Season 2 of That 90’s Show is a vast improvement
The highly anticipated season 2 of Netflix’s beloved show “That ’90s Show” is finally here, much to the delight of fans. The series, a collaborative effort of original creators Bonnie and Terry Turner and their daughter Lindsey Turner, promises to deliver another nostalgic journey. Showrunner Gregg Mettler, another familiar face, is back to steer the ship.
Concert Review: The Love Hard Tour At Eagle Bank Arena
On Sunday, June 23rd, the Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, VA, hosted “The Love Hard Tour,” an unforgettable night of love songs and memories. Initially scheduled for spring, the show was postponed to the summer. The Love Hard Tour, brought to you by the Black Promoters Collective, features R&B sensations K. Michelle, Trey Songz, Jaheim, and headliner Keyisha Cole. I’ve enjoyed seeing all of these performers on previous tours. However, given the consistent success and promptness of the promoters at concerts since their formation, I made it a priority to experience this show.
Brats is an engaging tribute to eighties icons homage
Andrew McCarthy, a former ‘Brat Pack’ actor who spent a decade honing his directorial talents in episodic television, now brings his unique perspective to features in the appropriately titled ‘Brats’ from Hulu. The term ‘Brat Pack’ was a standard reference among young movie enthusiasts in the 1980s, first coined by writer David Blum after witnessing a group of young actors being overwhelmed by admirers at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles. The core members of the Brat Pack were often recognized for their appearances in the ensemble casts of two specific films released in 1985: John Hughes’s ‘The Breakfast Club’ and Joel Schumacher’s ‘St. Elmo’s Fire ‘.
Single Review: Ne-Yo, 2 Million Secrets
The R&B maestro, Ne-Yo, triumphantly returns to the music scene with his latest offering, “2 Million Secrets.” This melodious creation, produced by the talented Hitmaka, delves deep into the aftermath of dishonesty and disloyalty in a romantic relationship. Ne-Yo’s poignant lyrics testify to his understanding of the harm caused, making this song a must-listen for any R&B enthusiast.
Second Listen Sunday: Anita Baker, Rhythm of Love
In the realm of music, it is common for even the most accomplished vocalists to draw scrutiny from industry professionals and fans when they deviate from their established style. In this edition of Second Listen Sunday, I aim to revisit the renowned Anita Baker and her fifth album, “Rhythm of Love.”
Slow Jam Saturday: Xscape
The summer of 2024 is set to be a thrilling season for live music, with the highly anticipated start of ‘The Queens of R&B’ tour. This tour, featuring co-headliners Xscape and SWV and special guests Mya, Total, and 702, promises to be a musical extravaganza. In this exciting context, this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Xscape’s ballad ‘Do You Want To,’ the final track from their second album, ‘Off The Hook,’ released in 1995.
Ultraman: Rising is high flying family entertainment
In his debut as a director for Netflix’s “Ultraman: Rising,” animation specialist Shannon Tindle offers a unique fusion of sports and superhero action. Co-written with Marc Haines, the script brings to life the thrilling and heartwarming tale of Ken Sato, a renowned baseball player concealing a secret identity as the towering superhero Ultraman. The narrative takes a surprising turn as Sato navigates the dual responsibilities of a successful sports career and his newfound role as a city protector and a baby kaiju caretaker.
Second Listen Sunday: Christopher Williams, Changes
This week’s Second Listen Sunday takes us back to 1992 to pay homage to R&B singer Christopher Williams and his second album ‘Changes.’ This album, a significant milestone in the R&B and soul music scene, was released after Williams’ success in portraying Kareem Akbar in ‘New Jack City,’ setting the stage for his impactful journey in the music world. On December 29, 1992, Williams unveiled his album in record stores, kicking off the promotion with the lead single ‘I’m Dreamin’.
Slow Jam Saturday: Troop, Still In Love
I often reflect on my childhood and realize how fortunate I was when it came to music. So, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to show appreciation for the R&B quintet Troop and their song “Still in Love” from their self-titled 1988 debut album. Compromised of Rodney Benford, John Harreld, Allen McNeil, Steve Russell, and Reggie Warren, Troop burst onto the scene with the bop “Mamacita,” which featured the production and writing skills of their label mates Gerald Levert and Marc Gordon from LeVert. However, I’m a ballad fan, so it was all about “Still in Love.”
Tribeca Review: Luther: Never Too Much
Esteemed documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter embarks on a compelling journey into the life and musical legacy of Luther Vandross in her latest project, ‘Luther: Never Too Much.’ This documentary stands out with its insightful interviews, rare footage, and carefully crafted screenplay that brings Vandross’s story to life. The evocative musical score by Grammy winner Robert Glasper and the executive production by Oscar winner Jamie Foxx further elevate the project, ensuring a poignant and comprehensive exploration of Vandross’ remarkable career and influence.
Jennifer Esposito flexes her directing chops in the engaging Fresh Kills
Esteemed actress Jennifer Esposito takes a bold step into the world of writing and directing with ‘Fresh Kills’ from Quiver Distribution. In addition to her new roles, Esposito delivers a compelling performance as a co-star in the film. Set in late 1989 and 1993 in Staten Island, New York, the film follows the journey of Rose Larusso, a young and curious girl portrayed by Emily Bader. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she uncovers a shocking secret about her father, Joe, played by Domenick Lombardozzi, who is revealed to be a mafia kingpin. As Rose’s yearning for independence and self-discovery intensifies, it triggers a series of events that not only jeopardize her safety but also strain her relationships with her mother, Francine (played by Esposito), her sister Connie (portrayed by Odessa A’zion), and her aunt Christine (brought to life by Annabella Sciorra). This internal and external conflict forms the film’s core, ‘Fresh Kills. ‘
Reverse The Curse blends comedy, sports fanatics and drama
David Duchovny, known for his roles in popular TV series and films, makes a comeback to directing narrative features after a gap of two decades with the much-anticipated ‘Reverse The Curse’ from Vertical. In this project, he not only adapts his fourth novel, ‘Bucky F*cking Dent,’ from 2017, for the film’s screenplay but also takes on a co-starring role.