Name: JPRoscoe
Email:
Bio: Follow me on Twitter @JPRoscoe76! Loves all things pop-culture especially if it has a bit of a counter-culture twist. Plays video games (basically from the start when a neighbor brought home an Atari 2600), comic loving (for almost 30 years), and a true critic of movies. Enjoys the art house but also isn't afraid to let in one or two popular movies at the same time.
Posts by JPRoscoe:
300: Rise of an Empire (2014)
September 16th, 2021Movie Info
Movie Name: 300: Rise of an Empire
Studio: Legendary Pictures
Genre(s): Comic Book/Action/Adventure
Release Date(s): March 7, 2014
MPAA Rating: R
That’s right, I’m a golden god…come at me, bro!
The Battle of Marathon leads to the death of King Darius by the hand of Themistocles of Athens (Sullivan Stapleton) and out of the ashes of his father, Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) rises…and is goaded by Artemisia (Eva Green) to carry on the war against Greece. Themistocles works to raise an army to face the forces of Xerxes and tries to unify Greece in the process. As the Spartans face heavy losses to Xerxes, Themistocles finds himself faced with the fleets of Artemisia…and loss could mean the fall of Greece!
Directed by Noam Murro, 300: Rise of an Empire is the sequel to the 2007 blockbuster 300. The movie adapts the unpublished graphic novel Xerxes by Frank Miller and serves as a prequel and a sequel to 300. The movie was met with mixed reviews and a strong box office return.
I only have boyfriends that don’t talk back!
300 was a solid and divisive movie. Some loved the action and extreme visuals while others found it hollow and lifeless. I liked 300…I didn’t love it, but I did find it was interesting and a unique bringing to life of a comic book that was different than other comic book movies popping up. 300: Rise of an Empire solid follow-up…because it just feels like more of the same.
I do have to credit the movie for some of its storytelling. The movie does a good job working around 300 by showing events leading up the battle, events just after the battle seen in the movie, and what happened as a result of the battle. The framework story feels pretty complete, but some viewers might find it lacking. It isn’t the most powerful telling, but it is kind of smart at points and does a good job working around obvious limitations since many of the actors who played Spartans in the first film did not return for this film.
I think Sullivan Stapleton doesn’t do as well as establishing himself as the lead in this film as Gerard Butler did in 300 despite his Greek “Scottish” accent, Leonidas was a much more rounded character. I do like Eva Green as the psycho Artemisia even though she just mostly relies on damning stares and glares. Unfortunately, both the creepy Xerxes played by Rodrigo Santoro and the grieving Queen Gorgo could have been played up more. Plus, subplots involving other warriors did just clog up the story and didn’t really add much new to the script.
I call stalemate!
The visuals are still love-them or hate-them, but they do seem a bit more toned down from the first movie. 300 was a shock to the eyes, and other movies have followed it in style and look. This leads 300: Rise of an Empire to be a little less of a surprise visually and it loses the shock value of the first film. It still is a lot of eye candy however.
300: Rise of an Empire is a bit better than I expected but still not a great film. If you were a fan of the first film, you probably will like the sequel, but if you were on the fence or hated the first film, this won’t make you like it any more. It will be interesting to see with the success of this film how makers can squeeze out another sequel to keep the money flowing.
Related Links:
Ghost Rider (2007)
September 16th, 2021Movie Info
Movie Name: Ghost Rider
Studio: Marvel Entertainment
Genre(s): Comic Book/Action/Adventure/Horror
Release Date(s): January 15, 2007 (Ukraine)/February 16, 2007 (US)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
He’s coming for you!!!
Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) is a cursed man. Selling his soul to save his father Barton Blaze (Brett Cullen), Johnny finds he is unable to die and that he is simply waiting for Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) to come and send him on a mission. When his childhood love Roxanne Simpson (Eva Mendes) appears, Johnny finds his path set on a mission to obtain a contract before another demon named Blackheart (Wes Bentley) claims it first. Transformed into the Spirit of Vengeance known as Ghost Rider, Johnny finds himself trying to protect the ones he loves while fighting for his soul and the world.
Written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson, Ghost Rider adapts the Marvel Comic for the big screen. The film suffered multiple delays and the movie received negative reviews but had a strong box office draw. Nicolas Cage received a Razzie nomination for Worst Actor (along with his work in National Treasure: Book of Secrets and Next).
Crap…I thought I was auditioning for Nightcrawler
Ghost Rider always seemed like a bit of an antiquated character. He was created in the ’70s when the Comic Code lightened up and horror books resurfaced. By the ’80s he was gone, but the character found a resurgence in the ’90s and became the leader of Marvel Comics “Midnight Sons” horror comics. The movie blends the ’70s Ghost Rider with aspects of the ’90s Danny Ketch version…but it still has a lot of the same basic problem of the original character.
The story for Ghost Rider might be the primary problem. It seems to wander throughout most of the movie between the sappy romance between Johnny and Roxanne, the curse, and then it gets back into a story. It feels like the movie needs more direction and balance to it.
Nicolas Cage is generally a love him or hate him type of actor and this movie is a good example of why. He plays Johnny Blaze so bizarrely with a strange accent and quirky behavior traits that really feel like they were his addition to the script. It is both jarring and watchable at the same time. It is odd but he could be the best thing about the movie and the worst thing about the movie at the same time. He is backed with a few great supporting stars in Sam Elliott, Peter Fonda, and an early appearance by Rebel Wilson in a small cameo.
If you make one “Horse Power” joke, I’m going to throttle you with my chain
The movie does get the Ghost Rider visuals surprisingly right. The Ghost Rider looks like he should (though the maniacal laughter sometimes doesn’t fit…I always pictured him the strong silent type). They pay homage to the ’90s Ghost Rider with the tougher leather spiked jacket and his chain (his bike on the other hand is probably closer to the original bike). Unfortunately, Ghost Rider’s villains are rather lacking and the decision to go with Blackheart is kind of a poor choice since visually he generally looks like a thorny bush.
Ghost Rider is one of those movies I didn’t hate, but I also didn’t have much of a desire to see it again. It was a second tier movie about a second tier character in the Marvel Universe and it felt like it. With the financial success and the rising popularity of comic book movies, Ghost Rider did spawn a sequel in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance in 2012.
Related Links:
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)
Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995)
September 14th, 2021Movie Info
Movie Name: Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest
Studio: Dimension Films
Genre(s): Horror/B-Movie
Release Date(s): September 12, 1995
MPAA Rating: R
Hi…If we talk about sacrificing you to a corn god, we’re just kidding…that’s how we talk in Nebraska
Orphans Eli (Daniel Cerny) and Joshua (Ron Melendez) have been taken in by William and Amanda Porter (Jim Metzler and Nancy Lee Grahn) from Chicago. The children from Gatlin find themselves outcasts in the new school but outgoing Joshua quickly makes friends with Malcolm (Jon Clair) and Maria (Mari Morrow). Eli has his own goals in the city and with a case of corn from Gatlin, he intends to grow a garden and bring in others to follow him. Eli is set new roots in the city…and He Who Walks Behind the Rows could go worldwide.
Directed by James D. R. Hickox, Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest is a straight-to-video-horror thriller. The movie is based on Stephen King’s 1977 story published in Penthouse (March 1977) and was later collected in Night Shift. Following Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice in 1993, the film was largely panned.
Children of the Corn was a so-so movie with some good jumps. Children of the Corn II was a pretty poor sequel to the movie, but this movie might be slightly better (but that is not an endorsement).
Oh no! The Dark Overlords from Howard the Duck are starting to eat Barbies!!!
The movie’s story is where it shows a bit of improvement, but it has a ways to go to be good. The idea of taking the story to the city at least changes up some of the ideas. The basic story however is pretty poor. The movie could have set up Joshua as “the good son” in a family where Eli is trying to destroy it…but the family is pretty much already a mess when the two kids are added. Amanda is quickly dispatched and William proves to be a poor father replacement. The kids fall under Eli and only Joshua stand between him and “world domination”…but fortunately he beats him with a book. It all feels kind of random.
Daniel Cerny is a decent evil kid and Ron Melendez gets to be the hip country kid that ends up fitting in Chicago (unrealistically). Character actor Michael Ensign plays the doomed Father Frank and Mari Morrow and Jon Clair pretty much get their lives ruined by arrival of Eli and Joshua (especially in Malcolm’s case). The movie is also noted for having a small first screen role for Charlize Theron. Also making his first appearance in a small role is Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Nicholas Brendon.
Dammit…I can’t wait to be a serial killer hooker
The special effects are all over the place. There are some ok practical effects involving monsters and deaths, but much of the “big deaths” are poor. The big finale involves a Claymation monster (that looks a lot like the Overlords that Howard the Duck fought) eating kids…some of which are obvious toy dolls. It is pretty bad.
Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest has a few laughable moments and the movie isn’t that long. In that sense, you can watch it as a goofball type horror movie with no merit and more of a comedy. There are few jumps and scares, and it really lacks what it needs as a horror film. I always hate when a low-budget movie doesn’t go all-in at least to give the viewer something insane to watch…and most of the Children of the Corn films fail to make that leap. Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest is followed by Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering in 1996.
Related Links:
Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice (1993)
Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering (1996)
Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998)
Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return (1999)
Comments Off on Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995)
Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return (1999)
September 13th, 2021Movie Info
Movie Name: Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return
Studio: Dimension Films
Genre(s): Horror/B-Movie
Release Date(s): October 19, 1999
MPAA Rating: R
Doctors are certainly “hands on” in Gatlin
Hannah Martin (Natalie Ramsey) has always wondered about her life before she was adopted and has decided on the verge of her nineteenth birthday to seek out her birthmother in the town of Gatlin. Gatlin has had a long history of death and sacrifice and when Hannah returns it could not only reawaken the speaker of the word Isaac (John Franklin), but a prophecy of evil. Time is running out for Isaac’s word to become reality, and Isaac and his followers will stop at nothing to ensure the prophecy occurs.
Directed by Kari Skogland, Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return is a horror movie. Based on ideas from Stephen King’s 1977 short story “Children of the Corn” which was originally published in Penthouse (March 1977) and was later part of his short story collection Night Shift, the film is a sequel to Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror from 1998 and released direct-to-video.
I’ll be your Malachi, Isaac
The creepy Isaac was a highlight of Children of the Corn which frankly isn’t the best movie (though it has some good jumps). Isaac however was nailed to a cross like a Jesus scarecrow, shot into the sky, and returned as a demon seeking Malachi…now, he’s back from a coma (which doesn’t really make much sense).
The story is pretty typical of Children of the Corn (and most of its sequels). A stranger rolls into Gatlin, gets caught up in the cult of “He Who Walks Behind the Rows”, and discovers leaving Gatlin is harder than expected. The idiot stranger this time is Hannah…the first born daughter of the children and “the future” for their beliefs. She is prophesized to join the first born son in carrying out the word from Gatlin. This is all supposed to be before her nineteenth birthday and of course keeping herself from sleeping with someone for like two days is the challenge. Even when she is seduced, she can’t say “can we just wait fifteen minutes to be sure”…nope…it’s sex time.
Blah, blah, blah, “Corn”, blah, blah, blah…let’s eat cake!
Like many of the Children of the Corn movies, Isaac’s Return manages to snag some names for the movie. Nancy Allen and Stacy Keach are the “famous” actors who appear in this one and Natalie Ramsey is pretty average as the lead (there have been worse). John Franklin continues to be a hook even years later as the odd Isaac, and the movie is worth visiting to see Isaac back (though he is underused).
Visually, the movie is low budget. Even in comparison to some of the sequels, it feels like Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return is really cheap. There aren’t really many special effects, the deaths are mundane, and you can only get so much use out of running through a cornfield at this point (most of which happens in the dark which also doesn’t help).
Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return is what it is. The movie is rather bland, but it is the type of bland you can put on and halfway listen to. The movie isn’t shocking or surprising and lacks suspense or scares (so pretty much everything a horror movie might need). It does have the return of a strange creepy guy and a continuation to a story that probably doesn’t need to keep going. Children of the Corn 666: Isaac’s Return was followed by Children of the Corn: Revelation in 2001.
Related Links:
Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice (1993)
Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995)
Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering (1996)
Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998)
Malignant (2018)
September 13th, 2021Movie Info
Movie Name: Malignant
Studio: Atomic Monster/Boom Entertainment/Boom! Studios
Genre(s): Horror
Release Date(s): September 1, 2021 (France)/September 10, 2021 (US)
MPAA Rating: R
Madison’s having a bad couple of days
Madison Mitchell (Annabelle Wallis) lives in a dangerous situation with an abusive husband. When her husband is brutally murdered after attacking her, Madison finds her life falling apart. She’s plagued by visions of murders of people she doesn’t know, but defended by her sister Sydney Lake (Maddie Hasson) as police Kekoa Shaw (George Young) and Regina Moss (Michole Briana White) find more and more ties between Madison and the brutal murders. To understand what is happening to her, Madison must unlock her past…and might find something horrible hidden inside.
Directed by James Wan (who also helped craft the story), Malignant is a horror thriller. The film was released in theaters and directly on HBO Max on September 10, 2021.
Gabriel says hi!
I like a good horror thriller and I like a gory, goofy horror movie…but something about Malignant hits wrong. There are worse movies than Malignant, but I didn’t enjoy watching it much throughout the viewing as I kept looking to see how much longer I had left. Due to the storyline, a ******spoiler alert****** is in effect for the rest of the review.
The big problem with Malignant is the story. It can’t nail down a tone. While it feels like watching a goofy episode of Tales from the Crypt, it also seems to expect you take it more seriously. I would have been more content if the story was set in the 1970s and a was genre piece (which it also has a vibe of), but instead it feels rather bland and predictable (yes, I think the twist is predictable).
You’re never going to get those sheets clean again
The twist is what got people talking about the movie. It is revealed that the monster Gabriel is a parasitic twin that controls Madison. I had issues with that…first it was pretty obvious. The title is called Malignant…as in something you remove from something that grows like a parasite…a cancer. From the beginning, it felt like Basket Case meets Stephen King’s The Dark Half and with the “People that Live in Brass Hearses” aka the Ice Cream Man episode of Tales from the Crypt mixed in. The shock just isn’t there, when they finally reveal it (and it makes you wonder why some of the scarring on her body wasn’t questioned more). The fact that the evil person pops out of the back was a bit surprising (I thought it was going to just be a viable creature), but it seems like there would be blood running down her back all the time after it first resurfaced.
The acting is also very poor. Annabelle Wallis is ok, but everyone doesn’t seem sure what type of movie they are making. Some people are in a comedic horror film and some actors are in a stone cold horror movie. It kind of ties in with the writing, but if a genre had been landed upon, it might have helped the actors and given the movie more of a direction. The only characters I wanted to know more about was the 1980s trucker lady and the 1970s blaxploitation hooker in the world’s cheesiest (and stereotypical) jail cell.
Just a little plastic surgery and she’ll be right as rain!
There are some decent visuals. That is something I can say about Wan’s horror movies. He knows how to make a movie scary. Malignant fails in that it isn’t a very scary movie and there could be a lot more jumps and chills that were missed, but it is put together well. The visuals are also undercut with a score that’s cliffhanger beats also feels like it should be with a B-Movie.
Malignant works fine as a popcorn movie that a bunch of people can watch and make fun of while they are watching it, but as a serious horror movie that can scare and make you jump it falls flat. It feels a bit desperate in its attempts to surprise and shock (the only surprise I really had was the mom falling into the middle of the living room after the séance). The movie ends kind of openly but I can’t imagine that Madison’s character can get out of “trouble” regardless if she controls Gabriel for now…I just hope a Malignant 2 doesn’t show up as a result.
Dig Dug
September 12th, 2021Game Info
Game Name: Dig Dug
Developer(s): Namco
Publisher(s): Atari, Inc.
Platform(s): PS2/PS3/PS4/Xbox/Xbox 360/Xbox One/NES/Wii/Wii U/Switch/3DS/GameBoy Advance/PC
Genre(s): Retro/Action/Adventure
Release Date(s): February 20, 1982 (Japan)/April 1982 (US)
ESRB Rating: E
Pop them Pookas!
Dig Dug has a problem. The ground below him is infested with monsters that threaten the surface. Entering the earth armed with an air pump, Dig must stop the monsters either by blowing them up or crushing them beneath the rocky ground. The Pookas and Fygars aren’t going to sit still for this…they want to reach the surface, and Dig is the only thing stopping them. Get digging and get pumping!!!
Dig Dug is a classic arcade action-adventure game. The game was developed by Namco and released by Atari in North America. The game has spawned sequels and multiple versions of the game have been released as part of collections and emulators to almost every system.
Let the terror begin!!!
Dig Dug was always a favorite. My friend had a Commodore 64 with the game and arguing over who had next game was a frequent battle because of our love for the game. Like many classic arcade games, the goal is both “boards” and high score…and the game keeps the fun going by adding more and more difficulty to the game as it progresses.
The challenge with Dig Dug is trying to balance this score vs. level mix. The Pookas and the Fygars can be quickly eliminated in early levels for some quick advancement, but in doing so, score is hurt. By boosting scoring options (by dropping rocks on multiple characters and digging through more ground), you open Dig up to more attacks as the creatures get faster. The challenge is to find the happy medium to maximize both.
The controls for the game are fun, but there are some real sticking points. As you play, you realize your pump works through paper-thin walls which allow you to kill the enemies without endangering yourself. Sometimes, Dig gets a little hung up when trying to make turns or avoiding triggering a rockslide…and it can be a bit frustrating if you are trying to line up big scoring options and simply can’t get your character to safety.
They think they’ve trapped Dig…but it’s Dig who’s trapped them!!!
The game is simple but visually appealing. The striated earth has a colorful look and the despite only being two types of enemies, they are well designed and rendered. The sounds and look of pumping up a Fygar or Pooka is memorable, and I always loved partially pumping up the characters to create a getaway opportunity.
Dig Dug is an arcade classic that doesn’t get as much love as some of the other games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, or Asteroids. It is still popular, but you rarely seem to run into a big Dig Dug fan. Universal’s Mr. Do! took a very similar approach to this game and spawned its own series of games. The classic game was followed by Dig Dug II in 1985 which changed the game perspective. Dig Dug Arrangement was a modified version of the game was released in 1996 with 3D versions of Dig Dug also being released later…but none live up to the classic. Dig Dug will have you digging and digging for more!
LuLaRich (2021)
September 11th, 2021
Get your fugly leggings on!
Everyone wanted a piece of LuLaRoe. The brainchild of founders DeAnne Stidham and Mark Stidham provided colorful leggings and other unique products to women but also was a means for women to make their own money by joining their team of venders. As the LuLaRoe Empire grows, people begin noticing things don’t quite seem right among the people and the products of the company…and LuLaRoe’s plan to make everyone LuLaRich is going to fall through.
LuLaRich is a crime documentary series. The four part series was released on Amazon on September 10, 2021 and received positive reviews.
This looks like the Senate page program with all the diversity
I have to admit, I heard the name LuLaRoe, but knew nothing about it. I was sure if it was somehow tied to lululemon which sounds the same but I vaguely knew it was something about clothes. The documentary cleared up any confusion about the company and showed me that regardless what name clothing line went by, it was kind of criminal.
“True Crime Documentary” is in a way a bit of a misnomer for LuLaRich. It isn’t false because the documentary is largely about the crimes of the company, but the company’s crimes are scamming vs. murder and mayhem. The “true crime” label is often overly applied and kind of is applied in that way here. I will call it true crime because it fits under the umbrella, but don’t go looking for LuLaRich to have unsolved murders and buried bodies…it is a series about the trap of money.
This guy knows how to party!
The series really gets into the debate of what is multilevel market (MLM) vs. a pyramid scheme. I’ve seen stuff on pyramid schemes and it is a very, very, very fine line that most people who don’t have law backgrounds can’t determine. LuLaRoe gets into trouble by incentivizing getting followers vs. actually selling product…which is part of where the line is drawn. To me, both are almost criminal in that by saturating a market, the people at the bottom will never profit once the multilevel marketing system is established…there are too many people selling (as seen in the documentary).
What is shocking about the documentary is the “ignorance” of the owners. This is slightly tricky because I don’t know that they are as ignorant as they pretend to be for the camera or in the deposition which is shown throughout the episodes. Yes, they mismanaged the company in many ways and didn’t plan or think out how to handle expansion, but I also think they were more hands-on (or at least the papers were coming across their desks) that told the truth…and they chose to ignore it and slander people who called them on their lies. That becomes criminal in that sense as well, but it is probably much harder to prove.
This guy is pretty pissed about Kelly Clarkson…and drops some Star Trek knowledge
In general, the documentary is filled with rather rich characters. DeAnne and Mark don’t come off as inspirational, but instead feel like they are cramming philosophy, religious beliefs, and faux superiority complex down the throat of the people…the fact that they agreed to be interviewed doesn’t show that they felt they didn’t do anything wrong as much as it is audacity and too big to be called out. You have Sam Schultz who is a nephew of DeAnne who was the “party guy” who has a rather unfortunate firing and a poorly planned cannabis comeback…the top character has to be the Star Trek quoting volleyball referee Derryl Trujillo that is fake in a way that is too desperate to be fake.
LuLaRich is a tough documentary in that it is sometimes hard to feel bad for the people that were hurt. Some people poured their life savings into the company and did get out what they expected for a while before the market came crashing down…while they were encouraged to reinvest, greed seems to cloud judgment and people that are not versed in business should at least surround themselves with business managers if they are dealing in the numbers that some where bringing in for LuLaRoe. It is a cautionary tale that feels more like a warning not to trust something that seems too good to be true…or it could bite you back.
“Start Up”
Episode 1: Start Up Release Date: 09/10/21
DeAnne Stidham and Mark Stidham had a vision. They wanted to work in a business where there control over the product, continued demand, and no limits to potential. When DeAnne realized how many women wanted quick and easy clothes and also had the same dream, LuLaRoe was born. Building on a model with people below helping push the products and building their own networks, LuLaRoe gained traction quickly…but it also gained criticism.
“Show Up”
Episode 2: Show Up Release Date: 09/10/21
LuLaRoe is growing with leaps and bounds…but the management and the number of people on-boarding begins to back-up. The cost and price of joining LuLaRoe was more than many could afford and the “unicorn” nature of the shopping leads to positives and negative results. The bonus check effect of LuLaRoe leads to people being more interested in recruiting instead of selling.
“Blow Up”
Episode 3: Blow Up Release Date: 09/10/21
The goal of LuLaRoe’s “Family First” push comes into question as husbands are asked to quit work while sellers become dependent on the company. The image of LuLaRoe pushes women for new looks and style, but also a gastric bypass surgery in Mexico. The quality of the products begins to change and storage concerns lead sellers to be stuck with damaged goods. Sam Schultz finds himself terminated by his aunt but the reason behind the termination is in question.
“Toe Up”
Episode 4: Toe Up Release Date: 09/10/21
LuLaRoe switches how the bonus check are distributed in 2017 and the already disillusioned sellers face new challenges. When LuLaRoe rejects plans to accept returns of products, a class-action lawsuit builds against DeAnne Stidham and Mark Stidham and their company and LuLaRoe’s empire could topple.
Diff’rent Strokes—Season 1
September 9th, 2021
Spend a day on Manhattan
When their mother dies, Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges) and his brother Arnold Jackson (Gary Coleman) find themselves taken in by Park Avenue industrialist Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain). Mr. Drummond is taking the kids from their home in Harlem and moving them to his penthouse where he lives with his daughter Kimberly (Dana Plato) and their new maid Mrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae). Life in Harlem and life on Park Avenue are different worlds, and Willis and Arnold are about to find out how the other half lives.
Diff’rent Strokes—Season 1 is a family situation comedy. The series was produced by Norman Lear’s production company and aired on NBC on Fridays. The first season contained a one hour retrospective episode on December 29, 1978 and a two part crossover with Hello, Larry which is generally packaged with Diff’rent Strokes. It also contains a backdoor pilot for The Facts of Life.
We’re moving on down…to the Upper East Side
I watched Diff’rent Strokes all the time and find it to be a “comfort food” type of sitcom. The first season is a prime example of sitcoms from the period and has everything you’d expect from a show like this from adorable kids to “very special episodes”. Diff’rent Strokes isn’t necessarily good, but it still is fun nostalgia.
The series is a complete sitcom cliché. You have loaded dialogue that is just waiting for laughs and almost every episode starts with miscommunication and ends with everyone learning a lesson. The season primarily circles around the adjustment of Arnold and Willis to their new home and living with a white family…and barely has any episodes where the joke of Mr. Drummond having Black children isn’t some punch line. It is sappy and sentimental and few of the adults speak or act like adults throughout the series.
It’s Super Arnold’s world, and we just live in it.
What does shine is both Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges. While the series seems to start out rather equally balanced (the first episode revolves around Willis’s attempts to fit in), it becomes increasingly obvious that Gary Coleman is the star. From his quick witted delivery and “cute kid” look, Coleman was ripe for being a celebrity like a Fonzie or Kramer. This is rather unfair to Bridges who has more nuance to his performances though both Bridges and Coleman are still very much child actors at this point in behavior and delivery. Little is done with Dana Plato’s Kimberly this season and Charlotte Rae also is getting her wings before taking off to Facts of Life the next year. Conrad Bain’s Mr. Drummond is the sappiest of them all with open minded behavior and when he does misread a situation, he “learns and evolves” in an unrealistic manner.
The show surprisingly goes to the classic sitcom retrospective only eight episodes in (and actually has scenes from “The Fight” which aired after the flashback episode). It also has the crossover with McLean Stevenson’s M*A*S*H follow-up series Hello, Larry which also featured Kim Richards and Donna Wilkes…and if you add the other pilot for Facts of Life, you have a very busy first season for a freshman series.
I’d never leave my family…until I get a spin-off
Visually, Diff’rent Strokes is a very typical three camera sitcom shot on minimal sets. The sets are of course set up by establishing shots, but this season hardly has anyone leaving the confines of the Park Avenue apartment (which is located at 900 Park Avenue on the corner of 79th Street). It is also the type of show that casts and recasts actors for multiple roles like Jack Riley).
New viewers of Diff’rent Strokes might have probably sitting through the sappy and sugary series, but it is enjoyable to those who grew up with it. It is with this knowledge that I can forgive people who love Full House or Family Matters because even though I can’t watch and enjoy them, they are childhood memories for others. Like many TV series, Diff’rent Strokes is built upon kids and family settings…but kids grow up and Diff’rent Strokes still has a few years before they have to face that.
Diff’rent Strokes—Season 1 Complete Episode Guide:
“Movin’ In”
1.1 Movin’ In Airdate: 11/03/78
Arnold Jackson (Gary Coleman) and Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges) are moving out of their Harlem home and into a Park Avenue penthouse after the death of their mother. Their mother’s former employer Philip Drummond (Conrad Bain) has agreed to take the boys and this means a new blended family with Phillip’s daughter Kimberly (Dana Plato) and their new maid Mrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae)…but Willis has some hesitations.
“The Social Worker”
1.2 The Social Worker Airdate: 11/10/78
A social worker (Ellen Travolta) has come to see how Willis and Arnold are adjusting to the Drummonds’ home, but when she suggests that the Willis and Arnold should be with a Black family, an overheard conversation leads to trouble.
“Mother’s Last Visit”
1.3 Mother’s Last Visit Airdate: 11/17/78
Mr. Drummond’s mother (Irene Tedrow) has come to visit…but Philip has forgotten to mention that Arnold and Willis exist.
“The Prep School”
1.4 The Prep School Airdate: 11/24/78
Mr. Drummond wants Arnold and Willis to go to his former school Digby Prep but getting in could be harder than expected.
“The Spanking”
1.5 The Spanking Airdate: 12/01/78
When Arnold breaks Mr. Drummond’s rules about making a water bomb, he decides that Arnold needs a spanking…leading to Arnold running away.
“Goodbye, Dolly”
1.6 Goodbye, Dolly Airdate: 12/08/78
Arnold’s stuffed bear Homer is accidentally sold at a charity auction, and Willis, Kimberly, Mr. Drummond, and Mrs. Garrett try to get Homer back.
“The Trial”
1.7 The Trial Airdate: 12/15/78
Arnold is pushing his luck with his behavior and could lose his chance at going to see a skateboarding competition. When Arnold’s goldfish Abraham ends up in Mr. Drummond’s hot tub, Willis tells Mr. Drummond that Arnold can’t get a fair trial.
“Retrospective—Part 1”
1.8 Retrospective—Part 1 Airdate: 12/29/78
It’s Christmas, and Mr. Drummond is reminiscing about Willis and Arnold’s arrival at their home.
“Retrospective—Part 2”
1.9 Retrospective—Part 2 Airdate: 12/29/78
The family continues to recall how Willis and Arnold came into the Drummond home and how their lives changed.
“The Fight”
1.10 The Fight Airdate: 01/05/79
Willis finds Arnold being bullied by the Gooch and tells Arnold that he has to fight the Gooch for Mr. Drummond to respect him.
“The Club Meeting”
1.11 The Club Meeting Airdate: 01/12/79
Willis is missing his old friends and decides to invite them to see their new life on Park Avenue. When the kids come up from Harlem, Mr. Drummond learns that Willis and Arnold have let their new wealth go to their head.
“The Woman”
1.12 The Woman Airdate: 01/19/79
Mr. Drummond has a new girlfriend named Diane Sloane (Elinor Donahue), and things are getting serious. When Arnold, Willis, and Kimberly learn that Diane intends to send them off to boarding school, they set to sabotage the proposal.
“No Time for Arnold”
1.13 No Time for Arnold Airdate: 01/26/79
Arnold finds no one is paying attention to him and decides to pretend to start wetting the bed for attention.
“The Relative”
1.14 The Relative Airdate: 02/02/79
Willis and Arnold’s mother’s cousin Myrtle Waters (LaWanda Page) stops by for a visit, but when she is “injured”, Willis and Arnold thinks that Myrtle is faking.
“The Tutor”
1.15 The Tutor Airdate: 02/09/79
Willis is receiving poor grades in school, and Mr. Drummond calls in a tutor. When Danny Rose (Barry Diamond) arrives, he isn’t what Mr. Drummond hoped for, but Danny recognizes that there might be something wrong with Willis.
“The New Landlord”
1.16 The New Landlord Airdate: 02/16/79
The Drummonds’ building has been purchased, and Mr. Drummond learns that the new landlord Charles Sutton (Jack Riley) intends to evict them for having children in the building.
“Willis’ Privacy”
1.17 Willis’ Privacy Airdate: 02/23/79
Willis is tired of Arnold being in his way and sharing a room with him. When Willis considers moving back to Harlem, Arnold worries that he’s leaving for good.
“Mrs. Garrett’s Crisis”
1.18 Mrs. Garrett’s Crisis Airdate: 03/02/79
Mrs. Garrett questions her life after a night out with friends and decides she has to quit to find her own direction.
“The Job”
1.19 The Job Airdate: 03/16/79
Willis wants a new pair of disco roller skates and gets a new job, but when he gets fired on the first day, he worries he’s failed.
“The Trip—Part 1”
1.20 The Trip—Part 1 Airdate: 03/30/79
Mr. Drummond learns that his old friend Larry Alder (McLean Stevenson) is part of a radio station in Portland which his company just bought…but he learns that he might have to fire him as they automate the station. Arnold fears flying for the first time.
“The Trip—Part 2”
1.21 The Trip—Part 2 Airdate: 03/30/79
Larry learns that he could lose his job at station due to automation and it is up to Ruthie (Kim Richards), Diane (Donna Wilkes), Arnold, Willis, and Kimberly to save the station and Mr. Drummond and Larry’s friendship.
“Getting Involved”
1.22 Getting Involved Airdate: 04/06/79
Arnold witnesses a robbery with his telescope, but Mr. Drummond refuses to let him get involved when Arnold receives a threat.
“Willis’ Birthday”
1.23 Willis’ Birthday Airdate: 04/13/79
Willis is celebrating his first birthday with the Drummonds but wants to have a birthday party in Harlem. Mr. Drummond questions going to the party due to its location.
“The Girls School”
1.24 The Girls School Airdate: 05/04/79
Kimberly’s housemother at Eastland has quit and Mrs. Garrett is needed to help prepare clothes for the play. When she discovers Nancy (Felice Schachter) might have to drop out because her father has lost his job, Mrs. Garrett tries to find a way to keep her there.
The Goldbergs—Season 4
September 6th, 2021
Turn on Your Heart Light for The Goldbergs
The Goldbergs are back, but things are about to change. Adam (Sean Giambrone) is entering high school and as a freshman, he realizes he can rewrite his image…or can he? Barry (Troy Gentile) and his girlfriend Lainey (AJ Michalka) deal with the fact that she’s going to be going away to college soon. Erica (Hayley Orrantia) is torn over finally liking Geoff Schwartz (Sam Lerner) now that he has a girlfriend and the excitement of the upcoming graduation and freedom from her “smother” Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey). While Beverly does what she can to get close to her children, Murray (Jeff Garlin) sees his freedom coming with the first graduation. It’s 1980-something, and things are changing!
The Goldbergs—Season 4 is a family sitcom. The season aired from September 21, 2016 to May 17, 2017 on ABC on Wednesdays.
Barry predicts more storylines!
I watch The Goldbergs, but I’m also first to admit that The Goldbergs isn’t the best sitcom. I watch it and enjoy it, but it connects to the basest level of entertainment by being a vampire of nostalgia…but I can’t help loving that. As a kid growing up very similar to Adam Goldberg (minus the camera), I see a lot of memories based in the series.
The weird thing about The Goldbergs is Adam’s character. While even I had nostalgia and never “put away childish things”, high school and elementary school were two very different experiences. While I grew up with He-Man, Transformers, Star Wars, and Star Trek, they continued to evolve into things like horror movies, A Clockwork Orange, Evil Dead, and other fandom that seem to resonate with older teens. While a kid can still watch and enjoy Star Wars or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in high school, there is the joy of being able to have no age limits…and a whole new world is opened up to teens. I kind of feel that aspect of the story is missing from The Goldbergs.
Let the beat…..DROP!
The cast has come together by this point and works well off each other. The timing and delivery is strong, but some of the acting weaknesses in the early seasons are still there. As a long-time viewer however, it can be ignored or at least isn’t as rough to watch. It is simply how the character react in the world they are presented with…it is a heightened reality, but the acting also isn’t the strongest on all levels.
The key to The Goldbergs is the nostalgia. Adam F. Goldberg (don’t forget the F) obviously has strong memories of childhood that go beyond the massive influx of movies he recorded. How the Adam of the series interacts with the nostalgia is stop on and the styles, looks, and events (though the year is fluid) are all familiar to people who grew up then. He has a good memory, and as someone who also has a good memory, the show brings a lot of fun.
Don’t you forget about me!
I think the hardest thing about The Goldbergs is being able to “forget” good memory. As each episode states, it is “1980-something” and the mixing of events, character, and pop culture is something that does grate on someone with a good memory. I instantly think, I saw Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach in the theater and the release of The Day After was nowhere near it…this happens repeatedly while watching The Goldbergs, and it has happened for years as the series trucks on. If you can put this behind you, you can enjoy it, but I know that not everyone can…but if you can, grab your Trapper Keeper and a Tab and enjoy The Goldbergs.
The Goldbergs—Season 4 Complete Episode Guide:
“Breakfast Club”
4.1 Breakfast Club Airdate: 09/21/16
It’s the first day of high school for Adam (Sean Giambrone), and he realizes he can reinvent himself…as Bender from The Breakfast Club. Erica (Hayley Orrantia) deals with having lost Geoff Schwartz (Sam Lerner) to Evelyn Silver (Allie Grant), and Barry (Troy Gentile) discovers being a jock isn’t as fun as he hoped. When Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) makes herself a new employee of the school as a substitute teacher, the Goldbergs and Lainey (AJ Michalka) find The Breakfast Club playing out with Saturday detention.
“I Heart Video Dating”
4.2 I Heart Video Dating Airdate: 09/28/16
Erica and her mother are at odds when Erica decides to find a girlfriend for Lainey’s dad Bill (David Koechner)…leading to a trip to the video dating store of John Calabasas (Rob Huebel). Barry thinks he’s found his career future by becoming a protégé to Coach Mellor (Bryan Callen)…much to the chagrin of Murray (Jeff Garlin).
“George! George Glass!”
4.3 George! George Glass! Airdate: 10/05/16
In an attempt to pretend that she has a boyfriend, Erica creates a boyfriend name Jordan Walberg in the theme of Jan Brady’s George Glass…but Evelyn is suspicious. Adam finds he could finally have a real shot at Waffle Girl (Brec Bassinger). Barry tries to go to Live-Aid but is rejected by Murray, but Murray’s stubbornness causes Beverly to miss her chance to see the Beach Boys.
“Crazy Calls”
4.4 Crazy Calls Airdate: 10/12/16
Tired of missing his messages, Murray gets an answering machine which leads to a war of messages with his father (Judd Hirsch). Adam finally finds his circle of friends at lunch with the computer crowd, but Beverly’s not happy about it when she learns that they are looked down upon.
“Stefan King”
4.5 Stefan King Airdate: 10/26/16
Adam dreams of writing the horror novel of the ages but his book Momster is a little to spot on for Beverly who demands a Misery-esque rewrite. The Halloween dance has left Erica dateless but Lainey and Barry’s attempt to help her could backfire.
“Recipe for Death II: Kiss the Cook”
4.6 Recipe for Death II: Kiss the Cook Airdate: 11/09/16
With his love of action movies, Adam manages to get Murray to fund his first “real” film: Recipe for Death…unfortunately, Murray has some ideas on how the film should roll out. Erica wants a sweater dress from Benetton, but it means mother-daughter time with Beverly.
“Ho-ly K.I.T.T.”
4.7 Ho-ly K.I.T.T. Airdate: 11/16/16
It is Thanksgiving, and Adam discovers K.I.T.T. is going to be in the Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Parade. When his father and his uncle Marvin (Dan Fogler) forget to take him to the parade, Adam sets out for revenge by pitting them against each other. Barry’s attempt to have dinner with Lainey and her father ends up in a cook-off between Beverly and Bill over who makes the best turkey.
“The Greatest Musical Ever”
4.8 The Greatest Musical Ever Written Airdate: 11/30/16
Miss Cinoman (Ana Gasteyer) has decided to put on The Phantom of the Opera (even if it isn’t “official”), and Barry learns Adam and Lainey play lovers…and that just can’t happen. Beverly’s attempt to prove that Home-Economics is an important class instead of a blow-off has her in battle with Erica over lasagna.
“Globetrotters”
4.9 Globetrotters Airdate: 12/07/16
Adam’s discovery of the Globetrotters puts him in competition with Barry who claims them as his own. Murray’s turning 50, but Beverly is mad that Barry has no love of nostalgia.
“Han Ukkah Solo”
4.10 Han Ukkah Solo Airdate: 12/14/16
Adam questions his entire life is a lie when he sees the Star Wars Holiday Special. Erica has decided not to seen the Hanukkah song for the school’s Holiday Pageant, and Beverly is determined to make it happen.
“O Captain! My Captain!”
4.11 O Captain! My Captain! Airdate: 01/04/17
Beverly is inspired by The Dead Poet Society and decides to motivate Barry’s chemistry class…leading Murray to use his special motivation for Barry. Adam accidentally embarrasses Emmy (Stephanie Katherine Grant) but can’t understand why she is upset.
“Snow Day”
4.12 Snow Day Airdate: 01/11/17
The school has called a snow day for one of the first times, and the Goldbergs are celebrating! Barry and Adam discover Murray’s weakness and use it to rebel. Beverly finds Erica’s college application essay and uses it against her.
“Agassi”
4.13 Agassi Airdate: 02/08/17
Adam finds himself drifting away from his friend Chad Kremp (Jacob Hopkins) and joins tennis to spend time with him. Erica’s fall from grace has led to an intervention…but the old Erica plans a comeback with a vengeance.
“The Spencer’s Gift
4.14 The Spencer’s Gift Airdate: 02/15/17
Erica and Barry compete at work when they both get jobs at Spencer’s Gifts…and Erica finds Barry has a special talent. Adam gets a job at the arcade but quickly
“So Swazy It’s Crazy”
4.15 So Swayze It’s Crazy Airdate: 02/22/17
Beverly dashes Adam’s chances of getting a movie career by deciding he’s a Swazy instead of Rick Moranis. Murray’s attempt to get involved in Erica’s life leads to a crossroads for her relationship with Geoff.
“The Kara-te Kid”
4.16 The Kara-te Kid Airdate: 03/01/17
Erica and Geoff’s secret new relationship means they could be the bad guys. Adam’s review of The Karate Kid gets published as Adam Goldberg instead of Adam F. Goldberg…leading to a showdown with the other Adam Goldberg (Oliver Cooper) in a karate fight to the death!
“Deadheads”
4.17 Deadheads Airdate: 03/08/17
The JTP has a potential new member, and Barry isn’t taking everyone’s love of Matt Bradley (Shayne Topp) well…especially when he suggests skipping the Fat Boys for the Grateful Dead. When Beverly hears Adam swear, a swear jar in started at the Goldbergs, but Erica and Adam realize it could be their key to a fortune with Beverly’s foul mouth.
“Baré”
4.18 Baré Airdate: 03/15/17
Barry learns Lainey is leaving for the Savannah College of Art and Design and decides to dash his plans for being a doctor to follow her. Erica and Adam realize that Lucky is their dad’s favorite child.
“A Night to Remember”
4.19 A Night to Remember Airdate: 03/29/17
The prom is coming, and Barry wants to make it an epic last bash with Lainey, but Lainey has other ideas. Adam finds he could have met his nerd match in a junior named Jackie Geary (Rowan Blanchard), but discovers her love of Tolkien (and his mother) could create a wedge between them. Eric and Geoff continue to find their timing is completely off.
“The Dynamic Duo”
4.20 The Dynamic Duo Airdate: 04/26/17
Erica’s desire to get into Carnegie Mellon University leads her to intentionally tank the Penn State interview which leads to a shocking discovery about Murray. When the new Batman movie comes out, Adam and Pops (George Segal) relationship could create friction with Barry.
“Fonzie Scheme”
4.21 Fonzie Scheme Airdate: 04/26/17
Beverly questions what happened to all of Murray’s old interests. Erica tells Barry and Adam that they are going to have to be in charge of themselves when she goes to college, but a stolen golf cart might be too much for Barry and Adam to handle.
“The Day After the Day After”
4.22 The Day After the Day After Airdate: 05/03/17\
The Day After Tomorrow has everyone rattled, and Barry wants to have a nuclear war plan in place. Mother’s Day is coming, and Erica wants to go to Emory while Adam wants to go to the beach with Jackie…and only one can win!
“Jedi Master Adam”
4.23 Jedi Master Adam Skywalker Airdate: 05/10/17
Adam’s position in the yearbook has both Erica and Barry wanting to know what awards they are winning for the year, and it could cost Adam his girlfriend. Murray finds his brother Marvin is in a bad way…leading to a big change.
“Graduation Day”
4.24 Graduation Day Airdate: 05/17/17
Erica is having second thoughts about graduation while Barry learns Lainey has been keeping a secret from him. Adam is faced with the return of his first girlfriend Dana Caldwell (Natalie Alyn Lind) as things begin to heat up with Jackie.
Related Links:
The Goldbergs—Season 1 Review and Complete Episode Guide
The Goldbergs—Season 2 Review and Complete Episode Guide
The Goldbergs—Season 3 Review and Complete Episode Guide
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
September 4th, 2021Movie Info
Movie Name: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre(s): Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Release Date(s): June 4, 1982
MPAA Rating: PG
Feel my wrath!
James T. Kirk (William Shatner) is getting older, and he isn’t taking it well. When Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) and Clark Terrell (Paul Winfield) are sent to investigate a planet for the possible life giving Genesis experiment, they encounter a ghost of the past in the superhuman known as Khan (Ricardo Montalbán) and his clan of warriors. Khan wants revenge on Kirk and will stop at nothing to get it. Getting a distress call from the Genesis project led by his former lover Carol Marcus (Bibi Besch), Kirk and a rookie crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise find themselves in the fight of their lives to stop Khan and his men…and not everyone will be coming back.
Directed by Nicholas Meyer, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan a science-fiction action film. Following Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979, the movie received largely positive reviews. The movie is the first part in the Star Trek “trilogy” that has a continuing theme through Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
The KHAAAAAANNNNNN heard round the universe!
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is often considered the best of the Star Trek films. While Star Trek: The Motion Picture was more cerebral and visual, Star Trek II returned to more adventure and action as its central theme and much of audience preferred that to the high science-fiction story of the first film.
The film creates a direct bridge to the past by revisiting a classic Star Trek episode. Ricardo Montalbán’s Noonien Singh Khan first appeared in February 16, 1967 in the twenty-second episode of the first season of Star Trek in an episode called “Space Seed”. There Khan and his crew were marooned on a planet by Kirk…this of course comes back to haunt him in this clever sequel which has some weight. There is also some debate to the muscular Montalbán (who was starring on Fantasy Island at the time) with some claiming he was wearing an artificial chest piece…but Montalbán and others claim it was all his…apparently Mr. Roarke had some muscles!
Surprise, suckers!!!
The movie was a means to kill off Spock which Leonard Nimoy had grown tired of. In the most emotional scene of all the films, Kirk and Spock find themselves separated by glass as Spock succumbs to exposure to radiation. There was a lot of debate over this death and fan objections. It ended up being written in a way that Spock could return (with the whole Genesis planet and the mind-meld), but if this had been the end of the series, it would have been a nice way to go out.
After the response to the first film, this movie seems to have a lower budget. The visuals and the quality of the film just are not at the level of the much more high-tech Star Trek: The Motion Picture. For the most part, it is not distracting, but I wish that the movie had the opportunities that the first film had.
Spock, you’re putting me in an awkward situation…I don’t want to do that whole “Live Long and Prosper” thing
Despite being one of the best films of the series, there is some goofiness to it. One of the things they reused is the Klingon ships from the first film in the opening scene which I love but shows some cheesiness. Saavik (Kristie Alley) is shown piloting the ship with the classic crew including Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Sulu (George Takei), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley) all on-board. So everyone who is in class goes through this “Kobayashi Maru” training and all the people on the ship have to act each time…you have people getting electrocuted and falling down all for a simulation? I’m glad Starfleet puts so much effort into their training scenarios.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is definitely my favorite of the “original” Star Trek films, and up there with my other favorites including the new Star Trek and Star Trek: First Contact. The movie is fun and has some depth. Star Trek II also started the joke that every other Star Trek film is the “good film” since many saw Star Trek III: The Search for Spock in 1984 as a poor follow-up while Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in 1986 as a better film.
Preceded By:
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
Followed By:
