Why Black Millennials Still Love Insecure 10 Years Later

 

Insecure recently celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this month. I want to take a moment to celebrate this amazing show and its run. Created by Issa Rae who gained fame on YouTube with Akward Black Girl, the show was a true moment for young Black Millennials.

When the show debuted, many of us were at the age where major life milestones were happening or not. Making Insecure one of, if not the first show most Millennials could relate to as adults.

The show touched on the typical relationship, situationship, damn why did I do that? Subjects. Along with casual dating, hoe phases and everything in between. But it also touched on real life matters in humorous ways. How millennials did everything right as far as attending college. Yet, still can't get ahead. With both Issa and her boyfriend Lawrence either not working or in dead end jobs, for a period of the show.

The stress that brings with the stress of bills. Friendships changing, not because of squabbles but just life shifting. Celebrating friends wins and milestones, wondering when it's gonna be your turn. And hell even still being relatively young in your late 20s-early 30s, and still contemplating are you running out of time?

The breakup between relationships but not friendship, when you have the same circle of friends. It can messy there.

The show was genuine, funny, had several oh damn moments. While also paying homage to shows and movies before it. And making all of us Black Millennials realize we weren't alone in the struggle. Those five seasons were gold, and it's why 10 years later we still love the show.

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5 Fighting Games That Could Become Movies

Paramount's Street Fighter released this past weekend. The third live action attempt to do right by the franchise. While I had a couple issues with the film (no real plot, film all over the place), I took it for what it was and enjoyed it. It's miles above the 2010 film and even more campy and silly than the 1994 film starring Jean Claude Van Damme and Rual Julia.

While a sequel is likely on the horizon. I started thinking about something Hollywood loves to do when a film is successful. Find copycat films and franchises to make. So with that here are 5 video game franchise, I think have potential to become movies.

 Primal Rage

This would have to be animated because the plot is so absurd. The plot of the game existed in a alternate version of Earth, called Urth. Devastated by a Meteor strike nearly wiping out humans, but the ones who survived worship prehistoric animals with supernatural powers.

These creatures fight one another with the fate of the planet, in the winners hands. Like I said very out there and absurd. It could be a very fun film though.

SoulCalibur

SoulCalibur first released in 1998 and since then has built a franchise with 7 main titles and some spin-off titles. The premise of the games are built around swords. Namely the souledge sword which is a personification of evil, the sword itself and the person who holds it. And the soulcalbur which is used to fend off that evil.

The games are typically set in the 16th and 17th century when swords were the weapons of choice. Some high octane action sequences with masterful swordplay. May have folks signing up for classes to learn how to wield swords.

The King of Fighters

The King Of Fighters was released in 1994 and since then has spawned 14 additional games. The premise of the game is a fighting tournament, but not one on one tournaments. It's teams of 3 against each other in these matchups.

Which could explore themes like jealousy, collaboration, brotherhood, and all the teamwork tangible in the world. Life lessons against the backdrop of exciting fights. Could be a good time.

Def Jam: Vendetta

Due to a variety of reasons the Def Jam brand is not as strong or popular as it once was. That doesn't mean a new generation couldn't admire it for the first time. And that's where Vendetta comes into play.

The 2003 video game featured the protagonist (who I don't remember actually having a name). Facing off against actually rap artists such as DMX, Method Man, Ludacris, N.O.R.E. and more through the streets of New York. It was popular enough to get a sequel just a year later.

A movie with a hard hitting soundtrack, a few cameos from rappers and singers. Some fun fights that doesnt take itself too serious, and audiences could be in for a good time.

Double Dragon

When it comes to fighting video games, Double Dragon is an OG game. One of the first fighting arcade games in 1987, it laid the foundation for Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and other popular fighting games. The plot follows two brothers fighting threwthe mean streets of their town. Much of the crime ran by overlord Willy Macky in the video game. And martial arts crime boss Shadowboss in the animated series.

The 1994 film has been mangled over the years for its campiness, and deviations from the source material. However to this day it is a cult classic and acknowledged as a product of its time. If Street Fighter is now on its third try, getting a film adaption right. Double Dragon deserves another chance.

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5 Underrated Action Horror Movies

It's spooky season, one of the most fun times of the year. When most folks sit down to watch a movie this time of year, their aiming for the straight up horror films, maybe a little comedic horror film, or a family friendly one. Which leaves the action horror genre to get left behind.

Fear not, I'm here to provide you with some films in that genre. They aren't the most popular or the best, but something quick to watch just to be entertained. It gets the job done, here are 5 underrated action horror movies.

Dylan Dog: Day Of Night

This 2010 film starred Brandon Routh who was trying to reinvent himself and move on, from his failed run as Superman. He took on this film inspired by the comic book, about a New Orleans detective who investigates crimes from the undead. The creatures of the night like vampires, zombies, and werewolves.

Taking on a investigation he stumbles into a ancient artifact wanted by vampires. And sets out to protect it and solve his original case. It's more silly and comedic than a straight up action horror film. However if you don't mind a good laugh with your werewolve sightings, this film is as good as any.

It's currently available on tubi.

Ghosts of Mars 

This 2001 film was written and directed by horror legend John Carpenter. It's trailer is actually better than the movie, but that doesnt mean the film was horrible. Starring Ice Cube, Jason Statham, Pam Grier, and Natasha Henstridge. It follows a police unit sent to Mars to transport a criminal.

Well Mars has other plans. Ancient spirits of Mars take over human bodies on this small colony and are on the hunt. The hunt for other humans leading to a battle for survival. It actually has some cool action scenes in the film. It's definitely a product of it's time with some corny jokes sprinkled in.

Currently if you wanna watch it, its only available to buy/rent on streaming services.

Planet Terror

Robert Rodriguez is a gifted filmmaker with a polarizing record. You either love his films or hate them, with very much in the middle. His 2007 Planet Terror is one I was initially eh on and learned to enjoy. It's very off the wall and is a call back to those late night B movies you'd find on local stations or cable TV.

Set in a small Texas town, a biochemical agent is exposed to the town. Cause citizens to turn into zombies with a thirst for blood. Rose McGowan leads the charge to save the day, as a one legged go go dancer. Who soon turns that leg into a weapon of destruction.

Like I said straight B movie vibes and campy. Give it a shot you'll love it.

Doom

The 2005 video game adaption starring Karl Urban and The Rock was widely panned by critics and fans upon its release. One thing it was praised for though was its first person shooter point of view, true to the game its adapted from.

The film follows a elite space marine unit, sent to Mars to respond to a distress signal. Well they got more than they bargained for on the red planet. And all hell breaks loose. The film is harmless action fun when you turn your brain off. Making it just right for spooky season.

It's currently available on Starz through cable providers or the app.

Tales From The Crypt: Demon Knight

The beloved Tales From The Crypt franchise produced two films in the 90's. The first film was 1995's Demon Knight. A campy mid-level film starring William Sadler, Billy Zane, & Jada Pinkett Smith. It features Sadler as a military vet guarding a key that could eradicate evil.

Zane is The Collector hell bent on getting that key. And Pinkett Smith is one of several inhabitants of a boarding house caught up in the mix. In true Crypt fashion it is a campy, but fun action film that has flown under the radar.

It's currently streaming on peacock

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D3 Is Better Than You Remember

 

It's the 30th Anniversary of D3 The Mighty Ducks, the final film of the Mighty Ducks trilogy and probably the least revered one out of the three. While the original is a Millennial classic and the greatest Kids sport film ever. D2 raised the stakes just enough and people still loved it. D3 same beat, same formula and its not as beloved.

Yet, I don't understand why that is. Because truthfully D3 has the best main plot of the three films. It's a film about change, growing up, and the pains that come with it. Something we all experience in life. The Ducks are now teenagers, entering a private school on scholarship a completely new world to all of them. And a new coach who is more stern and a hardass then Coach Bombay was. He has his own views on how hockey should played, and the team primarily Charile have a hard time adjusting.

In truth Charlie doesn't want to grow up, he's still holding on to his younger years and the "Duck" way of doing things. And Coach Bombay was the father figure in his life, and him moving on Charlie feels like he abandoned the team but most importantly him. Some deep stuff beneath the surface of a kid oriented hockey film.

Of course Coach Bombay proves otherwise and comes through in the clutch to legally save the team, one of the better scenes in the movie. Only behind a scene spearheaded by Jeffrey Nordling who plays Coach Ted Orion, in a beautifully crafted scene comparing hockey to life. If I was a youth sports coach I would show that scene to my team for the motivation. And the older I've gotten I appreciate that scene so much more and all the gems in it.

Simply put on this 30th Anniversary, D3 deserves so much more love than what has come its way. It truly is a early lesson about life, change, and preserverance. It is a classic in its own right.

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We Need A UPN & WB Documentary

 

Last week marked 20 years since the CW hit the airwaves. The network was born out of UPN and the WB network ceasing operations and merging. Honestly looking at how the media landscape has changed in the past 20 years, it was the right decision. Had both netlets continued operating, streaming would have definitely decimated both.

The 20th anniversary of the CW, got me thinking. We are past due for a documentary on both UPN and WB and what happened leading to them being forced to merge. Especially right now with 2000s nostalgia starting to catch more heat, and for what these streaming apps are charging their content lacking.

Both networks were owned by major media conglomerates and served a niche audience. The WB debuted in 1995 and was owned by Time Warner and in its initial years catered to families with shows like 7th Heaven, and Black audiences with sitcoms like The Wayans Brothers, Jamie Foxx Show, and Steve Harvey Show. They even had a funny Married With Children rip-off show called Unhappily Ever After. Complete with a fun intro (sitcoms today are really missing that factor).

The network then found its lane that gave the WB its greatest success, teen and young adult oriented programming starting with Dawson's Creek. Alongside shows through the years like Gilmore Girls, Smallville, One Tree Hill, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Felicity to name a few. It became the core to the networks DNA and eventually the CW's.

UPN stood for United Paramount Network and was co-owned by Paramount later Viacom and a indy TV station magnet named Chris Craft. Debuting in 1995 as well the network used its Paramount connection to make Star Trek a focal point of the network. Starting with Star Trek Voyager. Leading the way for other sci-fi shows like 7 Days (super underrated show), Special Unit 2, Jake 2.0, and Star Trek: Enterprise.

The networks bread and butter though were first Black sitcoms. Starting with Moesha starring teenage r&b singer Brandy which debuted in 1996. Other successful sitcoms followed like spin-off The Parkers. Girlfriends, Half & Half, One on One, Everybody Hates Chris, and Malcolm & Eddie.

The next bread and butter started in1999 at the height of the attitude era, the then WWF debuted Smackdown on the network. That gave the network some crossover appeal to assist their other shows. It was their highest rated program every year. Smackdown ran on the network until it ceased operating.

Last up to bat, was reality show America's Next Top Model starring Tyra Banks. This is back when reality shows really started taking off in the early 2000s. This competition was the networks first reality show hit debuting in 2003 and running for six seasons, before moving to the CW. Netflix released a documentary on the series earlier this year.

With these niche audiences, both networks had some success but just could never truly compete with the big four TV networks. We need to know why, what happened in the TV landscape that caused it. Since its been 30 plus years since the networks debuted, we need a documentary honoring them and what they bought to broadcast TV. The players involved in making things happen and the legacy both networks left behind.

Damnit we need a documentary!

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The Orioles Can't Get Right

 The MLB regular season is over and after a rain canceled last game yesterday, the O's finish the season 79-82 and in fourth place in the AL East. Which to be fair and honest, is a better record than what alot of people anticipated. However, although no one who pays attention honestly expected the team to make the playoffs this year, we expected a bit more than what we got. I've yelled to the sky too many times about the problems that continue to plague the Orioles, and I've come to realize they just cannot get out of their own way.

I've wrote about it before, but time for Elias to go. He's made some good signings (Polar Bear Pete) and seems to make good, conscious draft decisions. However, the system he's built and continued overreliance on analytics has been a detremint to the team. The player development just doesnt produce the results we would expect from high draft picks. After a continual decline, Adley Rutschman was traded to the Red Sox (which to be fair, I didnt mind that trade at all) and seems to have turned things around. Pitching continues to be a achilles heel for the team, which I still attribute to Mike Mussina. And Mike continues to make what the hell decisions?

Albernez as a first year manager was going to have growing pains, that's the nature of any job. Especially a first time leadership job, no matter how good of a leuitetant you were. However, the regression of stars like Gunnar and some of the most asinine decisions on the field players made. You often wondered what kind of message he was giving the team. Combined with his responses to the media and some of his lineup decisions. You had to wonder this was the best candidate during the interview process?

Then there's Rubenstein, who gave us hope a true new era was upon us when he bought the team in early 2024. Now he's a very smart businessman, and I'm sure he didn't want to come in and start making drastic changes. 2027 will be his fourth season as owner (barring we have a season), and he continues to support Elias while the team underperforms. The side eyes will be even more heavy as we expect a different approach from this new ownership group.

Then there are the players themselves. Look 162 games during the hottest time of the year is a task, mentally and physically. There are bound to be injuries, hitless streaks and other outside factors that affect performances. However, it often looked like the team as a while lacked fundamentals and a good IQ of the game. Baseball is a very situtational game, and sometimes the situation was a stinker. Hopefully they watch their game film, work on their reps and come back a bit better next season.

All these factors combined with the notorious history of the team the last 30 years. Continual pitching woes and inability to sign and develop true aces. The overreliance on analytics, and signings they can get on the low. Making the playoffs and then completely tanking. I'm convinced more than ever, they just can't get out of their own way. They are in fact the can't get right team of major league baseball.

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We Needed Heroes

 

20 years ago today, Heroes crash landed on NBC and I think made the world fall in love with superheroes again. The action drama series with an original story, followed a group of ordinary humans. Who one by one discover they have superpowers and their lives connect, trying to stop a extinction level event.

With a cryptic tagline "Save The Cheerleader, Save The World", the series was clearly heavily influenced by comic books. The series built out its own mythology. It had a compelling storyline, and a sinister villain in Sylar played by Zachary Quinto. The first season had audiences hooked leading to that heroic team up moment in the finale.

Along the way we got plot points like government cover ups, characters on the run, sibling relationships, lost and grief, and more. And for a 2006 television show quality fights and graphics.

The series produced three additional seasons after the masterpiece of season one. All with an overarching theme (a comic book staple), season 2 dubbed "Generations", season 3 was "Villains" and season 4 "redemption". Again, all comic book tropes. There were webispodes to help further tell the story of the series. Even a reboot in 2015 Heroes Reborn, but by then other superhero shows took viewers attention elsewhere.

While the quality of each season went down for various reasons, you could tell alot of love, care and effort went into each season.

Heroes debuted 2 years before Iron Man blasted open the MCU and superheroes were cool again. Honestly I think the show helped people remember how good superhero mediums are and can be. Laying a foundation for the MCU to take off and six years down the road, CW's Arrowverse (expect a blog on that later).

With it being the 20th anniversary of the series and it was a big deal in its time. I'm kind of shocked there has been no celebrations around it. Not sure if the recent death of Hayden Panettiere squashed any plans, if there were any. We should acknowledge how great that show was in its time and what it did for superheroes on TV for the future.

We needed Hereoes and didn't realize it.

If you've never seen the show it is currently avaliable on tubi.

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Ben Affleck's Batman Is Underrated

 

It's Batman Day, where we celebrate my favorite superhero Batman! Is he the greatest superhero? That's honestly up for debate but the character is the goat in my opinion.

Another topic often up for debate regarding Batman, is who's the better big screen Batman? Michael Keaton or Christian Bale. That conversation happened recently with some friends, and kickstarted this article regarding a Batman I feel is severely underrated.

That is Ben Affleck's 2010's Batman. Affleck's characterization of Bruce Wayne/Batman was that of a crime fighting veteran. Worn down and a bit jaded by all he has seen and experienced over the years during his superhero escapades. A component of Batman we hadn't seen on the big screen before.

While I enjoyed that version of Batman and thought Affleck did a serviceable job. The real reason he isnt given enough credit is because of the films he was in. With the exception of 2017's Wonder Woman, all of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies were mid and flawed. And some left such a bad taste in audiences mouth, they rejected anything in it (2023's The Flash).

Affleck appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice, Justice League, a very brief cameo in Suicide Squad, and The Flash. All polarizing films which means Affleck wasn't given a fair shake. He was poised to eventually get his own standalone film as Batman, but that fell through as the DCEU crumbled.

I truly believe had he starred in his own film, fans perceptions of his portrayal would be different. For right now many rank him near the bottom of the barrel when it comes to Batman portrayals, right next to George Clooney. When in reality he was far better in that role than given credit for.

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2016 Bought Us These TV Gems

 Another Fall TV season is upon us, and I'm not sure if there aren't any new good shows on the horizon. I haven't been paying attention, or networks have thrown in the towel and just don't promote new series very much anymore. I couldn't tell you one new show that will debut this fall season.

What I can tell you though, is about 2016 and television. I started researching shows that debuted in the fall that year, and went down a rabbit whole of shows that debuted throughout the year. Man, that year with the rise of streaming and network and cable TV still in the fight. Bought us some major heavy hitters that are still loved today, and makes you say damn its been that long? Let's dive into the gems in television 2016 gave us.

The Crown

While it wasn't my cup of tea, Netflix's The Crown which told the story of Queen Elizabeth in her younger years, and the Royal family escapades. Became a major hit for the streamer and lasted 6 seasons.

Legends Of Tomorrow

In the mid-2010s when it came to superheroes and TV, the CW Arrowverse was unmatched. So its not surprising they took a time traveling show featuring mostly B characters from the DC lore and made it work. Running for 7 seasons, the show did tail off but that first season was a work of art

Luke Cage

When Marvel and Netflix partnered up to bring the MCU to the streamer, on the "ground" level. They couldn't have picked a better superhero to kickstart the iniative. Released September 30th, 2016 Cage proved to be a bad ass superhero Harlem needed.

Cage's success and long term plans led to associated shows which led to a eventual Defenders series. Yet, nothing was as good as the first season of Luke Cage.

Billions

Billions was a major hit for the showtime network (sad how far that network has fallen). It followed the world of hedge funds and corruption, which if you read headlines is like a every second occurrence. Paul Giamatti shines as a U.S. states attorney after a billionaire played by Damian Lewis.

In a show that covered the corruption of wall street and designed to make you hate billionaires. It sure had the opposite effect as audiences flocked in every week for the show, which ran for 7 seasons.

Westworld

HBO's sci fi dystopia series Westworld, was based on a film from the 1970's. Set at a adult theme park featuring androids, the series had a cast of heavy hitters. Along with thought provoking stories regarding humans dependence on technology. It last for four seasons but only produced 36 episodes, due to the sheer cost of making it. HBO's inconsistencies in deciding when to renew or cancel the show didnt help the shows chances.

Animal Kingdom 

One of my favorite TV shows of all time, cause you know I love a good heist movie/series. Animal Kingdom was probably TNT's last big hit or one of the last ones. Adapted from  a 2010 Australian film. The series followed a young man who moves in with ruthless controlling Queenpin grandmother, and his uncles. All grown men who she keeps a tight lease on to keep her empire running.

Family drama and action was abound in this series which ran for 6 seasons.

Vice Principals

Now, I personally believe Danny McBride's style of comedy is a acquired taste. Hot damn Vice Principals was a laugh riot though. This HBO show co starring Walter Foggins was a gem that flew under the radar. Which is such a shame because it was so damn funny.

Atlanta

Ah Atlanta, Donald Glovers masterpiece that may have been ahead of its time. The FX series was a combination of several genres, that you never knew which would be the primary genre in any given episode. Episodes were straight comedy, another one fantasy, another horror, some where even of the what the f is this genre?

It all worked within the world that the series created though. Those 4 seasons of genius TV were something special.

Insecure

Man HBO was on a roll in 2016 with their series. Insecure starring Issa Rae who found fame on YouTube, was the perfect coming of age series for Millennials at that time. Taking a honest look at the Millennial struggles through family drama, careers, and of course relationships. Running for 5 seasons, audiences got to grow with Issa and crew. Making us feel like we were apart of the world.

This Is Us

If you love Hulu's Paradise and for some reason have not watched This Is Us, you are doing yourself a disservice. Both series were created by Dan Fogelman and have the same story structure. When This Is Us debuted on NBC in 2016, I was hooked at the end of episode one. The series became absolute Must See TV for me when it aired live, and I felt like shedding a tear during the series finale in 2022.

Following the Pearson family through several decades. The show always tugged at your heart strings or asking what big reveal is next? I could go on and on about that show, just know it is a masterpiece.

Stranger Things

Netflix's first big juggernaut property debuted in the summer of 2016. Taking inspiration from several films from the 1980s, this nostalgic sci fi, coming of age blend captured audiences attention worldwide. Literally in the snap of a finger!

It soon became a pop culture phenomenon and each season was met, with even higher expectations than the season before. It became so popular that the final episode was released in theaters as well as streaming, New Years Day this year. And theaters were packed! 

This little engine that could got its start in 2016 and didn't brake for 5 seasons. 

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Five Genres Hollywood Needs To Pour Back Into

The Summer movie season is over and it left with a bang, box office numbers this summer season totaled $4.67 billion. That's not chump changed and proved fans still will flock to movie theaters when intrigued enough. 

Hollywood is on the rebound after some disastrous years following the 1-2 punch of the pandemic and writers/actors strike. In order for Hollywood to fully bounce back, they need to embrace releasing more genres into theaters. Big budget superhero and action films can only carry so much.

So with that, here are 5 film genres Hollywood needs to reinvest in. 

Westerns

From the 1960s through the 1990s Westerns were still a big deal in Hollywood. It kind of tapered off in the 2000s and 2010s, with 2010's True Grit and 2012's D'Jango Unchained being the last westerns that became culturally relevant. There have been some western's made as streaming originals, but nothing released in theaters has really taken off.

Yet, with Taylor Sheridan bringing the western/cowboy way of life back to promenience with his franchise of Yellowstone shows. There's an appetite for good ol fashion Westerns back in the media landscape, and Hollywood would be missing out not reviving that genre for the big screen.

Romantic Comedy 

Once upon a time a Romantic Comedy was released like every other week. Eventually becoming an exclusive streaming genre. Universal decided to buck the trend this year and release You, Me & Tuscany back in April. While it didn't shatter any box office records or anything, it received very positive critic and word of mouth reviews from fans. Which proved there is still a market for the genre if the story is right and not too cheesy.

As people want to have a relaxing date night, what better date than a movie about romance? 

Live Action Kids Movies

If you're a frequent reader of this blog (THANK YOU!) then you know I am a proud 90's kid. And back in the 90's we had kid focused adventure/sports films like The Mighty Ducks, Rookie Of The Year, The Sandlot, The Big Green and Little Giants. And we grew up watching films like The Goonies or Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. Those types of underdog films that teach kids preserverance and grit just don't exist anymore, and hasnt for a while. I remember talking to a Gen Z coworker and they mentioned the way I feel about the Mighty Ducks, they loved 2005's Rebound with Martin Lawrence  as a rec league basketball coach the same.

Those two films don't even compare, but thats what Hollywood has been spitting out for several years now. If it isnt a CGI animated film, or a Disney live action reboot. Hollywood has given up on the adventure and sports films that bring families to the theater. Now with 2 little ones I want to enjoy the movies with, I'm banking on someone out there to wake up and start greenlighting those type of films.

Comedy

While we covered romantic comedies, we need to highlight the comedy genre in general. The last time I remember genuinely sitting in a theater laughing my ass off, was for 2018's Blockers. 8 freaking years ago, and no film released since then sticks out to me as a good laugh from beginning to end. The days of American Pie, Hangover and Bridesmaids films that take over Pop Culture have disappeared. I'm not sure if it's because the prevailing thought is everyone has gotten too sensitive.

However, raunchy (when done right) and straight up get into some wild stuff or always talking about someone comedies have a place. Hollywood just needs to find the right one to handle with care that has the right balance, and comedies will be back in full force. 

Original Films 

Ok, I'm cheating a bit here because original Films technically aren't a genre. However, in a world full of sequels, reboots, and based on some other property (book, video game, etc). Hollywood doesn't spend a ton of resources on original material. Films like this years success stories Obsession and Backrooms, proved there is a market for originality. A damn big market when it is done right and people can relate to. While it's great to reintroduce properties and characters to newer generations, while tapping that nostalgia heart string for those who grew up with these properties. That train only runs so far.

Hollywood needs to create new power franchises and the only way to do that and is to give original films a chance to shine.

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