ATL Is A Millennial Classic

 

ATL turns 20 years old today and really should be a bigger celebration. The 2006 film was a star vehicle for T.I. was in the upper echelon of rappers during this time. You should have seen the film by now, but in case you didnt heres a brief overview. It followed two teenage brothers as they navigate life in their neighborhood in Atlanta. While spending Sunday's at the local skate rink.

ATL as a movie is a couple things for Millennials. It's many Black millennial favorite coming of age film. It's our Juice, House Party, or Boyz n The Hood. The Wood maybe close to it, but ATL takes the lead. It's also the last of the mohicans when it comes to films that unapologetically embody the culture and became a culture. Even following the trope of random cameos that seemed shoehorned in just cause. 

Stomp The Yard released a year later maybe..maybe could be in the conversation. However its not a classic or had the impact ATL has.

It weaved so many plot lines effortlessly that Millennials were experiencing at the time. T.I 's Rashad was tryna figure out life beyond high school, and falls in love with New New. New New played by Lauren London is over the top "hood" despite  being insanely wealthy. Which is a common trait with wealthy people, more than most folks realize.

Ant gets into the hustle of dealing drugs. While Rashads best friend Esquire is tryna build his connections for college and get out the hood. It covers love, brotherhood, friendship, the 2000s hip hop and fashion culture, and roller skating. A huge pastime in the Atlanta area.

The movie is also Hella quotable. This one scene has like 4 or 5 quotable scenes by itself. Outkast rapper Big Boi stole every scene he was in by the way. While I wish the film had a official soundtrack to accompany the film, T.I. released his fourth album King days before the film released. Basically that was the films soundtrack.

While boomers have their Cooley High or Gen X have the films I mentioned earlier in addition to Crooklyn, Clueless, or American Pie. We will pass ATL down to our kids like a family heirloom.

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Why The Wood Still Holds Up 25 Years Later

 

In the summer of 1999 blockbusters films such as The Mummy, Wild Wild West, American Pie, and Blair Witch Project were released. Amidst the crowd was a low budget coming of age movie called The Wood. This week marked the 25th anniversary of The Wood and the film is a hidden gem in the world of cinema that is in all actuality a classic.

The film features present day best friends Mike (Omar Epps), Roland (Taye Diggs), and Slim (Richard T. Jones) tryna make it to Roland's wedding as he goes awol earlier in the day. Throughout they reminisce about their time growing up. That's where the heart of the movie comes into featuring young Mike (Sean T. Nelson), young Roland (Trent Cameron), and young Slim (Duane Finley).

The three friends truly come of age in the flashback scenes. Learning about life via crushes, losing their virginity, tips to talk to young ladies and staying out of trouble. They also frequently crack on each other which is what friends do.

The movie is not only a coming of age story for young Black males. It also is about brotherhood and that foundation that its built on. You truly believe these guys have been friends for years. Message of the film aside, it is a damn funny movie regarding everyday life. It also had a soundtrack that could be in the conversation as one of the best movie soundtracks ever. 

First seeing the film when I was 13 Years old, I thought it was enjoyable, and relatable with some of the puberty jokes. Now as a adult I really appreciate the movie for capturing the magic that is young friendships/brotherhoods, especially amongst young Black men.

25 Year's later, I will still watch the movie and laugh like it's my first time seeing it. I'll randomly say in a down south accent "Stacey!", and discuss the benefits of tic tacs.

And forever stand around and say the words Mackin and hanging.

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