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Ishan Wankavala

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It Has Been A Quarter of a Century Since The Most Influential TV Show of All Time Premiered

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

I was but a child in high school when I first randomly chose The Sopranos from a list of possible shows I could watch on my HBO, and having now completed it several times, it has rocketed up to one of my favorite shows of all time, along with Breaking Bad and The Office. With the 25th anniversary of its original premiere upcoming on January 10th, 2024, HBO reached out to me to experience the pilot episode once more in a screening at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Lower Manhattan, in an event that would celebrate the shows popularity, influence, and legacy.

The Alamo Drafthouse VHS collection

The first spectacle was the theater itself. The Alamo Drafthouse was renowned as a theater, restaurant, and bar all rolled into one, offering patrons the unique ability to order food while watching, and having servers bring it to you mid-film. The theater’s love of film was very evident, with a whole room dedicated to professing a spectacular collection of movies all on VHS, and various antique movie posters and memorabilia. It felt like a miniature museum within the theater, and I appreciated the dedication and attention to detail. The theater had also set up a The Sopranos themed backdrop, complete with a fake meat market akin to the one seen in the show, and a small “outdoor” table at which fans could pose with props and clothing from the show. For a brief moment, I was in the show’s universe, and it was magical.

We headed back to the theater and took a seat while the event began. Each person’s seat had a small gift bag which contained The Sopranos merchandise. Mine had a little Funko Pop! figure of Carmela Soprano, which I thought was cute.

My pizza. Tony would be proud.

The night started with a little bit of trivia about the show, and while I was unable to win a prize for any of the questions, I got all of them correct in my head, thinking of the answer a split second before another individual said it each time (I swear). To prepare for the screening, I ordered a brussels sprout pizza and a specialty banana cocktail.

Banana cocktail from the menu

Finally, it was time to return to where it all started. The lights dimmed, and for the fifth time in my life, the pilot of The Sopranos began playing, and I sat back with a smile on my face. This would be the first time in my adult life that I would be watching this show, and right away I could tell that I was picking up on emotions and motives that I had not previously detected. I saw James Gandolfini Jr. begin talking about the ducks as Tony Soprano once more, and watching his amazing performance and thinking ahead to where this show would go in six seasons, I couldn’t help but realize that I desperately needed to rewatch it. This was a show that had started a golden age in modern television, one which was still ongoing.

Ready for the screening

As I watched Gandolfini Jr.’s nuanced performance, I realized truly the impact that this show has had, and shuddered at the thought of where we would have been without it.

I am currently almost through the first season of the show on my fourth rewatch, and I am enjoying and eagerly anticipating every moment of it. This screening of the pilot ignited a dormant love for the show that I have had for a while, and I hope it did the same to the other attendees at the event. A celebration of this show’s 25th anniversary was the perfect way for HBO to bring new interest to the show, and I hope it remains popular and continues to influence generations to come.

 

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The Real Challenge in Squid Game is Trying to Not Care About the Characters

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

I am not going to downplay it: I am a massive fan of the original Netflix series Squid Game, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk. The series is absolutely brilliant in its portrayal of modern capitalist struggles, and the lengths that struggling people will go to, sacrificing everything that they have, just for some money. When I heard that Netflix was making a spin-off gameshow called Squid Game: The Challenge, I was immediately excited; this is exactly what I had been waiting for. Taking the existing show and turning into something real and tangible, with the largest cast and the largest cash prize in reality TV history. I eagerly watched the episodes when they released, in

The claw machine from the show

anticipation of the next while each episode became more and more tense. This is when I received an invite to attend a premiere for the final episode, and I knew I had to attend.

The venue itself was situated along the west side of Manhattan, and was absolutely beautiful. As I entered, I saw many contestants from the show arrive as well, with their player number imprinted on the vehicle.

Squid Game Workers

Seeing favorites from the show was surreal, and I even saw contestants from the final three, such as Sam and Mai. Inside, the whole venue had been decorated with stunning Squid Game imagery, with quotes from the show on the walls and the red-clad workers with the iconic shapes on their helmets standing guard as exciting picture opportunities. Also available were several activities and treats: I saw a claw machine and a giant game of battleship, both pulled straight from the show. There was a food stand offering pretzels, and a bar offering themed cocktails, such as one called Red Light, Green Light after the show’s first game.

I played a quick game of battlefield, and attempted to sink my opponents ships using oversized pegs and ship pieces. I came close, but unfortunately he got the better of me in the end. It was crazy to think that I was playing this game so casually, and losing with no consequences, while losing the same game in the show meant an immediate reduction of your chances of winning millions of dollars to zero.

Jumbo Battleship

I went around to take some pictures with the Squid Game workers (they were thankfully peaceful here), and before I knew it, the premiere was about to begin. I took my seat, and the final three contestants, Sam, Mai, and Phil came up to the stage to give a short introduction. I watched them introduce themselves and the premise of the show, and I knew that they knew which one of them had won: they were already aware of this cherished secret. After final remarks, the episode began.

THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS SPOILERS ABOUT THE FINAL EPISODE OF SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE

The final episode was enthralling. I was on the edge of my seat trying to decide who would come out on top. Sam, Phil, and Mai were all at a feast, which concluded with them being given the next task: randomly choosing one button out of three to pick. If the button went green, they and one other of their choice could proceed; if the button went gray, nothing would happen; if the button went red, they would be eliminated. It was an interesting concept that kept the outcomes random, but also allowed for a hint of decision making in who would be selected to come to the next stage. Surprisingly enough, the person I thought would win immediately lost: Sam. I was gutted, but excited to see what would happen next.

The final contestants on stage

We also received some backstories to the characters, where I learned what Mai, Phil, and Sam had to go through. Each had had a tough life, and I still could not decide who I was rooting for.

The final game was again a random one that could have a little bit of strategy to it: rock, paper, scissors. The two remaining contestants would throw their selection again and again, and each winner would be able to select a key to unlock a safe. The first to find the correct key would win the game. After what seemed like hours, and with Mai clearly overpowering Phil in her critical thinking and strategy, she found the correct key and won. The whole room burst into applause, and confetti was shot into the air over the crowd. I was astonished at the winner, but simultaneously extremely happy for Mai. She seemed like she really needed the money, and she had had nothing but hardships throughout her life, including a teenage pregnancy and being kicked out of her family. She absolutely deserved it.

Confetti for the winner

THIS MARKS THE END OF THE SPOILERS SECTION

I had an amazing time at the premiere of the final episode, and although I had already been watching the show, it was something different to be able to watch it in the same room as hundreds of other fans. If you have not already watched the show on Netflix, I wholeheartedly recommended it. The show tackles the human spirit, and the importances of friendships and enemies likewise in achieving one’s goals. It is one of the best shows that I have watched in 2023, and is a must-see.

Thank you to Netflix and the Squid Game team for the amazing opportunity.

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Five Reasons ‘The Marvels’ Needs Your Attention Now

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

With the release of The Marvels, the MCU’s next major film, many have been wondering if this one is as good as previous films, if it is essential to understanding Phase 4, and if it should be watched now or later on Disney+. These questions always arise with every new Marvel release, but I can say with enthusiasm that audiences must understand how great The Marvels is as a film, and how it should not be skipped at all this season.

Guests attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

Below are five reasons you should watch The Marvels as soon as possible, or you’re missing out.

The Marvels features the return of fan-favorite characters and actors

One of the first noticeable draws to watching a major blockbuster film like The Marvels is its use of a stellar cast, some of which are favorites among Marvel fans. Fans have been clamoring for a return for Iman Vellani, and the character she plays, Ms. Marvel, from her hit Disney+ show of the same name. This is the first time we see her working alongside her idol, Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson, who we have not seen since Avengers: Endgame, all the way in 2019. Also returning are Teyonah Parris, playing Monica Rambeau, and Samuel L. Jackson, playing his iconic role as Nick Fury. Fans of any of these characters will definitely be pleased, as they are further fleshed out and given new situations they must deal with.

(L-R) Lellies Santiago and Psyche Terry attend the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

The Marvels makes use of astounding CGI

The film also features amazing action and setpieces that is at times beautiful and a sight to behold. The lush alien landscapes and cosmic battles depicted are crisp, colorful, and grandiose, while still maintaining a level of realism that makes everything look believable. A highlight is the new mechanic that the three titular characters must face, which is that their locations in space are exchanged every time they use their powers. This creates some intense fight scenes that involve them constantly switching places and resulting in frantic, interesting combat that is a pleasure to watch.

Psyche Terry attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

The Marvels tells a compelling and heartfelt story

While there certainly are entertaining visual elements to the film, it should also be noted that the story is particularly intriguing and downright emotional at times. In the film, Captain Marvel struggles with the repercussions of her actions, as she has attempted to use her powers for good, but in doing so, she inadvertently deprived a planet of critical resources. In this film, she must face the consequences of her decisions, and how this affects her relationship with those that look up to her. There were several moments that were almost tear inducing, and those that enjoy a layered and complex plot will find plenty to love here.

The Marvels is funny as hell

I’ll say it: this movie is absolutely hilarious. For all its deeper and slower moments, it has situations that are side-splittingly funny. The movie seamlessly transitions between serious and comical moments, and one of its strong suits is being able to do so in a way that feels natural and not forced, even with high stakes.

D’Andre McKenzie attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

A particular moment that comes to mind is a sequence at a planet where all the inhabitants only speak in song and dance, which leads the main characters to fall into some hilarious situations as they attempt to communicate with these individuals. The movie is filled with moments like these that are extremely memorable.

The Marvels contributes to the overarching story in Phase 4

Lastly, those that want to see some progression with the overall Marvel story in Phase 4 will also be pleased. This film shows some continuation of Nick Fury’s character from Secret Invasion, with a possible setup for a future Avengers film, and also continues this phase’s themes of multiverse and the threats that follow. The after credit scenes show how several old and new characters will make an appearance in future movies, progressing this phase forward.

As can be seen, there are a multitude of reasons to watch The Marvels, and longtime fans of Marvel as well as newcomers will both be pleased. This film has something for everyone, for those that follow the lore extensively to those that are not as serious. Definitely catch this film soon, you will not be disappointed.

Ronnisha Peterson attends the Urban Hydration + Marvel private screening of “The Marvels” at AMC 42 in New York, New York, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann/Sipa USA)

Special thanks also goes out to Urban Hydration, the sponsor of the premiere event that I attended. I tried several of their moisturizing products, and I could see the difference instantly. For someone that suffers from dry skin in the colder months, something like this is an absolute life saver. Urban Hydration’s message itself spoke to me as well. I recognized the connection between the ideas of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvel’s superheroes embody, while also having fun. The Algae collection specifically is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow, and I couldn’t be more happy to promote this product: such a business that is proudly woman-owned and that supports woman empowerment is exactly what needs to be brought to light to give their mission a voice.

Founder Psyche Terry shared:

I believe that working with Marvel Studios provides an exciting platform for my to share the story of Urban Hydration’s mission and products in fun and creative ways.  I recognized the connection between the message of hydration, balance, and finding power within oneself that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody. The collaboration further expands on our Urban Hydration mission to reach more people, inspiring them to take charge of their skin needs and help power up their glow.  The connection between hydration, balance, and inner strength that Marvel’s Super Heroes embody resonates with Urban Hydration’s mission. This collaboration is about product promotion and sharing a powerful message of self-care and empowerment.  The Algae collection is a testament to Urban Hydration’s commitment to providing effective skincare solutions. It’s designed to cater to various skin needs, emphasizing the importance of self-care and achieving a natural, healthy glow and I couldn’t be more happy to bring this partnership to everyone.

The Marvels is in theaters right now, and Urban Hydration products can be purchased online from their website.

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Running with New Balance Means Running YOUR Way

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

With the impending TCS New York City Marathon, a long-distance run that sprawled all five boroughs of NYC and over 26.2 miles, New Balance decided to host an event to spotlight specific individuals that had signed up for the marathon, and with the help of New Balance, had taken their game and motivation to the next level. These individuals came from all walks of life and had varying levels of expertise running, and they therefore served as the perfect panelists to channel motivation and generate excitement for the upcoming event.

The event space itself was exuberant and lively, with a bar serving champagne, beer, and wine, and cater waiters walking around with hors d’oeuvres, such as spicy rigatoni vodka and vegetable dumplings. The surrounding walls were emblazoned with the words, “Run Your Way.”

The history of the 1080 sneaker

Along the back of the room was also a display of some of New Balance’s newest creations in terms of footwear, specifically focusing on the 1080 line. A visual diagram of the shoe’s history over 12 iterations was also displayed. I walked around and examined each one while trying a rice ball from the kitchen, and soon enough, the interview with the panelists was announced to begin soon.

Walking onto the stage first was Greydy Diaz, who would serve as the moderator and interviewer for the event. Her backstory was interesting because she had a natural connection with New Balance; she grew up extremely close to a New Balance factory, and could see first hand the impact that brought onto her community. Now, she works as a journalist, producer, and host of the show “Test Run”. She quieted the audience, introduced herself, and ushered in the individuals that would be interviewed.

Moderator Greydy Diaz

Jess Movold, Tommie Runz, Harry Hudson, and Marlon “Chito” Vera walked onto the stage, each person with their own special connection to New Balance and running, and each a participant in the upcoming marathon. Through the interview process, I was able to learn about what motivates each individual, and their unique stories that allowed them to discover running. Jess Movold is an elite runner that is focused on using running as a way to build a community for others, and connect newcomers to the sport. Working as an athlete, coach, creator, and journalist, she works to spread awareness about the benefits of running and make it as assessable as possible.

Tommie Runz used running as a way of coping with his struggles growing up in Detroit while battling addiction, sobriety, and fatherhood. He now works as a content creator and hosts his own Youtube series, which he uses to bring people together and maintain inclusivity, and also uses the platform to talk about his vulnerability and how running has helped him.

Harry Hudson is the most recent advocate of running from those on stage, having only started several months ago, but his story was no less powerful. He battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma early in his life, and as a musician, he used music and running to maintain his physical and mental health. He will be participating in the TCS marathon for the first time this year, and raising money for his charity.

Lastly was Marlon “Chito” Vera, an Ecuadorian UFC fighter who utilizes running to build mental and physical strength, by running thirteen miles each Sunday as part of his training. With this increasing his stamina in and out, he can stay more focused during fights and last much longer than his opponents. The most unlikely out of the panelists to be thought of as a runner, he demonstrated to us that anyone could run.

I truly felt inspired after hearing the panelists’ stories, and I began to reflect on my own workouts and how I may incorporate running to be a part of them. I have traditionally overlooked cardio exercises, but after learning about the overwhelming benefits to the heart, body, and mind, I decided that I would take the initiative to begin running.

Rapper Action Bronson gave a stellar live performance to end the night

I could not run in the TCS marathon this year, but I really want to do so next year, and this would only be possible after becoming comfortable with running. Of course, New Balance would be there with their amazing products along the way.

At the end of the night, we were greeted by a performance by Queens-based rapper Action Bronson and his band, who played a myriad of covers, original pieces, and Action Bronson’s own music. Donning New Balance 990s, his energy and care towards lyricism were truly a sight to behold. On the way out, New Balance employees were giving sneakers to all media attendees, much to my surprise. Internally acknowledging that I had no excuse to avoid running now, I added a reminder to my phone to go on a run the next day. I no longer felt threatened by the prospect, because after all, I would be running my way.

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Five Nights at Freddy’s Might Make You Die of Fright, If You’re Ready

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

There is a precedent for bad video game movie adaptations. These are usually purely meant as cash grabs, enticing children that care little for plot, logic, and production quality to spend their parents’ money to see the same characters they know on a bigger screen. This is arguably a pretty devastating mindset to have when reviewing any movie, and even though I try to remain unbiased, my expectations were pretty low for Five Nights at Freddy’s. Boy, was I wrong.

To give context, I have played the games occasionally over the years. While the gameplay itself is enjoyable, what I loved even more was the deep lore that each game contributed to, and how I had to piece it all together and speculate how the next game would completely change it all. Watching YouTubers like The Game Theorist, also known as MatPat, explains several theories about the game’s story after each release became routine and was an integral component of the game experience for me.

This is why this movie was such a surprise: despite my low expectations, the film is endowed with a shockingly endearing story that actually gives the characters weight and realistic motivations. These are expanded from the backstories in the games, and add additional details and stakes to the plot. For one, Mike’s relentless pursuit to remember his younger brother’s kidnapper through his own dreams was surprisingly tear-jerking, and was an interesting concept that I had not experienced before. The movie stays faithful to the lore, and any fan will recognize dozens of references that show that a true fan of the games made this movie, put together with delicate love.

Along with the plot, the effects and scares were especially tantalizing. I remained on the edge of my seat the whole time, as the movie’s primary mode of communicating fear wasn’t the cheap jump scares I expected, but a slow, foreboding horror that refused to let up. The film actually contained very few jump scares, and rather used the much more potent incorporation of slow shots, creepy music, and general sense of tension. The CGI of the animatronics was also on point, and they looked tangible and grounded, while also maintaining a sense of freaky, warped dream-like reality. The production for this film was absolutely perfect in execution.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Both Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail were amazing, as Mike and Vanessa, and Matthew Lillard (loved him from the Scooby-Doo films) brought a certain frantic energy that was indescribable. Piper Rubio surpassed the annoying-kid trope that I have become so accustomed to in recent movies, and she actually gave a solid, intelligent performance for someone her age. I also very much enjoyed the MatPat cameo, and I knew at that point that the film was a definitely a love-letter to fans of the FNAF franchise.

Five Nights at Freddy’s are in theaters now, and you definitely do not want to miss it this Halloween season.

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Hot Wheels Knows How to Give the Whole Family a Monster Good Time

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks were a classic staple of my childhood. I mean, what five-year-old boy doesn’t have even the smallest desire to throw his meaty little paws around a toy truck of doom named Boneshaker or Gunkster? These toys dominated my early years, and it was absolutely fantastic to still see how profound an impact the same brand had on today’s children. As I walked into Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn for the Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow Party event, all I could see were little kids streaming past me with their families, thrilled to see their favorite toys come to life. It was a magical moment.

Taking a seat, I took a minute to marvel at the way the arena had been decorated. I had been at Barclays before for several concerts, but now, it had been completely transformed to include the wide-open space needed to drive several gas-guzzling behemoths. The Hot Wheels iconic branding was draped all around the walls, and there was a massive set of screens hanging from the ceiling that would allow for a closeup on the action no matter what. What was really stealing all attention, however, was the stack of dilapidated vehicles arranged on the ground. This might have perplexed some, but everyone in the audience knew: by the end of the night, these cars would be a remnant of what we were currently seeing. The show was about to begin.

The performances were astounding. Sure, I was a bit old for some of the crowd interactions (like when all the kids were asked to get up and dance like their life depended on it, and every five-year-old around me burst into their favorite Fortnite dance), but seeing the trucks themselves was a joy. They were loud, abrasive, and pure machines of destruction. I was able to see Mega Wrex, a dinosaur-themed truck, Tiger Shark, which looked like a tiger but had a shark fin, Boneshaker, which was made up of old boneyard parts, and others. Each truck had its own story and own quirks, and each took turns competing in a series of challenges that would be scored and ranked. For instance, one of the first was a bid for the best wheelie that could be performed by the trucks, on top of the bed of cars. What followed was a glorious cacophony of crunching steel and deep, screaming engines. I felt giddy.

After several more fun competitions such as best burnout and longest airtime, we were in for a treat for the “halftime show”, which I could never had anticipated. A giant box with wheels slowly rolled into the arena amidst heavy rock music and a huge applause from the audience. I watched as the top opened up like some Transformer, and a metal dinosaur, complete with evil eyes and a razor-sharp grin, unfolded out. The screens everywhere were emblazoned with its name: MEGASAURUS. It picked up an old car, and completely bit it in half. The kids around me were jumping out of their seats maniacally as pieces of old sedan dropped from the mouth of the ferocious beast. Even their parents had giant smiles plastered on their faces as it breathed a burst of fire.

After that show-stopping interjection, I was eager to see whether the next act would top it. When I saw workers rolling out a giant ramp, I knew I was in for a delight. Suddenly, I was witnessing several thrillchasers launching themselves on dirt bikes into the air, and landing on a giant inflatable pad. I was starstruck. As I watched, the motocross team circled back and relaunched, performing flips and aerial stunts that seemed to defy gravity. I was suddenly a kid again again amongst kids, and my attention was glued.

I was left walking out of Barclays Center wondering at what point in my life I had turned into such a boring adult. Reflecting on ancient times when Hot Wheels and Thomas the Tank Engine were the peak concerns I had in life, I came to realize that this night had helped me step back, albeit only for a couple of hours or so, into my older, smaller shoes. The fact that some force managed to achieve that is no small feat, and if one is able to experience this Monster Truck show from Hot Wheels even once and manage to unlock a memory from a small pocket of their childhood, I will consider that a win.

Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is currently touring the U.S, and is 100% a can’t-miss event.

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I Spent a Weekend with Ford’s Largest and Most Unruly

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

When you picture a pickup truck, it is typically in its natural habitat: on a road snaking through a cornfield, carrying bales of hay, or hauling metal beams from a construction site, or towing a trailer filled with cows. At least that’s what I imagine it to be doing, anyway, considering how I have never really used such a vehicle before. In any case, it’s definitely not parked in suburban Queens, NYC, with me, a skinny city kid with no use for such a vehicle whatsoever, sitting in the driver seat, staring in awe at the dials and switches on the console like I was being suddenly asked to pilot a WWII aircraft. Yet, here I was, and there it was, and I was absolutely loving it. I would be able to use this Ford F-150 Raptor 4×4 Supercrew for a whole weekend, and take it wherever and use for whatever. The possibilities were endless. So this is not going to be a review of what it’s like to use this truck for work, or how it increases productivity, or what’s under the hood, or horsepower or torque. Oh no. This will be a review of what it’s like for someone who has no knowledge of these things whatsoever, probably won’t care about these things, and who will most likely never live in a place or do anything that would practically require such a truck.

First impressions were impressive. I was just blown away by the sheer size of it, a behemoth of a vehicle. The wheelwell came all the way up to my bellybutton, and even just seeing the whole vehicle required me to step back a couple of feet. Painted in a bright orange paint, it was immediately noticeable, and stole the show from any of my neighbor’s puny Kias and Teslas. Climbing into it required hoisting yourself up using the built-in pull handle just inside the door, and stepping onto the metal stepper. Sitting within, I was immediately struck by how high I actually was. I was looking at the roofs of SUVs as they passed by, peeping at the bald spots of their drivers for the first time. The cabin within was exceptionally comfortable, with ample space for the driver, passenger, and anyone in the rear seats (from overwhelming positive receptions). A spacious interior was to be expected, however; what wasn’t were the myriad of tech features. CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless and seamless, and dash controls, power management, and comfort settings were all extensive and highly customizable, all ready for 2024 and beyond.

Pondering what my first stop would be, I first decided to drive to the houses of a couple of my buddies, and convince them that I had just bought a brand new truck. Driving the truck was a whole challenge in and of itself. I had to retrain my mind to account for the massive size of the body, and readjust my knowledge of where I believed the right side of the vehicle was and how close I would be to parked cars. It was extremely stressful, and very close to what I imagine it would feel like to drive a blimp down a small two-way street. Once I got the hang of it, I arrived at my friends’ houses, and put on the performance of my lifetime (“I had to take out three loans, but it was worth it! Yeah okay, so what if it only gets 12 miles per gallon and I’m not a contractor?”) After their bouts of jealously and of disbelief that I had done something so financially cavalier, I headed to my local gym, where I knew several muscle bros hung out in the parking lot in their slightly smaller trucks, spewing masculinity upon the afraid and undeserving. I pulled into the lot and drove past, specifically setting my exhaust settings to Sport to achieve the most massive rumble, and got a kick out of the look on their faces. There was a new big dog in town (for the next two days).

I decided to plan a miniature road trip with some of my homies to get the full American experience out of the truck, and we couldn’t decide on anything more American than an afternoon at a gun range. We found one in the less-liberal state of Pennsylvania that allowed us to rent a couple firearms without a license, and set on our way. Blasting music for hours, we were astounded by the quality of the truck’s superior surround-sound speaker setup (say that three times fast). We put on Travis Scott’s new Utopia album, and were amazed at the smallest intricacies and details in the tracks that we had completely missed on other listens. It was like we were finally hearing the album the way La Flame had intended, and cuts like Hyaena filled our ears with pure, unadulterated sound. Kanye’s Yeezus was next, and the speaker setup became one of my favorite features from the truck.

A late-night photoshoot

Later at night when we were returning, and driving through lonely and foggy Pennsylvania forests, the truck’s features really began shining, literally and figuratively. One of the best was an adaptive high beam, which only turned on when we needed it around low-visibility turns or steep hills. The multitude of cameras on the vehicle also helped immensely, as we were able to see all around us at all times, including the bed of the pickup. I felt extremely self aware, and finally felt like a pro at parking. The weekend was also filled with several realizations, such as how embedded in car culture trucks really are. We were stopped by several other pickup truck drivers, who gaped at our setup and asked how powerful our rig was and how much we paid for it (which we obviously didn’t know the answer to.) I also connected several dots after I realized the rear flap that opened was called a tailgate (“Like the party? Like when someone gets too close behind you while driving??!”) I of course realized that I had been the ignorant one in terms of the origin of words.

The weekend ended up being an incredible one. Getting the opportunity to use such a hardy vehicle simply for entertainment without having to purchase it is a rare one, and I valued every second with it. Between having the McDonald’s drive thru operator hand us our food by stretching himself up to our extremely high window, and my friend messaging me at 6am in the morning asking if I could please help him transport several huge packages he absolutely needed to drop off at UPS within the hour, every experience was amazing and I truly appreciated how the Ford F-150 got us through it all. An extremely powerful vehicle with off-road capabilities and an incredible road presence, if this Raptor was made with all of the bang but without the pickup aspect and without the $115k price tag, I would love to give it a try again and possibly even purchase one in the future (I’m looking at you, Bronco.)

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Ford Keeps Car Culture Alive By Throwing You in a Manual Mustang

by Ishan Wankavala
written by Ishan Wankavala

Without much preamble, it’s safe to say that this year’s muscle car talk has definitely been centered around Ford. With its show-stopping all new Mustang Dark Horse, and with other manufacturers shifting to EVs, Ford has remained the safe haven for enthusiasts. They have decided to double down on their market share, and have introduced a slew of events and programs to keep fans interested and coming back for more. The latest? A Save the Manual event, in which participants have the opportunity to try the new Dark horse, and learn how to drive stick. This was an opportunity I definitely could not miss.

I arrived at the location, set up in the parking lot of CitiField. I had the opportunity to try my hand at driving manual in the Ford Bronco as well, and since the Mustang was occupied (and definitely more difficult), I decided to try the Bronco first.

The Ford Bronco, courtesy of Ford

I had never driven a manual vehicle before this event, and had only had experience using paddle shifters in my own vehicle. Assuming that this would give me a bit of a head start, I soon realized I was very wrong. With a Ford instructor in the passenger seat, I quickly stalled the vehicle in less than thirty seconds. “You want to slowwwly peel your foot off the clutch, and right in the sweet spot you want to start pressing down on the gas,” the instructor explained to me. I slowly released my left foot off of the clutch, and as I pressed down on the gas pedal, the car lurched forward and came to a grinding halt as the engine stalled out. My instructor laughed as I sheepishly turned the car back on and tried again. After several more tries (and several more failures), I began getting the hang of it.

Pretty soon, it was time to start shifting into gears beyond the first. My instructor explained that it was the same process, except that I had to watch my RPM and ensure that I was in the sweet spot, around 3000 RPMS for the Bronco, before I shifted. This number would vary for each gear however, and since the location for the shifter to go for each gear was different as well, it was starting to become a lot to remember. Pretty soon, I slipped up and let go of the clutch too early, and the vehicle jerked to a stop and stalled once more, right when I thought I was getting the hang of it. Driving stick was a lot harder than I thought it would be! It was definitely more fulfilling , however. I could sense the lurches in the cars engine, and the sound tones that would signal to me when it was time to shift and when I couldn’t. I felt much more closely connected to the car.

After getting the hang of the Bronco, it was time for me to move on to the Dark Horse, which I was extremely excited about. Accompanying me in the vehicle was NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney, who had been driving stick shift his entire life. It truly was a dream come true.

As I started the vehicle, I was prepared for the worse. If the Bronco had been difficult, this awesome V8 would definitely throw me for a loop.

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse, courtesy of Ford

However, I was pleasantly surprised that driving the Mustang came easier than the Bronco. The random stalls and mistakes that came with the Bronco never came with the Mustang, and I grew more and more comfortable driving it as I shifted to higher gears. It was definitely a more forgiving car. Since Ryan did not have to do much instructing, we had much more time to talk, and we conversed about driving, cars, his NASCAR career, and even other topics like movies. It was a wonderful experience.

I truly admire the effort that Ford is putting into keeping the car enthusiast culture alive. Driving manual is definitely not a necessary skill; after all, driving automatic is easier and more applicable to the masses. However, for enthusiasts, it provides a deeper and richer experience with their vehicles, and allows for more refined control of their machine. This is something that is definitely valuable, and with the advent of EVs, it seems like it is a dying skill. With no one left that is interested in the hobby, car manufacturers will neglect to make a manual variant of their cars, and the sense of connection with one’s car will be lost.

The Mustang Dark Horse shifter, courtesy of Ford

This is why it is important to keep passing down our skills, teaching as many as we can, and learn all that we can, so that this wonderful ability can stay alive. I truly thank Ford for their commitment to providing individuals with the outlet to hone this skill, and I am confident that as long as manufacturers keep giving programs and events that allow for knowledge transfer, as Ford has done, and do not simply kill off their manual variants in the name of cutting costs, driving stick will be enjoyed by many for decades to come.

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