Black Led Cartoons For Today's Kid's

 One thing I quickly learned since becoming a parent in 2020, was that you soon get sucked into the shows your kid watches. If it's not the theme song randomly popping in your head, or the toy's you end up buying. Or actually realizing that it actually is a good show, you also make sure that your kid's see people that look like them on TV.

Representation matters there is absolutely no doubt about it, unfortunately avenues to include more representation are currently under attack by folks who don't love themselves so they hate everyone else. We must keep representation and what it mean's for kid's alive, so with that here modern cartoons featuring Black led characters for today's kid's to check out.

Craig Of The Creek

Craig Of The Creek was a standout favorite on the fall from grace cable channel that is the Cartoon network. Debuting in 2018, the show features the main character craig and his band of friends as they play at a nearby creek, using their vast imaginations to make the creek their own little world and navigating life in the process. The show just ended it's final season last month and went out with much fanfare.

Reruns still air on Cartoon network, and it is available on streaming services such Max and Hulu.

Motown Magic

This Netflix original is a favorite in my house and a genius idea in my opinion. Using the legendary music from Motown records and inspiration from cartoons such as The Magic School Bus. The series also debuting in 2018, follows a young boy Ben who stumbles upon a paintbrush that is magical in nature. It allows him to bring colorful art to life and through the power of Motown learn some lessons each episode.

While still available on Netflix, it only lasted two season's which is a shame because while several Motown favorites were played, there is a vault of classics that were never touched.

Doc Mcstuffins

The Doc is Here! Doc McStuffins the cartoon is well over 10 years old, debuting in 2012 yet kid's of today still love it. Dottie "Doc" McStuffins aspires to be a doctor like her mother, and with the power of his magic stethoscope and toys she brings to life she is able to start working towards that goal. Fixing toys from dolls to stuff animals healing them from their ailments. And as customary for most kid show's she learns important life lessons in every episode. 

The cartoon was a Disney Channel hit during it's original run which ended in 2020. I'm sure one of the Disney networks still air reruns, but it's available to watch on Disney plus and Hulu.

Ada Twist, Scientist

Another Netflix original Ada Twist, Scientist is a show in a similiar vain as Doc McStuffins. Debuting in 2021 the series follows the highly intelligent 9 year old Ada, full of imagination she has a book of scientific inventions and her own "magical' lab she can conduct experiments in. She also has three friends who are equally as smart by her side to assist in her science hijinks. 

The series focuses on the STEM field and imagination amongst kids. Encouraging them to persevere and not give up when something goes wrong the first time. There have been four season's of the show with the last one airing in 2023, it has not officially been cancelled by Netflix so hopefully more episodes are on the way. 

Lyla In The Loop

A PBS kid's production, Lyla In The Loop debuted last year on the network. It features a 7 year old girl named Lyla and her sidekick pet Stu, although no one really knows what kind of animal Stu is. Along with her family, Lyla and Stu navigate the life of a 7 year old in the city. Using critical thinking skills and her imagination, she innocently get's into mischief while also brainstorming her way out. Becoming a problem solver for those around her. Season 1 recently ended, so let's hope that season 2 is not far behind.

Karma's World

Another Netflix show that debuted in 2021, this one receives a lot of airtime in my house. Karma's World follows middle schooler Karma Grant who learns she has a skill of making good music. She also learns all the good music can bring to the world, while simultaneously learning about herself and gaining confidence. One of her song's Proud Of My Hair is quite infectious, you hear it and will be singing it to yourself for some days. While the show hasn't had any new episodes since 2022, hopefully new ones are being developed, in the meantime there is plenty of Karma's merchandise available in stores (trust me I know).

My Dad The Bounty Hunter

Netflix is really leading the pack here with cartoons featuring Black led characters. For kid's who love a good sci-fi adventure, this one is for them. My Dad The Bounty Hunter features brother and sister Sean and Lisa, while they are half earthlings they think their father is a typical boring dad. Until they accidentally catch a ride to one of his missions and find out he is a well known Bounty Hunter chasing down criminals of all species within the galaxy. It has some comedy and kid appropriate action scenes, as well as showing a loving Black family.

It debuted in 2023 and has 2 seasons before being cancelled by the streaming service. Which is a shame but there are still 19 episodes you can watch on repeat over and over again. 

Ariel

Based off the 2023 version of Ariel from Disney's Little Mermaid starring Hailey Bailey. This cartoon debuted on Disney Jr. last summer, and follows the misadventures of Ariel alongside her pals Sebastian and Flounder. Learning about the undersea life outside of her kingdom, and life lessons on how to treat other's and herself. It truly is just an updated version of the story for a new generation and hasn't changed much about the lore.

However if kid's today enjoyed the original Little Mermaid and the live-action remake, they will enjoy this one. While it has not been officially renewed by disney, I'm sure it will soon. 

Read More

10 Of My Favorite Song's From Musicals

 

 Wicked the film adaptation based on the Broadway musical has been dominating the box office since it's debut the week of Thanksgiving. It has made almost $400 million worldwide in just a few short weeks. Sitting at a 2 hour and 40 minute runtime, I plan to see the movie when it releases for home viewing (I'm always good for a nap in movie theaters these days by the way). The popularity of the film got my brain running about song's from my favorite movie musicals. 

Just to clarify, I classify a musical as a film where the music advances the narrative not just a movie with performances in it. With that here are 10 of my favorite songs from musicals. 

10. Grease-You're The One That I want

The finale of the 1978 classic film Grease. The song is a reflection of the 1950's era that the film (and play) is set in. It's an infectious pop and rock and roll beat that will make you tap your toes soon as you hear it. The carnival scene help's sell the song and the vibe that everyone is just having a good time. As a single it has sold 4 million copies and it is still played in many films and commercials. Quite frankly it is a classic.

9. Little Mermaid-Under The Sea

Disney produce's some of the catchiest and timeless movies in the history of filmmaking. The Little Mermaid is no exception, and I love me some Under The Sea. Especially when my daughter who love's Disney Princesses was in her everything Little Mermaid phase. I could not help but to sing the song over and over again. Inspired by sounds of the Caribbean including genres such as calypso and reggae Under The Sea even if your too cool for school will have you do a little dance. Honorable mention Kiss The Girl is another favorite from this film.

8. Hairspray-Welcome to The 60's

If you love Motown music and the sound's of the 60's a blend of doo-wop, soul and rock and roll, you will enjoy this song. The song is about counter-culture and woman empowerment, coming into their own in the 1960's hidden by a beat that one would think was produced by The Funk Brothers themselves (Motown's In-House band). This is another one if you don't at least tap a foot while listening to it, you may not be living right.

7.Dreamgirls-Patience

Patience performed by Eddie Murphy and Anika Noni Rose was an original creation for the 2006 adaptation of the play Dreamgirls. It became so popular that it was eventually incorporated into later renditions of the musical, and for good reason. Meant to evoke social protest song's of the 1970's, the song gives you every bit of feel's as Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder did during that time. Eddie Murphy get's to show off his singing chops with a mix of r&b and gospel infused in this song.

6. Lion King-Just Can't Wait To Be King

Ask any Millennial to sing their favorite song from The Lion King, the response is either going to be Hakuna Matata (which truthfully maybe how many of us learned how to navigate through life). Or my favorite I Just Can't Wait To Be King. Not sure if it's the horn's or the drums but when you hear it your bound to just start belting out how you want to be in charge one day. It's just an upbeat fun song that has stuck with me all these years later.

5. Newsies-King Of New York

1992's Newsies still to this day does not get the credit I believe it deserves. I enjoy just about every song in the film but The song King Of New York stands out to me. Maybe it's because everyone dream's of what they would do if they had infinite riches or were "king" for a day. Which makes this song so relatable and fun. The dancing in a restaurant which is kind of absurd when you think about it help's sell the song too.

4. Moana-You're Welcome

This song from 2016's Moana I must admit I just love this song. It's one part a history lesson in Polynesian mythology where the demigod Maui explains everything he has bought to the world. It's two part a damn good catchy Disney song. I enjoy the song so much, I actually was a bit disappointed when we took my daughter to a Disney on Ice show, and Moana was apart of the show and this song was not performed. I was ready to sing along like I was 6 years old.

3. Hairspray-You Can't Stop The Beat

The finale to Hairspray the song's theme is about how time changes and you have to move forward with the changes, no matter how hard one tries to change it. A powerful message about moving towards a progressive society wrapped up in a bubbly, over the top and crowd pleasing song. If you danced to Welcome To The 60's, then you will absolutely be out of breath dancing to this one.

2. Rent-Seasons Of Love

If there is such thing as a perfect song, I think this one personifies a perfect song. The piano keys hooks you in and touches your soul, then the cast have a united boombastic intro singing the chorus. There are several people walking this earth who only know how many minutes are in a full calendar year thanks to this song. The song is relatable to anyone listening in whatever maybe occurring in their life at the time. And then Traci Thomas's high note at the end just take's it home.

1. The Wiz-Brand New Day

This celebratory song in The Wiz is a damn good time. When I need a song to put me in a good mood I often turn to this, and when I need a song that gives me an uplifting message I also turn to this. The song's title A Brand New Day also known as Everybody Rejoice, can be interpreted so many way's. Since the film was a Motown film production, you hear hint's of that Motown sound in the beat. And legends like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson along with Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross, and background vocals by one Luther Vandross just make this song legendary.

Read More

Remake Theater: My Boyfriends Back

 Earlier this year Lisa Frakenstein debuted in theaters. I enjoyed the movie and its campy 80s quirks,  although it did not do well during it's release,  moviegoers who saw it during that time enjoyed it, now that it has been streaming for a few months. More people have learned what a gem it is, I truly believe it is on the path to becoming a cult classic. Watching it reminded of a quirky comedy from the 90's My Boyfriends Back. If you've read previous blogs of mine, you're aware I am a advocate of Hollywood remaking films that had potential but just weren't successful for whatever reason, and starting over. My Boyfriends Back fit's perfectly into that category.

My Boyfriends Back is a 1993 film starring Andrew Lowrey (Andy the goofy friend of Buffy's boyfriend in Buffy The Vampire Slayer film) and Traci Lind. Then unknown actors Matthew Mcconaughey (almost unrecognizable), Matthew Fox, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman appear in the film as well. Lowrey's character Johnny has a crush on Lind's character Missy, the prettiest girl in the school. He concocts a plan to save Missy from a fake robbery win her heart and her hand as her prom date, but what a ill-conceived plan that is. Andrew dies, but returns from the grave to win her heart. Causing mass hysteria in their small town, and learn what young love is all about.

The film is a horror comedy covering a young zombie. There's no real gore in the film and most of the film is played for laughs. I mean at it's core it is a film about teenage love so that is understandable. It also plays into the lore of zombies, which has gained a huge interest from the pop culture world after the success of The Walking Dead series. A remake would not survive in today's theater landscape, but it is a prime streaming candidate.

Light-hearted fare, young teenage love, a guy doing crazy things to win his crushes affection, zombies. It has all the making's to be entertaining material for a new generation with some slight updates to fit the 21st century. The original was distributed by Touchstone Pictures, which is a Disney subsidiary, so Disney could make it a Hulu original film or sell the rights for a remake. Peacock could use material like this for original content. 

It's been 31 years since the original debuted and it had a lot more potential than it was given credit for. Time for someone to sort through the crates, find this hidden gem and start crafting a remake.

Read More

Streaming Wishlist: Disney Plus

 

Disney Plus is the most popular streaming app released within the last three years. In the world of streaming hierarchy its Netflix, Hulu, and then Disney Plus. Which is kind of funny in itself because Disney owns Hulu, so their just raking in the dough. 

Disney has propelled Disney Plus to the top tier by using their library, and family friendly films from Fox Studios which they bought. Powered by Disney classics, Marvel, and Star Wars Disney plus has something for everyone. Even with all that great content there's still some favorites of mine missing from the app.

While fresh content is slim pickings right now due to the actors strike. Here's some old favorites I wish Disney Plus would air.

Not Quite Human film series

Not Quite Human is a Disney Channel original starring Alan Thicke, Robin Lively and Jay Underwood. In the film Alan Thicke is a widowed scientist who manages to create a life sized android that's a teenager. Of course that leads to a traditional fish out of water tale, with the hijinks of a robot interacting with real teenagers. 

The film was popular enough to gain two additional sequels Not Quite Human II and Still Not Quite Human and its been well over 20 years since I've seen any of them. Disney needs to make this available. 

Escape To Witch Mountain '95 remake

The Escape To Witch Mountain films were very popular in the 1970's. The story of two alien twins who were seperated upon arriving on earth and reconnect to save humanity. During the 90's ABC use to air The Disney Sunday Movie which consisted of Disney classics and original TV movies.

In 1995 a TV-movie was made to update the story to the then contemporary times. Starring Elizabeth Moss and Erik Von Detten as the twins. With Robert Vaughn, Vincent Schiavelli, and Sam Horrigan rounding out the cast.  I'm sure if I were to watch it today, it hasn't aged well and would be very cringey. I don't care, I loved the movie as a kid and would love to watch it again.

 In fact throw the 1995 TV-movie version of Freaky Friday up there as well. Starring Shelly Long and Gaby Hoffmann. The story follows the same plot points as the 1977 original starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris, and the 2003 film starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Both the original and the 2003 version are on Disney Plus, so let's add this one and enjoy spotting differences of the three of different eras.

Tower of Terror

I was shocked when I found out this wasn't on Disney plus for Halloween, that in itself is a crime. Starring Steve Guttenberg and Kristen Dunst. The TV-movie has the distinction of being the first Disney movie based on one of their attractions. It follows Guttenberg and Dunst as a uncle-niece duo investigating the strange occurence at a mysterious hotel. It's part supernatural, part whodunit, but it's a wild ride and should be highlighted on Disney Plus. Especially during spooky season. 

Dumbo's Circus

I honestly don't know why I want to watch this again. My only logical explanation is this is a clear case of nostalgia, since I remember watching the show when I was around 5 or 6 and I haven't seen it since. I would probably watch a couple episodes with my daughter, but that'd be about it. 

New MMC 

I use to watch the New Mickey Mouse Club faithfully every afternoon.I really don't remember the skits being super hilarious, but the 7 year old me just found the entire cast cool as hell. Little did I know just like others that before the decade would end, four members of the cast would go on to be pop music superstars. JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, other cast members Rhona Bennett, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell made their splash in Hollywood. For those reasons alone, the New MMC episodes should be on the service.

They did cover a lot of songs during the various episodes so the music rights maybe a hold up. Last I checked Disney has the pockets to work it out should they choose too. Honestly with Britney Spear's recent book releasing and the surrounding Justin Timberlake scandal behind it, people may want to watch just to see how it all started. 

Polly (pollyanna remake) 

Polly starring Keisha Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad is based on the book Pollayanna by Eleanor H. Porter. It features recently orphaned Polly moving in with her strict aunt, Polly's youthful optimist personality clashes with her aunts stri3ct demeanor. Polly also helps segerated parts of their small town come together.

I remember the movie mainly being an musical. I wouldn't mind seeing this again and think it would a good addition to Disney Plus. For historical purposes and entertainment value. 

Famous Jett Jackson

This series recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Now I'll admit I was a little late to the Jett Jackson party, but once I hopped onboard I couldn't get enough of the show. 

The premise featured a child TV star Jett Jackson played by Lee Thompson Young, who moves back to his small hometown and has his very successful show filmed there. He may have been a young successful Hollywood star, but he got into the same hijinks and had the same issues as regular kids. The show ran for three seasons and just celebrated its 25th anniversary. I would love to rewatch all 65 episodes again and sing along to the theme song.

The Four Diamonds

The Four Diamonds is a sad yet inspiring movie and sadly a Disney TV movie many have never heard of. Based on a true story, it stars Tom Guiry better known as Smalls from The Sandlot as a young teen battling cancer. As part of a school assignment and to help cope with his illness, he writes a short story inspired by the legend of Arthur. One thing I remember most about this movie, is it will get you in your feels.

Mother Goose Rock n Rhyme

Mother Goose Rock n Rhyme was a Disney Channel original movie released in 1990. Starring Shelly Duval, the basic purpose of the movie was to update Mother Goose rhymes to modern times. With many of the rhymes being hip hop influenced, and several cameos by the "hot" musicians of that time. I just want to watch this so I can sing Mother Goose songs to my daughter, but I'm sure a new generation would appreticate this gem as well. 

Read More

X-Men In The MCU..Should Be A TV Series

Back in 2018 when Disney bought 20th Century Fox Studios, fans couldn't wait for the X-Men to be apart of the MCU. It looks like that time is here, as it was recently announced Marvel has started developing an X-Men series called "The Mutants". We don't know much about it other than it'll be a movie.

Personally I think introducing the X-Men into the MCU would be better served as a Disney Plus series. Right now Disney plus and MCU are coming off the hit WandaVision series, with Falcon and The Winter Soldier debuting next week. This summer the Loki series will be released this summer, and a dozen or so series are already in development. Disney and MCU also seem to be spending blockbuster quality budgets on the series. 

Besides that we have had two X-Men film series within the past twentie years, with both falling off the rails with the third film. Both films also have retreated the same stories, and for the most part relied on the same characters through both films.

A TV series could do a few things. If a decision is made to rehash Magneto's and Charles Xaviers story it could be completed in 2-3 episodes, before diving deep into the battle of the respective mutant idealogies. Fan favorite stories that were adapted to film like Age of  Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix and Days of Future Past could be fleshed out through a entire season, giving them proper time to develop and be executed. The same could be said for other popular stories like House of M, God Loves, Man Kills, and E for Extinction could be adapted as well. 10-12 episodes to allow these stories to play out with promises of more,  Disney Plus would never have to worry about losing subscribers.

Another thing a series could do is give other mutants like Gambit, Sunfire, Bishop, Banshee, and many more screentime. Possibly rotating the majority of the roster out each season, keeping a holdover or two for continuity. On the villain side, Bella Donna, Callisto, Exodus, and Mister Sinister could get their time to shine. 

Marvel has been highly successful with the MCU, and there's no doubt in my mind they have a grand plan on how the concept of mutants will work in that world. Just my two cents, give us a good TV show before moving to movies. 

Read More

Essence Experience Part 1

For the past 20 plus years, every first weekend in July New Orleans becomes the epicenter of Black culture. The Essence Music Festival, and not only is it a festival it’s a experience and a celebration of our culture.

 I was privileged to attend Essence this year and it truly is a bucket list item. Let's start with how many black people you see over the weekend embracing positivity and love. Multiple generations come to this event, primarily woman attended by woman a single guy on his A game would be in heaven during Essence weekend. If he doesn't get at least one phone number he needs to adjust his game.

 The Essence convention held every day during the weekend is a overwhelming experience. Backed by some big name sponsors such as Coca Cola, Disney,  McDonalds, Ford, AT&T and Wal Mart among others. The convention contains screenings for new films and television shows, celebrity interviews, independent vendors, meet and greets, workshops on financial literacy, building brands, gaining business, overcoming hurdles in life and so much more.

  Be prepared to walk the expansive space and stand in line for all the FREE stuff being given out. Most the free items and sample sizes given away are items you need. I received 3 bars of deodorant, some soap, and other trinkets from a Dove giveaway bag.

   Most importantly though you saw Woman taking their daughters, granddaughters, or little sisters to Essence and get inspired and learn young just great and beautiful they are.

  Nothing's perfect no matter how well planned out it is, and the Essence convention was no exception. I waited in a ridiculous long line to meet Regina Hall and the cast of Power, only for them to take photos for 20 minutes and maybe meet 15 people. There wasn't much communication provided to folks about what was what. Of course if you asked a staff member a question, you received a different answer than the last staff member you asked. All the meet and greets were confined to one space which didn’t help matters. I'm not sure how meet and greets were handled the rest of the weekend or in previous years, but it was horrible this year.

   There's also small companies and vendors selling their products inside the convention. Paintings, workout gear, fish fry, bbq sauce, statues, and more all available from vendors. Outside the convention there's even more vendors selling t-shirts, hair care products, soap, cd’s and more. There were also promotional giveaways outside the convention. Walk a few blocks away all food trucks selling food you can eat while your on the go.

    Now Essence should really send Universal Studios and the cast and crew of “Girls Trip" a thank you gift. There were so many groups of woman who were clearly inspired by Girls Trip and The Flossy Posse down there. A newspaper article mentioned there were over 500,000 people in New Orleans and it clearly showed. After Monday Morning it looked like a completely different place.

  Along with the girls trip inspired crowd, there’s somebodies ol’ uncle who still think they cool and can dress. Hell going down I felt like I was on soul plane.

  Essence is definitely catered to woman, and they throw a guy a bone here and there. If you like good music the concert is definitely for you. Love Black culture you’ll appreciate the convention's. It truly is a celebration and a bucket list item and I highly recommend attending one year if you can.

  

  

Read More