Boomerang Is Black Excellence

 

30 Years Ago Today Boomerang debuted in theaters. Starring Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens, Martin Lawrence, and David Alan Grier. The film is a romantic comedy about a player who gets played and doesn't realize it honestly. I first saw Boomerang as a kid probably all of 7 or 8 had no business watching it but as kids do I snuck and watched with my older cousins who were in their early teens, and had no business watching it either (shouts out to them though). Had no idea of the plot honestly, I just knew Martin and Eddie were in and it had some cuss words in it.

Fast forward to my early twenties when I watched it again and fully understood the title of the movie. Anyway in my opinion Boomerang is a classic, not only is the plot good and funny. As an adult now I realize Boomerang was one of the earliest examples of Black Excellence.

Marcus Graham was an executive for a cosmetics company. His company is acquired by a larger company founded by a Black woman in which she is still the face of the company. Marcus meets his match in a fellow executive Jacqueline Broyer.

Both characters dressed exceptionally well exuding confidence through their attire. Marcus had a spacious well maintained and furnished apartment, I'm assuming in Manhattan. And dinner scenes were frequently held at exquisite restaurants.

Boomerang was probably the earliest film I can recall that featured well off successful Black people across the board. That were not involved in any type of criminal activity. It even slightly addresses that in a scenescene where Marcus and crew are shopping.

Besides the core cast the Black Excellence was spread across the film. With legends like Grace Jones, Melvin Van Peebles, Eartha Kitt, Geoffrey Holder, Chris Rock, BeBe Drake, Tisha Campbell and John Witherspoon have parts in the film. John Witherspoon's Thanksgiving dinner scenescene is an all-time classic and probably the funniest scene in the movie.

Behind the camera there was just as much Black Excellence. The film was directed by Reginald Hudlin who directed House Party. And the film has a classic soundtrack primarily produced by Babyface with artist like Toni Braxton, Johnny Gill, TLC, A Tribe Called Quest, Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men contributing.

I thank the cast and crew for displaying Black Excellence before it was a term and showing the world that Black People were very successful in the corporate world. Without many people even realizing it, the characters likely motivated many Black People to go out and tackle the world and unapologetically enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Boomerang is currently available to watch on HBO Max.

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Subscribe To The Upshaws

 

The Upshaws is one Netflix’s latest hit sitcoms starring Mike Epps, Kim Fields, and Wanda Skyes. A big hit for the streaming service, season 2 release date has been announced as June 29th and the episode order has been increased from 10 episodes to 16.

Now I will admit, at first I was hesitant to watch the series with initial plans of not watching it at all. I find Mike Epps style of comedy to be very hit or miss. After some persistent nagging by my sister to watch it, I finally watched it and really enjoyed the show.

The Upshaws are your typical family with some extra circumstances to round their life. Mike Epps character Bennie and his wife Regina played by Kim Fields have three kids together. Bennie also has a child with another woman from when he and Regina were “on break”. Wanda Skyes plays Regina’s sister Lucretia. Bennie and Lucretia don’t like one another and have no problems displaying it, but they also won’t allow anyone else to disrespect the other.

The series features common topics such as blended families, coming out of the closet, parenting while returning to school, children trying to grow up too fast, keeping an open dialogue in a relationship and much more into its 10-episode order. I can't wait for next season to pick up from that bombshell cliffhanger season 1 gave us.

Bennie and Lucretia individual personalities and how they interact remind me of relatives, and I’m sure once you watch it you’ll feel the same way. Those two characters are thee highlight of the show. If you have not yet watched it. Binge it real quick and get prepared for season 2. 

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The Wire 20 Years, 20 Favorite scenes

 

Today marks 20 Years since the iconic HBO series The Wire debuted. One of HBO's best produced and most revered properties, on the surface it's about drug dealers and cops. The series digs much deeper than that over its 5 seasons, instead using drug dealers and cops to touch on how institutions and the system fails individuals.

When I started writing this particular blog I started on top ten episodes in my book. After thinking about it, I felt ten episodes didn't do the series justice. I decided to instead focus on my favorite scenes from the show.

Here are twenty scenes from across the five season 60 episodes series, that have resonated or stood out to me for a variety of reasons.

20. Prez Figures Out The Puzzle

Det. Roland Pryzbylewski better known as Prez was assigned to the special crime detail in season 1, cause he just wasn't fit for the streets. An encounter in episode 2 proves that, but being related to a major within the BPD (and his white privilege) he was going to continue to be given breaks. Prez was very aloof and book smart but obviously not street smart.

Prez soon proves his worth in season 1 episode 5 when he cracks the pager and pay phone code The Barksdale organization uses to communicate. It shows everyone's skill set brings something to the table and just how deep the Barksdale organization are in covering their tracks.

19. Cat And Mouse Game 

This particular scene in season 1, episode 9 showed just how careful Avon Barksdale and his organization were. On a hot summer day after a east Baltimore vs west Baltimore basketball game, Avon hops into the car to his next destination.

Initially unbeknownst that he is being followed by Lt. Daniels and company  Always one to look over his shoulder he soon is very aware and leds the team on a cat and mouse game across a few city blocks. He eventually evades them, but not before trolling Lt. Daniels. While he assumed by the cops to be a high ranking "Yo" Boy, Avon was very smart about how he went about his business.

Avon in season 1 was always one step ahead.

18. Omar and Bunk Brief History

If you're from Baltimore chances are your very familiar with one of its many nicknames "Smallitmore". Everyone know's everyone in some fashion, and if not through directly knowing a person then they know someone who knows someone. This scene perfectly illustrates that ideal, as Omar recognizes Det. Bunk and they realize they went to high school at the same time. Audience's also learn some background on Bunk who played lacrosse in high school.

A brief scene that in the grand scheme of the show illustrates the different connections in life, you may not be aware of that come into play down the road. 

17. Take Care Of My Fish

Season 1, Episode 11 in the aftermath of Kimas shooting, its determined Wee-Bey needs to tie up some loose ends, get out of town and lay low. D'Angelo is then summoned by Stringer and Wee-Bey for a mission, but isn't told what the mission is. Thinking he's in trouble and scared for his life he gingerly walks into Wee-Bey's house sobbing to himself, until Wee-Bey turns some fish tank's on. He just needs someone to watch his fish while he's gone.

This scene while tense is hilarious for the simple fact D'Angelo thinks hes messed up and all Wee-Bey wants is for someone to watch his fish. A personality trait we learn is something Wee-Bey is very passionate about.

This scene is also hilarious because while D'Angelo is obviously very scared and acting strange as hell, meanwhile Wee-Bey is either very oblivious to it or just doesn't care.

16. The Big Score 

I love a good heist movie or good heist TV show, this scene gave viewers the best example of a heist in the world of the wire.

Omar gathers a team to rob a huge shipment of Prop Joe's supply. It has all the making of a good heist, a huge score, decoys, catching the targets off guard. Driving away newly rich, the ensuing subplot of selling the product back to The New Day Co-Op in which the asking price keeps going up as it flows through different channels is hilarious.

15. D'Angelo Reflects On His Life

To many, season 2 is viewed as the weakest season of the series due to the primary shift from the streets of Baltimore to the dying docks of Baltimore. When you really look at season 2 in the overall story it's very important. It brings up a very important question in the war against drugs, how do they get to the streets? Who's bringing them in? How connected are they? Who else besides the continuous media representation of Black males are involved in this deadly trade?

This scene from season 2 episode 6 however features a season 1 regular D'Angelo Barksdale. Sitting in the book club of his prison, he and fellow members discuss the true meaning of the classic The Great Gatsby. D'Angelo reflecting on his life and where it has gotten him at that point and the need to who know you are, reinvent yourself if needed, but also be real with yourself. D'Angelo hinted he was trying to erase his past and move forward in his life.

14. Bubbles Finally Confronts His Grief

Grief is very hard to tackle and face head on, it also takes a lot of time. At the end of season 5, Bubbles is clean from his addiction and finally tackles the grief around Sharrod's death head on at one of his meetings. It's the final closure Bubbles needs to finally move on with his life and start a new chapter free of his past.

How Andre Royo who played Bubbles did not win any awards for this scene is beyond me.

13. Date Night

This season 3 scene is hilarious in nature but more coincidental. Herc and Carver leave the movies with their respective dates and run into Bodie and Poot who are doing the same.

Poot and Bodie make light of the fact the detectives try to bust them everyday to no success. Chalking it up as part of the game, they tell the detectives they'll see them tomorrow. Herc and Carver without their badges protecting them are left speechless and dumbfounded.

12. Cutty leaves the game 

In this season 3, episode 6 scene, after a trial run back in the game former enforcer Dennis "Cutty" Wise finds out he no longer has it. He let's Avon know he want's out, he's older now and the game just ain't in him no more. 

This scene proves people do change and it show's just how much Avon respected Cutty. In fact maybe the scene highlighted how much Avon wished he could just walk away.

11. Chris Shocks Even Snoop

All through season 4 Marlo enforcer's Chris and Snoop were very careful about the murders they carried out. Meanwhile it was always implied Michael had been molested at a young age, when his younger brother Bug's dad returned everything came together. Michael went to the only person he could in Marlo to help rectify the situation.

As Chris and Snoop carry out the orders of taking out Michael's problem, it's also heavily implied Chris was molested at a young age. This scene is so powerful in Chris's brutal assualt finally getting some sort of revenge, the sheer shock on Snoop's face unaware of Chris past and a likely explaination to why Chris turned into the brutal killer he became. The scene is even more profound with Michael's smirk back home knowing his problem is gone for good and he can start to heal from his tramautic past. 

10. Bodie's Last Stand 

Season 4 finale scene showed Bodie ever the soldier taking his last stand. 

Knowing Marlo's crew was after him he refused to bow down and give up his "corner". Poot desperately tried to persuade his friend to run, but Bodie was willing to go down protecting what was his and the morals of the game he tried to live by.

Bodie was one of the last remaining symbols of the old Barksdale organization in season 4. One of my favorite characters he went down with a fight.

9. Namond Not bout that life

In case you haven't picked up on it yet, if  you ask me season 4 is the best season of the series.

Finding out little bad ass Kenard stole from him, Namond approach's him. Kenard knows he doesn't have the heart to try him, and doesn't respect him so he talks shit to Namond. Until Michael intervenes and beats Kenard ass. Showing Michaels slow burn to the influences of the street. 

It also show's Namond's façade all his life as the son of a street legend, as he is terrified in the change within Michael and runs away. 

8. Marlo Intimidates Old Face Andre

This scene from season 4, episode 4 subtlety shows how psychotic Marlo is. After Old Face Andre gets Marlo stash taken from Omar he meets with Marlo and Chris.

Old Face Andre gives his siloquoy about the global economy, while Marlo never changing his tone bullies his prized ring off his finger. Later commenting to Chris how he may send Chris to make easy work of fellow poker players he's having trouble beating.

7. Fuck!

One simple word drives this scene from season 1. As McNulty and Bunk investigate a cold case they believe is linked to the Barksdale crew. 

Scouting the vacant apartment of the victim they look at the notes from the scene to what they see. Sensing stuff isn't adding up they just look at one another at different times and utter the famous four letter word.

6. Life Is Chess Not Checkers

This season 1 gem of a scene features D'Angelo Barksdale stumbling upon corner boys Wallace and Bodie playing checkers on a chess board.

He decides to teach them the game of chess comparing it to the drug game their familiar with. Avon's the king they must protect, Stringers the queen, everyone else are the pawns. The first line of defense and the first to go early through significant jail time or death. It's a brilliant scene honestly explaining life and how several organizations are set up from street gangs, to the military, to corporate America.

5. Brother Mouzone And Omar Standoff

Straight out of a western the opening to season 3 Episode 11 features a stand off between two "legends" in the game. The cinematography in this scene is top notch, the tension is high, background music is thrilling enough. Both men although they barely know another one, knows just enough to sense the other knows something was amiss in their previous encounter and they should talk it out before guns start blazing.

If it already isn't, this scene should be studied in film classes that's how great it is.

4. McNulty and Bodie Have A Heart To Heart 

This season 4 scene bring's Bodies story full circle. At this point in the series Bodie is all of 20 or 21 and is a veteran in the drug game, he quickly is realizing the rules of the game are changing and the new organizations don't follow the rules or even have morals enough to respect the game. 

He alludes to feeling old because of just how long he's been in the game and how much has changed. Making a point that even as a drug dealer you have to have some type of moral code. The scene is even more poignant when he references the game of chess and life D'Angelo taught him in season 1.

3. Chris and Snoop Interrogate New Yorkers

Season 4, episode 8 show Chris and Snoop on the prowl taking care of invading dealers from New York. In a hilarious attempt to make sure they have the right targets, they start conversation about local Baltimore music. The problem is Chris is up to par on the local music scene, while Snoop isn't and frankly doesn't care to be. 

Which highlights two funny scenes. Snoop nearly killing a guy since she doesnt know anything about  local radio and Chris having to quickly intervene. Followed by Chris brazenly taking out another dude who is clearly not from the area. This scene was another example of just how ruthless the two are.

2. Bodie and Poot kill Wallace 

This just maybe the saddest scene from season 1, maybe even the entire series. After some time away in hiding Wallace returns home and honestly he should have stayed away. 

The Barksdale organization at this point were well aware of the heat on them from the cops, and was all about tying up loose ends. Wallace was deemed a liability and had to go, it was even worst when Bodie and Poot were tasked with making sure it happened. They go out for their last meal as friends before the deed is done.

When Wallace realizes what's happening he pleads with his friends who are just as upset with the situation, but as soldiers it has to get done. Throw in the fact these are all teenagers manipulated by grown men makes it even sadder. The character of Wallace and his arc hits home for many, he was a good kid in a bad situation who would have lived a completely different life if his circumstances were different. That in itself is enough to make you bawl.

1. Avon And Stringer Reminisce 

My favorite scene from the entire series, Avon and Stringer on the rooftop looking over the water living their respective versions of the American dream. 

Reminiscing about their youth, where they came from, and all they accomplished together. This scene makes it even more apparent that now they are on different paths and are in one another's way from accomplishing their true goals.

Knowing what they are about to do to each other makes the statement "We Brothers" more gutwrenching.

I'll admit it was tough to make this list, going back and forth over scenes and rankings. Feeling bad leaving out some scenes, because this show was that damn good. To me in revisiting the series to craft this list, highlights why this show is considered one of the greatest TV dramas ever and why it still resonates today. It also helped me remember why I use to could not wait til Sunday evenings to get my dose of good quality TV.

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Black Cookout Must Haves

The weather's nice, days are longer, the reasons for being outside are endless, and Memorial Day is this weekend. Which means it's the unofficial start of summer, which translates to its time for cookouts, like every weekend someone should be having a cookout.

Since we love cookouts, the food, the atmosphere, the weather. Here's some must have items every Black cookout should have.

Good Playlist

If you have a live DJ at your cookout, then you know how to throw a party.  Get ready to jam until the wee hours of the morning. If you dont have a DJ, make sure your playlist is equipped with all the songs that give summer feels. No summer playlist is complete unless  Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff "Summertime" and Frankie Beverly and Maze "Before I let you go" is on there. Throw Beyoncé's updated version on there to get a line dance going. If you're in Baltimore, you have to play some B-More Club Music somewhere in the mix.

Card Games

Once the sun starts setting and everyone is suffering from the itis, somebody is bound to pull out a deck of cards and ask "Ya'll tryna play spades?". Thus the door opens for some hilarious banter throughout the rest of the night until someone gets mad enough and quits playing.

If no one has some spades cards around, UNO is the next best option and that also will get some chatter and banter going. Especially if the participants have a little liquor in them. On the West Coast Domino is a popular alternative to Spades, and get's the job done of entertaining the spectators.  

Liquor

One thing for sure about Black People if the mood is festive, or hell maybe not so festive liquor is gon be around.

 Beer...coolers...bourbon...whiskey....tequila you need something to wash down the plate packed to the heap. Someone probably gon bring a bottle of white henny they bought overseas for everyone to drink in two minutes. Shots, mixed drinks, trash bags (or hopefully recycle bins) filled with bottles. Let's not forget the plastic red cups splattered around. 

Sometime's you have to kick back in the summer heat and enjoy the moment, some good liquor helps make that happen.

Good Side Dishes 

Everyone knows when you come to the cookout you can't wait to dig into the ribs, the hot dogs, and the hamburgers. Throw some chicken in there fried, bbq'd or grilled and the main course of a plate is complete, but good side dishes make the cookout. You have to have the side dishes everyone mouth been watering over or the cookout may just be considered an epic fail.

I'm talking when the pans are lined up and you open the cover you see, potato salad, seafood salad, some mac and cheese, baked beans, a regular salad, and some devil eggs. If any of these are missing but the rest are there, the cookout about to be right. If none of them are there go ahead and sneak out before people even noticed you stopped by. 

Good Company

The food is the usually the main attraction to any cookout, but no cookout is complete without good company. Family and Friends you've known for years or only for a short time to get together decompress, talk mad shit, laugh and just enjoy one another's company. It's the best part of any cookout and honestly makes a cookout more than any of the food.

Bonus Must Have

Extra Paper Plates & Alumnium Foil

This must need's no real explaination, just know when the cookout winding down and folks getting ready to go. Some plates to go gon be made, so make sure there's extra paper plates and foil to go around. Don't worry we're resourceful, if there's not enough alumnium foil we'll just use another plate to cover our plate to go. 

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Teams That Could Have Their Own Winning Time

 Season 1 of HBO's newest show "Winning Time" just finished it's first season. The series follows the behind the scenes goings on, politics, and business moves that were made to craft the "showtime" era L.A. Lakers of the 1980's. It has already been renewed for a 2nd season which should dig deeper into the team and the 80's lifestyle.

In my opinion HBO has a potential hit of a franchise on their hand with Winning Time. Think about it! People love sports, big personalities, business, and drama which every professional sports league has. So it got me thinking about which other pro teams would be good subjects for additional Winning Time seasons.

'96 New York Yankees

Love them or hate them, The Yankees are probably theee most popular team in professional sports. After years of mediocrity, they returned to dominance in 1996 winning their first Division title since 1981, and first World Series since 1978.

George Steinbrenner is one owner who probably matched Jerry Buss's flair, maybe even exceeding it. He was very competitive and an sore loser. Some even say he ruled in fear, irrational at times and surly. Some of his smartest moves as a owner however, came into play in '96 and would be an interesting subject.

Joe Torre being hired before the season and the New York Media shitting on him because of his previous manager record. A young rookie by the name of Derek Jeter being called up and starting his path to being a franchise player. Along with other highly talented young cornerstones like Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte. Shrewd moves like bringing  vets in such as Dwight Gooden and Daryl Strawberry both who had addictions that derailed their careers. Tino Martinez, David Cone and Luis Sojo before and throughout the season.

Of course their postseason run, including the famous Jeffery Mahier incident (As a Orioles fan, still a little salty about that). Torre's brother being hospitalized during their playoff run and them winning the World Series sparking a dynasty heading into the new millennium.

On the surface sounds like a good ol' feel good story but I'm sure there was a lot of shit going down behind the scenes.

'80's Edmonton Oilers

With Wayne Gretzky on any team, they are sure to be perennial winners. The Edmonton Oiler's of the 1980's were thee personification of a dynasty. Winning five Stanley Cup Championship's in the 1980's.

With the greatest hockey player ever on their team, and surrounded by players like Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Grant Fuhr, Jari Karri and Glenn Anderson. The Oilers had all the pieces in place to win championships for a very long time.

The success didn't come without issues, including Mark Messier and Dave Hunter legal troubles. As well as the behind the scenes decisions that led to the bombshell trade of Wayne Gretzky to the L.A. Kings in 1988. For pretty much the entire decade the Edmonton Oilers were on the mountaintop of the NHL, that story should be told. 

'90's Dallas Cowboys

America's Team! You say that and everyone knows your talking about the Dallas Cowboys. In the early and mid-90's there was no more loved and successful team in America. Everyone loved the iconic blue star. Much like the Lakers they also believed in showmanship alongside winning.

They had a colorful cast of characters fit for TV. With an outspoken and controlling team owner in Jerry Jones. That in itself would be a major plot point, his buying of the team in '89 choosing to become the General Manager, and the choices he made good or bad to get the Cowboy's to where they are today.

A shrewd head coach known more for his impeccable hair on the sidelines in Jimmy Johnson. Who led the Cowboy's to two super bowls before leaving because he couldnt get along with Jerry. Followed by Barry Switzer. On the field strong personalities like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, Larry Allen, Charles Haley and "Prime Time" Deion Sanders.

The Cowboys of the 90's didn't have many off the field troubles during the teams championship 3 titles in 4 years run. After that time period was a different story, but it would be interesting to see how all those personalities were managed, paid well and kept happy to be so successful.

Any of these three teams would be perfect topics to cover. Let's hope HBO sees potential in the franchise and moves forward with these teams or other teams.

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Netflix Needs More "Events"

Netflix recently announced that they have lost a significant amount of subscribers. Their plan to battle it? Crackdown on password sharing. Since then Netflix shares have dropped and online forums and columns have been blowing up with many reasons why Netflix is suffering.

These reasons range from the frequent price increases (very valid point, six in eight years is aggressive and excessive), to frequent cancelations of good shows before they find their footing (a major Netflix problem). To the complete lack of quality content (Seems like they greenlight anything). 

Netflix has done a masterful job of producing quality TV series, but when it comes to original films an awful lot is left to be desired. They fell into a trap of trying to create as much original content as possible as film studios created their own streaming services. The problem was they chose quantity over quality in the situation. Some original films are downright horrible.

Look at their recent Netflix is a Joke Festival and what they promoted the most. Stranger Things, Cobra Kai, Grace & Frankie, and Umbrella Academy. All highly successful TV shows that have built the brand.

Reading the different threads, and recently  watching Fear Street something occurred to me. One of Netflixs biggest problems when releasing original films and some of their landmark series, is that they have no "Big event" feel to them.

When the three part Fear Street series released last summer, there was a "epic" feel to it so to speak. People were excited to watch part 1 over July 4th weekend, the movie was good and drew anticipation for the next two parts released in subsequent weeks.

Most of Netflixs movies releases are sandwiched in between other Netflix releases that same day or weekend. As a way to help bring subscribers back, the company should invest in giving viewers that FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) feeling.

Have follow up program after a big movie almost like a behind the scenes series. For example Project Adam (which was very good and 80ish in it's tone). There should have been a BTS series on the influences of the movie. A brief program on the world of the series and how time travel works in the movie universe. Maybe a bigger ad campaign before it released.

When the latest season of Cobra Kai was released. Have the three orignal films werent enough. There should have been even a 10 minute special on what bought creators back to the Karate Kid world. Or better yet a brief special on how Cobra Kai has given the franchise new life, since debuting in 2018.

The second half of the final season of Ozark just debuted. Where is the big hoopla for it? Fans are excited yes, but Netflix seems to just let it fly under the radar. 

Something like that, hell anything to draw excitement for programs would help them out. Even with the Fandom and lore already built in, think about how excited people get when a new Marvel or Star Wars show debuts on Disney plus. It may cost Netflix more to produce these brief blurbs, but the fan loyalty and support I think would outweigh it.

The opportunity is there for Netflix to turn things around. It's in their hands to come up with original content and think outside the box. That big event feel for Netflix original content could go a long way in bringing subscribers back.

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Baltimore The Movie Character

You may have seen the trailer for HBO's latest mini-series "We Own This City" debuting later this month and starring Jon Bernthal (The Punisher), Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country), Jamie Hector (Marlo, "The Wire") and Baltimore native Josh Charles (Sports Night). The series produced by David Simon focuses on the true story of a corrupt Baltimore city PD task force.  

The series was very active filming around the city last summer. Shoot, they filmed a block up from my street and parked a big ass trailer right in front of my house. 

Seeing the trailer (the actual promo trailer) got me thinking about movies that were actually filmed in Baltimore.

The city of Baltimore is known for alot of things, some positive most of it unfairly negative. One often overlooked positive is how it is a great backdrop for films. 

It's often an overlooked aspect of filmmaking unless the plot is dependent on it, but what city a film is set in is a important component of making movies. It sets a tone and can assist in driving home the message of a movie. Now Baltimore may not be in the conversation with LA, New York, or Atlanta when it comes to movies being filmed here. 

However, the city is no slouch with Hollywood depictions, there are several films out there you may not realize were filmed in Baltimore. Oftentimes it's a stand in for D.C. since filmmakers don't have to deal with the challenges of filming in the nation's capital. Other times it's a stand in for other cities (Major League II, The Replacements). The best times though,  are when a film is actually set here. Hollywood get's the most bang for it's buck when it accurately depicts the city for it's beauty,, quirkiness nd grim.

I've compiled a list of five films I think really exemplify and made the city it's own character. Note, this list is strictly about movies so The Wire and Homicide: Life On The Street two great TV series, where the city was a major character just as much if not more than the actors of the shows are omitted.

5. Liberty Heights

Released in 1999, Liberty Heights is one of Baltimore native Barry Levinson's "Baltimore films". This film follows a Jewish teenager Ben (Ben Foster) observing and living life in the 1950's as his father has a role with the mob and under close watch by the feds, his school has recently integrated, and he falls for a fellow student Sylvia who is Black.

Baltimore neighborhoods particularly the Liberty Heights area are highlighted in the film. Druid Hill Park was a filming location. Pennsylvania Ave and the famed Royal Theater which was the Black mecca in Baltimore during the 50's and 60's is depicted. Famed Baltimore gangster Lil' Melvin is even portrayed in the film by Orlando Jones. My family lived in the Liberty Heights area for years spanning multiple generations, and as a kid it was very cool to see an area I was familiar with in a Hollywood movie.

4. He's Just Not That Into You

This 2009 film bought alot of star power to Baltimore. Starring Ben Affleck, Scarlett Johannson, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, Jennifer Connolly, Kevin Connolly and Jennifer Aniston. They came together for a romantic comedy above love and life and is actually a decent rom-com movie.

The movie follows different characters in different stages of relationships. More importantly it shows quite a few areas of Baltimore. Fells Point, Brewer's Hill, Mount Vernon, water taxis around the Harbor, Canton, and the famous Domino Sugar sign. Local beer Natty Boh is heavily shown in many bar scenes. This movie maybe almost 13 years old but its actually a great advertisement for Baltimore and it's charm.

3. Diner

Diner is basically Barry Levinson's love letter to his youth and the city that made him. Released in 1982 and set in the 1950's the film covers a group of friends who love to frequent a Fells Point diner. It's at the diner where they love french fries and gravy and debating over roast beef sandwiches on rye. 

Local TV station WBAL is name dropped. The main characters stan the Baltimore Colts, which a humorous subplot involving a marriage is dependent on the Colts is included. Fells Point, overview shots of a pre Inner Harbor harbor, Camden Station and other Baltimore landmarks are prominent. The movie is very Seinfeldish in that it really has no plot, it just follows a group of friends experiencing different situations in life. If you've ever hung out with your friends agitated one another simply to debate, and done some wild and random shit in your youth, you'll appreciate the movie. 

2. Charm City Kings

Starring Meek Mill, Ja'hani Wiston, and Baltimore dirt bike legend Chino Braxton. The movie highlights the dirt bike culture of Baltimore. How much work goes into building dirt bikes and learning the craft of riding one. It also provides clues on why dirt bike riders are considered Superheroes to inner city kids.

It has little nuances like the Baltimore accent where we say "doug" or "dug" instead of dog.  Beloved UTZ crab chips are displayed a few times and two characters eating not quite a 4 wings and fries chicken box but almost there. It also showed everyday Baltimore neighborhoods, dipilated housing and all that natives would recognize or snap their fingers and be like damn I know that area.

1. Hairspray 

John Waters has set all of his films in Baltimore, and made all efforts to show the quirks of the city. From Pink Flamingo to Serial Mom, and Pecker, John Waters will show just how off many residents in different phases and demographics of life.  The 2007 musical film of Hairspray does a wonderful job of making Baltimore it's own character in the film. It's opening song is even a catchy ode of a song to Baltimore 

As great as that movie is, it mainly was filmed in Toronto, Canada. The nod here however goes to the original 1988 film starring Ricki Lake. For actually being filmed in the city, and showing many landmarks,quirks and Baltimore slang of the 1960s. Love or hate the film or the director, you cant hate his love for his hometown. 

If your curious about the various movies and TV shows filmed in Baltimore click here

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