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No Strings Attached
Remember when anybody who was anybody had a fast-talking, lookalike puppet?
The ’90s was an insanely awesome decade for many reasons, least of which was because the NBA was actually fun to watch. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Steve Kerr, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoč and the Chicago Bulls were led by “The Zen Master” Phil Jackson. The Seattle Supersonics was a real team with Gary “The Glove” Payton, Shawn Kemp and one of the greatest sports names ever: Detlef Schrempf. And let’s not forget about Hakeem Olajuwon firing up the Houston Rockets.
Even so, the real magic of the NBA in the ’90s went down in Orlando. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway is one of the league’s all-time greats, including his nickname. Along with his immense talent was his prowess for marketing and nobody talked a big game like Penny’s small friend who sounded precisely like comedian Chris Rock:
“Lil’ Penny.”
This blissful commercial is why “Throwback Thursday” is such a fantastic phenomenon.
It’s just a nice coincidence that Penny happened to throw the ball through the back of the hoop.
Whatever Happened to Predictability? The Iron Man, The Captain America, Wanda Maximoff?
Thor went to work at a 9-5 job earlier this year. Now, Marvel’s Avengers have perfected the functionality of a time machine.
A nostalgic time machine, to be precise.
(Yes, actress Elizabeth Olsen’s sisters are Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen from the sitcom Full House)
If this doesn’t put a smile on your face to start the week, I’m not sure what will.
The ’80s and ’90s hold a special place in people’s hearts for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons centers on the wholesome, family-friendly sitcoms. Full House certainly falls in the category of a TV show beloved by many, many fans. The deft editing by YouTube user “Zach Ace” (as seen above) played on the family-like dynamic of the Marvel cinematic universe. Interweaving people or superhero characters into opening credits like Full House isn’t a new phenomenon, but the take by “Zach Ace” is pretty spot-on.
On the one hand, could you imagine if Marvel’s marketing department used this video, in some way, to promote a new film or an announcement related to its films? On the other hand, who would’ve thought that Full House and Iron Man would be go together like a Hawaiian vacation and a clipboard of fun?
Danny Tanner, sure, but he’s the one with the clipboard of fun things to do.
The Bachelorette’s First Rose Ceremony
A real-life guest will be arriving next March.
Beauty and the Beast is one of the best Disney animations. The 1991 classic, stacked in the back of your closet in its endearingly boxy VHS case, helped to define a golden decade of Disney films. The magical nature of the story, characters and settings in the nearly 25 year-old animation has always begged a more realistic take be imagined and built.
Get ready for the ball, in three-dimensions.
In only one day, the teaser trailer for this live-action movie has received just shy of 8 million views with overwhelmingly positive reactions. Will the film succeed at the box office and with movie fans? Very likely. Take a look at the cast:
- Emma Watson (Belle)
- Dan Stevens (Beast)
- Luke Evans (Gaston)
- Ewan McGregor (Lumiere)
- Ian McKellen (Cogsworth)
- Josh Gad (Le Fou)
- Stanley Tucci (Forte)
- Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts)
- Kevin Kline (Maurice)
Will the live-action surpass the original animation? Not likely. However, the teaser trailer and casting decisions (especially Emma Watson as Belle) seem to be influenced by a bit of vintage ’90s Disney magic. In the very little we’ve seen and know, fans of the 1991 favorite will probably feel wonderfully nostalgic in the best ways come next March.
Emma Watson will once again cast a mesmerizing spell on audiences from a mysteriously grand castle.
Except this time, she’ll cause jaws to drop in that famous yellow dress.
Happy Throwback Thursday!
Watching my 8-year old nephew read his favorite book series with excitement and dedication (anywhere and everywhere) is a wonderful sight. The fact that he willingly takes long breaks from the intoxicating glow and varied selection of high-definition electronics at his disposal is a genuine flashback to the days when my friends and I chose books over Nintendo (for at least a couple weeks).
The bookstore > Media Play (there’s a blast from the past!)
The greatest book series when I was his age was Goosebumps by scare master R.L. Stine. He was the best at sparking imaginations to run wild in suspense and mystery. His creative elasticity to write so many books is impressive and his legacy endures to this day.
Need proof?
We all know a book/book series isn’t truly worthy until Hollywood projects it on the big screen. From books to TV to the silver screen, R.L. Stine’s next chapter will be coming to a theater near you, with Jack Black portraying the famous author.
Goosebumps comes alive this October.
Welcome to Stine’s House.