DISCUSSIONS FROM THE OTHERHOOD: Recent Episodes
other_sci_fi
Join the board and staff of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss film, literature and all media and their effect on and response to issues of diversity.
That's right! It's May the fourth! And what do we discuss on May the fourth... but Star Wars. So tonight the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST will discuss how the 1977 (and all its prequels and sequels) have affected us individually and as a community.
There are rules for different genres, rules for creatures in horror, rules for good guys and bad guys. But when is it okay to bend the rules? We have anti-heroes and sympathetic villains. When is it okay to break the rules with vampires that run around in the sunlight or evil superheroes? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 8p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we discuss whether this is a great expansion or whether we're spreading the genres too thin.
Whether it's comedy, horror, science fiction, fantasy, or drama few things can hook you like a great film opening. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST IN THE OTHERhood to reveal our favorite film openers and to discuss whether the great opener was an indicator of a good film.
Everyone knows a lot about one thing or another and generally will take great care in doing that thing correctly... but not in Hollywood. They'll tell a story not bothering to determine whether a thing is done properly or not. Whether it's a legal drama, a medical comedy, a set up involving real estate that could never happen in real life, and it drives those who know better, bonkers! Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9 EST to discuss how Hollywood Got a set up wrong and how we (or you) could have fixed it.
A total solar eclipse is set to occur across several regions in the U.S. on April 8th. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to discuss the lore behind solar eclipses, and how those of us in the path are preparing, and what songs should be on our solar eclipse play list!
During my childhood, Easter was one of those "six in one hand/ half a dozen in the other" holidays. Yes, there was egg coloring, jelly beans, candy and a few good cartoons! But on the other hand there was wearing the Easter clothes all day that you weren't even allowed to sweat in, wearing the good shoes that were invariably half a size too small by the spring and of course the dreaded straightening comb!! Join us at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to discuss our Retro Easters, the best and worst!
From Raisin, to the Color Purple, Oliver Twist, Sweeny Todd, even Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. In entertainment, human beings appear to have a taste for misery and even more so when it's set to music. So join the Blerdsassins Next door in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to discuss the books, plays and tomes that have been converted to the musical format and place wagers on the ones that may appear on the horizon.
We've seen in films and on TV where people, families, or entire communities are depicted as being impoverished or poor. But what does poor look like exactly? Do the depictions change from region to region, from one ethnicity to another? Do Hollywood and the media see poverty through a prism of their own making?Join the Blerdsassins Next door 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT to discuss the way poverty is portrayed.
The 96th Academy Awards ceremony is a day away and nominees and fans are waiting with 'bated breath to hear those four words... "And the winner is..." But sometimes the name announced is NOT the name we expected to hear. The NYTimes has pulled together their listing of the 25 Biggest Oscar Snubs of All Time. At 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST the Blerdsassins Next Door will take a tour of the NYT listing and discuss why we agree or disagree.https://www.nytimes.com/.../oscar-snubs-history.html...
It's Black Women in Horror Month and over the years we've seen more and more Black Women onscreen. Join the Blerdsassins Next door 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to share our favorite (and not so favorite) performances of Black Women in TV and film horror.https://flipscreened.com/.../ten-black-and-totally.../https://www.essence.com/.../14-black-women-horror.../...
With Cord Jefferson's directorial debut, American Fiction on everyone's lips as we approach the Oscars, we would be remiss in not examining Hollywood's history of defining Black Authenticity. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door tonight at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we examine the history of Hollywood and how being authentically black has been depicted on the big and small screen.
The firsts, bests and worsts of media from a Black History perspective in music, sports, tv, film and journalism. Join your Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PST/ 8p CST 9p EST 2-17-24 in the OTHERhood to discuss the superlatives in Black History media.Want to create live streams like Discussions From the OTHERhood? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6512521832562688I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook
There is no doubt that you have seen a TV show produced in the Norman Lear Universe, the MTM Universe, the Danny Thomas Universe, Matt Groening, or the Filmways/Henning Universe. But which of these universes has truly captured the hearts and minds of the U.S. populace? Which universe has had the most the most lasting effects? Join he Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we discuss the battle for the hearts and minds of the U.S. and who has been winning.Want to create live streams like Discussions From the OTHERhood? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6512521832562688I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook
From the Wizard of Oz to Inception and Who Shot JR dreams have been a huge part of Hollywood and TV. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to discuss our favorite and not so favorite media based upon dreams.I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook
Founder and editor of The New Yorker, Harold Ross infamously said, "Coons are either funny or dangerous." Derogatorily referring to Black people as "coons" makes his bias crystal clear, and he and other so-called captains of media industry of the same mindset were the gatekeepers and sculptors of the American zeitgeist. They controlled/control how we are seen and how others react to us. Although the vast majority of us were not around during the early fifties we've all heard of the Amos and Andy show that was cancelled under protest by among others, the NAACP for harmful portrayals of Black people. Reportedly, Alvin Childress, the actor who portrayed Amos stated that at the time Amos and Andy was the only television show that showed black people as businessmen, policemen, judges and doctors rather than maids or janitors. With decades of perspective are we ready to take an objective look at Amos and Andy. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrFiKcBdCx8... ). Take a look at several episodes then join us in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to discuss whether Amos and Andy is Funny or Dangerous.I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook
Everyone has an opinion and the list pulled together by Your DIY (https://yourdiy.com/overrated-movies/) is rife with them. How do you decide that a film is or isn't overrated? Do you agree with the list? Do we? Also we'll play a round of Six Degrees of Occupation. Don't know the rules; then tune in to the podcast and find out. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to air your opinion and to play the game!
Join us here tonight 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST in the OTHERhood as we close out the year with the Good, the Bad and the Blerdy discussing the standout media issues this year and our resolutions for the next!
Join your Blerdsassins Next Door here in the OTHERhood 6p PST/8p CST/9p EST to celebrate the Winter Solstice and to share interesting trivia about the Holiday season, and other aspects of holiday cheer. Grab your mug of cocoa, or glass of spirits and meet us in the OTHERhood.
The ghosts have visited and given us a view of the past, present and future. Scrooge has pled his case with his employee, with his intended and his nephew. Yes, Scrooge is a miser but is he wrong? Does society value money more than morality? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST to ponder whether Scrooge might have had a point. Check out Scrooge: A Christmas Carol from 1951 ( https://youtu.be/VszNMtgbmJU?si=IdQLN0P-FMZyCcAJ ) and let's talk about whether Scrooge was actually, right.
This is it, the holiday season... it's all Ho Ho Ho and mistletoe and no more school and presents and food. That's what we think and we fall for it every year. Instead the holiday season is fraught with house cleaning, and dressing up for visiting relatives, having to dress up to leave the house to visit people you have never met, before; and then have to listen to hours of people you don't know reminiscing about places you have never been or ever want to be. This hostage crisis occurs EVERY year! So why do we always fall for it? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood Saturday 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST while we regale you with our most memorable harrowing holiday captivity tales!
With another Thanksgiving behind us and a winter holiday season before us, it's a good time to stop and take account of what we are grateful for and how we intend to show that gratitude as we close out the year. Join the Berdsassins Next Door, Cranston, Nikki, Sonia, William, James, Otto and me, Penelope Flynn as we list what we are grateful for and how we show that appreciation Saturday 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST in the OTHERhood.
Howdy Neighbors! Here we are again with our yearly Thanksgiving podcast and we're angst-ing over how to make it NOT boring. We've tried horror, science fiction, fantasy, a favorite films playlist, Franklin on the Other side of the Table and every other topic conceivable, but have not figured out the magic formula to make a non-boring Thanksgiving week podcast. So join us in the OTHERhood to query the best way to cook the turkey, whether herb stuffing is better than cornbread stuffing, whether mac and cheese should be baked or not and various and sundry Thanksgiving questions this Saturday night 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we weigh in on these issues and wade through yet another Boring Thanksgiving Show!
Howdy neighbors!! Was Dr. Doolitte expressing a common human desire... to talk with the animals? Maybe that's the reason we have so many TV shows and cartoons that feature talking animals. What does it mean when we talk to the animals and they talk back to us? What does it mean when we are the only one that can see the animals talking? How does our media treat talking animals and what does it say about us? Join the Blerdasssins Next Door... Cranston, Sonia, Nikki, James, Otto, Roxanne, William and me, Penelope Flynn at 6p PST/8p CST/9p EST to discuss our attraction or aversion to Talking Animal Shows.
Wealth of Geeks prepared a "must-see" listing of 25 films. But are they REALLY that must-see? Does Jaws belong on the list? Why is Apocalypse Now, NOT on the list? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT in the OTHERhood as we examine the list and determine which films should stay and which ones should go. https://wealthofgeeks.com/cant-believe-youve-never-seen-that-films/
October 28th is the Blood Moon also known as the Hunter's Moon marking the final hunt of the year. Join me and my band of predators Saturday Night 10/28/23 to commemorate the fruits of the harvest and the thrill of the hunt! Join us here at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT or register now at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIufuyvrzIsGt1hp4sP8mJPH4ikcsj__8kO#/registration Join us to get your howl on!
For those of us whose childhoods ran through the 60s and 70s our Saturday mornings were generally ruled by teeth-rotting cereals and Saturday morning cartoons. Hanna Barbera was one of the major producers of our Saturday morning entertainment, offering comedy, drama and excitement for the kids and teens. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT as we quiz you and each other on general and specific knowledge of 1960s and 70s Hanna Barbera cartoons!
Did you ever wonder what happened to your favorite (or not so favorite) character on a show played by a favorite actor? Did you think that the studio or show runners ousted them only to discover that they left of their own accord? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT where we'll discuss why some of our iconic actors chose to leave their iconic roles.
Welcome to the OTHERhood. We all know the story of how Harrison Ford nabbed the role of Indiana Jones from an unavailable Tom Selleck, and how Eddie Murphy scored the role of Reggie Hammond in 48 Hours at the expense of Jimmy Walker. Would the original casting have been better? But did you know that Eddie Murphy was considered to play Malcolm X and that Harrison Ford was passed over in favor of Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate? Waht would have happened had those casting choices stuck? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p CDT to discuss what would have happened in some well-known films if we had had our first choice with casting and if Hollywood had theirs.
Welcome to the OTHERhood! Tonight we stepping back into the Twilight Zone. Many of us have had our views of society and the world shaped by some of the insightful and weird speculative fiction that the show served up. But years later as we rewatch now that some of our youthful exuberance has worn thin or become tarnished, our takes are a bit different. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT where we will submit for your approval ten or so Twilight Zone episodes that years later have us doing a double take.Yes, there will be spoilers so prepare for Time Enough At Last, the Living Doll, The Howling Man, A Stop at Willoughby, Nightmare at 30,000 feet, Mr. Bevis, It's a Good Life, Eye of the Beholder, Mirror Image and others. .
The axe has come down and The Wonder Years, an iteration of the Black experience in the Southern Vietnam era US has not been renewed for next season. Was this as fair appraisal reflecting a downward spiral in quality after the exit of Fred Savage or a foul and continuing practice of limiting the shows that do not reflect Hollywood's ethnic and gender stereotypes? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PDT/9p CDT/9p EDT as we discuss whether these cancellations are foul or fair.https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-wonder-years-canceled-abc-two-seasons-1235592088/#recipient_hashed=a0bc005b92ddcec76cc38479663fa8ea3b9e1d2d595e2941755412c06790a6b2&recipient_salt=7b38d59ea14a7bf72d18e6f86b4956ac1cfddc3f0b037b7d78f3b0364f134c4e
Baseball is the Great American pastime and films about baseball are probably another great American pastime. From the Pride of the Yankees, to Natural. Field of Dreams, to Bingo Long and the Traveling All Stars Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT and we'll discuss our favorite baseball-themed films.
"I must keep my identity secret to protect my family and friends. This was one of the main superhero credos. But is it REALLY necessary? Who made up these rules? What is their foundation and in a world where the role of damsel in distress and weak, elderly parents is diminishing, is the secret identity passe'? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT while we discuss which (if any) of these dual identities is necessary.
Just like in the film, The Natural when the injured Roy Hobbs launches the homerun ball into the stratosphere some scenes can truly move us. They create an emotional experience that we remember for a lifetime. But equally as we saw in The Natural, sometimes even the best in the business can swing big and miss... horribly. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PST/8p CST/9p EST when we discuss the films that swung big and left an indelible mark on the big and small screen experience, versus those that swung hard, but missed.
Last week the Blerdsassins Next Door ran down our lists of our favorite Comfort Food tv shows...the ones that you curl up with, that give you the warm fuzzies. But this week we're sharing the list of shows that are more trash than treasure, the ones with no redeeming characteristics... the ones we wouldn't miss, but would never let anyone we respected know was on our schedule. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PDT/ 8p CDT/ 9p EDT Saturday night to share our delicious empty calorie shows that have no substance whatsoever, that are all sizzle and no steak, but that we can be guaranteed to binge on!
Howdy Neighbors! The Root published a list of shows that many in the community identify as their Go-to for a comfortable distraction. Do these shows make your list and if not, what are your substitutes? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PDT/ 8p CDT / 9p EDT as we compare The Root's list against ours and yours! https://www.theroot.com/comfort-tv-here-are-the-shows-we-binge-when-we-need-a-1850692746/slides/5
Dr. Frankenstein flips a switch and lightning rains from the sky to power his unholy creation as he shouts "It's Alive!!" In our neighborhood, Victor Frankenstein's mother is screaming I KNOW you aren't using up all my electricity with that nonsense! And when Victor calls back, "It's not your electricity. I'm using the lightning!" In that iconic moment, we know that only the monster would be alive because back-talking Victor would have bought the farm. A Gernan shepherd is chased across the frozen wasteland by men in a helicopter who are trying to kill it. The helicopter crashes and your animal-loving crew member welcomes the dog into his kennel. In our neck of the woods, both dog and crew member would still be out in the frozen wasteland with relatives declaring that if that fool lacks the common sense to never let a strange dog into your house, then he needs to stay outside. Stroll into the OTHERhood tonight with the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PDT/8p CDT/ 9p EDT and consider some of the more well-known iconic moments in film and how so many tragedies would be averted if they'd simply injected a little home-training.
This needs no description. Some of the best times spent during the summer had their own iconic soundtracks... what was playing during the Family reunion, or during the trip to the beach, while you were playing ball or out on the stoop. At 6p PST/ 8p CST/9p EST join the Blerdsassins Next Door and with access to past and present music, let's determine what would make up the Best Summer 2023 soundtrack.
During the summer there was nothing better than enjoying sci fi and monster fare on the big and small screen. But with limited funds and sometimes only one TV in the house, it was an uphill battle to get to the movies and/or watch your favorite creature features without the set being hijacked by adults. Nowadays kids have got it good! With all the streaming and online selections for monsters, mayhem, aliens and automatons, as well as what is on network TV and in the theaters, how could anyone ever get bored? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door tonight in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/9p EST and we'll introduce you to our favorites so you can prep a playlist that will keep you entertained into September!
There are some films that you just can't forget, that have those last lines that stay with you forever. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST when we'll share the most memorable last lines in film!
Before this film, there were no real set start times for movies. Before this film we didn't use the term "Summer Blockbuster." Before this film, the concept of the Film Universe didn't exist. Before this film we thought we were too smart to be tricked by a movie. Before this film... we didn't believe a man could fly. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door tonight in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST and we'll share those movies that have forever changed the way that we view films.
Almost everyone has them, the shows and films that make us misty-eyed, or we laugh too hard, or laugh too loudly, or emote in ways that those around us might give a side-eye. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST Saturday night when we'll share the tv shows and films we avoid watching... when other people are watching.
Father's Day is just hours away so in honor of the day join your Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood 6p PST/8p CST/ 9p EST Saturday, as we rate the Best and Worst of TV Dads.
The African American community is not monolithic but there are a cadre of TV shows that by and large we can all say that we have watched and enjoyed. And by the same token there are those that ALWAYS get the channel flip. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST as we discuss those shows that make it to the Black TV Guide and those that get the heave ho!
Was it Mission Impossible; Love American Style; Room 222; I Spy; Mannix; The Odd Couple; Star Trek; Mister Rogers' Neighborhood? Was it That's So Raven; James at 15; Soul Train; The Waltons; Malcom in the Middle; Bewitched; Marty Tyler Moore; Carol Burnett; Bob Newhart; The Cosby Show? What shows did you grow up with that shaped the way you saw the world and how you wanted to live in it? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door, here in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p EST/ 9p EST and we'll share the shows that shaped us.
Howdy neighbors! We are three weeks into the WGA writers' strike with no end in sight. So how do we entertain ourselves without adding new stress to our budgets while still supporting the strike effort? Well, the Blerdsassins Next Door will not only lend you a cup of sugar but we'll also sweeten the coming weeks with strike-friendly entertainment options. Join us at6p PST/8p CST/9p EST in the OTHERhood as we share our Favorite No and Low cost Entertainment values that will keep you happy and WGA Strike-friendly.
Why does the guilty party always get tricked into confessing the crime? Why are bad guys such lousy shots, no matter how much ammunition they have? Why is love at first sight "a thing"? Why do smart characters always forget "that one thing" that ends up begin their undoing? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door, here in the OTHERhood as we ponder whether these and other tropes are worn out and overused; or if they are useful pop culture shorthand or embedded cultural touchstones.
Yes, it's one of our favorite times of year... We've got MerMay - celebrating mermaids, mermen and all things magical under the sea; We've got Black Fae Day celebrating the fae and fantasy cosplay culture throughout the Black community; and of course... Mother's Day! Drop by the OTHERhood and set a spell with the Blerdsassins Next Door as we discuss the elements and history of this fantastic holiday weekend!
We remember the writer's strike of 2007-2008 where 100 days changed the way we watch televised content, forever. Meaningful scripted TV gave way to reality shows, re-runs and imported content masquerading as original. But let's face it we ALL love good TV, film and streaming shows. But how do we enjoy these things as consumers while supporting writers and sympathy strikers on the front line? Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood as we discuss how we'll Get it Right During the Writer's Strike.
Everyone talks about the weather but no one does anything about it... except for maybe Hollywood. We have so many films focusing on weather, but not all of them are so great. So join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood as we count down the best and worse of the weather-based cinema!
From Parliament and Funkadelic, to Elton John, David Bowie, Earth Wind and Fire, Steely Dan and Silksonic. Join the Blerdsassins Next Door in the OTHERhood where we'll discuss our and your favorite music and musicians that delve into the world of Sci-Fi.
They say the book is a classic, that you can't say you're immersed in the genre unless you've read it at least once. The film is on all the lists and you simply cannot discuss cinema unless you've seen it. The television series has been on forever, it's part of the zeitgeist. But you've never cracked the book, seen the film or binge-watched a single season of the show. And you don't ever plan to. Join us in the OTHERhood as the Blerdsassins Next Door invite you to discuss what genre (and other) classics are you thoroughly invested in NEVER becoming invested in.
Firefly. Timeless. Star Trek: Enterprise. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Some of these we lament as having gone too soon just as they were getting good. But for some of us, a few of them stayed around waaay too long. Join us this weekend in the OTHERhood to discuss the television shows, movie franchises, books and entertainers who were cut down in the prime versus the ones that seem to live far past their “best by” date. Join the crew from the OTHERhood as we talk about the media that started getting good but were then gone; And the ones that stayed on past their their sell-by dates.
We heard it was coming, we got all excited. We followed each press release, we marked our calendars, bought advanced tickets, stood in line on the first day, took our seats… and halfway through the movie, Jar Jar Binks appeared on the screen… What movies, television shows and books whetted your appetite then drowned you in disappointment? Join us in the OTHERhood with our usual suspects when we light out torches, storm the castle and chant, “Fool me one, shame on you. fool me twice…”
There are shows and films that feature or star Black characters, but only a few are iconic. Join us in the OTHERhood as we list our favorite and not-so-favorite iconic shows. What shows and films do you think are so iconic that if you haven’t seen them, it might be time to hand in that Black card?
All of us here love some form of speculative fiction. You know that genre, that show that you love that makes everything right. And then there are the shows that you would rather have your teeth pulled than watch an entire episode. Join us tonight in the OTHERhood as we take a look at the shows that someone loves or hates that gives you the best indicator of whether you'll be friend or foe.
You love Family Matters - people call you corny. You'd watch Taxi Driver one hundred times - people call you crazy. You tell your friends that you enjoy Our Kind of People - they call you Trashy! What films and shows do you enjoy? What do others think about you as a result! Join us in the OTHERhood to discuss whether people think you're Clever, Tacky or Cool?
All right, I'm using a favorite line from an old Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode (Don't Come Back Alive), but it is certainly apropos, here. How many shows will we rework, redo or revive for the sake of nostalgia, completion, artistic integrity or the bottom line? True, some reboots have been successful, but some have not. What's out there that's way past its Use-by date? And what is being dug up to reanimate in the near future? Join us in the OTHERhood where we'll discuss our favorite and not so favorite shows that simply refuse to die. Which have been dead too long to come back, now?
Closing out Black History Month with Black History you may not know about. We'll start with the Scientist involved in the Manhattan project, those involved in the Space Program and more. Join us as we bid goodbye to Black History Month 2023 and introduce you Black History you may not know about.
Have you ever bought a product or viewed a show or film and thought "Wow! That's why Don Draper makes the big bucks!" How can the advertisements for some things be so great and the products be so disappointing? Join us in the OTHERhood 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p ST to discuss your experience where the quality of the Branding and Marketing far exceeded the reality of what you got.
Have you ever shown up for an episode of one of your usual shows then something feels... off. Who is that person? I have no idea who that is! Have you ever watched a show and discovered that they've changed actors on you? Sometimes it's for better, and sometimes for worse. Join us tonight when we discuss the best and worst "switcheroos."
Riddle me this? Why is The Quiet Girl a foreign film (Irish language) and Parasite (Korean) for some reason was not? How does the Academy determine these things? What about other categories? How can RRR be nominated for Best Original song, but nothing else? Join us as we try to unravel the riddles of how these nominations work.
If we look we'll find dozens, maybe hundreds of films presented as a series. From James BOND TO Oceans Eleven (Twelve, Eight, Thirteen...) and almost any and everything Marvel or DC, do we really need more? Join us tonight 6p PST/ 8p CST and 9p EST to determine how much of a good thing is too much, and what series of films do you believe has the potential to regale us ad infinitum.
What does a genius look like? How many films and TV shows have we seen that show us a person who is described as a genius? What does this genius look like? Why are some people labeled as talented or clever but not characterized as genius while others are draped with the mantler? Join us tonight in the OTHERhood at 6p PST/ 8p CST/ 9p EST when we discuss how Hollywood shapes what we consider "genius."
It's a New Year and time to assess your entertainment inventory. We've got precious few hours in a week and we don't want to waste them on shows that no longer do it for us. Join us tonight to discuss for the new year what shows or other entertainment you're leaving in the rearview mirror.
It's the New Year and there is a lot of content out there on TV or streaming but sometimes don't you wonder... "Why are they running this program and why, in the name of all things holy, are we watching it? Why does anyone watch political news programming? Why do we watch retrospectives on the lives of psychics? Why do we watch real crime fictionalizations? Why do we watch contest shows? Why do we watch the news? Why do we watch Reality TV? We are now into a new year making decisions about what is good entertainment and what they will eventually make more of for us to view. Join us tonight in the OTHERhood as we discuss why we watch what we watch.
It's time for the final countdown as we approach 2023! If you're like us you had dozens of works from 2022 on your To Watch list. Did you get through them all? Did you get to any of them? New Year's Day falls on a Sunday so we get Monday as the national holiday.. two days to binge watch! Join us tonight as we help you construct your 2-day list of the best of what to watch to start your New Year!
In 1843 Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol, a work shedding light on poverty, cruelty and income disparities all during the Yuletide season. One hundred seventy-nine years later, and many of these themes are still in existence. Through the years the Dickens tale has been satirized, parodied, and rebooted to extend its reach and relevance. Join us this Christmas Eve as we deconstruct the many retellings of A Christmas Carol and establish its continued importance as an expression of our Christmas aspirations.
We've discussed or favorites. So tonight join us as we reveal the Christmas films we can do without.
This week on the television talk show, The View, Whoopi Goldberg spoke about the iconic 48 year old comedy, Blazing Saddles the. Apparently some critics believe that the Cleavon Little/Gene Wilder tour de force is racist. What has happened to this world? The film by comedic genius Mel Brooks serves EVERYONE up from racism to sexism, stereotyping of women, Blacks, gays and whites. It unabashedly displays the ridiculousness of stereotypes and racism, so how in the world can it be considered racist? Join us tonight in the OTHERhood and explain it to me.
The holiday season is coming and we're all getting ready! As kids we didn't have too much control over whether we went to the movies but if we were lucky we had access to the television. From the Grinch to The Waltons: The Homecoming to the Star Wars Christmas Special, what TV shows and specials did you look to back then to get into the holiday spirit? What do you watch now? Join us tonight to share those childhood and adulthood holiday favorites!
It's that time of year! Deck the halls and mull the wine while we list our favorite unconventional Christmas films! No Miracle on 34th street for us. We're watching Gremlins and American Psycho! Join us Saturday night as we list our favorite unconventional films and look forward to seeing yours.
Thanksgiving is upon us and beyond football and a bounty of turkey, stuffing, mac & cheese, green beans, pies and cobbler how else will you entertain yourselves and your families during the Thanksgiving holiday? Harper's Bazaar has created a list of 55 films related (and sometimes REALLY LOOSELY related) to Thanksgiving. I'd serve up a few of these, but for the most part... Why? Join us as we attack the list from 55 to 1 to determine what of this entertainment fare goes best with the "Itis". https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/g8078/best-thanksgiving-movies/
Let's face it, almost no one ever gets the result they want from the polls. If you're anything like us here in the OTHERhood, you exercise your rights at the ballot box then run home, close your eyes and ears and hope for the best. But why do that when we can entertain ourselves by watching something optimistic (Our fabulous future), or something horrific (Oh well, I guess things could be worse)? Join us to discuss what you watched to keep you on even keel as the election returns came in?
In honor of World Fantasy Con 2022 we'll be discussing the world of fantasy and how Black people are and aren't portrayed in these worlds. What can we do to create a more expansive world of black fantasy beyond The Wiz and Wakanda? Join us in the OTHERhood to discuss how we create these new exciting worlds.
We know, it’s just a movie, or that when you close the book (or close the app), the monster is trapped inside, but… What is it that still makes us look over our shoulder after all these years? Join us as our crew splits up in the haunted house and we discuss our personal demons, and monsters and the things that give us a fright when they go bump in the night.
Have you ever watched a Television show or film and been dumfounded by inconsistencies, anachronisms and other gaffes that SOMEONE should have caught? Join us tonight in the OTHERhood where we'll recount our favorite and not so favorite blunders and we hope you'll share yours!
Happy Horror Days! It's the Season of the Witch! It's that time of year where we cuddle up in front of the big and small screens for two hours or over 8-16 episodes to delight in blood-curdling screams. Join us to share your favorites! What new films and shows have made their way onto your BEST of SEASON list, and which ones don't make the grade?
Without a doubt Star Trek has been one of our pop culture's most groundbreaking science fiction offerings with casts of dozens and multiple stable acting ensembles. However, it seems that Black males though present in the franchise since The Next Generation are often cast as aliens (Worf, Tuvok) or behind a mask/visor (Geordi). Compared with other nonblack characters do these individuals get short shrift in development or are these limitations endemic to these types of supporting characters? Join us as we decode the Star Trek Universe's use of the masked Black man, in tonight's discussion in the OTHERhood.
In Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream House we focus on the horrors of being hoodwinked into purchasing a money pit. In Imitation of Life we follow the tragic tale of a young Black woman who passes as white woman and the shame she feels associating with her mother. What we don't generally focus on is the fact that these stories ultimately deal with how the Anglo characters profit as a result of the labor or ideas of their household workers whose stations in life never change as a result of the accumulation of wealth. Join us to discuss these issues and how at the time no one appeared to be outraged.
The 2022 Emmy Awards have come and gone but the effects will be far reaching. So many new faces, but still so many old tropes. Are we seeing a shift in what we are enjoying as consumers of visual media or is this just an oasis in the entertainment desert?
In an age where we live for sound bytes, when the 24 hour news cycle provides little opportunity to reflect on the facts and opinions hurled our way, and where influencers, and scripted reality shows dictate trends and values, is this how/who we really are? Or is this the effect of our long-term attachment to the super profit machine that compels us to consume ever larger bytes leaving little time for digestion? Join us as we discuss the growing phenomena of binge-watching our lives.
How do these messed-up racist stereotypes find their way into the zeitgeist? We didn't all watch the same shows or read the same periodicals, right? But look no further than the nearest commercial or political ad, sometimes out of the corner of the eye. you catch a glimpse, Even when we don't openly acknowledge them, do these repetitive negative characterizations leave a mark? How do we combat the effect of these racist images? https://www.ranker.com/list/racist-vintage-ads/erica-braverman?ref=collections_btm&l=2680236&collectionId=2299
One week in front of WorldCon 2022 (Chicon 8) and DragonCon 2022 we will be flooded with major and minor works of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy that promise to thrill and amaze, but with improved investigatory techniques and more people willing to speak out, we are also inclined to be presented with information about our favorite authors, directors, artists and other creators that rub us the wrong way. How do we, in the information age balance our love of the genre works with our disappointment and sometimes contempt for the people that create them? Join us tonight to discuss your and our methods for surviving the cringy creator.
Everything old is new again... or is it? New projects, new characters but is the Marvel Cinematic Universe really being inclusive or is it a case of Disco Lucy and Freeway of Love? Is the MCU trying to cram whatever properties they have into whatever the new trend is, for a quick buck? Let's discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of the Disco Lucy effect. https://youtu.be/lYN4ZT02HmE https://youtu.be/Dtd3Wzn_YK8 https://youtu.be/rToDkI_TU6c
Everything old is new again... or is it? New projects, new characters but is the Marvel Cinematic Universe really being inclusive or is it a case of Disco Lucy and Freeway of Love? Is the MCU trying to cram whatever properties they have into whatever the new trend is, for a quick buck? Let's discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of the Disco Lucy effect. https://youtu.be/lYN4ZT02HmE https://youtu.be/Dtd3Wzn_YK8 https://youtu.be/rToDkI_TU6c
In a world where real history is being erased from school books and curricula and where many items of history have never been made available to us, do Spec Fic writers have a responsibility to fill in the gaps? The Watchmen and Lovecraft Country filled in gaps of certain historical issues in American history. Join us as we discuss whether spec fic writers should be educating as much as entertaining.
Con season is in full swing. Experienced con attendees and panelists, Cranston Burney, James Goodridge and Sonia James walk you through how to get the most out of your con experience!
Appearing Remotely for the Urban Nerd Con 2022, the OTHERhood crew discusses how the Urban Nerd lens affects our view of Horror SCI Fi and Fantasy Join us on Zoom Topic: The Urban Nerd Con 2022 Horror/Academic Panel Virtual Access Panel Room Time: Jul 30, 2022 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Daily: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZIuduqorj0rGNOAdzz8Twuu76pMFqwJpE_i/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGurTopGtSTsRuARpwAA4j4b_TziCFcjY1yvRv_GXhndRbjYbRSH5RuB_LA
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The Emmy Award nominations have been announced! Are you surprised, shocked chagrined? Peruse the listing and join us to discuss the Emmys and how well reflected those of us from the OTHERhood are in the nominations https://variety.com/2022/tv/awards/emmys-nominations-list-2022-1235313788/
Last week Cranston suggested that we peruse the Rotten Tomatoes 30 Best Films of All Time List. Well I thought it was a good idea until I actually saw the list. There were films that I had never seen or ever wished to see. There were films that I had seen and cursed because I can never get those two hours of my life, back. A couple of films absolutely deserved the accolades. I left that listing thinking, "How do these people come up with the films on these lists?" Join us tonight as we ponder... The trouble with lists. https://screenrant.com/best-movies-of-all-time-ranked-imdb/ https://www.looper.com/195400/the-best-fantasy-movies-of-all-time-according-to-rotten-tomatoes/ https://newarena.com/entertainment/according-to-rotten-tomatoes-these-are-the-30-best-films-of-all-time/29/?amxt=2022_dt_10&utm_campaign=tb_jk_rt_best_62122_dt_clx_pt&utm_source=tb_ae&utm_medium=tbdt-2022_dt_10&utm_term=penskemediacorporation-variety
The current "What if Miles Morales was Thor" issue raises the question of "Why is it so hard to write an authentic Black voice?" We've often heard people say that you don't have to be a chicken to judge an omelet. But consider that to a chicken an omelet is a horror, something it would never consider judging or eating. Why do we continue having to consume media that makes no attempt to even learn what we like or who we are? Join us tonight in the OTHERhood to discuss why it is apparently so hard to write an authentic Black voice. https://www.theroot.com/marvel-s-miles-morales-what-if-comic-ignites-backla-1849087814 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/miles-morales-spider-man-marvel-1235174852/
As genre film lovers, when a good one comes out we simply cannot wait to see the next installment! But what happens when a great film is followed up by a horrible sequel? Do you wait for the third installment to right the ship or do you just abandon the entire franchise? What are some of your most maligned sequels? How do you deal with the Terrible Twos? https://www.cheatsheet.com/.../worst-sci-fi-movie.../ https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/.../24-worst.../ https://www.gamespot.com/.../11-horror.../2900-3770/...
As children of the Sexual Revolution most of us were weaned on Ms. Magazine, La Cage Au Folle, (I Am What I AM), Gertrude Stein, and the understanding of Lord Douglas' poem ending with the words, "I am the love that dare not speak its name." And though the poem was written in 1892 Hollywood still seems to struggle with sex and sexuality. Is Hollywood more concerned with eroticizing and exoticizing sexuality? Are there films and TV shows that get it right?. Join us to discuss the ones who get it right and those who get it wrong.
Our cohost James Goodridge recommended a 1977 film, City of Blood (available on Amazon Prime for rent or sale). While watching it we were struck with the recurring theme of our human fascination for manipulated realities. From City of Blood to Westworld, the Matrix and a host of others, join us to discuss the fascination with the manipulation of and living in false realities.
We know Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, but there are a host of other supers out there from Misfits, to Thunderforce, to Upgrade, to Greatest American Hero. Whether mystical or sci-fi we'll share our lesser known favorite powers, so join us in the OTHERhood to come share yours!
Alfred Hitchcock, Frank's Place, The Outer Limits, Prince Planet, some of our favorite and iconic shows seemingly can't be found anywhere. Whether pulled from Netflix, Amazon Prime, no longer on Hulu they have all but disappeared. Well the gang from the OTHERhood has opened its detective agency with it in mind to track down your favorite lost entertainment fare!
There is a pervasive belief by some so-called “real fans” that “wokeness” is destroying beloved stories of other worlds. “Race-switching” has become “race-baiting;” “diversity” is diluting the purity of our fare. “Representation matters” BUT only if our heroes are represented by “traditional characters.” How do we approach these clashes of culture and consciousness? Join us in the OTHERhood as we explore the basis of these biases and theories on how to disarm them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1MdXtUaE1M
Superheroes are lauded as keepers of peace, righters of wrongs and supporting truth, justice and the American way. But what does that really mean? Do our superheroes support the rights of individuals or do they support the Establishment... the systems that we live under? Join us in the OTHERhood as we ask our superheroes, "Whose side are you on?" https://www.salon.com/2013/11/30/superheroes_are_a_bunch_of_fascists/
Superheroes are lauded as keepers of peace, righters of wrongs and supporting truth, justice and the American way. But what does that really mean? Do our superheroes support the rights of individuals or do they support the Establishment... the systems that we live under? Join us in the OTHERhood as we ask our superheroes, "Whose side are you on?" https://www.salon.com/2013/11/30/superheroes_are_a_bunch_of_fascists/
The three dozen movies and television series that comprise the Marvel Cinematic Universe are widely considered the most successful entertainment franchise of all time. but is its success the product of a careful plan or a series of happy accidents? Did it begin with Iron Man or Blade? And do its followers display the best or the worse of fandom? Join us as we discuss and dissect the MCU.
The three dozen movies and television series that comprise the Marvel Cinematic Universe are widely considered the most successful entertainment franchise of all time. but is its success the product of a careful plan or a series of happy accidents? Did it begin with Iron Man or Blade? And do its followers display the best or the worse of fandom? Join us as we discuss and dissect the MCU.
The three dozen movies and television series that comprise the Marvel Cinematic Universe are widely considered the most successful entertainment franchise of all time. but is its success the product of a careful plan or a series of happy accidents? Did it begin with Iron Man or Blade? And do its followers display the best or the worse of fandom? Join us as we discuss and dissect the MCU.
With Jordan Peele's Get Out and Ryan Coogler's Black Panther we were sure we were on the road to finally seeing the bevvy of Black films and TV shows displaying all facets of Black drama, sci-fi, fantasy and horror. And the industry seemed happy to comply. And with fare like Black Lightening, Jordan Peele's Twilight Zone, Batwoman, and Naomi to name a few, we believed a new age was dawning. In support of that new age we watched these shows, some of which were good and some of which were not so good. Poor plots, one-dimensional characters, stereotypes and seeming one-trick ponies began to rise.and our hopes began to fall. Are movie and TV studios betting on the Black consumers to watch poorly developed programming winning short term ratings and our long-term loyalty? Is Hollywood being sincere or simply disingenuious and capitalizing on Black Guilt Marketing?
We are only a little over a week away from Mer-May tand Black Fae Day, he cosplaying fantasy and fun periods where people dress up in their favorite mermid and other fantasy character outfits? However there still appeats to be a disconnect between the Black Community and embracing the world of fantasy. How do we encourage members of the Community to engage in the fun that is fantaasy during Mer-May?!
About four days ago Moveiweb produced its ranking of the 11 BEST Science Fiction TV Shows of all time (https://movieweb.com/best-science-fiction-tv-shows/?fbclid=IwAR0dOvpAFCBGkw1m8xP6I4kCZQsk0vftMkk92Y15wFCUxuw4xm2T4oT7zoU). I was really excited to see what they had com eup with and was stunned at what wasn't listed (Yes Jetsons but no Eureka?) as much as I was the order in which the eleven chosen ones were ranked (Timeless ranked lower than Babylon 5?)! Come join us in the OTHERhood as we argue which shows WE thought should have been included on the list and the order in which they should have been ranked.
About four days ago Moveiweb produced its ranking of the 11 BEST Science Fiction TV Shows of all time (https://movieweb.com/best-science-fiction-tv-shows/?fbclid=IwAR0dOvpAFCBGkw1m8xP6I4kCZQsk0vftMkk92Y15wFCUxuw4xm2T4oT7zoU). I was really excited to see what they had com eup with and was stunned at what wasn't listed (Yes Jetsons but no Eureka?) as much as I was the order in which the eleven chosen ones were ranked (Timeless ranked lower than Babylon 5?)! Come join us in the OTHERhood as we argue which shows WE thought should have been included on the list and the order in which they should have been ranked.
The Dropout, WeCrash, SuperPumped all new shows depicting cult of personality systems where big marketing produces big profits. In the creative world we have the Stan Lees, Bob Kanes and others who have benefitted from the works of other artists. Without promotion there would be no money but without the art there is no product to promote. Is it fair when the promoter and not the creator grabs the lion's share? Join us tonight in the OTHERhood when we discuss how the creative world should deal with the cult of personality.
Our time is precious so when we sit down to watch TV we don't want to waste our time on janky plots and half-baked characters. So give us show openings that tell us know what's what, up front. Join us in the OTHERhood where we'll rate the best shows for letting you know what you getting before the first lines are spoken.
In an age of Oscar-So-White, streaming content, rising indie film influence and massively entertaining foreign fare in film and episodic television, is anyone really looking to the Oscars to define our tastes and interests, or to reflect popular culture? Join us with our guest, L. Marie Wood to discuss her new book, Tryst and to tackle whether we've outgrown a system of industry-insider navel-gazing. Join us to discuss the current and future relevance of the Academy Awards..Have we outgrown the Oscars?
From "To Serve Man" to "It's a Good Life" and "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street," the Twilight Zone has dealt us some fascinating morality plays sometimes disguised as science fiction, horror, magical realism and fantasy. Told with a bit of tongue and cheek cynicism we've beem introduced to many important life lessons. Looking back on your Twilight Zone viewing over the years, what have been your top ten Life Lessons and from which segments were they gleaned? (The Twilight Zone is currently availabel for pay on many streaming services. Check your listings.)
So, some states are removing restrictions. Mask mandates are being relaxed and some places are slowly returning to some pre-Pandemic conditions. It has been a rocky two years but many of us have endured... thanks to our Pandemic TV and Film playlists. What films or TV shows helped you make it through the rough days and nights? Which ones would you recommend to others?
So, some states are removing restrictions. Mask mandates are being relaxed and some places are slowly returning to some pre-Pandemic conditions. It has been a rocky two years but many of us have endured... thanks to our Pandemic TV and Film playlists. What films or TV shows helped you make it through the rough days and nights? Which ones would you recommend to others?
On February 25th Buzzfeed produced a list of 20 Red Flag Films (and TV shows) that could identify your husband/boyfriend/intended (or you!) as a burgeoning psycho. The problem is that we LOVE nearly half the films on this list and we know that WE'RE not psycho! So join us in taking a look at this list containing some fabulous freak-outs and let's discuss why our love of them is utterly and completely sane. https://www.buzzfeed.com/angelaandaloro/red-flag-tv-movie-characters
We're at the end of Black History Month and we'd like to think about how we're doing. What are the new faces in TV/Film from the diaspora? Who or what do we want to see more of and who or what do we want to see less of in the coming year?
In what ways do we find the BIPOC experience translated onto the big and small screens in Sci-Fi/Horror/Fantasy genres. We are seeing more people of color on the big and small screens, but are those images telling the tales of our unique and authentic experiences or are they reshaped tropes an dstereotypes? How can our experiences best be reflected on screen as well as our images? Join us with author, screenwriter and provost, L Marie Wood to discuss this and more in the OTHERhood.
It's Valentine's Day and we're celebrating love in all its forms from all of our spec fic couples. From sci-fi, fantasy and horror who are your your favorite couples and which couples give you the heebie-jeebies? Join us in the OTHERhood to discuss the best and the worst couples and why you love or hate them.
What genre convention that’s accepted by everybody should we try to stamp out immediately, because it’s either sexist, racist, speciesist, or just plain wrong (or dumb)? Why is everything black “bad” but “the lighter, the right?” Why do aliens always want something from Earth? Would robots really want to kill us? Which genre convention do you think deserves a stake through the heart?
In 1964 the American TV audience was introduced to two families whose unique qualities made them standout from their neighbors. Generally treated with trepidation and sometimes outright fear, these two families steeped in their own cultures were the essence of OTHER. Join us as we discuss the parallels between these shows and how their OTHERness affected American TV culture.
The AFI, (American Film Institute) posted their listing of the best 100 films of the past 100 years. Alongside those they posted the best 10 films of select genres. Last week we perused the lists of the Best Fantasy films and were struck with the films that made the list and those that didn't. So, join us tonight to examine their TOP TEN SCI-FI FILMS list and we'll show you where they went wrong and discuss our suggestions on how to correct it. https://www.afi.com/afis-10-top-10/
The AFI, (American Film Institute) posted their listing of the best 100 films of the past 100 years. Alongside those they posted the best 10 films of select genres. Perusing the lists of the Best Fantasy and the Best Sci-Fi films we are struck with the films that made the list and those that didn't. So, join us tonight to examine the list. We'll show you where they went wrong and listen to suggestions on how to correct it. https://www.afi.com/afi-lists/
It's a New Year with new or new seasons of programming! What looks like a hit? What looks like a miss and who's going to be watching? Join us tonight to discover our picks and to tell us yours!
With the blink of an eye 2021 ws here then gone. We sang the song and drank champagne, but now what? It's 2022! What are the new goals and ambitions? How did we do with last year's list? Join us in the OTHERhood to get over that hangover and prepare for 2022!
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, what is continuation? There are four movies featuring Jaws, eight featuring Chucky, twelve with Jason. And if we count all the reboots, reimaginings, sequels, prequels… Where will it all end? Join us as we ponder the hits, the misses and the "why-didn’t-somebody-stop-them"s in entertainment media.
We've mailed out all the Xmas cards, sent goodies and/or well-wishes to friends and family, got ALL the gifts wrapped in anticipation of getting EVERYTHING under the tree! Now it's time for hot cocoa, or a hot toddy and a break. But, we've worked hard so Rudolph and Frosty aren't going to cut it. That's right; it's time for GROWN-UP XMAS!! So what are your favorite adult-target Xmas programs - TV or Film; that get you in the holiday spirit... or not? We've got our list and we're checking it twice. Join us and share yours!
Yes we all have our favorite Xmas films from A Christmas Story to Miss Scrooge to A Christmas Carol (Alistair Cooke version) The Long Kiss Goodnight! But then there are the films that we know someone had to be LIT for them to get greenlit. Let's share those films that should only be on the Naughty List and burned in the fireplace with their lump of coal! https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/worst-christmas-movies/
Christmas is coming, and of course we've been good. But we've always been good, right? So why did Santa rook us back when we were in second grade and didn't come across with that bicycle? And Why when we were twelve did those all access passes to the skating rink never show up? Now, maybe the skating days are gone, but a nice bike wouldn't get a rejection, from me. What were the gift items that made your list back in the day that you'd still be excited to see under the tree, today? Join us as we go through our lists of old and maybe some new!
Shang Chi and the Ten Rings hit Disney + last week and with it renewed conversations about Awkwifina and how she profited mightily on a persona that capitalized on Black coolness coding, language and swagger propelling her career to recognized one-name status. But Awkwifina isn't the first and probably won't be the last to discover and exploit the use of African American colloquial vernacular, i.e., the blaccent to promote a sense of savvy or coolness; or dare we say... an attenuated coonery? Who uses the blaccent, who gets away with it, who doesn't and is it ever okay to abandon it once it's lived out it's "usefulness"? Join us to discuss the inner workings of what we'll refer to as "The Awkwifina Effect." https://www.themarysue.com/awkwafina-blaccent-aave/
We are no strangers to nostalgia. Countless films and books recount the "good ole days." Why is it then that when Black people recount "the good ole days" from the perspective of Black people, some nonblacks get peeved? From Timeless to the most recent iteration of the Wonder Years, let's discuss why some people have problems with Black people owning their own nostalgia? https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/23/arts/television/the-wonder-years.html,
We all know Victor Frankenstein, Dr. Evil and Doc Brown, but who (or who else) makes our top ten list of mad scientists? Join us and add your choice to the list!
Season's Greetings! We're wrapping up the Horror days with our discussion of horror films. How many have you seen in your lifetime; The Exorcist, Aliens, Jaws, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Which ones make your top five list? Which have your favorite endings? Join us Saturday Night to list your favorite horror films and favorite horror film endings!
The Final Girl trope has been described in the Slasher film context as where the audience first views the terror through the eyes of the killer, then experiences a shift to the point of view of the Final Girl. (See e.g., Halloween). More recent films have viewed the terror from an omniscient perspective but still shifts focus to the Final Girl who the audience early on views as "not ready for prime time," but who somehow, ultimately beats the odds. Because American horror films have so often used Black people as fodder, i.e., the first to die (Taurean Blacque- DeepSpace Six) or the last to die (Ernie Hudson - Leviathan), how do our Final Girl characters differ from the common trope? Join us as we Discuss it in the OTHERhood!
King Kong; Godzilla; rats and spiders, join us as we explore the films that show what happens when the Wild Kingdom goes really wild!
It's tasteless, cheesy, plotless and pointless, but you wouldn't get through the Halloween season without them. What are your favorite Horror films you'd be ashamed to admit to?
We have so many comedies and dramas new and vintage that have filled our summer streaming days, but in this Season of the Witch... we submit for your consideration, a query: How many of our favorite episodic comedies and dramas are actually just one step from being sadistic, mind numbing creep shows? Join us tonight! Dish us your favorite show and we'll serve it back to you as a mangled up horror.
So what did the spinning top at the end of Inception portend? Was everything inside Arthur's head in Joker? Was Deckard a replicant? The OTHERhood crew and you will discuss and address our views on clarifying these endings.
Whether it was the director, a specific actor, the subject matter but has there ever been a show of film that was so distasteful, highbrow, lowbrow, scary or dry that you swore you'd never view it... and then you did? Were you pleasantly surprised or unpleasantly not surprised?
Growing up in the 70's and 80's we thought we were on our way. The future looked bright and adventurous and it was reflected in films and TV. But now much of our Sci-Fi shows the future as bleak and embattled. Where can we look on TV and in film to bring back that optimism?
Yes, we all have that list... the list of films we really liked when we were younger but that haven't withstood the test of time. Was the plot great but the acting subpar? Do you have a modern dream cast? Were the special FX not quite up to snuff? Could it just do with a timely update? The OTHERhood crew will share their top five picks for the films they know would be better if made today. What are yours?
Many of us horror, fantasy and sci-fi fans watch a LOT of television and now with streaming services we hunt night and day for the best of shows. But sometimes we find shows that are sooo good that nothing else seems to measure up. While you are out there scouring the universe for the next best horror, sci-fi and fantasy program, what shows do you wish you had never seen so that this could be your first time. Let's compare your list with ours!
Saturday morning cartoons are back! Okay maybe not in THIS timeline of the multiverse, but what if they were? From 7am to noon Saturday were the golden hours when we were kids. Let's say you have those five hours to fill with your favorite cartoons of all time; from Bugs Bunny to Batman, from Speed Buggy to Spongebob. Which of your favorites would make the cut? Join us Saturday night and compare your list to ours!
Every year we have the World Series, the NBA Playoffs and the Super Bowl. Every two years we have an Olympics—but what team sport will we be waving giant foam fingers for in the next century and beyond? Will CTE concerns end contact sports (boxing, American/Canadian football?) Will sports involving animals (horses, dogs, rodeo, fishing and hunting) be considered cruel? Is Rollerball or whatever that was in Starship Troopers in our future? Would NASCAR be the same with electric vehicles? Join us as we discuss the future of sport.
In light of the summarized testimony provided by the Capitol police with respect to the January 6, 2021 terrorist attack on the Houses of Congress one officer was asked regarding the actions of the attackers, "Is this America?" Through the decades Hollywood has proposed different views of America via the lens of drama, fantasy and science fiction. Which of these lenses shows the true America? Join us to discuss it in the OTHERhood.
"To Serve Man", Independence Day, Mars Attacks, The Thing, Signs... These and more describe hostile alien encounters. It would seem that we'd get weary. But we don't. Every year we reflect on these and still ask for more. What is it that draws us to the concept of the alien threat? Under what circumstances would it no longer be an attraction?
What is this THING about changing ethnicities or even genders of fictional characters? Why are fanboys so concerned? Does it make a difference to you? Join us to discuss!
Cross-burning, N-word calling, Karenizing, we all agree that these are racist BUT can you spot the other ones, the ones hiding in plain sight. Join us Saturday and learn, "How to spot the racist."
The concepts of freedom and who is entitled to it has morphed and changed over the centuries. In the U.S. in particular civil rights, women's rights, human rights have all taken their place on the political and social stage. How much of how we perceive freedom is affected by what we have come in contact with in genre media and how much of our genre media is affected by our socio-political concepts of freedom?
DC's recent promulgations banning Batman from performing a certain sexual act with Catwoman raises the question of how sex is perceived in the comic book and other genre media. Harley Quinn (the show in question) is no doubt an adult-targeted show. So how hollow is DC's justification that they were concerned that "it would hurt toy sales." How would a show for adults affect toy sales? Did the NC-17 Spawn negatively affect toy sales? Even more troubling is the comment, "heroes don't do that." Is the real truth that certain members of our comic distribution system have an issue with A-listers having sex? All this controversy arises when FINALLY Batman was on the verge of having Catwoman... licked. So grab your tea and join us in Otherhood to parse the issue, "Comics Are For Kids... But When Are They Gonna Grow Up?"
Juneteenth can be a real head-scratcher for African Americans.. It recognizes the date that the people of African descent (in Texas) who were the victims of forced labor were informed that the practice had been illegalized... two and a half years earlier... the last people to know. So why is this a holiday? Let's Discuss it. Also We'll be discussing White Dog, a film from 1982 featuring a white dog that had been trained to attack and kill black people. Let's discuss the film and how it closely relates to the relationship between Black people and the White police.
https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth https://youtu.be/EoAdd2mfQ84
Recall when some fans of The Hunger Games expressed shock when a black actor was cast as one of their favorite characters… despite the fact that the character had been a person of color in the source material. Alnd remember when almost two million people signed a petition to remake the final season of Game of Thrones, this time “with competent writers.” While creators enjoy fans being invested in their works, do the fans take their “investment” too far? Or do the creators have an obligation to “give the people what they want?” Join us as we discuss when “fans” truly becomes “fanatics.”
Roxanne Bland of Black Rose Press, author William Hayashi, voice talent/researcher Sonia James and author/Librarian Cranston Burney discuss different paths that new and established writers can take to get their books into bookstores and libraries.
Turner Classic Movies can be a great place to experience film history. But don't leave your kids alone to watch the 1943 TV-G Caped Crusader live action show, the Bat Cave where they'll be treated to statements glorifying the internment of Japanese citizens or as they call them, "sl@nty-eyed j@ps" (No I am not kidding nor mistaken). And don't forget General Spanky, (also rated T V-G), where a young Buckwheat scours the docks of a Southern port in the pre-Civil War South asking every white person he meets, "Are you my master?" There are films where white people show up (for no reason at all) in blackface acting out offensive stereotypes and there are no trigger warnings for any of it. We know TCM can address these issues because Eddie Muller consistently does in their Noir Alley segment. So why doesn't TCM have a cohesive rating system that takes into consideration the deleterious effects that these unanticipated racially charged landmines might have on its viewers? Join us in the discussion to talk it out.
The Prime Video presentation of "Covenant" the first season of the anthology entitled THEM has opened to mixed reviews. Described variously as exploring race using the subgenre of Horror as a vehicle or exploiting Black trauma as entertainment, there are many points of view. We'll discuss the show, our opinions and speak with individuals who have actually lived through it. READINGS: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/arts/television/them-amazon-series.html https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/them-tv-review-4163582/ https://www.vulture.com/article/review-them-amazon-series.html https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-reviews/them-convenant-review-amazon-1149937/
We cosplay and muse and discuss the prospect of DC coming out with a Black Clark Kent/Superman. But what does it mean for Black indie characters; Black Characters already created by Marvel and DC who haven't had their time in the sun? So... do we want a Black Superman... or not?
Is it Sarah Connor, Evelyn O'Connell, Ripley, Lucky Emory, Morticia Addams, the Borg Queen? Join us as we discuss who were (and weren't) the "baddest MFs" (that's "Mother Figures") in our favorite supernatural, horror, science fiction and fantasy stories. (And time permitting, we can discuss why Disney Princesses are always raised by their fathers. and recap Black Fae Day 2021!!)
In genre literature and other media, is the depiction of crime and punishment an extension or perversion of real-world institutions? Does PreCrime violate the Sixth Amendment? does the Federation’s form of “punishment” actually encourage crime? Is killing an undead person murder? Do supernatural beings have “rights” as they are not “natural human beings?” Join us as we deliberate the evidence.
Arguably Science Fiction is the best vehicle for describing the Black Experience while making it accessible to any viewer. Join us as we discuss Science Fiction and the Black Experience. Who got it right? Who got it wrong?
Considering recent films like Us, Get Out, Them and even It Comes at Night, is the horror genre the appropriate vehicle to discuss the African American experience in film? Join us to discuss.
How many times have you heard that a new book or movie is a “twisty mind-bending” read with such cultural awareness it would make you weep; or a film that is so WOKE it would keep you up for a week... then you track it down and when you finish it you ask yourself, “What were they talking about?” Join us as we discuss, “Is it us or them?” when disappointed by cultural awareness in popular media.
The Bible has not been just a source of inspirations and guidance but also popular entertainment, from novels, musicals, “sword-and-sandals” epics in the ‘50s to “sword-and-sandals” epics in the New Millennium. Join us as we discuss the treatment (and mistreatment) of religion in popular entertainment media.
The 2017 Justice League film was not one of DC's Finest. In fact Rotten Tomatoes rates it as a 40% in comparison with Zach Snyder's 2021 cut which weighs in at 73%. Better effects and expanded/modified sequences are certainly responsible for some of the ratings shift, but an apparent erasure of scenes and sequences prominently featuring Blacks may have added to the disjointed storytelling that earned the deplorable 40% rating. Let's compare the two iterations of Justice League and discuss why the removal of the referenced scenes were fatal to the 2017 film.
For International Women's month we take a look at how genre media portrays women and who were the (most) positive and negative portrayals in fantasy, sci-fi and horror. How have women been treated historically in genre works? What is the current climate and what are our expectations for the future?
In 1988 a prince from an affluent African nation travels to America to find his bride. In 2018 an abandoned and disenfranchised child of a prince who found his bride in America claws his way back to his African homeland to claim a throne that was denied him. In 2021 the abandoned son of an African prince with an American mother is reclaimed and brought home. The interesting interconnectedness from 1988 to 2018 to 2021 with Coming to America and Black Panther. Come join us to discuss the comedy and/or the tragedy.
In the wake of Sorry to Bother You in 2018, Tessa Thompson noted that Black people were generally excluded from Hollywood's areas of Magical Realism and in our search we can't say that she's wrong. Amazingly there aren't many examples of works of Magical Realism from a Black focus. Take a look at the ones we discovered and let's discuss why it is that more Black-centered films aren't occupying these spaces.
(These films may also be found on You Tube). Daughters of the Dust (1991) https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.6eb7ff4a-ce65-ed69-e035-b888f92606b2?ref_=imdbref_tt_wo_pvt_aiv_2&tag=imdbtag_tt_wo_pvt_aiv-20 To Sleep With Anger (1990) https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.bea9f708-14ae-96af-b0cb-3fd86921773e?ref_=imdbref_tt_wo_pvt_aiv_2&tag=imdbtag_tt_wo_pvt_aiv-20 Watermelon Man (1970) https://www.amazon.com/Watermelon-Man-Estelle-Parsons/dp/B001NKUG8C Hell Bound Train (1930) (preview) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnqHGtnfuMI
We all loved Get Out and Black Panther, Watchmen and Octavia Butler’s works, but what other “overlooked” or “undiscovered” works should be put on our “Must” list? Let's discuss what you've read or seen and want to share!
In their history in the New World, people of the African Diaspora have been given many names, few of them qualifying as "self-identifiers." The latest name, originating in social media, is "BIPOC," Black and Indigenous People of Color. It was intended as a means of inclusivity, to show that the struggles of marginalizes and under-served people and communities are "connected." But are they? And is BIOC as "inclusive" as it is intended? Join us as we discuss these and other issues of identity and inclusion. ALSO - What if some of our favorite films and TV shows were casted differently? Would your dreamcast be a nightmare? What if?
It's our Valentine's Day show and what better way to celebrate than by exploring Black Love (or the dearth of it) in sci-fi, fantasy and horror? Join us with your favorite (or least favorite) scenes!
Yep. That's us standing on the corner, arms crossed, toe tapping... waiting. Gleaned from Samuel Delaney's original essay (https://www.nyrsf.com/racism-and-science-fiction-.html) and restated among others in NK Jemison's 2013 story collection (https://nkjemisin.com/2013/09/how-long-til-black-future-month/) we can't help but wonder while we observe the portrayals of people of color in genre media … or the lack of them. Why are the portrayals always the same? (We can be the President, but never the one who saves the day.) What do you feel are the best (and worst) depictions of people of color in genre books, television, and movies depicting our place in the future? Do you see them changing and if not, what will bring about the change? Also join us to discuss Star Trek. With several different series under the Enterprise's belt, why haven't there been any spinoffs? Your guess is as good as mine. Join us with your theories!
Our Sci-Fi futures solve environmental issues, social issues and gender equality but still can't quite grapple with the white gaze when it comes to romance and sexual attraction. Join us tonight as we take a trek down memory lane to see how far we haven't come and how much farther we have to go, We'll also have a SPOILERY DISCUSSION about Marvel's WandaVision and whether you are still along for the ride or jumping ship.
No doubt everyone remembers or knows of Thriller, Michael Jackson's groundbreaking music video that ushered in the world of long-form narrative, high production value visual music fare. However the video did more than that. It was the crest of a wave that ushered in Black Horror that allowed Black horror fans to come out of the closet and demand more and better horror films featuring and/or produced by Black talent. Tonight we take a look at Thriller and its legacy in cult, classic and Black horror. The Official Thriller Video - https://youtu.be/sOnqjkJTMaA The expanded version of the Vincent Price spoken word - https://youtu.be/ZuuVojzfdqY?t=46 The Making of Thriller Documentary - https://youtu.be/LviHK3_MA-8
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87625450299?pwd=N1QzM2ZFSng3R1JwWUZ4V3MyM09aZz09 ZOOM LINK This is the weekend before the MLK holiday and the Inauguration of President Joe Biden in the U.S. and a week after the recent terror attack on the capital; so with politics, government. anarchy and change on our minds let's consider the politics of genre fiction. Why does it seem that it focuses on t warring kingdoms and fights for thrones but nothing beyond that? What are the lives of the “ordinary people” like, from Middle Earth and Camelot to Westeros?
Pandemics have long been fare for science fiction and fantasy. From the bubonic plague to the current COVID pandemics have been part of the Hollywood landscape. So tell us ,what about your favorite pandemic film actually occurred in reality? Join us to discuss the similarities and differences between real life pandemics and their Hollywood analogs.
There was a time when conspiracies were only uncovered after the fact (it was in the aftermath of President Lincoln’s assassination that the plot also included killing the Vice President and the Secretary of State). Today, conspiracies occur in real time and the plots and perpetrators are “outted” publicly as the actions happen. Are films and TV the basis of the rise of the Conspiracy Nation? What is the wackiest conspiracy you’ve encountered? Do you have any conspiracies of your own; and were they fueled by what you've been exposed to in literature, film or entertainment television? Also we'll be discussing WW84, Soul and the return of Pennyworth!! Join us!
As we enter the third decade of the 21st century (already!) great things are on the horizon: the United States is planning at least five return trips to the Moon (and landing the first woman there on the initial visit), the Singularity may occur by 2029. When will the first person of color walk on the Moon? When will the first woman (or non-white male or non-gender binary person) add “POTUS” to her/his/their resume? What other milestones can we expect in the next decade (and when) and how has our entertainment media supported or detracted from what we can expect over the horizon? Also what are your New Year's Resolutions and which do you realistically believe you'll keep? Join us to compare lists!
Okay, so maybe it's because we made the Naughty List or maybe we had bad internet or the letter got lost in the mail, but for some reason our Media wishes haven't made it to Santa's workshop. So we're going to say it again this year and list for Santa and the Elves our Otherhood Holiday Wishlist for 2020! Join us to add to it or maybe even challenge our choices!
Join the crew of the Otherhood as we extend our discussions of our favorite and not so favorite holiday fare and where to find them!
Whew! We dodged a bullet and rounded the corner from the wasteland of Thanksgiving Horror and Fantasy. Now we enter what is arguably the best season for entertainment media... The WINTER HOLIDAY SEASON! Join us in creating a wide-ranging list of Christmas and Winter holiday based entertainment from E for Everyone to M - for Mature! For kids from 1-92 let's create a colorful menu of holiday viewing! (We had this topic scheduled for last week but due to technical difficulties the session didn't record. We hope you will join us for this re-do!)
Okay that was just a joke. We really don't know any. It seems that Thanksgiving doesn't spawn much in the way of horror or fantasy. We can all name Christmas films and Halloween films and even Easter films, but Thanksgiving,,, not so much. So if you know why that is or if you know of any to share with us, please stop by and school the crew tonight on Discussions From the Otherhood.
There has been an uphill battle for those of us from the African diaspora to claim spaces in the world of fantasy. Too often overlooked in Euro-centric tales or typecast as servants. buddies or magical seconds this particular genre tended to be a closed door. But now with projects like Asunda being developed at HBO, Jingle-Jangle appearing on the scene as wonderful Christmas eye-candy for the whole family and of course the legacy of Black Panther with its varied and fantastical afri-inspired realms are we seeing more of an acceptance of fantasy by afri-centric communities and fantasy consumers in general?
During World Fantasy Con I listened in on a panel where there was a discussion of Caribbean fantasy. One of the issues that emerged was the story of La Llarona, the crying woman. It seemed the Latinx version which was brought to Puerto Rico by the Spanish explained the crying ghosts torment was because she killed her children. The Haitian and Trinidadian versions however were that her children were abducted and/or killed by others. This brought to mind the strange case of Candyman where the wraith attacks the blameless inhabitants of a housing project but doesn't strike out against those who murdered him. The recent Netflix film His House is a ghost story related to refugees from an unnamed African country and their attempt to seek asylum in London. What do our ghost stories say about us with regard to vengeance, power and cultural roots? Join us tonight to discuss.
Space aliens come along and say, "Hey come to our planet we have a new type of baseball. Just make sure to bring your own human sized jug or marinade," and you all say, "Okay!' nor just :Okay" but "Can I somehow jump the line get there ahead of my neighbors?" A power-crazed demonic six-year old lives in your house and is running your town, but has have had a spanking or has any idea what a "time-out" is. You catch the devil. Yep, that right... the actual devil then leave him in the house with your nosy housekeeper because you just HAVE to leave the house to mail a letter. YES! These things happen in Twilight Zone land. Join us tonight to discover if yours was also one of the families shrugging their collective shoulders asking, "Why in the world did they do that?"
Using Shudder's Horror Noire as a touchstone we discuss the genesis of the current black horror industry.
Happy Halloween month! Tonight we are going to skim the library of Black Exploitation horror films from 1072's Blacula to 1995's Tales From the Hood, are these horror films classics or clunkers?
From Avatar to Transformers to the Witches, From Codename Kids Next Door to Woke, you don't have to see a character to know that they're supposed to be "Black." Does it matter whether its supposed to be negative or noble savage... why is the black voice consistently marginalized? Antebellum 45; Alien vs Predator 29; Blade 45; Utopia 55; these are the Metacritic scores for films featuring Black women in non-traditional sci-fi fantasy roles. What gives?
The Emmy Awards came and went. We you surprised at the winners? Let's talk about it. Also there are several shows being shuffled out in front of us claiming to be "woke." But are these shows truly woke or are they simply cashing in on the current trend? March began the lockdown. Some of us are still in closed houses and sheltering in place. In a fit of nostalgia what have you taken the opportunity to re-watch; and what programs now have you wondering "Did I actually LIKE this?" Join us and pour out your sorrows!
On September 8, 2020 the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences released its promulgated rules regarding Best Picture nominees. https://www.oscars.org/news/academy-establishes-representation-and-inclusion-standards-oscarsr-eligibility. Having viewed the rules, do they support diversity or simply maintain the status quo? Join me, Cranston and Otto to talk about it.
Fantasy and science fiction are highly “adaptable” genres. Stories can be haunted houses in space (Alien, Event Horizon), westerns (Outland, Looper), even romances (The Time Traveler’s Wife, About Time). And they can be about cops and robbers—and aliens and werewolves and whatever the case may be. So in these future and retrofuture worlds... How do we lay down the law? Is Pre-Crime legal, is “retiring” Replicants just state-sanctioned murder, are Jim Butcher and Anita Blake detectives or vigilantes? Join “Our Gang” for Law & Order: Sci-fi and Fantasy Unit. Also we take a look at what we think is the underappreciated DC film, Shazam.
Valjeanne Jeffers joins the crew to discuss her works and her inclusion in the upcoming SLAY anthology. We will also be looking at our favorite books, movies, television shows, through the prism of today (or even not that long ago). Do we “give them a pass” or “call them to task” with some of their more “questionable” elements? Does “diversity” in Middle Earth mean “hobbits, elves, fairies and trolls?” Why are no people of color vying for the Iron Throne? Why were there no female Loopers? Join our intrepid panel as they discuss and dissect their genre favorites.
Many of us went to bed last night or woke up this morning to the news of Chadwick Boseman's death. The star of several films featuring black men of character, fortitude and or vision has left us all too soon leaving a vacuum. We waited with 'bated breath anticipating the next Black Panther film that never came, even as Marvel rolled out yet another Guardians of the Galaxy, another Dr. Strange, another Spiderman, and still we waited. Today with the death of the actor who played Tchalla so well and wonderfully, why do we have to ask why it took so long? Where do we go from here, and where do we find black heroism on the big and small screens in the coming years?
In 1968 on Saturday mornings we were treated to the Banana Splits. a variety show cum cartoon extravaganza. Fleagle, Bingo, Drooper and Snorky were our friendly mascots in kids-only, kids-friendly world of adventures. So of course someone has to eff it up. Apparently in 2019 "someone" thought it would be a good idea to turn our childhood dreams into nightmares and releases a Banana Splits horror movie! Tonight join us as wee discuss the past and present of the Banana Splits franchise and what other horrorfications might lurk on the horizon.
It seems a long time ago that we started sheltering in place. And beginning in March many of us thought that this would be a great time to catch up on all those spec fic films and shows we had missed over the years and finally get an opportunity to view the more recent ones that have just aired. So why do we find ourselves watching the same shows over and over again? Is it the nostalgia of recalling life pre-COVID-19; or is it that we just don't know where to find something new? Let's talk about why we watch then re-watch the same programs, how we can introduce new programming into our repertoire and where to find the programs that satisfy our various spec fic appetites. Come join Penelope, Otto, Cranston, James and friends as we discuss our picks and where you can find them!
The Emmy Award nominations were announced last week and SOME BIPOC received nominations for their work. Others did not. Join Penelope, Otto, Cranston, James and friends as we discuss whether the failure to name some and instead naming others has effects on our image and self-image. And tonight on Retro-B Theater we examine James Goodridge's recommended B-rated flick, The Equinox https://youtu.be/S0wb8-k46gY. Join us tonight to share your review!
Yes there is Lt. Uhura and Micheal Burnham in Star Trek, Alexa Woods in Alien vs. Predator, Dr. Karen in Blade, Zula in Conan the Destroyer, Watchmen's Angela Abar, Firefly's Zoe Allen Washburne, Mace Mason in Strange Dsys, Abbie in Sleepy Hollow (and Angela Bassett and Adina Porter playing several roles in American Horror Story). But this listing is a drop in the bucket to all the genre work that is out there. Why do we not see more of Black women in leading Sci-F-, Fantasy and Horror roles? Who would you like to see and in what? Join us tonight to get some answers!
Meteor Man, The Last Dragon, Space Jam... should these and other films featuring people of color that suffered from lack of funding, lack technical support and talent get another bite at the apple? Also have you noticed that on IMDB.com films and shows featuring Black actors in major roles are routinely panned while the same films on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic receive positive reviews? Does IMDB.com skew racist and how should viewers adjust for that bias?
We have a host of new and reimagined streaming services. Some offer content for free and others for very little but maybe we're getting what we pay for. Peacock, Apple TV, CBS All Access and Disney Plus, do these actually deliver; or is the price of $0 too much?
By their nature Sci-Fi, fantasy and horror have their fair share of B movies. But how do we define "B film?" Does the film have to be bad, or have B and lower list actors? Let us know your take and list your favorite B;s
Last week Jordan Peele's second season helming the Twilight Zone hit Netflix with 10 episodes of highly anticipated content. We have binged all ten. If CBS All Access is not in the cards for you... not to worry, take advantage of the One Week Free Trial! Join Penelope, Otto, Cranston and James as they discuss their takes on this Sci-Fi favorite!
Join Penelope, Otto & Cranston as they discuss dramatic Black Speculative Fiction and the elusive concept of Happily Ever After. Let's talk about Get Out, If Beale Street Could Talk and Miss Juneteenth among others. Why is Happily Ever After such a foreign concept for the Black film-going audience? Join us tonight to discuss Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror through the prism of the Black perspective!
In the past several years we have been exposed to the fact that the presumptively open literary worlds of science fiction and fantasy have been occluded with race and ethnic bias. Many people of color were surprised to discover that these biases even existed among those who could write convincingly of aliens, elves and all manner of mythological species without batting an eye. With this in mind, given the current world situation will the fan boy versus woke culture wars cease or intensify? Join Penelope, Otto, Cranston and James to consider the possibilities.
In October 2019 many in the U.S. and the world were stunned by the explosively violent spectacle of the 1921 Tulsa massacre depicted in Damon Lindelof's turn on Alan Moore's The Watchmen. The violence carried out against the black community in Tulsa by their white neighbors, led many to the discover that this and other equally egregious massacres carried out against people of Africans descent. spatter the American Historical landscape. Now, less than a year later we ask if the Watchmen and other spec fic was the spark that galvanized Americans and the world against Racial Brutality? Join Penelope, Otto. Cranston & James tonight to discuss this and other Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror media from the blerd perspective!
With the current global upheavals facing us from police brutality to COVID-19 and the environmental crises, are people needing the escapism provided by speculative entertainment or has speculative entertainment lulled and served to distract us from our world's mounting problems? Join us to talk it out.
Whether it's hope catharsis, or affirmation; which Twilight Zone or other spec fic anthology episode helps to get you through these trying times? Remember "The Obsolete Man", "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street", "Four O'Clock", "I am the Night - Color Me Black" "To See the Invisible Man" and more recently "Replay" and "Wunderkind" which of these and which others get you through these days of uncertainty?
A while back we posited which Horror movie best described our then circumstances. Amazingly since then things have become even more complex. With Covid-19, rampant unemployment in the U.S. and shortages looming... What film do we find ourselves in, now. And are we at the end of the beginning... or the beginning of the end?
We all had that show or that film that kept us up at night with the lights on. What show was it that gave you a fright? Do you laugh it off now? Or does it still give you the chills? Join us see if your list matches ours!
Alright I am 100% committed to social distancing and sheltering in place, but I do miss the theater, the theater in "the neighborhood." There is nothing like the shared experience of horror or comedy in a neighborhood theater. Have you ever had the experience? What is the most notable and what are you doing now during our period of social distancing to replicate that feeling?! Join us tonight and tell all!
What book, movie, television show, comic, performer, could you not get enough of in your formative years, but then one day you looked at it and sadly lamented, "I'll never get that time back..." Commiserate with us!
As we scrounge for content over our periods of quarantine and/or sheltering in place what are those shows that were phenomenal, mind-blowing and earth shattering that you have seen in the past and wish that you had saved them for a situation like this? Join us tonight and let's share our lists!
Last week James Goodridge threw down the gauntlet and double dog dared us to take a look at the iconic puppet-based show, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. Scoot over to Youtube and judge for yourself. Is it a yea or a nay?Also, Otto has lamented that during our sheltering in place he envies everyone who hasn't seen all of the great shows that we have already seen. What great shows do you wish you were only now seeing for the first time?
From Chucky, to Talky Tina to Trilogy of Terror's Zuni doll; the Puppeteer horror films and Goosebumps' Slappy which category of these give you the heebee-jeebees and why? Which of these pint-sized terrors would you least want to come upon in a dark alley? Join us tonight to reveal which of these stalks your nightmares!
In the time of the Corona virus we could use a hero. With travelers being held on ships at the dock, to ships outfitted for use as emergency wards not being used, to shortages of medical equipment we need someone or someones to make things right. We need a hero! What hero/heroes (DC, Marvel, Image, Milestone, etc. --- your choice) do you think would be best equipped to deal with the multifaceted issues surrounding COVID-19 and what would be the drawbacks to leaving the problem in the hands your chosen heroes? Join us as we discuss our top ten..
We've discussed it before. We knew we would be ready for the zombie apocalypse, but when something even close to paralleling those apocalyptic visions came along we were stunned that our bullets and body armor would be worth far less than hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Who knew?! Referencing our vast horror film studies and their preparedness lists from the Last Man on Earth to the Walking Dead, how has this Shelter in Pace changed your apocalypse shopping list? Given our current situation, what are your NEW top ten preparedness items?
During this, the first week of our corona virus self semi-quarantine we amused ourselves watching the pilot episode of Star Trek. The intrepid crew headed by Captain Christopher Pike set the stage for what is now a classic Sci-Fi franchise. But what happened to that crew? What happened to those actors in "Real Life"? Let's take a look back at the ones that started it all and what occurred after their history-making voyage aboard the Enterprise.
In a recent New York Times article when discussing the structure of his upcoming miniseries, The Plot Against America, David Simon averred that "You can count on two hands the number of good voice-over films.” We're taking a look at voice over films in scifi, fantasy, horror and beyond. What makes a good voice over film? Also there have been a plethora of alternative history tales in spec fic from The Man in the High Castle, The Watchmen, Hunters, and now the Plot Against America. Is it okay to be entertained at the risk of promoting historical inaccuracy?And have you finished The Outsider? What did you think? Join us tonight to talk about it!
The Superhero trope is metamorphosing. Batman is probably the most well-known superhero with no super powers. Now we have Hunters, The Watchmen, The Boys, Stranger Things. All these groupings who largely rely upon hypersensitivities, wit and grit have elevated expertise and focus to superhero status. Join us to discuss this evolution and how it will affect how we view the heroic trope in the next decade.
We all have at least one... that TV show, that Film that we swore we would never watch... for whatever reason. So what show, film etc. did you swear you'd never view but ultimately did and enjoyed? What changed your mind? Join us tonight to share your list.
Almost every reader/viewer of sci-fi, fantasy, horror... any type of spec fic you can imagine has a favorite world or character. Tonight we'll discuss the worlds, alternate realities and fantastical people and places that drew us to spec fic and has kept us coming back!
The 2020 Oscars have no major award nominations for sci-fi and horror. Join us as we look at the list of eligible films to find out why.
Have you been watching the new offerings for 2020; The Witcher, October Faction, Avenue 5 and Picard. How do they rate with regard to diversity? Do they entertain? Are they worth viewing?
Whether it was the Nth time the villain almost got away if not for those meddling kids meddling or the first time David and Maddie kissed, our favorite shows; how did our favorite shows reward us or diss us for our loyalty? What movies, TV shows, books, game, etc. either gave us, their loyal fans, a pat on the head or a middle finger?
The weekend leading up to the Martin Luther King holiday we are dogged by statements made by writer Stephen King with regard to diversity as it related to the Oscars. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/thousands-twitter-replies-challenge-stephen-kings-tweet-diversity/story?id=68326302 What is it about Stephen King's statement that has drawn ire? How can he be so off-base and why almost 57 years after the stirring "I Have a Dream" speech, to so many people still not get it?
In the groundbreaking 1959 television show a variety of societal issues were raised and treated via the mechanism of science fiction. Two socio-political issues though connected were dealt with quite disparately. Let's take a look at the Twilight Zone and its condemnation of the Nazis versus its attempts to humanize of the Confederacy.
Remember those shows you loved 10 years ago, twenty? Have you ever gone back to give them a second look? In this world of more complex storytelling and sophisticated tastes do our favorites still hold up? Join us to discuss your favorites and ours.
It' that time of year again where we wrap up the Sc-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and general spec-fic highlights (and lowlights) of the year. Then the crew will share their 2020 Resolution lists. How did you you do on your 2019 resolutions? What are your goals for 2020?
So we have experienced the wonder that is Damon Lindelof's vision of the past and future surrounding Alan Moore's seminal work, The Watchmen. It has been some of the most interesting television to date and is so layered that the hour we have delegated to this venture may not be enough. So join us tonight to discuss the very SPOILERY review of The Watchmen.
The Golden Globe nominations are announced with snubs to The Watchmen and When They See Us. American Gods boots fan favorite Mr. Nancy and the Washington Post delivers its 2019 Best Of list. Does it hold up. Also Castle Rock. Join us tonight for a packed discussion! https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/best-tv-shows-of-2019-watchmen-when-they-see-us-unbelievable-succession-and-more/2019/12/06/ca92e4cc-16f3-11ea-9110-3b34ce1d92b1_story.html
The original plan was to view the Watchmen then discuss the first season after we had experienced the entire work. Episode Six changed everything. In light of the groundbreaking Episode Six, we are opting to review Episodes 1-5 then discuss Six and why you need to be watching, now. There is one episode left. Let us help you get you ready!
On a three and a half hour flight at 39,000 feet I knew that if I ONLY downloaded Raising Dion that I would be forced to watch it... even out of sheer boredom. Well the back of the head of the passenger in front of me proved more entertaining... even on the return flight. Should we, as viewers of color or historically marginalized groups feel compelled to give second, third, fourth and fifth chances to fare we find unwatchable?
After months of waiting with 'bated breath I was finally able to skip down to my local theater to see Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Yes. It is a stunningly beautiful film and our fantastic main characters standing in opposition to each other were played brilliantly by Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer. There were characters and plot lines and all sorts of incredible things which have brought me to the conclusion that the Hollywood formula simply does not work. Join us to listen in and find out why a film like Maleficent is done a disservice being squeezed into the Hollywood mold.
EVIL, the CBS show that focuses on high tech and psychology and how we are influenced. Is this the shape of horror in the future or just a reboot of media from the past? Also A preview of Penelope Flynn's new novel The Chronicles of Renfields: Regarding Koescu!
The first shots have been fired and the Streaming Wars have begun. As fine consumers of science fiction, fantasy, horror and other speculative fiction fare who are prepared to "cut the cord", how will you decide who to ally with in the battle for your streaming dollars? https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/336650/the-best-video-streaming-services
Martin Scorsese and pal Francis Ford Coppola double down on their disdain for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Is the criticism well-earned or not? https://www.yahoo.com/news/coppola-backs-scorsese-row-over-marvel-films-173112180.html
We love Twilight Zone, Hitchcock and the Outer Limits as much as the next guy but after 30 years of marathons and re-runs in syndication there must be more harrowing and thrilling anthologies out there somewhere... Well, THERE ARE! Join us to discover some of best shows to stream to get you through the Horror-days!
Set in late 1970s early 1980s in a Gotham that looks a whole lot like New York City of he same era, Todd Phillip's gritty and chaotic film has been a darling of the festival circuit and was predicted to foster dissent if not out and out violence. We'll discuss whether the genre-warping Joker, a new take on Arkham Asylum's most celebrated inmate, is all it's cracked up to be.
In the spirit of the season Vulture has published its list of the 100 most frightening scenes in cinema. https://www.vulture.com/article/best-horror-movie-scenes.html From jump scares to gore to hair-raising and goose-pimply scares, do any of these make your list? Have they left any out? Join us to check your list against theirs and ours!
If you're like us, you celebrate Halloween the entire month of October with TV and film selections that are good for entire family viewing and those that would give Dracula nightmares! Join us as we discuss our favorites from It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown to John Carpenter's The Thing! Let us share our favorite Halloween TV shows and films!
We'd all like to think we were top flight media critics from the moment we popped out of the womb but every now and then we stumble upon a book, film or television show that we SWORE was the best thing since sliced bread, then years (or months) later in review we wonder... "What the heck was I thinking?!" Tell us that film or television show you introduced your friends and family to way back when that you now realize was complete trash. What movie was it that had your friends asking, "Are you sure this is the same film?" Tonight we share our shame!
There are injustices in the world, but, really? People are condemning Joker weeks before it hits theaters, Friends, the other runaway TV success of the ‘90s is “guilty” of “fat shaming…” Has Gotcha! Culture gone too far? What are some legitimate issues that still need addressing but have not been, but should have? What are the gotcha issues we are creating for tomorrow today? And what should we be talking about today that we are ignoring?
Walter Moseley's departure from the writing staff of Star Trek Discovery this week allegedly over the use of the "N-word" raises interesting issues of how we can write about the future when we are uncertain of how it is that we are allowed to discuss our country's turbulent past. Join us.to unravel this boondoggle. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walter-mosley-quits-star-trek-discovery-using-n-word-writers-room-1237489?fbclid=IwAR05uDWgvL1YGn5karYPVp6_3Yl2944WQJTW_VdKjl_izLfC2gkIF1lPCTA
From Captain Marvel to Dark Phoenix from Storm to Pepper Potts... are these characters truly depictions of female self reliance and girl power? Or are they token placeholders? Let's talk Marvel and how it really views women in supersuits.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a modern fantasy based upon a fictionalized account of the the people and places related to the Tate/LaBianca murders. Do these fictionalized accounts mislead the public as to true events? Is the violence cathartic or just plain misanthropic? Do the Bruce Lee sequences make you cringe? Whose "fairytale" is this, anyway?
Are you an Alien? Do you want to visit exotic locales for hunting, probing or just plain good old fashioned conquest? Well we'll show you the list of travel agents you probably DON'T want to patronize. From War of the Worlds to Signs and A quiet Place join us tonight to find out why you can't always trust the brochures.
When Amazon decided to bring the graphic novel THE BOYS to the small screen, who knew that we would be witnessing the birth of the modern Greek Tragedy? In The Boys we experience a world where mere mortals are awed by and at the mercy of corporate gods. Zeus, Hera, Hermes, Aphrodite, Ares, Apollo, Artemis and a host of others... If the corporate gods are indeed a pantheon what composite of gods and/or monsters do they represent? Achilles, Sisyphus, Orestes, Agamemnon, or Odysseus; who do our rag-tag troupe of "Boys" represent? Dust off your Greek Tragedies syllabus and join us to discuss this Greek tragedy for the Modern Age.
Our world is in a phase of political upheaval. People feel powerless as to what they should do. We'll take a look at 10 monster-related films including but not limited to King Kong, Sean of the Dead, Beast From 20,000 Fathoms and Salem's Lot, that provide clues as to how we as individuals and nations can survive these monstrous times.
Spiderman, Superman, The Xmen, The Justice League, Batman.. these franchises have mass appeal and have had longevity on the big and small screen, and created a myriad spin-offs ,like bunnies. However in light of new works like The Boys, The Umbrella Club, Legion and the anticipated Watchmen, have those previous properties seen better days? Are some of those franchises on their last legs? Should they be put out to pasture?
Fifty years ago the first U.S. astronauts set foot on the moon. Since then the iconography of the lunar landing has inspired artists, intellectuals and children of all ages. Join us as we discuss the effect of this "small step for [a] man" and "giant leap for mankind" on both Hollywood and History.
How many films have you watched and thought were marginal or even good but then discover that the film had social, political, religious or even classical literary underpinnings that you were completely unaware of at the time of first viewing? Would you see the film differently? Do you think you would have gotten more out of it. Invasion of the Body Snatchers, King Kong, Forbidden Planet, Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Incredible Shrinking Man to name a few. After our discussion of these films maybe you'll want to take a second look.
Okay, last week in the middle of our main discussion we had the big brouhaha regarding whether Rosemary's Baby was a proper title for a horror film yielding a split decision. With that side argument in mind, this week we'll explore some of the best and worst titles for horror and sci fi films. Join us!
We've heard people say that summer is too short, but to suffer through it with nothing decent to watch on TV or in the theater, summer can feel too doggone long!! So join us as we help you whiz through the dog days with our catch-up listings of some of the more enjoyable cinema and TV offerings that you might have missed throughout the year.
In the wake of Black Panther we are on the horizon of what we would expect to be exciting, positive and thought-provoking change in entertainment. See You Yesterday is one of the first Sci-Fi film offerings on the heels of Black Panther. Is this the change we were hoping for? Join me, Cranston, Otto and William to discuss whether we are getting what we wished for.
This season saw the reboot of the iconic Twilight Zone and the fifth season of the always experimenting Black Mirror. Which episodes of these shows really shined? Which ones were duds and are these shows satisfying the modern sci-fi, horror, spec fic palate?
Yes. There will be spoilers as we discuss the issues raised in Season 5 of Black Mirror. The three episodes this season, "Striking Vipers" "Smithereens" and "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" feature a variety of computer tech in varying degrees with the first episode "Striking Vipers" leaning heavily into issues of sex and intimacy. Did this season of Black Mirror excite or disappoint? You be the judge.
So we are done with Game of Thrones and it seems that everything is over but the shouting... and the ranting. Do creators “owe it” to the fans to “give them what they want” or to give their creations what they deserve? What makes a good end to a property? Which movie, television, book/comics series (or character stories) do you feel had satisfactory endings and which were total fails?
Louis Armstrong once said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.” we all love science fiction, horror, fantasy, but what are they? Is a paranormal romance horror/fantasy or romance? Is it science fiction just because it takes place on a spaceship? Are you a "traditionalist" or a more "generalist?" Who/what works make the grade for you and which ones don't? Join us for a lively discussion of what’s “real;” and what is “fantasy.”
Which creator, past or present, in whatever medium, who you have discovered and feel deserves a wider audience? Join us tonight and share these hidden treasures.
From Westeros to Narnia, from Middle Earth to the Matrix, writers have worked diligently to create fantastic places to challenge our imaginations and engage our sense of wonder. But which of these imaginary worlds are “real places” and which are just for show? Join the discussion on which world pass the test and which, even the ones we like, may not hold up? (Are the vampires of True Blood eligible for Social Security? If people on 24th Century Earth don’t use money, how do they pay for stuff at Quark’s bar?) Join is for a tour of worlds that never were.
This Saturday is the fourth of May, aside from being the day before Cinco de Mayo, it’s “Star Wars Day,” as in, “May the Fourth Be with You.” (Yeah, right?)
As this winter’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is being advertised as “the last chapter” in the SW Saga, we will be discussing:
—the impact of Star Wars on movies, the genre, and us
—whether SW is worth the hype,
—whether some SW fans take things “too far,” i.e., treating the franchise as something “real” even though it’s fiction,
—in the end, what is it about, really
—if you had to pick one character as being representative of the saga, who would it be; and
—who is the best and the worst character in the saga?
We'll also cover whether Lucas’ “tinkering” with the original trilogy was a good thing or a bad thing and —who shot first, Han or Greedo? Join us tonight and May the Fourth be with you!!
So, you've seen Endgame or are considering making that commitment but aren't so "all-in" that you want to sit through the 21 Marvel Universe predecessor films. Tonight (after having seen Endgame) we will provide you with a non-spoilery account of the films we think you'll need to preview for MCU Endgame readiness! Join us through the online app to avoid the $ .01 per minute cell service provider charges!
Season Two of American Gods is in full swing and despite the fits and starts reported during the off-season, it has not disappointed! Rodney Barnes scripted the teleplay of Season 2, Episode 5 and it was masterful. Tonight we talk diversity, inclusiveness and how they play out in American Gods.
From man made monsters to supernatural beings to alien infestations and dopplegangers, what do we think of the current trends in horror? How do they speak to or ignore issues of diversity/and or inclusion?
Jordan Peele has been on our radar since the comedy duo Key & Peele appeared on Comedy Central in 2012, His groundbreaking Get Out shook the very foundations of the Hollywood Industrial Complex. Now it's April 6th and we've seen Jordan Peele's Us and at least 2 episodes of the Twilight Zone. Have you seen them? Tell us what you thought and we'll share our take-away.
Monday is D-day... that's right... Monday kicks off Jordan Peele's long-awaited Twilight Zone! In anticipation let's discuss your and our top Twilight Zone picks from the past and what we expect from Jordan Peele's upcoming series.
Vulture has rated the Star Trek Captains from 11 up to number one. A few of these are shockers and others just head-scratchers. Is Vulture right or horribly wrong? https://www.vulture.com/article/best-star-trek-captains-ranked.html#_ga=2.107669186.1723865962.1552519812-1933542245.1552519812
Esquire.com has ranked the Marvel Universe films in order of preference from 21-1. Take a look at the list. We already don't agree!! What say you?! Join us tonight and defend or detract. https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g13441903/all-marvel-cinematic-universe-movies-ranked/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_esq&utm_medium=email&date=030919&src=nl&utm_campaign=16227407
How can you tell if a character is Black on an animated series; of course by the stereotypical voice inflections. Descriptions like Sassy or Thuggish or Ghetto meant to describe the manner that industry types ascribe to the voices of Black people find their way into television and film at an alarmingly consistent rate. In these instances, how do we as Black people take control of our branding? Also in light of the upcoming HBO documentary Leaving Neverland, do we have a responsibility to excise from our lives the performances and works of child sexual predators?https://www.vice.com/en_asia/article/43znmj/michael-jackson-dan-reed-leaving-neverland
Black Panther notwithstanding with its critical acclaim and box office boffo we have to ask whether we've reached critical mass with regard to super hero genre films. Have we maxed out on powers and possibilities? Have we mined all we can from the gold and silver age? Is there a new type of super hero genre on the horizon?
Happy Valentines Day! We take this opportunity to discuss the Horror, Sci-Fi and Fantasy projects we love along with our guest Balogun Ojetade author of AfroRetroist and AfroFuturist fictions.
During the January 25th iteration of Real Time with Bill Maher, the host went on a tirade berating adults who read comicbooks basically calling into question the value of social and political issues that they find within the pages of comic books and graphic novels. What are your thoughts? Is there any weight to the host's argument that comicbooks are just for kids? https://youtu.be/UgInmHHO0m4
There is a lot of content out there and we know you don't have the time or inclination to wade through all of it. So, just for you for the year 2018 we have shucked a year's worth of media oysters to present you with these lovely TV and cinematic pearls. Join us to find out what you might have missed during 2018 and the most accessible outlets to find it in 2019.
Eighteen years in the making is this final installment of M. Night Shyamalan's cult classic Unbreakable. Without being too spoilery, we'll take you through the original film, Split and how they culminate in Shyamalan's most recent offering. Join us as we discuss the comic book, mythology and storytelling elements of this influential genre-bending trilogy.
The Golden Globes have come and gone with no kudos to the 1.3 Billion dollar Worldwide sensation "Black Panther." “Black Panther” was additionally snubbed by BAFTA "The British Academy of Film and Televisions Arts, and Ryan Coogler received no nomination for his stellar work from the Director's Guild of America. Although the cast was nominated by SAG for a "Best Cast" award, with the Oscar nominations around the corner why should we NOT be surprised if "Black Panther" is absent from consideration? Consider Vulture's Nate Jones' rundown on many of the Oscar hopefuls and hopeless. https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/oscar-predictions-green-book-a-star-is-born-and-more.html Listen in and we'll let you know what's on our minds. Tell us what's on yours.
Westworld, Travelers, Birdbox, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch loved or loathed are these device-driven plotlines and formats the future of sci-fi/horror? Join us to see why or why not?
Yahoo Entertainment posted its Twenty-five best films of 2018. Have you seen any of these and do you agree with their assessment? Take a look at the list then join us and let's see how far off or spot on you think they are! https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/25-best-movies-2018-205631864.html
Indie Wire has produced its top ten lists of TV Horror shows of 2018. Have you seen any of them? Do you agree or disagree? https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2463483/the-10-best-horror-tv-shows-of-2018
What makes us afraid and what makes us feel a sense of wonder? The meme of anglo women always tripping during the escape, the anglo group always wanting to "split up" to search the haunted house, the anglo guy who confronts the monster without a plan - viewing these things would give most of us a heart attack long before the monster ever got close to killing us. And, "No. I do not want to go camping the Himalayas, or paddling down the Amazon." These things do not inspire a sense of wonder and so my fantasy worlds will not be suffused with such "adventures". And if unicorns have to have their stables cleaned, then NO to that too! Is it true that Is there a difference between how people view horror and fantasy along cultural and ethnic lines? Let's talk about it!
Do men and women perceive and/or process Horror differently? Are the same things frightening or frightening for the same reasons? Let's talk Horror XX to XY.
Did you ever notice that in It's a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving that Franklin (the only black child in the Charlie Brown universe) is compelled to sit alone on the opposite side of the table from the other (non-black) children. At the time the Powers That Be probably thought that this conciliatory bone was a wonderful gesture but it was actually symptomatic of a broad range of insults and impositions in the media that affected and continue to affect generations of people of color. Join us as we identify and decode some of the unsettling ways that people of color were/are demeaned and maligned with "civility."
It's that time of year where we all sit down together with our heads bowed in gratitude over the bounty we've been bestowed. So in the spirit of giving thanks we are going to spread out the cloth over our virtual banquet table and invite you to join us for a feast of our favorite spec fic genres and subgenres! We are going to provide you with a sumptuous menu of the most satisfying content prepared by the best of creators. Bon Appetit!
What book were you reading, game were you playing, what happens when the reviewer’s/critic’s appraisal of something greatly differs from your own experience. Do critics get “lazy”? Are they actually watching the film in front of them or judging based upon their feelings about an actor or the subject matter? Listen in and let us know how you feel about your critics.
Rotten Tomatoes published an article "Beyond Barbarella: Celebrating 50 years of Sexy Sci-Fi" https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/beyond-barbarella-celebrating-50-years-of-sexy-sci-fi/ Having read the article I have to say that only ONE film on the list made my list for Sexy Sci-Fi. If you agree that several films should not have been mentioned and that several others were overlooked, join us tonight to discuss our view of Sexy Sci-Fi!
Netflix has announced that neither Luke Cage nor Iron Fist will be renewed. Though neither would make our top ten shows this season, there are many reasons why the cancellations are unwarranted. Join us to discuss why the decision to can Luke Cage and Iron Fist should be reconsidered.
Esquire has posted its 21 scariest films on Netflix. Check the link! Do you agree or disagree? https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g23399763/horror-movies-on-netflix-to-stream-now/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_esq&utm_medium=email&date=100118
The Fall/Winter programming season is about to begin. Are you looking forward to genre fare on network television? What happened to Travelers? Are you waiting with 'bated breath for the next season of Daredevil? Are you looking forward to Discovery? What other genre shows are you planning to binge during these chilly fall and winter nights?
In a world where many African Americans are being steered toward reading self-help and grow rich books are we creating science fiction and fantasy content for an audience that doesn't exist?
With all the spec fic films that are winging our way with budgets of $100 Milllion dollars and more we have to ask, "Does it have to cost a lot to be good?" Exploring Mission Impossible: Fallout, Unsane, Upgrade, Searching, and a host of others we ask if there is any correlation between cost and quality?
We have all seen a film or program that we didn't particularly take a shine to then swore that we would never watch it again. However is there something we once hated (or didn't fully appreciate) but over time we have reevaluated it, reassessed it, and maybe changed our position; or not? Join us as we discuss.
Brutal slayings, alcoholism, betrayal, incest, these are a few of the unsavory themes that have crawled out of Netlix's Luke Cage Season II. This is the disreputable African America that Marvel distributes all over the world; so why are so many so thrilled to accept this disgraceful depiction Join the discussion and let us know whether you agree of disagree.
For every one of us that gushes and extols the virtues of Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole's Black Panther film there are a handful of vocal detractors. Focusing particularly on https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a18241993/black-panther-review-politics-killmonger/; http://bostonreview.net/race/christopher-lebron-black-panther; and https://www.theroot.com/killmonger-was-wrong-and-ya-ll-know-it-1823134207, do you think any of these hold weight? Join us to discuss why or why not.
Several of Roald Dahl’s stories were adapted for Alfred Hitchcock Presents, many of which were directed by Hitchcock himself. But viewing the Dahl stories as they were exhibited in the UK vs how the stories were presented in the U.S. might indicate that American audiences had stories desexualized and darker intentions and endings were modified, removed or undone in an epilogue. The Motion Picture Production Code (The Hays Code) was basically self-censorship by the MPAA that required that the good guy win, that crime not be seen in a good light and that fostered the lack of sexual content of American TV. Is the difference in how TV was presented still evident in U.S. shows versus what is available from the BBC?
The newest offering in the Stephen King Universe is HULU's Castle Rock. Much like the recent IT, Castle Rock is a basket full of Easter eggs but unlike it, this is an adult tale of the real horrors incident to life in a prison town and the supernatural forces that might be behind them. We are half way in. Let us tell you why you might want to be in, too!
ComicCon has come and gone. Did the roster of new and old fare meet your expectations? What are you looking forward to? What disappointed you?
Join Penelope, Otto and Cranston to discuss Boots Riley's first effort and Sundance darling, "Sorry to Bother You." Touted as a Afro-surrealist work with dystopian tones, does Sorry to Bother You actually deliver?
Join Penelope, Otto and Cranston to discuss Antman and how this smaller Marvel superhero film actually says a lot!
Last year Netflix's Luke Cage Season One broke the internet. Despite uneven storytelling and a lackluster season finale Luke Cage One gave us something to cheer about. So what happened? If Season One is the apex Season Two is the nadir. What happened to the Hero of Harlem? Let's discuss how Marvel/Netflix destroyed Luke Cage.
Join Penelope, Otto and Cranston for the discussion of Westworld Season 2! Was it Epic? Or are we reading too much into it? Join us to discuss Season 2 of Westworld!
Marvel has been churning out films for the past several months and Deadpool 2 is one of its more recent. Spielberg has brought Ready Player One. A year from now which one of these films (if either) will we still be talking about?
With Memorial Day behind us we are at the beginning of summer and OTHER SCI-FI is creating its Summer Watch List of the Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy shows you should be catching up on during the dog days of summer. Here's what we recommend you watch and here's what we recommend you avoid.
Morgan Freeman and how grown ups navigate the ocean of inappropriate interchanges in the #MeToo era.
Season Two of Atlanta has come to an end. But it's effect still lingers. Filled with dreams, ghosts and mythologies, Atlanta is a lot more than it seems. Join us to discuss Atlanta and its magical realism.
Comicbook buffs and superhero film buffs all waited with 'bated breath for the Marvel Universe SuperFilm Infinity Wars. This work... decades in the making featured a cast of over a dozen of Marvel's A and B-list heroes and one major Marvel Villian. Having viewed this tour d'force what's your opinion? Did it meet your expectations? Was it the Best or a Bust?
John Krazinski and Emily Blunt's a Quiet Place is a post-apocalyptic tale where monsters with highly developed hearing prey on humans and anything else that makes a sound. The story contains scenes that are thrilling and chilling. Considering the film A Quiet Place, let's discuss the horror genre and the element of sound.
Westworld Season II began Sunday April 22nd. Cranston has been trying to convince us to watch for a year and we STILL haven't quite done it. We don't mind spoilers just convince us why a show based upon a 1970's B-rated film is worth the watch.
Yes, it's true. Netflix has undertaken a reboot/retelling of Irwin Allen's pop culture fixture, Lost in Space. Have you seen it? What do you think? What other pop culture spec fic TV properties do you feel are due to be introduction to a new generation of viewers?
The CW's Black Lightning is DC's black neighborhood superhero. Is his saga worth the watch? Tell us what you think.
Join us as we play our game of showing how the Best Sci Fi and Fantasy films are really just great mystery and suspense films! Which Sci-Fi or Fantasy film is your favorite? We'll show you why it's a suspense or mystery tale!
Popular Mechanics produced its list of the best prospects in science fiction film entertainment for 2018. One quarter of the way in, do you think they're on point or off target? What are you looking forward to? https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/movies/a14505261/best-sci-fi-films-2018/
Join us as we discuss the mixed messages and reinforcement of stereotypes that are the underpinnings of A Wrinkle in Time and how they undermine the empowerment and self-possession of black children and audiences.
Esquire has ranked every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie from Worst to Best From "Iron Man" to "Thor: Ragnarok," Let's check our listing against theirs. Who do you think got it right? https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g13441903/all-marvel-cinematic-universe-movies-ranked/?src=nl&mag=esq&list=nl_enl_news&date=022018
For over a year we waited for the appearance of Black Panther and its arrival was nothing short of phenomenal. Writer/director Ryan Coogler has put his imprint on this franchise and WOW! The vast majority of us walked out of the theater satisfied. What did you think the film would be? Did it meet your expectations? Join us to discuss your take on the film and the easter eggs you may have missed. Participants in the discussion can also enter the drawing for a Cinemark Black Panther Collector's Cup!
The season has ended for Star Trek Discovery. Was it everything you thought it would be? Was it less or more?
No one can deny that there are great shows on Hulu and Netflix or CBS All access but what if you live on the other side of the pay wall? Other Sci Fi will share its best picks for spec fic on both sides of the pay wall.
Do you have to have to have the cake and eat it, now? Or can you wait? Do you believe in delayed gratification or do you want to swallow a season whole? Do you like to watch episode by episode weekly? Or do you want to wait until you can consume it all?
Has there ever been a movie, TV show, book, series, whatever, that you just lovedâ??and then they ruined it by changing something they shouldnâ??t have. Was it watching Sookie Stackhouse reading a Sookie Stackhouse novel on True Blood? Was it making Captain America a Hydra sleeper agent? Was it the way they ended Lost? Was it the Final Five Cylons? Join us to discuss the question: Where did something you used to like go wrong?
Join us as we discuss CW's newest addition to its superhero cavalcade, Black Lightning. The show which premiered on January 16th introduces us to DC's first African American superhero to headline his own comic. Did you see it? Did you like it? Tell us why or why not. https://nerdist.com/who-is-black-lightning-breaking-down-the-cws-newest-superhero/
In light of the stories of scandals involving various abuses by people in power, is it time we revisited some of our genre's great creators, their works, etc. and re-evaluate them more critically? Are we suborning racism, sexism, jingoism, by giving them a pass? Is it valid to evaluate "back in the day" by contemporary standards? Why do some revere these works still and what does it say about them and about us for judging them?
Wintertime midseason is the spec fic TV viewer's hell. We've watched and re-watched and binged everything we loved during the fall and now we're starving for entertainment! And just in time comes Black Mirror. In it's fourth season the six episodes bring us some interesting and disturbing content. Have you watched it? Was it a banquet, a midnight snack or crap sandwich?
For your holiday viewing pleasure , what shows and/or channels make your naughty and/or nice lists?
Let's review the genre shows that you should be watching now or what you should be preparing for as the new seasons begin.
Join us this weekend to discuss the Justice League and whether it was a hit or a miss; then we'll turn to genre shows that you should be watching now or what you should be preparing for as the new seasons begin.
In honor of BlackFriday/Cyber Monday/Small Town Saturday let's talk about what â??toyâ?? we have that we love and what weâ??d want â??if money were not object,â?? and what weâ??d like if â??realityâ?? was not a problem. (A sonic screwdriver? Tricorder? DeLorean with a flux capacitor?) (Or what is/was our favorite toy past, present and 10 years from now?)
Months ago when we reviewed Get Out we loved the social thriller and recommended it enthusiastically! Now with the Golden Globes on the horizon Get Out is competing in the Best Comedy category. Many of us were stunned. What was this? This film that triggered the sum of our fears being categorized as comedy? Have you seen Get Out? What did you think? Did you consider it comedy? Join us and let's talk about it.
Join us as we discuss Marvel's Thor franchise, the issues of diversity and inclusion and whether the films male the grade.
George Patton believed he was literally the reincarnation of earlier generals, and his battlefield activities could be characterized as â??daring,â?? "risky," "unconventional,â?? orâ?¦ â??psychotic.â?? The Psychotic is an often used trope in horror, drama and science fiction. They are the heroes, villains and supporting casts in some of our most-watched films. Is the creation of entertainment media focusing on mental illness appropriate? From Norman Bates, to Baby Jane to Hannibal Lechter... is it all right to have a favorite "psycho"?
This is Halloween! So what do we like to watch to get us in the mood? Mike Meyers, Freddy Kruger, Tales from the Crypt, Aliens? Join us and we'll happily share what gives us a scare!
Who are you when you read or watch speculative fiction? Are you the protagonist? Are you the omniscient observer? Are you the anti-hero? Does your ethnicity or sex alter your perspective or point of view? How long did you commiserate with Norman Bates? These and other questions on the October 21st edition of Other Sci-Fi
In the previous podcast we discussed the original BladeRunner and what we expected to see in BladeRunner 2049 based upon the critic's reviews. Well... suffice it to say... not exactly what we expected. Join us tonight to discuss your and our take on BladeRunner 2049.
So here it is the new Blade Runner film after long last, but does this incarnation do justice to the last or the Philip K. Dick story. Should we be saving up our ducats to see this or should we hold on to our nostalgia?
The long-awaited Star Trek Discovery has launched and rocketed. After waiting with 'bated breath to see the first Star Trek series in over ten years... How did you rate it... Hit or a Miss?
Stephen King's "IT" was produced in a 1990 made for television version and the new 2017 film turn. Let's discuss "IT" and how the two productions though based upon the same material, differ; and yes... THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!
Black Panther - a King, an intellect, a beloved hero. Luke Cage, a criminal, a brawler, a hero... but for hire. Why was this dichotomy made? Let's talk about it.
The cinematic remake of Stephen King's "IT" made its debut this week. Dark Tower premiered last month. We started thinking about the amount of Stephen King adaptations and were surprised with how many there are. Take a look at Horror New Net's "complete" list ( http://horrornews.net/43865/the-complete-list-of-stephen-king-adaptations/) and join us to discuss your favorites and to challenge whether their list is actually complete!
There's this show that EVERYBODY'S talking about, everywhere you turn. There's references dropped everywhere and it seems like EVERYBODY'S watching it; except you. Maybe you tried it once and couldn't get into it, maybe you have no desire to even try, but tell us why. And also tell us what we're missing by not watching the show that you watch but we don't. (In fact, we start looking for an exit whenever you bring it up.) Join us with your list and we'll share ours!
It's all over but the shouting (weeping, swearing, gagging). Was it all it was cracked up to be? Were you pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised? Do you see another Defenders in the future or hope this was the end? Let's talk about it!
Continuing our discussion of Netflix's Marvel Defenders. After bingeing the first three episodes, what are your thoughts? Do you think you'll be engaged enough to make it to the end? Come join us to see if your notes are the same as ours.
Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, the Defenders are headed to Netflix. After two years of preparation and introduction the Defenders are here, but did the performances and plots engage you enough to take the plunge? Join us tonight to recap the series' Marvel heroes who make up this quartet and tell us whether you're ready for more?!
Jon us as we discuss the sci-fi, Fantasy and Horror projects that show true acts of loyalty, where a producer or director or writer cares so much about their actor friends and are so completely loyal that they will allow their actor friends to completely destroy their projects and sometimes more than once... We'll show you ours. Show us yours.
In the course of researching our projects, what research materials are so fascinating they become part of our â??recommended readingâ?? to others list? Join us to share the sources that were so eye-opening they forever changed your perspective on the subject?
Just as we consume empty calories and say it's comfort food what books, television shows, movies, music, do we turn to when we need that mental pick-me-up? What's on cable that, if we come across it channel surfing, that laundry goes unfolded until it's over? What favorite book do we thumb through and next thing you know, it's morning? What have you watched so many times you immediately know where they made the cuts to put in an extra commercial? Join us Saturday night to discuss your Guilty Pleasures!
Join us to discuss nearly 50 years of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes, the most recent incarnation of the Planet of the Apes franchise. And yes, there will be some spoilers.
Join us on OTHER SCI-FI as we discuss Monsters from Aliens and Apes to Vampires and Zombies and everything in between. How do the things that scare us reflect the current zeitgeist?
What book, TV show or movie got a raw deal? What genre material was actually better than the popular/critical reception? Join us during the podcast to tell us what you believe deserves a second look or a second chance?
Join us to discuss the upcoming Black Panther Film and how Marvel distinguishes between the "black" Luke Cage and African Black Panther.
We'll be talking Wonder Woman and all the positive and negative hype surrounding DC's current superhero offering.
What is it about the genre that everyone buys into but nobody ever explains, like, is the transporter a translator or a 3D fax machine? Why are all the Dead Walking around? Was human batteries the best solution the Matrix could come up with? Would a crucifix stop a non-Christian vampire? We delve into the mysteries that strain our suspension of disbelief.
There's an old saying... "When people hate you, you can do no right; but if they love you , you can do no wrong." Tonight we discuss how we excuse plot holes and worse in the films, shows and media that we like while decrying those things in projects that we dislike.
What story ended on what was supposed to be a positive note, but when you thought about itâ?¦ Were Belle and the Beast beheaded when the Revolution swept through France? Did Bruce and Selina get bored sitting espressos in that little café? (And not having his â??mentorâ??sâ?? years of training, resources and functional psychosis, was Robin John Blakeâ??s first â??Knightâ?? on the job his last?) Join us to discuss your not-so-favorite.
Why is Star Trek still popular after half a century? Why do some people consider Star Wars a religion? Why do people who donâ??t vote so knowledgeable about the politics of Westeros? We examine why some fans become fanatics, what makes our (or their) favorite shows tick, and why that particular lightning never seems to strike again. Join us to discuss what it is that they do to make us their diehard fans.
Join the crew of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss the genre performances that make you proud to be a Sci-Fi, Horror and/or Fantasy addict. Tell us why your favorite, actress, actor or ensemble makes the sci-fi, horror or fantasy experience real for you!
We talk about the composers and use of music in genre ventures. What rocks and what stinks? What captures the moment and what misses the mark? What are our personal favorites and what makes us want to plug our ears? What makes a good film score and what makes you wish Dolby had never been invented? Join us to discuss the most effective genre music.
Through several incarnations of Star Trek through TV and film we've almost continuously had a Vulcan influence. From Spock to Tuvok, from T'Pring to T'pel, to T'Pau. Who's your favorite Vulcan and who did it best?!
With the seasons ending and the new seasons and New genre films just around the corner, looking back what genre offering did you have high hopes for, based on the hype, but when the final product came along, you felt hoodwinked, bamboozled, mislead, and they didnâ??t even buy you a drink first: Did you think the second Star Wars Trilogy was going to be as good as the first? Did you feel betrayed when you discovered the villain in the second Star Trek reboot movie really was Khan? Had you just come to terms with Jon Snowâ??s death only to discover he was still alive? Tell us how you wonâ??t fall for the okey-doke again.
Join the crew of Discussions from the Otherhood as we discuss the reviews and ratings systems we trust most, whether what the reviewers say affect our decisions on what to watch and how our own reviews square with the professionals.
Join the Crew of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss means, motivations and mores, and how they have altered the role of women in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.
Join the crew of OTHER SCI FI as we explore the allegorical undercurrents in the King Kong franchise and their effects on popular culture. Join the conversation Saturday at 9:00 PM EST!
Join the crew of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss the roles of Black people in speculative fiction literature and films and what the future holds.
Join the crew of OTHER SCI FI as we continue the discussion of the Genesis and Evolution of Black Horror and focus on Jordan Peele's GET OUT, and yes... there WILL be spoilers!
Join the OTHER SCI FI crew tonight as we discuss the genesis and evolution of Black Horror. From Blackula to Get Out!
Join the crew of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss Alice the main character of the Resident Evil film franchise. From her genesis and altercations with the Red Queen and Through the Looking Glass type adventures, is Resident Evil a psychedelic trip through a dystopian Wonderland? Join us with your whys or why nots.
Join us this evening to discuss whatever it is you discuss when you haven't yet seen Resident Evil. Come pass the time and talk Sci Fi, Horror and Fantasy with the crew.
Punxatawney Phil has spoken. We're in for a long winter and you've already run out of good Sci-Fi, Horror and Spec Fic programming. Well never fear, the crew from OTHER SCI-FI has pulled together its listing of binge-worthy shows that will keep you in content until the spring! Join us and share your favorites and where to find them.
We have come to really enjoy Timeless, the NBC time-travelling series that takes a trio including an Anglo male (Wyatt), an Anglo female (Lucy)and an African American male (Rufus) on a romp through-out the U.S's history chasing a bad guy and trying hard not to change too much history in their wake. As we watched the show unfold over the weeks it occurred to us that Rufus in many instances finds himself constrained to the background as servant, janitor, a presumed slave or "out of sight - out of mind. We began to wonder... How much truly "Liveable Past" has there been for African Americans and other people of color in the U.S. and how we are recorded in history versus our historical actuality. Come share your thoughts.
Join us as we discuss Hidden Figures and the reasons behind the success of a film based upon the lives of the African American women who crunched numbers at NASA and whose work was essential to the U.S. Space program; and why this film featuring "Mohammed So and So" has shot to the top of the box office and what it means for film diversity in subject-matter and casting.
Join us as we discuss Horror TV 2016 and what's on deck for 2017! What did we like right away? What had to grow on us and what was more hype than horror?
The crew from OTHER SCI FI discusses what the new year will hold in the way of Spec Fic in the entertainment industry and the diversity we are hoping to see!
Is there a Horror, Sci-Fi or Fantasy Buff on your wish-fulfillment list? What are the top 10 items you think belong on the lists of "Got-to-Haves"? Join the staff of OTHER Sci-Fi as we deliberate the best in Horror, Sci Fi and Fantasy for you to give or get this year!
Join the Other Sci Fi staff tonight when we discuss: What changes, big or small, were made to a literary property (or even a previous filmed one) that you cannot abide? Is it a gay Sulu? Vulcan sucked into a black hole? That Saran Wrap "S" that Superman had (along with teleportation, amnesia kisses...)? Spider-Man's webs becoming bodily secretions rather than spray adhesive? The Joker shooting Batman's parents? What change was not for the better?
There is no great hero without a great villian and there are no great rebellions without fantastic evil empires for them to topple. Tonight from Star Wars to Avatar the Last Airbender to Staar Trek's borg... what is your favorite Evil Empire?
Join us as we discuss JK Rowling's Fantastic Beasts, and other films that missed on so many levels.
Join us on DISCUSSIONS FROM THE OTHERHOOD as in the wake of the Presidential elections in the U.S. we discuss which film best predicts the world and/or the U.S. in a post-Trump era. From Pleasantville to Idiocracy to Zombieland; where do we find ourselves. Join us to talk it out!
Join us as we discuss Epic adventure, Superheroes and Horror - Are these genres and subgenres better suited to the big screen or small screen?
Join the crew of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss False Premises: We'll be looking at elements that form the basis (or an important part) of out entertainment experiences but which upon further analysis donâ??t make sense. Then everything built around them unravels. For exampleâ?¦ General Zod, head of the Kryptonian Army. But who were the Kryptonians defending themselves from? In the history of Superman, Krypton only encountered one non-Kryptonian, Brainiac, who stole one of their citiesâ??and Zod didnâ??t manage to stop that. (Or maybe that was his predecessor and thatâ??s how he got the job.) If the Army served as a planetary police force why would there be criminals in such an advanced society? And if Krypton was so scientifically advanced, why did they have such a hard time believing their planet was gonna blow up? Was this their version of climate change denial? Join us to discuss this and your own head-scratchers.
Join the staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as ths Halloween season we discuss which region does horror best, from Salem, MA to the New Orleans, LA which places in the U.S. create the most frightening horror.
Join the staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss the polar opposites of midseason programming, perfomances and news and the varying levels in between. Join us to discuss from the best to the worst this week on Discussions from the Otherhood.
Join the crew of OTHER SCI FI as we deconstruct the world of monsters to determne whether it's a monster or a mess. Witness King Kong or the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Do they even make sense or are they just there to be monstrous? Where did they come from? Where/what are their parents? What do they eat? If they're the last of their kind, shouldnâ??t they be on an endangered species list? Thee and more "monstrosities" to uncover. Bring your abominable anomaly and find out whether it's a monster or a mess.
Join us to talk about your favorite shows, films and literary serieses and when they should have stopped. So which TV shows, movie series or literary properties didnâ??t know when to say when? Did we need the Star Wars prequels? The last two Matrix movies? â??The Wheel of Timeâ?? Series? (So long the last three had to be completed posthumously!) Do we need another Bourne book/movie? Join us to discuss when it is that our favorite shows should have laid it to rest.
Join us tonight as we play "MY WORLD AND WELCOME TO IT" Since SF is so full of dystopias,and Fantasy is so full or dragons and demons, if you had to, which one could you survive in? (Could you happily be hooked up to the Matrix? Would you survive the Hunger Games? Could you sorm Mount Doom? Could you party like itâ??s 1984?) We'll bring you the world. Bring us your plan for survival!
Join us on Discussions from the Otherhood as we debate in light of the rape charges with respect to Parker and Celestin co-writers of the upcoming film Birth of a Nation whether the project (as goodd as it migjt be should be supported by the community. With the backdrop of MelGibson, Roman Polanski, Mark Walberg and Woody Allen how should we proceed?
Join us to listen in and discuss Hollywood's depiction of magic as it relates to anglos in comparison with how it is treated when associated with people of African descent and other people pf color.
It's near midnight. Your frineds came over at 6pm to watch a game and to hang out. You've been playing hst/hostess all evening and now you're tired, bored and ready to go to bed but none of these people act like they're even thinking about leaving. So you head to HULU, Netflix or some other media and go to your old standby. So which is it; Dr. Who? Space 1999, Mission Impossible, Battlestar Galactica, the Greatest American Hero? Share with the board and staff of OTHER SCI-Fi the Sci-Fi/Fantasy shows that are your best bet for clearing a room and sending those overstayed guests, packing!!
Join OTHER SCI Fi's Discussions from the Otherhood as we tackle the issue of diversity and inclusion in Sci Fi/Fantasy TV and other media here and abroad.
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss shows that we have spent too many hours watching to quit... no matter how bad they've gotten or how much we hate them.
Join the board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss female power, gender roles and stereotypes as depiscted in the film adaptation of DC Comics' Suicide Squad.
Join the Board and Staff of Other Sci Fi Magazine as we discuss the Xander Complex. Is Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Xander Harris the ultimate depiction of the Everyman Hero or is he the poster boy for White Male Privilege? Join in the discussion and see if you can help us decide.
Join the Board and Staff of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss who it is that determines how our gender and ethnic roles are shown on the big and small screen.
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss how long it takes to determine whether a show you've just started watching is worth the time you plan to put into it. Do your favorite shows pass the 15 minute test?
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI Fi as we discuss whether racism and discrimination affect our ability to create and enjoy science fiction, fantasy and horror?
Join the Board and Staff of Other Sci Fi Magazine as we discuss the absolute worst and least satisfying endings to a show's season or series finale. Be prepared to discus how your worst picks beat out ours!
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI Fi Magazine as we discuss ways in which the record-breaking, Tony award winning musical Hamilton has turned the issue of ethnicity and historical commentary on its head. Can this format be adapted to Sci Fi and other forms of speculative fiction?
Join the Staff and Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine as we discus the type of sponsorship we see on media directed toward people of color. The general concept in advertising is that it reinforces stereotypes that people are comfortable with. Do we see ourselves the way the advertisers do? Do the types of ads supporting programming have any effect on whether or not we watch the show? These and more questions on the June 25, 2016 Installment of Discussions From the Otherhood.
Join the Staff of Other Sci Fi as we discuss our time at the State of Black Science Fiction Con, a reflection of the experience--what surprised us, what disappointed us, what we feel this experience says about the direction/future of SF/Horror for POC
Comig Live from the State of Black Science Fiction Con ("SOBSFCO") Join OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss horror and how it is written, discussed and visualized in the black commuity and who and what really scares us.
The Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazie discuss how hollywood views our world's major cities and its peoples.
Join the board and staff of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss the plethora of new shows that rise from old TV and Hollywood sources and whether the new batches offer any more diversity than their predecessors. Also how does Hollywood portray diversity in our major cities?
Join the staff and editorial staff of OTHER SCI- FI Magazine as we discuss whether diversity played a part in bringing more poeple under the Marvel tent.
From Black Panther, to Kato to John Stewart/the Green Lantern, with the growing number of individuals of color in mainstream comics either headlining or featured, who do you believe really deserves their own feature film and why?!
Join the board and staff of OTHER SCI FI to discuss diversity in light of the current crop of superhero films and TV shows. Who measures up? Who does not?
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the disturbing practice in Hollywood of Yellowface - using anglos to play Asian characters in make-up to appear Asian or supplanting Asian characters altogether. Why is this still going on?
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to again discuss the phenomenon of whitewashing in the context of Scarlett Johansen accepting the role of Major Kusanagi, a Japanese woman, in the long-awaited live action film for the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. Who is responsible for the whitewash? Should the studio stop making these incongruous role offers or should the actors have the ethics not to accept the roles? Join us tonight to voice your position.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss Porn! (Not what youâ??re thinking - You should be ashamed of yourself!) We're talking about competence porn, defined as people getting their jollies watching smart people figure out how to solve difficult situations. It used to be the exclusive realm of SF but not so much of late. Why this has changed; the general anti-science climate? And what of it still exists. Mission: Impossible, CSIs. McGuyver, Law & Order (Classic) Why Apollo 13 is good and The Martian is not; andâ?¦ Who are CP Studs and who are CP Duds?
Join the Editorial Board and Staff of Other Sci Fi to discuss the genesis of strange prevailing view that African Americans don't enjoy science fiction and fantasy.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the "WHITE-OUT" at the Oscars and the attitudes that lead to fimmaking of exclusion.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of coloras we discuss Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss our favorite black and brown Directors and Producers who never ever shame us and those who somehow always manage to.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of coloras we discuss Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss our favorite black and brown TV stars who never ever shame us and those who somehow always manage to.
We've seen MANTIS, Meteor Man, viewed Aqualad, Cyborg, Vixen, Steel, Storm and Black Panther. Are these characters representative of your fantasy superhero? Why or why not? Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to build the perfect superhero and name the Hollywood types you think would best portray them.
In light of the current OSCAR debate regarding diversity and the weighing in on the issue by celebrities worldwide, As consumers and writers of color we ask the question, "Is Jada Pinkett right?" "Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color
Truly, most of us can't stand Rupert Murdoch, but one thing we have to admit is that his crew knows TV, and in the sci fi/fantasy/horror genres FOX is peerless. Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss FOX and its diverse and aggresive foray into horror, science fiction and fantasy from the perspective of creators and consumers of color
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color.
Tired of keeping quiet... Tired of holding in the spoiling? Well tonight call in to our Shush-free zone and let the force do what it do!
Join the Staff and Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss the Artistic Viision of Geroge Lucas and the new Star Wars offering.
Would you give anything to see a different ending to one of your favorite genre films? Did you have a particular series or book that you never wanted to end? Join the Staff and Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss what our sci-fi, horror, fantasy Christmas Wish List looks like this year!
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss Marvel's Daredevil and Jessica Jones and how they will both effect the pending Luke Cage piece.
Whether it's Bruce Willis films, John Carpenter, Spielberg, Tom Cruise or M. Night we all have a bias or two against spending money on films attached to certain writers, directors or actors. Join the staff and Board of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss our likes and dislikes. Come see if you can change our minds!
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss "It's (Still) A (White) Man's World" Sesixm in fantastic fiction (SF, Fantasy, Comics, Video Games).
Join the Board and Staff of Other Sci Fi Magazine as we discuss It's Not Hidden Racism If It's In Your Face" Why there is so much (hidden, and coded) racism in SF/Fantasy, and why we (all) accept it. Is "privilege" is the new racism?
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss the recent Star Wars VII Boycott and other biases expressed by fanboys and others that limit diversity in comicbooks and other speculative fiction media.
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI as we wade knee deep into the Halloween season and with the premiere of Crimson Peak we'll be discussing the strange horror of Guillermo Del Toro.
Joiin the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as they discuss diversity in science fiction, and other speculative fiction genres in the various media.
Join the Staf and Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss the Mat Damon/Diversity controversy and whether it should have an effect on whether we rewatch his prior works or whether we watch his new one.
Join the Staff and Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss the career of M. Night Shyamalan and whether a trip over the river and through the woods to Visit grandma was enough to brake his downward spiral.
Join the Staff and Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss whether it is Admiration or Appropriation: What are the ethical considerations when Creators employ Ethnically charged monikers to identify themseves for fun and profit. Can a person from one culture write convincingly/honestly about another culture? (And is there a difference between"convincing" and "honest?") If "orange is the new black," then is "privilege" the new "racism?"
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss homogeneity, xenophobia and how they affect our views of worldbuilding in fantasy and Science Fiction.
People of Color have bee defined in terms of misconceptions and stereotypes (even if they are supposedly positive stereotypes). What do we see when we see ourselves on the big and small screen and in literature? Are there any characters that you believe reflect who you really are? Who are they and how can we produce more of them? Join the Staff and Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we talk about this and other issues in Discussions from the Otherhood.
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we compare and contrast our answers to select queries from The Book of Questions!
It's mid-summer and all of the first run programming has come and gone. How do we make it through the summer?! The Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine come to the rescue with their choices of the shows you can find on Netflix, Crackle, YouTube, Hulu and other sites that are bingeworthy to get you through to the Fall line-up.
Join the Staff and Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss This summer and the upcoming Sci Fi/Fantasy films and the inclusion of people of color.
Join the board and staff of OTHER SCI FI MAGAZINE as we discuss whether the demand for more "hard science" has eroded the creative edge in science fiction.
JOIN THE BOARD AND STAFF OF OTHETSCI FI MAGAZINE AS WE DISCUSS THE HISTORY OF THE PRACTICE OF TOKENISM IN TV AND ON THE BIG SCREEN AND ITS MANIFESTATION IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM.
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss why sci fi futures aways involve, monsters, terror, Big Brother, eroding moralty or physicality. Yes, we get our jet packs - but at what cost? Join us Saturday night as we discuss literature and film and how even our futuristuic utopias have a seamy, seedy underbelly.
Join the editorial board and staff as we discuss the broader and finer points of George MIller's Mad Max Fury Road.
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss our favorite Speculative Fiction stories, books, movies and why we think they rate. Come ready to compare and defend your favorites.
Join the Boars and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we list our picks for TV and Film projects that we believe have been overlooked by big and small screen producers, and alternately those that should never have been screened. Come compare your lists to ours!
Join the Editorial Baord and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as wediscuss whether movie or TV versions of books improve on the source material or wheter they be considered as separate entities? (Kingâ??s The Shining vs. Kubrickâ??s, Benchleyâ??s Jaws vs. Spielbergâ??s, Alan Ballâ??s True Blood vs. Charlaine Harrisâ?? Sookie Stackhouse novels, anything by Philip K. Dick vs. the movie versions.) Come join in the discusion and let your voice be heard.
Join the Editorial Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss why it is that it appears readers are more accepting of an anglo author creating characters of African heritage, but not black characters created by black authors (unless it's Urban Fiction)? Can a black writer achieve similar success if s/he writes about an anglo character? Join in the discussion and have your voice heard.
Join the Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss the Pros and Cons of the Marvel Blockbuster from the Avengers franchise, "Age of Ultron."
Join the Editorial Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI MAGAZINE as we discuss Speculative fiction through the eyes and experioences of African Americans and other peoples of color.
Join the board and staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss the Black list - the monitoring and demonizing of black writers and artists during the Hoover era and the current effects of this monitoring on post-civil rights era writers.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color.
Join the Editorial Board and Staff of OTHER SCi FI Magazine as we discuss the impact of reviving Gold and Silver Age Comic Book Characters and how they might be viewed through the filter of diversity.
We accept that there can be a black Spiderman, so why are we not looking at a black Peter Parker? In this incarnation of Spiderman, why does he have to be Miles Morales; Why can't Peter Parker simply be black? Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine to discuss the ins and out of speculative fiction, horror, science fiction and fantasy as experienced through the filter of creators and consumers of color.
Join the Staff and Editorial Board of OTHER SCI Fi Magazine as we discuss Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Speculative Fiction in the diaspora.
Join the Editorial Board and Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss how best to build a bridge between black speculative fiction, horror, sci fi and fantasy and more recent trend genres like Street Lit, Erotica and Urban Romance.
Join the Editorial Board, Staff and Friends as we discuss the paradox of Black Sexuality as it occurs in or is absent from Black Speculative Fiction.
Join the Editorial Staff as they join Penelope Flynn in discussing the Black to the Future Event at Florida A & M University.
Join the Editorial staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as they discuss what Black Speculative FIcitonis in light of the coming Black to the Future Conference at Florida A & M University.
Join the Editorial Board of OTHER SCI FI as we discuss the effect of diversity on the choices made in music and scores in science fiction and fantasy works.
From the blue and green ladies on Star Trek, Eureka, Tolkein and Sleepy Hollow Join the editorial Board of OTHER SCi FI Magazine as we discuss race, ethnicity and "relationships" in Sci Fi and Fantasy.
Join the Editorial Board of Other Sci Fi Magazine as they discuss the universes in Gaming and how diversity is approached or ignored
Join the Editorial Staff of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss "Ought to be Coming Soon to a Theater Near You" What projects that support our theory of the diverse universe should be made into a movie, miniseries, etc. Come with your favorites and even your dream casts!
Join the editorial staff of OTHER SCI FI MAGAZINE as we discuss Righting White/Writing Wrongs: Characters of Color by "Mainstream" Writers, covering whites who got it right and those who got it wrong, either through ignorance, accident or intent.
Join the editorial Board of OTHER SCI FI Magazine as we discuss what "Black Speculative Fiction" is or is not and how it affects what consumers of speculative fiction view as desirable reads and viewing.