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.

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Five Hidden Gem UPN Shows

 

January 16th marks 30 years since the little network that could UPN debuted. Known for hits like Moesha, Girlfriends and fellow Monday night comedies that were staples in Black households (which I wrote a blog about). It was the first home of WWF Smackdown during the height of the Attitude era in 1999 to 2006. It's most famous reality program is America's Next Top Model. Told Chris Rock's life story in Everybody Hate's Chris. Gave the world the teen sleuth classic Veronica Mars. And produced a couple of good Star Trek series for a new generation like Voyager and Enterprise.

Before merging with the CW in the fall of 2006, UPN produced a lot of series in an attempt to branch out their offerings. That were good series that flew under the radar, per usual I'm here to shed some light on those shows. Here are 5 hidden gem shows that aired on UPN.

5. Grown Ups

                                 

This 1999 sitcom was Jaleel White's return to TV after his successful role as Steve Urkel in Family Matters. I didn't realize it at the time, but the title of the show was likely a comment by Jaleel that he was grown now and far different than his Steve Urkel character. Besides that, the sitcom focused on Jaleel's character J. Calvin who goes by J alongside his best friend Gordon and Gordon's wife Shari navigating adulthood.

J deals with relationships, the workplace, and everything that comes with being a twenty something adult in this world. The show wasn't a laugh out loud sitcom by any means, but it had it's fair share of laughs and was in good company with shows like Moesha and The Parkers. So I never quite understood why it did not achieve the same success as other UPN comedies. 

It is available to watch on Tubi currently.

4. Jake 2.0

If Jake 2.0 aired today either on a network or streaming service, it would be a instant hit. That's how good and quite ahead of it's time the show was. Debuting in the fall of 2003, the drama series followed a NSA agent who is a computer wiz Jake Foley. One day Jake is accidentally implanted with nanobots, he suddenly has the ability to control all forms of technology. You know what happens next, there are folks on his tail wanting this human supercomputer and he also set's out to save the day on multiple occasions.

Sadly the series only lasted for 16 episodes with four being unaired. It had some elements of The Six Million-dollar Man, and laid the foundation for the more popular NBC comedy-drama Chuck which debuted a few years later. It's a shame that the show simply was ahead of its time.

3. Kevin Hill

Kevin Hill was a drama series that could be a little sappy, a tad overdramatic, but it had heart and a good story to tell. Looking back now it also was very relevant and shined a light on an often overlooked part of life, the surrogate father. Released in 2004 and starring Taye Diggs, the series followed Kevin Hill a successful and single lawyer enjoying his life as a young man in New York City. His world turns upside down when a cousin of his passes' and he becomes responsible for his 10 month old little cousin.

He soon must balance the responsibilities of being a parent and a working adult. With the help of his support system in the form of coworkers and friends, he does the best he can while learning parenting is not for the weak. Hailed as one of the best new dramas that year, for some reason it only lasted one season. I'm not sure if the ratings just weren't there, or there were other reasons for the show getting cancelled, but it should have lasted a lot longer.

2. Special Unit 2

Debuting in the spring of 2001, Special Unit 2 was a fun, imaginative, sci-fi drama that did not take itself too series. The show's creators also spent a great deal of time developing the world the series inhabited and it's lore before that really was a thing. Set in Chicago, the show followed a secret unit of the Chicago Police Department dubbed Special Unit 2. This group was responsible for policing the "link" population that exist in the city. "Links" were creatures derived from mythology and folk tales that walked amongst common people in plain sight, yet others are oblivious to them. They are called "links" for being the missing link between humans and apes.

This show did manage to last 2 seasons but was cancelled due to change in UPN's management and the desire to go in a different direction. There was so so much potential for more stories to be told and update mythologies for a new audience, and it was a original program not something that was adapted from another medium. It was a highlight of UPN's schedule during it's time on the air, and in today's world may have been a bigger hit. 

1. 7 Days

7 Days in my opinion was must see TV when it aired as it focused on one of my favorite Sci-Fi topics, time travel. This was another show that had a very well thought out plot and backstory, way more than it is given credit for. The series debuted in the fall of 1998 on UPN and follows a secret unit of the NSA who have reversed engineered a time travel device from alien technology found at Roswell. With this device called the Chronosphere aka Backstep sphere a person can go back in time 7 days to prevent a disaster. Due to limitations of the technology 7 days is the cutoff limit, I can't remember if it was explicitly explained why only 7 days, but hey make's for good drama.

The series managed to last 3 seasons on the network ending in the spring of 2001, and for a time aired on a few cable channels. It had it's flaw's but hindsight is always 20/20 and 25 plus years later you can see just how well produced the show was, despite limited budgets and time travel hiccups. However, any time travel story has some hiccups. This was one of the better shows on the network and was well worth it's time on the air.

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New York Undercover Legacy 30 Years Later

 

In the early 90's TV network Fox was catering to teenagers and the urban community to fill a void the big three weren't fulfilling, and help build their network. They had show's like Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place for one side of the aisle. For the hipper side of the aisle they had In Living Color, Martin, and Living Single. In 1994 legendary cop TV producer Dick Wolf and legendary record executive Andre Harrell collaborated for a hip new cop television drama. And a show named Uptown Undercover better known as New York Undercover was born.

September 8, 1994 New York Undercover aired on Fox Thursday Night's alongside Martin and Living Single. The show was notable for showcasing two minority cops as partners Det. Eddie Torres a Puerto Rican cop played Michael DeLorenzo, and Det. JC Williams a Black cop played by Malik Yoba. The show took the DNA of 80's cop drama Miami Vice and enhanced it for a new generation. Det. Williams and Det. Torres were hip young cops, in tune with the fashion and music of the streets while they saved New York City from it's worst criminals. They truly cared about one another and their families and bickered like brothers do.

What really helped make the show was not just the clothes or the dialogue and swagger of the characters. It was the music, including the theme song and instrumentals that were composed by Mr. James Mtume of the group Mtume (Juicy Fruit). Many episodes featured music of stars of the time whether it was a guest character, playing themselves involved in a storyline or performing at the nightclub Natalie's. A who's who of artist appeared on the show.

We're talking artist like Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Tevin Campbell, Usher, Gladys Knight, The O'Jays, Levert, Montell Jordan, Aaliyah, Biggie Smalls. It goes on and on, not to mention Ice-T's in my opinion classic scene chewing run as Danny Cort in excellent 90's run as a TV villain. 

30 year's later, New York Undercover is still adored and revered for the pulse it had on the culture at the time.  Between the action and drama, the stakes the character's were up against. And then the fashion and music of hip hop which is slowly turning into a global phenomenon at the time. The series is a classic and can be relived through streaming services Peacock and Prime, and has shown up on BET recently. It's a reason for that, because the show was that damn good and is following getting the flowers it deserves. 

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Cowabunga Dudes : 30 Years of The First TMNT Movie

In the late 80’s to early 90’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a powerhouse franchise you could not ignore. Cartoons, toys, cereal, video games, concerts Ninja Turtles were everywhere and consumed by nearly every child on the planet. March 30, 1990 the first film starring the turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hit the big screen worldwide. I was 4 years old when the film released and still remember going to Reisterstown Road Plaza Movie Theater to see the film. I also vividly remember the excitement I couldn’t contain looking on a big screen watching four turtles, that I had all the toys of walking, talking, fighting, and dropping a curse word here and there and having fun doing it. At that age all I wanted to be was a ninja turtle mainly Mickey, eat some pizza and at times some greens so I could turn green, and kick some foot clan butt just like they did.

                                           

Once the films box office run ended, it grossed over $135 million stateside and $201 million worldwide, making it  the most successful independent film at that time which shows how popular the turtles were. Through the years I've watched the movie faithfully on cable, VHS, DVD, and later Netflix still quoting the movie and reliving the memories of wanting to be a ninja. As an adult every chance I get I watch the movie, and watching it now I know exactly why I enjoy it so much.

The ninja turtles’ franchise has produced 6 films, the original trilogy in the 90’s, an animated film in 2007, and two films in the mid-2010s. Out of the original trilogy during the time when the turtles were at the height of their popularity, the first film still reigns as king. The second film (which I love just as much) is much more juvenile and light hearted, borrowing its tone from the popular cartoon. The third movie went even further into light hearted territory with its plot and even more juvenile jokes. It has its flaws but its also not a horrible film, but that’s another story for another day.

The first film borrows most of its tone from the original comic book with its dark and grim atmosphere. The lighting, the set pieces, everything that surrounds the film is dark. Not sure if that was to be intune with the turtles operating from the shadows or not. Even the trailer for the film has a dark vibe to it, which years later all comic book films wanted to use in its tone. That’s why I think the first film is still the best turtles film ever because it appeals to many different audiences. Kids love the turtles with their color coded headbands and wisecracking jokes, but the dark brooding vibe and sense of real danger and consequences appeals to older teenagers and adults as well.

Some of the redeeming qualities and positive aspects of the film include. The fight scenes are hard-hitting, realistic, and has ramifications . Villian Shredder is portrayed as a real intimidating badass who is a serious threat, he displays his martial arts prowess at the end of the film manhandling the turtles by himself despite being outnumbered. The technology of the Turtles suits with their intricate designs and similiar yet distinct features (which to this day is still a marvel). Despite all that the most important aspect of the movie, is that it is about family. When the turtles father sewer rat Master Splinter is abducted, they have to look amongst each other and realize they are all they have. The Foot Clan criminal organization led by Shredder recruits young teenagers and young adults looking for a place to belong. The Shredder proclaims the organization as “family”, with the Shredder being they’re “father”. Manipulating and molding the young minds into being what he wants them to be while feeding their desire to be accepted.

A young teenager in the film and friend of April O’Neil Danny is a part of the organization, and joins them looking for a family as he doesn’t feel close with his father. I wish that could have been explored a little bit more in the film, but it wasn’t super essential to the film so I get it. At the end of the film, some members of the gang learn what you consider “family” may not always be best for you, and the turtles reunite with Master Splinter they also gain new family members in April and vigilante Casey Jones. In the process they learn family is not always blood related.

                                                    

Maybe as an adult I’ve read too much into the film and the themes of the story. I truly believe the theme of family is what makes me continue to love the film so much. Even if you just love watching the movie and don’t care for the themes, on the 30^th anniversary pop in the DVD, pull up Netflix and sit back and enjoy a film that is a bonafide classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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Why We Still Love House Party 30 Years Later

“I don’t give a damn if Marvin Gaye ‘Gonna be there, you Won’t!”- Pops

That line sums up the basis of 1990’s House Party which has become a classic in the 30 years since it’s release. Released March 9th, 1990 and starring tarring rap duo Kid N’ Play, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J. Johnson, and Robin Harris the movie was a film the culture didn’t know it needed until it was released. High schooler Kid gets into a scuffle with school bullies (Full Force members B-Fine, Bowlegged Lou, and Paul George) during lunch That causes Kid’s dad (Robin Harris), to ground him and keep him from the biggest party of the year thrown by his best friend  Play.

What ensues is a night of dodging bullies and the cops, getting the girl, and having fun. In the early 90’s most Black films highlighted inner-city youth and issues, and the aggression that a lot of Black youths harbor. House Party on the other hand showcased an often under depicted demographic middle-class Black youths who just want to get laid and have fun.

House Party carries so many attributes of the culture that still resonate today. Kid N’ Play and all their friends care about how they dress and look. They just want to rap and dance and look good doing it. Throw in sneaking out while you’re grounded, worried parents who are also pissed. Dealing with overzealous cops, high school bullies that look too damn old, and playing the game to get the girl. The soundtrack is a time capsule of late 80’s hip hop and r&b, and the now legendary New Jack Swing sound. Everyone knows and loves the classic dance off in the middle of the film between Kid N’ Play and Tisha Campbell and A.J. Johnson. 

We can’t forget the quotable lines that make the movie enjoyable to watch time after time. “I smell Pussy”, “follow the drip”, “What the hell is a Public Enema?”, “I would put my shoe so far up your ass, you’ll be shitting sneaker for a month.” "I'll fight a girl", "I know you will, I seen your ass get beat by a couple." And so many other lines you can still quote today, and those in the know will instantly get it.

House Party also is one of those movies that has a lot of stars or actors with consistent work, that you did not realize. Martin Lawrence is a comedy legend who starred in the classic sitcom Martin a couple of years later, and inspired a generation of comedians. Stand up legends Robin Harris and John Witherspoon displayed why their two of the funniest comedians ever. Tisha Campbell has built a nice career displaying her comedy chops between Martin and My Wife and Kids.  A.J. Johnson has built a fitness empire for herself. Everyones favorite scumbag Clifton Powell has an appearance. Funk legend George Clinton steals his scene as a DJ at a party. Daryl Mitchell, Anthony Johnson, Kelly Jo Minter, and Joe Torry all faces you may know more than the name, all have small appearances in the film.

House Party is a movie that those under 18 who watch it enjoy it because of some of the adult content, and looking forward to being in those at times dangerous but relatively harmless situations. Adults on the other hand can watch and relate to the carefree teenage days when you just needed to get home before your parents realized you were gone.

House Party has left a legacy between two direct sequels starring Kid  N’ Play, and a sequel starring music group immature that is related to the original strictly by title. There was also a sequel released in 2013 in which Kid N' Play make a cameo appearance. There are plans to reboot the original with Lebron James producing it, which goes to show how influential the film is years later.

It has made legends out of Kid N’ Play and let several Black youths know dance moves can get you the ladies. House Party is a simple film with a  simple mission, enjoy life and have fun doing it which is why we still love it 30 years later.    

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Love Letter to Do The Right Thing

Today June 30, 2019 marks the 30^th anniversary of Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing”. In my personal opinion is Spike’s best movie out of his acclaimed filmography. Starring Spike Lee and talent who were already legends or on their to being stars in later roles, the film follows an eclectic group of characters during the hottest day of the summer in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. Over the course of this sweltering day tension rises throughout the neighborhood among the many races who live or work in the area.

I could go on and on with the plot of the film but that's not important right now, what's important is about how the film was a product of its time but on the same token ahead of its time. The themes of the film dealt with racism, particularly learning to understand other cultures and their nuances, tolerating others who don’t look like you and moving past your own prejudice. Police brutality which has sadly dominated this decade, gentrification and “them people” moving in causing things to change. Standing up when you've had enough and fighting the power for a real change as indicted by the films classic theme Public Enemy's "Fight The Power".

Many issues that plagued the neighborhood in “Do The Right Thing” still plague the country today. While things really have not changed much since the films release, there is always hope that things will improve. One theme highlighted in the film by Radio Raheem played by the late Bill Nunn, is the conflict between Love vs. Hate. It’s a constant struggle but in the end love should prevail. “Do The Right Thing” is not just a film for the culture as in the Black culture, but it is a film for the culture of the United States. It’s a reason it was added to the National Film Registry for Preservation in 1999 because it’s "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant". If you’ve never seen the movie do the right thing  and check it out.

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