The first time I ever saw “Motown 25” was in 1987 as a four year old, and I sat with my dad to watch a VHS recording of the 1983 broadcast. The memory of the time and place are fuzzy, but all I remember is watching through the tape entertained, and then being genuinely in awe of Michael Jackson’s performance of “Billie Jean” as he declared that he was his own entertainer now. He did so with a brilliant performance and the introduction of the moon walk.
The Midnight Special Collection (DVD)
Though I was born in 1983, I was given the advantage of an uncle who’d recorded hours of musical performances from the original “The Midnight Special” series, and kept them archived well. Through those recordings I was introduced to myriad of pop and rock acts from the 1970’s as well as the charismatic hosting and MCing from the one and only Wolfman Jack. “The Midnight Special” was very much like “American Bandstand” in that it celebrated music, and was more prone to offering harder edged musical acts and performances for a wider audience. It’s still a very valuable artifact of rock and pop, and thankfully has been given a new transfer for collectors.
The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story (2014)
Movies about celebrity scandal, even pseudo-celebrity scandal are pretty much bullet proof and critic proof. They’re trashy on purpose, deliberately badly acted, and perhaps about ten percent of what we see claimed is true. Likely less. The same could be said for “The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story,” which is not so much trashy as it is forgettable and kind of dull. If not based on accounts and centered on actual people, the movie would just be another goofy tale of the perils of fame. Hedonism, egomania, love triangles, scandals, resentment, it’s all here, and there’s nothing remotely shocking about what transpires. Mainly it’s just a goofy dramatic moaner devoted to how battered and misunderstood Dustin Diamond was, more than the conception of the show and its influence on teenage America. Unless you consider Gosselaar dying his hair frantically behind stage as scandalous and worth talking about.
Pumpkinhead (1988)
“Pumpkinhead” is one of the many horror movies from the eighties that is unparalleled. It’s a movie series that opens with a bang and continues on with many inferior sequels. Alas, “Pumpkinhead” remains a single entry horror revenge thriller, depending on how you prefer to look at the storyline. That said, “Pumpkinhead” is a fine and atmospheric yet flawed revenge thriller that features some pretty incredible special effects by the late great Stan Winston, who also directs. And how can you not like Lance Henriksen?
Forrest Gump (1994)
I’ve always been a fan of “Forrest Gump” since its release in 1994, mainly because I admire the character of Gump so much. Gump really is the American dream through and through, and Tom Hanks’ turn as Gump outweighs any flaws in Robert Zemeckis’ ode to the perception of America and the American Dream. “Forrest Gump” explores how Gump pretty much shifts through amazing experiences and seems to soak them in more than anyone else around him. His spirit and good nature is very infectious and influences others much in the vein of “Being There.”
Our Top 5 “Saved by the Bell” Episodes
I used to watch “Saved by the Bell” religiously as a child, tuning in every afternoon after school, around five o’clock to catch the syndicated repeats. I never missed an episode, and I pity the fool who’d make me miss an installment. The show was true to the teenage experience in the 90’s, as “Leave It to Beaver” was to the familial experience in the fifties, but who cared?
It’s the 25th anniversary of “Saved by the Bell” apparently, so we took the time to compile a list of our top five episodes of “Saved by the Bell.” Mainly, because it’s a childhood favorite. Aw, who are we kidding? It’s still one of our favorite bits of television comfort food of all time. Whenever it’s on, we can’t help but watch, whether it’s the bland early years with Ms. Bliss, or the odd episodes without Jessie or Kelly. It’s up there with “Full House,” and “Fresh Prince” as a series so silly, but so damn funny and charming, you can’t help but be a fan.
Plus, Tiffani Amber Thiessen is still so damn hot.
The Substitute (1996)
Robert Mandel’s action thriller is one part “Rambo,” one part “Blackboard Jungle,” and one part “Lethal Weapon” that really never quite comes together in to anything impressive. When the dust has settled it’s merely a mediocre shoot em up with a gimmick that director Mandel only rolls with until mid-way in to the narrative. “The Substitute” really only presses the idea of a mercenary posing as a substitute teacher until it runs out of steam. Then it becomes a monotonous movie about mercenaries battling a drug cartel.