Throwback Thursday-Red Tails (2012)

There are two ways to tell a story. The first is in a dry academic style that informs, but does not teach in a way that is memorable. The second is in a vibrant manner in which the audience learns something long the way.

Back in 2012, Red Tails hit theaters. Starring Terrence Howard and David Oyelowo, the film told the story about the Tuskegee Airmen that fought in World War II.

I have to agree with the critics about this movie. Though the film does an admirable job of introducing or re-introducing audiences to the true story of unsung American heroes, it is not as good as it could be.

Do I recommend it? I’m leaning toward no.

Throwback Thursday-Life After People (2008-2010)

In the history of the Earth, there are only two species that have been at the top of the animal food chain: humans and the dinosaurs. Science has told us how and when the dinosaurs disappeared. But what happens when humanity disappears?

Between 2008 and 2010, the Life After People aired on the History Channel. Asking the hypothetical question of what if people no longer existed, the series told the story of the world we would have left behind and how it would change.

I think this series is both interesting and eye-opening. I hate to say it, we humans think that we rule Mother Nature. The reality is the other way around. The world we have built is as fallible as a house of cards. Until we are able to admit that, we will never completely understand our place in the world.

I recommend it.

Throwback Thursday-Honest Trailers (2012-Present)

Sometimes, the entertainment industry takes itself a little too seriously.

In 2012, Screen Junkies premiered a new web series. Entitled Honest Trailers, each episode contains a series of parody movie trailers.

I love this series. Each trailer is gut bustingly funny, calling out the obvious flaws in their subjects in a manner than only parody allows. It is no wonder than in eight years, millions of viewers have watched these videos.

I absolutely recommend it.

Throwback Thursday-Harry Potter Film Series (2001-2011)

There is something about the magic of a favorite childhood book. No matter how old one gets or how complicated adulting becomes, these books will always stay with us.

The Harry Potter film series (2001-2011) is one of the few book to movie transitions that is both true to the source material and has the ability to stay with the audience.

The films follow the title character, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), an orphaned boy who discovers that he is a wizard. Over the course of ten years and eight films, Harry and his friends, Hermoine Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), grow up, fall in love and fight against the dark forces of their world.

If there is one thing that stands out to me, it is that the narrative and characters feel human and normal against an extraordinary backdrop. Harry is an everyman type of character, giving readers and viewers an emotional hook to grab onto and stay with until the very end.

Do I recommend them? Yes.

P.S. I would love to just talk about the films, but I must address J.K. Rowling‘s morally disgusting remarks about Trans men and women. They are a stain on the legacy of the books/movies that inspired a generation of readers.

Throwback Thursday-Date Night (2010)

I would wager that if one were to ask any married couple with kids about their daily lives, they would tell you that they have little time to spare for themselves. That is where date night usually comes in.

In 2010, the movie Date Night premiered. Tina Fey and Steve Carell play Claire and Phil Foster, an average suburban couple from the New York City area with a full plate of responsibilities. Like many couples, they look forward to date nights to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The evening they choose to go out on will not just be any evening.

Date Night is one of those movies that would be forgettable if it was not for the comedic geniuses that are Tina Fey and Steve Carell. The movie is not horrible, but it is not exactly what it promises to be.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Throwback Thursday: Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Mistakes are part of life. When they happen, we may wish for a time machine so we can go back in time and prevent such mistakes. But what would happen if a time machine really existed?

In the 2010 movie, Hot Tub Time Machine, Adam (John Cusack) is throwing himself a pity party. As are two of his friends. In an effort to revive their spirits, Adam, his friends, and his nephew go on a trip to a dilapidated ski resort that was a party spot in the ’80s. After drinking one too many alcoholic beverages, and sitting in the hot tub, all four men are transported back to 1986. Their goal is to undo their mistakes and ensure that Adam’s nephew comes into existence. But that is obviously easier said than done.

It’s one of those movies that could easily turn into a raunchy boys road trip comedy. But there is something to be said about an opportunity to change one’s future and preventing mistakes that could forever change the course of your life.

Do I recommend it? I am leaning toward yes.

Throwback Thursday: Mario Lopez: Saved by the Baby (2010-2011)

Impending parenthood often brings a mix of emotions. Especially when this is the first pregnancy.

From 2010-2011, Mario Lopez: Saved by the Baby aired on VH1. It followed actor and TV host Mario Lopez (Saved by the Bell) and his then-girlfriend (now wife), Courtney Mazza as they prepared for the birth of their first child.

As most celebrity centered reality shows go, this was far from the worst program within the sub-genre. But it was not all that special either.

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Throwback Thursday-Man v. Food (2008-Present)

When it comes to food and eating, we all know that it is time to stop when our stomachs are full. But what happens we are challenged to eat well after our stomachs have told us that they are full?

Man v. Food (2008-Present) originally aired on the Travel Channel before moving to the Cooking Channel three years ago. Hosted first by Adam Richman and then by Casey Webb, the show profiles different restaurants with extreme and unique dishes on the menu. The challenge is to completely consume the dish, sometimes within a limited amount of time.

This show is a joy to watch. Not just for the huge meals that fill you up just by looking at them, but for the challenge the host takes up to finish the meal.

I recommend it.

Throwback Thursday: Cake Boss (2009-2017)

For those who love to be in the kitchen, baking is more than final product that comes out of the oven. It is the love and pride that comes with creating something for someone else to enjoy.

Cake Boss aired on TLC from 2009-2017. The show followed Buddy Valastro, the owner of Carlo’s Bake Shop, located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Audiences were introduced to Buddy, his staff and his family as they created edible masterpieces for their customers.

I really like this show. It is entertaining without the mind numbing feeling that comes with some reality shows. As a viewer, I enjoy the challenge of watching these cakes go from conception to reality.

I recommend it.

Throwback Thursday-Cheaper by the Dozen (1950)

Our families are at the core of our societies. It is not a stretch to say that stories about families continue to appeal to us generation after generation.

Cheaper by the Dozen premiered in 1950. Based on the book of the same name, the film starred Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy, the film told the story of the Gilbreth family and their brood of 12 children. Living in Montclair, New Jersey in the early 20th century, parents Frank Sr. and Lillian both work as engineers. Their professional training extends to their home life, as everything is done to maximum efficiency. But this is starting not to sit well with their older daughters, who are eager to stretch their wings outside of the family nest.

There are certain movies from this period that modern audiences go back to again and again because they have a timeless quality to them. In a sense, this movie is timeless, but there are scenes that are definitely showing the film’s age.

Do I recommend it? Maybe. As much as I adore some movies from the ’50s, this film is not one of my favorites.

By the way, the movie was remade in 2003 starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt. It is as bad as one might expect it to be.