on nearly every local broadcast from HTS (Home Team Sports), WJZ channel 13, WNUV channel 54, Comcast Sportsnet, and Masn.  

Joe Orsulak who was a bit before my time I was too young to really see him, but by all accounts he was an OK player. And finally the man himself, that exemplified the Oriole Way in the 2010's, embraced and became a part of this city. While giving so much back, and will always be synonymous with the Orioles, Adam Jones.

With these recent inductions I started thinking about former personnel that deserves to be in the O's Hall of fame. I've picked 5 people and I thought long and hard about 2 current players, Manny Machado and Cedric Mullins. Who I believe will end up there one day, but decided to focus on those removed from the game for a while. So let's get to it.

Jonathan Schoop

Jonathan Schoop joined the Oriole's organization in 2008, working his way through the minors and earning awards like The Brooks Robinson minor league player of the year award in 2011. As well as playing in the all stars future game that year.

He joined the roster full time in 2013 and alongside J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado was a dangerous infield trio. He was an integral part of their 2014 and 2016 playoff teams and made the all-star game in 2017. Traded in 2018 mid-season to the Milwaukee Brewers, his production fell off across stints with the Tigers and Twins. His time with the Orioles was a fun ride and he deserves his flowers.

Matt Weiters

Before Jackson Holliday, Matt Weiters was the blue chip prospect who would lead the Orioles to championships. He was the teams first round draft pick in 2007 with the fifth pick. A switch hitting catcher with power, the sky was the limit for him. He was called up to the majors in 2009 and bought a wave of potential and excitement with him.

While his power numbers never truly matched the hype. He was lights out when it came to throwing out baserunners, essentially daring them to run on him. During his time wearing the black and orange, he won two gold glove awards in 2011 and 2012. As well as an all-star in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2016. He left the team after the 2016 season to join the Washington Nationals, then a brief stint with the Cardinals.

In the eyes of many, he will ways be an Oriole and deserves to enter the hall.

Scott Erickson

This one I was shocked isn't already in the hall of fame. Not sure if its politics, or I hear Erickson could be prickly so that may play a part in why he's not a member yet. If they had thought about it before 2020, his recent legal troubles is probably the main reason he hasn't been inducted so far this decade.

When he joined the team in 1995 via trade, he put up respectable numbers. He then became a solid number 2 pitcher behind Mike Mussina, and had his best year in 1997. Winning 16 games and having a 3.69 era. He also became known for completing games and throwing alot of pitches that turned into ground balls.

After the 2000 season, things began to nosedive for him. With Mussina leaving after that season, Erickson missed the entire 2001 season with an injury when he had the chance to become the ace. He returned in 2003 and pitched opening day that season, but that was the highlight of his remaining time with the O's.

When he gets his personal life together, he should be inducted into the hall.

Buck Showalter 

When Buck Showalter was hired to replace Juan Samuel during the 2010 season, he bought respectability back to the organization. He also bought hope to fans, for the O's to return to their winning ways. A steady hand as manager, he guided the team to the playoffs in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Winning the AL manager of the year award in 2014.

While leading and nurturing talent like Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop, Matt Weiters, Chris Tillman, and J.J. Hardy among others. His 669 wins as Orioles manager is second only to Mr. Earl Weaver. Had he been more time to lead the team past 2018 he may have surpassed that record.

Fans miss what Buck bought to Baltimore. Sooner rather than later he deserves to put on that green jacket.

Rafael Palmerio

It's been 20 years since Rafael Palmerio's hall of fame worthy career was shattered. When he was suspended for using performance enhancing drugs. A member of the 500 home run and 3,000 hits club, its a shame his accomplishments enhanced or not went down the drain.  

During his time with the O's especially in the mid-90's. He was a fearsome middle of the order batter, and could have been in the conversation as one of the best first basemen during his era. Playing alongside Cal Ripken, Brady Anderson, Bobby Bonilla, Eddie Murphy, and B.J. Surhoff. He was a key component of the Baltimore Bombers moniker given to the team, known for hitting home runs. A problem that still haunts the team to this day.

I think its time his past mistakes are acknowledged but not held against him. If others who have done far worse in other areas of life, can still be elected or allowed to run their businesses. Rafael Palmerio should be allowed to return to Camden Yards and get his flowers.

Read More

Six Of My Favorite Road Trip Movies

 

Summer's winding down, and schools starting back up. Which means many folks are capping off their summer with a vacation. One form of vacationing thats on the rise are road trips, some reasons are financially related. Others are people want to hit several places in one trip.

This rise got me thinking about some of my favorite road trips. So here are six, that's right six of my favorite films from the road trip genre.

6. The Mitchell's vs The Machines

This one is for the whole family to enjoy. Debuting in 2021 on Netflix, and produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Who had their hands in other beloved films like Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movies, and the Into The Spider-Verse films.

The movie follows the Mitchell family en route from Michigan to California for daughter Katie to start film school. Must save the world when Machines become sentient and aim to take over humans. 

Full of laughs, lessons, and heart this one is a future classic.

5. Zombieland

This one I actually am shocked I like as much as I do. I'm not a big fan of the zombie genre, and for the longest time I kept a tight lid on a few horror-ish movies and not straying much from it. Then I gave this movie a chance.

2009's Zombieland stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abaigail Breslin. The quartet play four strangers trying to escape a zombie apocalypse and must take a road trip to a sanctuary city from zombies. Along the way they must fight, stay alive, visit Bill Murray's house.

4. Soul Men

This was Bernie Mac's last film before his passing in 2008. He went out on top in my opinion playing a character true to himself. Co-starring alongside another bad mofo in Samuel L. Jackson. The two play former band mates on the road to the famed Apollo theater, as part of a celebration for their deceased band mate.

What you get in this film is the raunchy, off the cuff bickering between the two leads. If you've never seen it, just imagine an old drunk uncle that unapologetically speaks his mind times two. Thats this movie enough of a story to keep things moving along, but the two leads are the stars going cross country

3. Tommy Boy

This 1995 film was Chris Farley's star making film, as his time on SNL was winding down. Alongside his best friend David Spade, this film was going to lead them to a road in the conversation as funniest duos in film.

Chris Farley is a guy who the only thing in life he's an overachiever in, is slacking. Never taking life serious, he must grow up fast when the fate of his father's company and the town they live in lands in his hands. He must travel across the country to market the company while Spade keeps tabs on him. 

The movies just funny and is Farley's best film ever.

2. Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

This 1985 film is the character of Pee-Wee Herman's debut and best film. I think it's one of my earliest memories of a road trip film. Pee-Wee the very eccentric man child nearly loses his mind when his beloved bicycle is stolen. He heads across the country dancing, visiting landmarks, and coming across the undead to retrieve his prized possession.

Which leads to a chase across the warner bros studio lot. Which of course would be my favorite part of the movie. It's a cautionary tale of how outlandish and unpredictable a road trip can be, even for an outlandish and unpredictable person like Pee-Wee.

1. A Goofy Movie

Seriously, what else would be number 1? This 1995 film is a 90's kid classic, that has experienced one heck of a resurgence since the start of the decade. It follows Goofy in an attempt to bond with his son Max, taking him on a road trip. Unbeknownst to Goofy, Max has his own plans in mind for the road trip.

The movie has a strong message about father's and sons. Bonding and that weird period where kids grow up and the parents may not have accepted it. What really sells the movie and has made if legendary, is the third act which ends with a fictional singer named Powerline's concert.

Which the dance routine is replicated all across social media today. While Max dressed as Powerline appears in Disney parks during the Halloween season. It's a movie kids of all ages can enjoy.

Read More

Eyes Of Wakanda My Quick Thoughts

 

The anticipated Marvel animated series Eyes OF Wakanda landed last Friday on Disney plus. And it landed with a thud sadly. At only four episodes, the animation is beautiful and bright but the story left a lot to be desired. 

The series is anthology focused and its basic premise follows members of Wakanda's War Dogs throughout various moments in history protecting Wakanda's artifacts and secrets. It loosely connects with other MCU properties in one episode. And everything ties together and connects to the MCU again in episode four.

Which is fine and all, but it just never clicks really. And I think fan's expected something else when the series was announced. I know I for one thought we would actually get to explore Wakanda through the series. The history and the culture of this beautiful fictional land along with the technology vibranium offers them.

You know see previous Black Panthers not named T'Chaka. Or even eventually see a young T'Chaka in action. T'Chaka & N'Jobu's relationship as kids to young adults before N'Jobu left for America. Learn more about the tribes and the Jabari tribe's conflict with the rest of the country. See Wakanda defend themselves against a infiltrator. Or even how Howard Stark was able to obtain vibranium for Cap's shield during World War II.

While I can see what they were trying to do with the series. It just didn't work and I'm not sure if four episodes was the plan all along or something occured to force that change. I do hope if Ryan Coogler and Disney decide to revisit the series, they make some changes to give the people what they truly want. More Wakanda and all the stories that can be told there.

Read More

Clueless-30 Years Later Random Thoughts

 

Today marks 30 years of Clueless starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, and the late Brittany Murphy. The film is a classic, one of the best teen movies and arguably the best and most influential teen movie of the 1990's. A case definitely could be made for American Pie, and maybe She's All That, but neither are as influential as this movie.

In celebration I decided to watch the movie for the 10,000th time, and offer 30 random thoughts on it.

1. Rich or not, the opening montage really gave a 9 year old kid, a false sense of how my teen years would be.

2. Cher picking her outfit for the day through the power of her computer, was ahead of its time.

3. Dionne's intro attire is still iconic. It's a Halloween staple, my wife and I plan to dress up as Dionne and Murray one year. She will be wearing that dress.

4. It was clever for the Christian character to be introduced via word of mouth. Before we actually got to see him, it seemed like a throwaway line but was brilliant.

5. Who would have thought 20 years later, the slacker step-brother would be saving the world with an ant army.

6. The joke of everyone reaching for their cell phone at the dinner table, didnt age too well.

7. When you think about it, Cher was very resourceful and cunning at 15 years old. I wish I had the negotiation skills at that age, hell even now.

8. Tai's introduction to her fellow classmates is very real. People just stare at you and never say hello these days.

9. Maybe its a Hollywood trope, maybe its a cultural thing. Maybe I didnt care enough in school. My high school experience did not involve alot of "cliques".

10. All these years later, I've never figured out if Dionne just tolerated Tai but couldnt stand some of her quirks. Or she really didn't like her.

11. No matter what role he's in, Jeremy Sisto will always be Elton to me.

12. I shouldnt have known this as a 9 year old, but it took me a few years to realize Travis was a pothead.

13. It's evident the character Summer was apart of Cher's circle. I feel like she was involved more in the film in previous drafts, but when edits and cuts needed to be made. That role was minimized.

14. On that note, Amber was simply a major antagonist in the film. Not even an antagonist, she was just competition for Cher. I'm glad she got some character development in the TV series.

15. I don't know much about The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, couldn't name 5 songs of theirs. When they are playing Someday I Suppose, I wanted to be at that party.

16. The freeway scene definitely played in my head when I first learned to drive, and getting on the highway came up.

17. Speaking of Dionne and Murray were a hilarious couple. In a random, where are those characters now moment? I wonder how many kids they have and if they still bicker all the time?

18. Tai's sudden popularity and personality change, definitely took plot points from 1987's Can't Buy Me Love.

19. Though the scene and joke is meant to show how much Cher lives in her bubble, The "I am not a Mexican" line would not fly today.

20. When it comes to words that cut deep, Tai's most famous line is classic.

21. Never noticed Cher was drinking Starbucks, which probably was no more than 5 years old at that point. Again, ahead of it's time.

22. Also, amazing how once Cher and Tai become friends again. She's already plotting that Tai no longer is interested in Josh.

23.Although they are not blood related, I still will never understand how Cher and Josh becoming a couple was approved throughout the entire filmmaking process.

24. Not only that, Josh is a college student but it's never really confirmed how old he actually is. Did anyone think of these things?

25. I never realized until now that Ms. Geist and Mr. Hall's wedding was probably at Cher's house.

26. Lucy the housekeeper waiting for the bouquet to be thrown, in her work attire caught my eye, and made me go hmmmm.

27. I wonder how much Cher's dad charged them to have at their home.

28.Tenderness by the duo General Public was about 10 years old when it played over the end credits. It still hits all these years later.

29. Twink Caplan who played Ms. Geist was an associate producer on the film, and an executive producer on the spin-off TV show. Hot damn she was Kristie Alley's best friend in Look Who's Talking 1 and 2.  Random things you learn.

30. Speaking of the TV show, it ran for three seasons from 1996-1999 first on ABC and then UPN. While not a great series it helped build the world and lore the film had set, and Tubi or Pluto need to grab the rights to it.

Read More

5 Nintendo Video Games Ready For Hollywood

Nintendo is going full steam ahead on making movies for their IP's, after the success of Super Mario Bros. in 2023. A sequel is due next year with a Legend Of Zelda movie due in 2027. And Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa hinting at more movies on the horizon. 

Now news has leaked that a Donkey Kong movie is in the works. With three of Nintendo's biggest properties prime for movies. I decided to take a look at 5 other popular Nintendo characters/franchises that could warrant a movie.

F-Zero

F-Zero was a series of racing games, where the vehicles hovered instead of being on road tools. So throw in some cool well designed hover cars, and set the races across different planets like the game. There is a potential gold mine on the horizon.

Now racing movies can be very bland and feel unnecessary. So proper story and character development would have to be done. It could work though to revive the brand for a new generation.

Bowser aka King Koopa

The Donkey Kong movie will be a spin-off of Mario Bros. So it would only be right to continue the Mario Bros movie-verse, with a spin-off for Bowser. Hollywood loves a good origin story for villains, explaining how they got to be devious and diabolical. Let's see how Bowser became King Koopa.

Star Fox

I'll admit I don't remember hearing of StarFox until the game was released on Nintendo 64. Apparently the franchise dates back to Super Nintendo in 1993 with the last release in 2017. With a plot that's prime for a animated movie.

Following an anthropomorphic fox named Fox McCloud an fighter pilot in outer space. Alongside his team made up of different species they set out to save the Lylat galaxy and prevent a war.

Kirby

Kirby maybe considered the "cute" mascot of Nintendo characters. He's probably the companies second most known character behind the Mario Bros. Kirby can shape shift and express different emotions. Going from cuddly to fierce in a blink of a eye. 

His ability to inhale enemies and objects creates opportunity to funny visuals. Perfect fodder for a movie that could cater to younger fans. 

Metroid

Metroid walked so Halo could run. The first game was released in 1986 on Nintendo. It follows a galactic bounty hunter named Samus Aran battling a destructive species called Metroids. At the same time fending off other forces who want to use the Metroids abilities to make weapons.

With elements like Mario Bros and Zelda, Metroid is prime for an action adventure film. Let's get to it.

Read More