January 31st Entertainment Anniversaries

Today is my 40th anniversary and typical fashion true to me. I decided to sort through the history books and see what landmark events, happened in the entertainment world on this day. 

1986

Down and out In Beverly Hills starred Richard Dreyfuss, Bette Midler, and Nick Notle turns 40 today. It follows a homeless man taken in by a rich family and turns their lives upside down. The film was a hit and even spawned a TV series a year later.

1988

The Wonder Years debuted on ABC network following Super Bowl XXII. The successful coming of age series starring Fred Savage ran until 1993.

1992

Capitol Critters was a smart adult oriented cartoon series that debuted on ABC. It followed a band of rats who resided in the basement of the White House. It sadly didnt capture a audience and was cancelled after 13 episodes. It gained a brief second life on Cartoon Network during its early years, but has disappeared to the land of time.

1993

Homicide Life On The Streets debuted on NBC in 1993. The long running cop drama based in my hometown of Baltimore ran until 1999. It also spawned a TV movie in 2000 and is still beloved today.

1997

In 1997 as technology was advancing, the Star Wars Special Edition released. This polarizing film updated the CGI and scenes that just were not possible when the original was released in 1977. It was essentially George Lucas remixing his film and peeps were not happy.

Over in the video game world, Final Fantasy VII released on the original Playstation. This highly acclaimed edition of the Final Fantasy series, was regarded for its story and cutting edge graphics (for its time).

1998

HBO's original film GIA starring Angelina Jolie debuted in 1998. Based on the true story of one of the first supermodel's Gia Carangi. Detailing his rise and descent in the industry.

1999

Seth McFarlane's long running and influential animated series Family Guy debuted on Fox in 1999. Following Super Bowl XXXIII where the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons. The series is still kicking and has produced two spin-offs and several specials, while gaining a hold on pop culture.

2000

Monday Night Raw the shocking WWF debut of Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn. Who all had just abruptly left WCW made an immediate impact. First appearing in the front row, then laying out D-X.

2003

The cult classic Biker Boyz Premeiered in Theaters. Highlighting motorcycle clubs particularly Black motorcycle clubs and motorists. With a focus on father and sons and how generations do things differently to get the same goal.

Final Destination 2 probably the most debatable film in the series, with whether its truly good or not was released. Continuing the story of cheating death and how it doesn't work out in the end.

The Recruit was a spy thriller starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell. Farrell plays a new CIA recruit training at their "farm" and trying to find answers about his father's death. He spirals deep into places he didnt plan to.

2011

Lie to Me a TV dramas starring Tim Roth aired its final episode on Fox. Ending a three year run for the show, which followed Roth as a investigator alongside his crew helping solve cases through applied psychology.

2012

Comedy Central's second greatest sketch comedy show debuted on the network in 2012. Key & Peele ran for 5 years, and was just as funny and influential as The Chappelle Show. Leaving a legacy of skits still referenced today.

2013

NBC's long running and successful sitcom based on SNL, 30 Rock aired its Series Finale after a 7 season run. 

2014

This hidden gem romantic comedy starring Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, and Miles Teller released in 2014. Following 3 friends navigating different stages of relationships in their twenties.

2020

One of Netflix's earliest animated hits Bojack Horsemen aired its series finale in 2020. Ending its 6 season run on the network, and letting audiences know Netflix could tackle the adult animated series world.

A fantasy horror film based on the fairy tale Hansel & Gretel. This film follows the siblings as they get lost in the woods and head to the evil witches house. It didn't fare too well when it released, but has gained a cult following since.

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40 Random Things That Make Me, Me!

I enter a new decade later this week, turning the big 4-0. One thing I can say about getting older is you understand yourself more and embrace them. The quirks you have, things that make you tick. Things that annoy you, and what keeps you pushing. 

I decided to write a quick blog of some my quirks, annoyances, get off my lawn moments and generally things that make me, Me!

40. I'm not picky about much, but I will pull onto several shopping carts until I find the right one.

39. People who post their cashapp for their birthday annoy me, its borderline begging.

38. Unless you have a "vintage" car, why are people still holding their phone in they're hand while driving?

37. People who go out of their way to make it known they don't celebrate certain holidays. We get it, let me eat my hot dog in peace.

36. This whole subscription model for every damn thing, is sickening.

35. People who still 100% hold onto political party affiliations, I really wonder about. The two biggest gangs in the world are playing us all.

34. When a app signs me out, and Now I gotta remember the password or reset it. 🤬

33. I parked away from the entrance for a reason. Why do people have to park right NEXT to me?

32. I'm sick of these beat up Hondas thinking they are Dominic toretto on the road.

31. More than 5-10 things to watch in my streaming queues, stressess me out. I eventually remove them all and start over.

30. If franchises in airports & malls can't accept gift cards, where are the damn signs letting me know? Before I pull my gift card out.

29. I randomly quote lines from movies, and I get a little disappointed if no one catches it.

28. Talking to me without starting with a greeting, grinds my gears. Especially if we dont know each other/ have a rapport.

27. People that dart out in front of you on the road, then go 5 miles an hour....are bitches!

26. I can't do loud music in the car no more, it needs to be a respectable volume for you to listen but not overbearing.

25. People who slide when they walk...my goodness!!! Pick your damn feet up!

24. Call me old school, but I still love physical media and books.

23. Why do people still litter when it's trash cans every damn where?

22. When did wearing air pods while driving become a thing?

21. I'm sick of these damn bonnets and PJ'S in public. It's the middle of the day damnit!

20. Why do people have to drive around every little dip they see in the road?

19. Do these kids know how to put in work to reach a goal anymore?

18. Speaking of kids working. Why are these kids making $15 a hour at 15 years old?

17. Chain messages...don't involve me in chain messages via text or social media post.

16. If I can only talk to a service provider through a email exchange, I'm cutting them off.

15. People who talk on speaker in public have mental illness.

14. People who play their music in public without headphones, assholes.

13. I wish these kids get rid of the shiesty masks.

12. People who post every little slight against them in life on social media, need attention bad.

11. Let me hold a menu to figure out what I want to eat, not scroll through a app.

10. Speaking of, Why does everything need a app now?

9. I hate loyalty apps that don't let you upload your receipt for points, if you forgot to scan at the register. What good are they?

8. I really hate when people are at the register yapping on the phone. Your slowing down the process.

7. I be no means am a social butterfly, but common social skills are non-existant these days.

6. If you eat at a fast food/quick stop restaurant take your trash when you leave the table.

5. I watched YouTube clips of my favorite movies over and over. Like I havent seen the movie a thousand times.

4. People who lack self awareness, especially over 30. Need help!

3. Sounds very cliché, but at this point in my life, I just want peace. I want minimum bother of dumb shit and be left alone.

2. People that just complain! Especially for every little thing. Life is hard enough I don't need you complaining cause the store didn't have a small box of Applejacks.

1. Whether its bills, credit scores, work or other stuff. Everything in this world is designed to keep you stressed. Give everything a big F-U!

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Dont Be A Menace: 30 Years, 10 Funniest Scenes

Today is the 30th anniversary of The Wayans Bros. Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood. An long outlandish title that everyone just calls Don't Be A Menace. If you ask me this spoof of 90's "hood" movies, is a top 3 film from the Wayans family. And the best spoof ever created by the family. 

I'm Gonna Git You Sucka kickstarted Keenan Ivory Wayans career, which led to the classic sketch show In Living Color. He bought his family along for the ride.

While Scary Movie put Shawn and Marlon into the stratosphere of pop culture in the early 2000's. By the way, I think they will bring the franchise back to glory with the upcoming sequel Scary Movie 6.

Don't Be A Menace though took from the foundation of I'm Gonna Git You Sucka while laying the groundwork for Scary Movie, and is overall a better film. While making the most complete spoof ever. In honor of the film here are ten of the funniest scenes.

10. Liquor Store

A funny scene not only for the line and antics. Also for the social commentary regarding the profiling of young Black men particularly in Asian owned stores. While other races rob them blind, showing the Wayans are as smart as they are funny.

9. You Are Not The Father

A few years before the talk show Maury became famous, for its paternity test episodes. The Wayans may have gave him the idea, with this simple yet funny scene.

8. Grandma

An old grandmother thats battle tested and an "OG" of the streets. Testing her grandson, when I first saw this scene I thought it was the craziest thing ever.

7. Hotep Jungle Fever 

Before Hotep was a word, the Wayans took aim at seemingly pro Black men who are attracted to women of other races. Highlighting the walking contradiction some of these guys are.

6. Father & Son Talk

Imagine having a talk with your father, and he purposely gives you all the bad advice in the world. Thats this scene lol.

5. Sunday Sermon

Another social commentary riff. This time on pastors who seem to have it all, while their congregation struggles. Comedian Lester Barrie also gave this scene his all.

4. Stomping Toothpicks Boy

In a spoof of a scene taken right from the 1993 film Menace II Society. Even using the same actor, The Wayans offer the most childish "beat down" ever.

3. Father & Son Haircut

In one of the first displays of how "off the wall" the world in the film is. Ashtray played by Shawn Wayans has a talk with his father, who he is actually older than. Taking from Boyz 'N The Hood, the bonding scene produces strange topics. 

Not only that Easter eggs for eagle eyed viewers like plastic slip covers over everything. Which was a running joke in Black households, especially if the household is ran by the grandparents.

2. Gang Initation Scene

A true upside down on the idea of a gang initiation. Jump Roping?

1. Officer Self Hate

Another character spoofing Boyz 'N The Hood. Bernie Mac steals the show as a self-hating Black man who happens to be a police officer. He has no problem sharing how much he hates himself and asserting his power as a cop. Though its played for laughs perfectly, it also sheds light on a serious issue.

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The Movie Theater Experience Isn't Dead

 

If you're a frequent reader of this blog, then you know I am a huge movie buff. I've been seeing alot of Doom and gloom articles about the state of movie theaters. Predicting one day they will no longer be around, as more and more people prefer streaming. Now I won't lie the theater industry does look bleak right now.

Theaters were hit with the pandemic in 2020, and as the industry slowly crawled up from the gut punch that gave. Then came a left hook of the Hollywood strikes with the writers and actors union respectively in 2023. 

Even before the pandemic and the strikes, there was a problem that still exists today. Hollywood isn't supplying adequate movies to fill theaters. They moved everything to streaming with the exception of big budget movies, namely superhero films. Which after Avengers: Endgame began experiencing consumer fatigue. You'll get a drama here and there, family films, and belated sequels. But romantic comedies, comedies, and other genres are few and far between. Theaters have resorted to playing classic films for anniversaries or just because, to help stop the bleeding.

Add the prices of concessions and its easy to see why theaters are struggling right now. However, New Year's Day I went to see the Stranger Things Finale in theaters and it was packed. And the concessions was busy handling the multiple showtimes, and more people were coming in as we were leaving for their showtimes.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and ate their concessions while watching the closure of a beloved show. A show they could have easily watched at home, but wanted to experience in a theater. 

Hollywood should take heed, movie theaters aren't dead. You have to give people a reason to come to the movies. Not just for the tent pole films, but in general. When I saw two "old" films I grew up on 1985's The Last Dragon on a Sunday night in October and 1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on a Sunday afternoon in August. Both theaters were packed!

People enjoy the experience, there just hasn't been much to experience lately. And that falls on Hollywood, yes Netflix disrupted the industry but much like linear TV Hollywood didn't put up much of a fight.

If movie theatres were to cease to exist, eventually people would turn on the streaming only model in droves. Much like the current backlash brewing against these subscription models and consumers not actually owning any media.

I personally think the days of huge megaplex's may be numbered, but the coziness of theaters are still desired. Grabbing your insanely marked up bag of popcorn, overpriced drink and watching a movie on a huge screen with the lights lowered. Is an amazing experience that can survive, it just needs to be fed.

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People Of Earth Gone Too Soon

 

January 2nd is National Science Fiction Day, the same day as Isaac Asimov one of the greatest sci-fi writers birthday. To celebrate I'm gonna honor a sitcom that was gone too soon.

2016's People Of Earth was an ensemble comedy on the TBS network. It followed a support group in Beacon, New York known as "starcrossed". All the members need support from their various alien abductions. Skeptical at first journalist Ozzie Graham, slowly starts to believe the members of the support group.

Then he slowly starts realizing he may have alot in common with this group. And learns first hand there's more out there than planet earth.

The sitcom had that same dry humor made popular by The Office. And started building its own mythology throughout its episodes. It was outlandish but believable. It lasted for two seasons, and a third was planned and developed before TBS changed course and abruptly canceled it.

It had a small but loyal following during a time people were starting to chuck the deuces to cable. Which is a shame because the sitcom deserved so much more. You can't even watch it on streaming unless you pay for the episodes individually, which is an even bigger crime. So much story potential lost, People Of Earth was gone too soon.

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