A24’s The Iron Claw tells the story of the prestigious Von Erich professional wrestling family, who were one of the biggest attractions in Texas during the late 1970’s and early 1990’s, when they were a major attraction on the wrestling circuit. More specifically, their rise to fame within the World Class Championship Wrestling territory.
What The Iron Claw does well is pull back the curtain to showcase the family drama and the known stories about the Von Erichs. Prepare yourself for the long-lasting feeling of sadness and guilt that will follow you for the rest of the time if you went into this film thinking it was just another drama like others.
Zac Efron, portraying Kevin Von Erich, and Jeremy Allen White, cast as Kerry Von Erich, along with Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich and Stanley Simons as Mike Von Erich, successfully captured their respective roles. Initially, I had reservations about the casting, particularly concerning Jeremy Allen White’s physical appearance compared to the real-life Kerry Von Erich, who was a formidable figure. However, despite initial concerns about the actors’ appearances, White delivered a convincing performance and skillfully portrayed Kerry’s darker side. Zac Efron’s portrayal of Kevin Kon Erich in The Iron Claw was outstanding, making him a central character alongside their father, Fritz Von Erich, played by Holt McCallany.
Turning our attention to Fritz, Holt McCallany’s depiction of him was particularly noteworthy. McCallany not only captured the essence of Fritz through his on-screen presence, mannerisms, and acting delivery, but he also brought to life the complex character of a man more focused on personal gain and the success of WCCW than on being a nurturing father to his sons.
Fritz, both in real life and on-screen, was driven by an intense desire to showcase his sons and propel them into the limelight. His obsession with pushing them beyond their limits was not merely rooted in paternal care but also in a strategic move against the National Wrestling Alliance. McCallany’s performance skillfully mirrored the real-life Fritz, creating an uncanny resemblance that added depth and authenticity to the portrayal. It was a portrayal that went beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of Fritz’s motivations and the dynamics within the wrestling world.
The production quality of The Iron Claw is exceptional. Back in the mid-1990s, I used to watch WCCW, thanks to my father’s tape trading. WCCW wasn’t available in every market during its original run unless you had premium cable. My father, a fan at the time, contributed to this by tape trading. Additionally, I witnessed WCCW after WWE acquired its tape library in 2004.
A24 has truly captured the essence and visual appeal of the former wrestling territory. What impressed me even more was their inclusion of family members discussing WCCW’s production, along with a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a talking promo segment effective or not. They also delved into the overall business perspective of that era. When compared to other wrestling territories in the 1980s, WCCW’s production surpassed them all that were not WWF or WCW.
During the scene where Jeremy and Zac portrayed the moment when Kerry called Kevin before his suicide, their performance was exceptional. They skillfully conveyed the emotions and nuances of the conversation, bringing authenticity to the characters.
Moreover, the portrayal of Kerry’s struggle was palpable, especially after losing his foot in a motorcycle accident. Despite the pain and anguish, he made every effort to conceal his condition while continuing to wrestle and working tirelessly to regain his in-ring form. The actors effectively depicted the complexity of Kerry’s emotions and the challenges he faced, providing a compelling and realistic portrayal of his character’s journey.
Another notable aspect is the depiction of the Mike Von Erich situation. Among the brothers, he had the least experience in wrestling and only pursued it to satisfy Fritz. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury in the ring, and during his surgery, he was diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome, ultimately leading to his untimely death shortly thereafter. The scene featuring the press conference with Mike was particularly well-executed, closely resembling the real-life event.
Initially, you might find it strange that there was no mention of Chris Von Erich in the film, but after watching and learning that Kerry Von Erich committed suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wounds, I think it makes sense to not include Chris Von Erich since he also died in the same way.
In conclusion, A24’s The Iron Claw stands as a poignant and masterfully crafted depiction of the legendary Von Erich professional wrestling family and their rise to fame within the World Class Championship Wrestling territory. The film skillfully unveils the family drama and well-known stories about the Von Erichs, leaving a lasting impression of sorrow and reflection.
The stellar cast, led by Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons, delivered outstanding performances that breathed life into their characters, capturing the complexity and depth of the Von Erich brothers’ struggles.
The movie will also appeal to non-wrestling fans since the wrestling aspect only provides a context for how and why the Von Erich family is famous. The dichotomy of their journey leaves an indelible mark, inviting audiences to reflect on the highs and lows of an extraordinary family destined for both triumph and heartbreak.
This week’s episode of Power Book III: Raising Kanan delivered yet another compelling installment, maintaining the series’ reputation for consistent writing and pacing. The intricate web of relationships and the characters’ evolving dynamics add depth to the narrative, making it an engaging watch. Especially one week after Howard killed Birch.
The upcoming season of Power Book III: Raising Kanan promises to delve even deeper into the intricate dynamics of loyalty and trust, becoming a thematic linchpin that shapes the narrative. As the characters evolve and face new challenges, the exploration of loyalty takes center stage, providing a lens through which viewers can dissect the complex relationships within the storyline. The fabric of trust will be tested in unexpected ways, adding layers of tension and suspense that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
In this gripping new season, loyalty becomes a driving force that influences character decisions, alliances, and conflicts. The narrative intricately weaves a tapestry of connections, examining the lengths to which individuals will go to uphold their loyalties and the consequences of betrayal. Viewers can anticipate a compelling exploration of the blurred lines between friend and foe, family and adversary, as the characters navigate a world where trust is both a powerful currency and a fragile commodity.
Patina Miller highlighted that Raq is facing the consequences of her lies. As the third season begins, trust is absent, and the family is depicted as more fractured than ever. Particularly, the trust between Raq and Kanan is emphasized as nonexistent, a situation that evokes fear in a mother. Kanan, who has been Raq’s best friend and the center of her world, now lacks trust in her, creating a challenging and unsettling dynamic for both.
“We start this season where he wants nothing to do with her. And you have to watch her deal with that,” she said. “She has to deal with all of those things, while also, business wise, making the decision to reevaluate her place in this thing that she set up for herself.”
Patina Miller is not alone. MeKai Curtis, also has the same sentiment about this season’s theme of trust and loyalty. Curtis expressed the essence of any relationship lies in the beauty of friendship. Despite inevitable ups and downs, the key is to have each other’s backs and navigate through challenges together.
“Everybody, while they’re there, figuring out who they are and what they want, everybody kind of has their own thing so you can’t you can’t be mad at somebody for who they are,” Curtis told us.
As Power Book III: Raising Kanan embarks on its next chapter, the emphasis on loyalty and trust serves as a thematic anchor, shaping the evolution of characters and the overarching storyline. The season promises to deliver a riveting exploration of the intricacies involved in navigating a world where trust is elusive, and loyalties are both tested and defined in unexpected ways.
Joey BadA$$, who plays Unique, shared his point of view on the theme for this season’s Raising Kanan as his character has a brother named Ronnie, who is out of prison. Joey also expressed that everyone encounters their own set of challenges, especially within the context of family dynamics. As observed in the last season, there were conflicts between Uncle Lou’s and Rock’s characters, resembling a big brother-sister relationship. This theme of trust presents similar challenges for the character Unique.
“Ronnie is clearly not pleased with the way that Unique has what he’s done with the Empire,” said Joey BadA$$. “And I don’t think that he necessarily trusts him to get what he wants to get done to the point where he feels like he has to take matters into his own hands.”
London Brown notes that Marvin’s engagement with therapy has allowed him to embrace chess more in the current season than he did in the past. On the other hand, Lou-Lou’s trust has suffered irreparable damage, influencing his actions throughout the season due to feeling wronged. The pervasive distrust has repercussions, affecting his relationships, including with his favorite niece, Jukebox.
Hailey reflects on the past seasons, highlighting how various characters have repeatedly broken Juke’s trust. However, Jukebox is evolving, learning to adapt and not rely as heavily on familiar figures who have let her down. This maturation process involves navigating new relationships and discovering individuals beyond her usual circle.
You can check out the full interviews with the cast of Power Book III: Raising Kanan below.
In a groundbreaking move, RZA, the visionary force behind the iconic Wu-Tang Clan, is poised to captivate audiences with his latest venture—Wu-Wednesdays, a dynamic radio show set to debut on LL COOL J’s esteemed Rock The Bells Radio on SiriusXM, broadcasting on Channel 43. This innovative platform promises a sonic journey through the rich tapestry of Wu-Tang Clan’s storied legacy, showcasing classic tracks that have left an indelible mark on the genre.
However, Wu-Wednesdays goes beyond the realm of nostalgia, offering an immersive experience with exclusive DJ mixes, unreleased musical gems, and engaging interviews with special guests. RZA, known for his groundbreaking contributions to the hip-hop landscape, invites listeners to join him on a weekly exploration of the past, present, and future of the Wu-Tang legacy, making Wednesday nights a must-listen for hip-hop enthusiasts and music connoisseurs alike.
We recently caught up with RZA. Embarking on a project he has long harbored a desire for, RZA expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming launch of “Wu-Wednesdays” on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio. Reflecting on the journey, he revealed, “Well, it’s just something I’ve been wanting to do for years. It’s funny because maybe five years ago I was going to do it with the BBC, and then I was going to do it right in New York with Hot 97,” he said. In essence, RZA sees Rock The Bells Radio as the ideal platform to bring “Wu-Wednesdays” to life, aligning seamlessly with the station’s significance in the hip-hop landscape.
RZA acknowledged, “It’s something that I probably had in my creative wheelhouse and never really got a chance to fully explore. And now I do have the chance, and I’m looking forward to exploring it.” RZA has always wanted to do radio, so this radio venture represents the fulfillment of a creative aspiration he had for years.
RZA also highlighted the importance of staying authentic to different demographics as Wu Tang Clan’s music is geared towards Gen X, older and younger Millennials while also Gen Z, who is discovering it for the first time. The optimal approach is to retain your talent and music within your creative arsenal. Wu-Tang Clan, in particular, has carved out a distinctive subgenre within hip-hop, evident in their expansive catalog that could arguably require the collaboration of a substantial portion of the hip-hop community to match. It’s extensive catalog serves as a perpetual source of discovery, marking a rite of passage for generations—from Wu-Tang’s inception to the present day. Countless enthusiasts have attested that their initiation into the realm of hip-hop stemmed from the transformative experience of engaging with Wu-Tang’s seminal works like “36 Chambers” or other projects within the Wu-Tang Clan.
“I think that Wu-Tang, especially in our first 5 to 7 albums, are capturing the youth energy of the world, especially of America, of our community, but of the world because you get nine points of view of young energy. And I think when somebody hears it, that is something that relates to them. A kid could be 14 years old and he’s ready to bring the ruckus. A kid could be 19 about to go to college and think about his parents and growing up saying why life can be all so simple. Or a kid could be exploring life and getting into the job market and realize cash can rule around him,” he said.
Also during our discussion about the intricacies of musical production, RZA delves into the episode of sampling on “Wu-Tang: American Saga,” shedding light on the artistry and innovation that defined the group’s distinctive sound. With a narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes and creative processes, RZA offers a unique glimpse into the transformative role of sampling in shaping the Wu-Tang Clan’s iconic tracks.
“That was the intention of that when we sat down and we decided how we wanted to explain it,” said RZA. “We thought about other movies that did great music documentaries, whether it was Rocketman or whether it was, you know, James Brown or all these biopics. Everybody has a way of going into showing the creation of music. But for hip hop, it’s a different formula, a different process. And we said the only way to do it is to actually see if we could go into the mind of the producer and explain what he’s doing. And as I explained it in the writers room, we were able to put it in writing and we had Mario Van Peebles, a very intelligent director. He was able to then take that and translate it into the episode that we saw, which I think is good enough to be shown in classes. I think it’s like an educational tool. You could take that now and use it as a reference to understand the process of hip hop creativity and production.”
STARZ has officially announced the commencement of production for the fourth season of its esteemed family crime drama, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.”
This milestone comes ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of its third season on December 1. Production is scheduled to commence this week in New York.
Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ, expressed enthusiasm about continuing Kanan Stark’s narrative. She anticipates that viewers, following the intense events unfolding in the third season, will demand more insights into Kanan’s character, exploring how his formative years shape the cold-hearted villain introduced in the original ‘Power’ series. Notably, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is the first Power spinoff to reach its fourth season, highlighting its enduring success. The fourth season is slated for debut in 2024.
They set season three to debut on December 1, with subsequent episodes released weekly on Fridays at midnight ET on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. The linear premiere is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on STARZ in the U.S. and 9:00 pm ET in Canada.
Set against the backdrop of the early 1990s, the series explores the origin story of the beloved character, Kanan Stark, as he enters the criminal world under the ruthless leadership of his mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas. The cast includes MeKai Curtis as Kanan, Tony® Award winner Patina Miller as Raq, Omar Epps as Detective Malcolm Howard, and a stellar ensemble portraying other key characters.
Sascha Penn will resume his role as the showrunner and executive producer for the upcoming fourth season. The “Power” Universe series continues to be executive produced by Courtney A. Kemp, creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, and Mark Canton. Additional executive producers include Chris Selak and Kevin Fox. The series is produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan is gearing up for an eagerly awaited return on December 1st, marking the arrival of its highly anticipated third season. The stakes are set high, especially after the intense season two finale, where Unique’s unexpected intervention during Sal’s multi-group assault left fans on the edge of their seats. As the premiere date approaches, viewers are eager to witness the repercussions unfold for pivotal characters like Kanan, Raquel, Howard, and Unique.
Having had the exclusive opportunity to preview the first three episodes of Raising Kanan’s third season, this non-spoiler preview aims to shed light on what audiences can anticipate in the Season 3 premiere. One notable highlight is the deeper exploration of Unique’s character as his family takes center stage, providing additional layers to his enigmatic persona. Joey Bada$$ is garnering praise for his portrayal, infusing Unique’s character with a more human and nuanced dimension.
The episode delves into Kanan’s evolving sense of distrust towards Raquel, stemming from past events, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her. Alongside this central narrative, there is an intriguing subplot involving Kanan and Famous, who harbor aspirations of entering the world of illegal business. Simultaneously, law enforcement becomes more vigilant in response to the escalating drug trade, a direct consequence of the Season 2 finale’s bloodbath.
Jukebox’s storyline takes a poignant turn as she grapples with the aftermath of her mother’s death from the Season 2 finale. This sets the emotional tone for her character arc throughout the season, with an anticipated heart-rending scene between Jukebox and Raquel promising to add significant depth to the storyline.
Viewers are advised to brace themselves for two unexpected scenes—one featuring an unforeseen plot twist and another described as a jaw-dropping moment that will leave them questioning the reality of the events.
The first episode of Raising Kanan’s third season sets the tone with a grounded and grittier atmosphere. The characters, navigating through unforeseen situations, promise heightened suspense and drama. The commendable direction of the episode not only captures attention but also sets the stage for a season filled with unforeseen twists and turns, elevating the overall viewing experience for fans of the Power series.
When Fear The Walking Dead debuted in 2015, it had a different premise and expanded on the idea of showcasing how the zombie outbreak happened on the west side of the United States. Characters such as Madison, Alicia, Troy, and Strand became household names as Fear gave us interesting stories from them.
Seasons 1 to 3 are regarded as the best seasons of Fear as the quality was compared to the main show. Season 4 onwards, with the exception of season 6, has been met with average to low quality reception as the show deteriorated from what it once was.
This week marks the end of Fear The Walking Dead and I wish I could say that there was anything that I liked outside of Alicia and Madison’s reunion. That is because the same tropes of this whole season kept coming back to bite me. Everyone was just out of character with these big long speeches, walkie talkies, a bad script that should have been flushed down the toilet, and non-essential plot twists that made no sense whatsoever.
I’ve noticed that the recent story progression in the last two episodes of the show, up to the reunion, bears a striking resemblance to The Walking Dead’s final episode from last year. A side-by-side comparison reveals undeniable similarities. I’m puzzled as to why Troy was brought back only to be killed off four episodes later, especially considering he never posed a convincing and credible threat throughout his entire time on screen.
Alicia’s cult storyline continues to be a source of frustration for me and I am glad that it is over. The portrayal of these kids, who talk and act like full-grown adults, feels unrealistic and detracts from the narrative.The ongoing conversation about PADRE appears dull and inconsequential, lacking a clear purpose. Tracy’s revelation that Alicia is her mom sparks timeline questions, especially considering Alicia’s near-death experience from radiation seven years ago. However, the plot twist reveals that Tracy is not actually Alicia’s mom. Huh, talk about a stupid fucking turn of events!
It appears that the showrunners introduced fan service moments to distract from the issues of pacing and writing for the series finale of Fear The Walking Dead. Despite these concerns, the reunion was well-executed and perhaps the most natural one this season.
When I think about Fear The Walking Dead, all I can see is the wasted potential it had. Unlike (to an extent) World Beyond, Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and even Tales, Fear’s writing has been all over the place since season 3. It’s too obsessed with throwing in easter eggs and reminding us of the good old days instead of telling a solid story.
The ending felt like a letdown, and it seems like they did it just to get people hyped for ANOTHER potential spinoff with the leftover Clark family members. It’s a bit of a mess, to be honest and this show and the actors and staff deserve way better than what they, and the fans got.
In its recently concluded second season, Power Book IV: Force, guided by showrunner Gary Lennon’s creative direction, has successfully embraced a distinctive and authentic approach, immersing viewers in the vibrant and dynamic inner workings of Chicago rather than having it as a backdrop. Diverging from conventional narratives, Lennon steered the series towards an exploration of the city’s unique character, infusing authenticity into the storyline.
This deliberate shift provided a spotlight on Chicago’s diverse landscapes, cultural nuances, and societal intricacies, offering viewers a richer and more genuine viewing experience. Lennon’s creative vision not only captivated audiences with a compelling storyline but also ensured an immersive journey into the authentic essence of Chicago throughout the season.
“I needed to constrict and expand what didn’t work in season one. I think collectively we all, even myself as a fan of power and a writer of the original show Power as well, didn’t love Season one. I thought there were a lot of missteps. I thought there were a lot of opportunities that weren’t taken advantage of. And so what I did was I just sat with my writers in a room and I said, ‘I don’t think this works, I think we could lose this. I think we could lose that,’” he said.
Driven by a passion for street life, grit, and crime narratives in writing, Lennon expressed a desire to reintroduce these elements into the narrative landscape. Dissatisfied with the initial season’s portrayal, the creative vision sought to capture a more authentic essence reflective of Chicago. This quest led to extensive exploration, riding around in vans to observe locations tied to real-life incidents, aiming to infuse the series with the city’s distinct atmosphere. Intriguingly, Lennon emphasized a keen interest in juxtaposing high-end and low-end dynamics, adding further layers to the storytelling approach.
“Our job as writers was to tell the stories that we were interested in telling and to get rid of the ones like, for example, dahlia. None of us in the writers room felt like that was an interesting story line, and so we jetted it right away and moved on. I knew that I wanted to bring the feds into the story since Tommy had faked his death in New York in the end of the other show so I wanted the feds to become aware of that,” he said.
Lennon is not alone. Joseph Sikora, who plays Tommy Egan and is also a Chicago native, emphasized the significance of highlighting specific moments in the narrative, such as when the character is at the bus stop or during scenes set in a Serbian restaurant. He expressed that these instances capture the life and essence of the city, serving as its lifeblood. Sikora noted the tendency to overlook the intricacies when focusing too narrowly on individual elements, likening it to not seeing the forest for the trees. In commending Gary Lennon, Sikora praised the showrunner’s exceptional ability to portray the distinctive facets of Chicago, steering away from broad strokes and opting for a nuanced approach instead of relying on overarching, generalized images.
“I think that Gary did a really wonderful job of balancing what the reality of Chicago is and that is obviously a very diverse community and population, but also very sectionalized and a very heavy Latin influence. And instead of just using Chicago as a backdrop, I think that we’ve all seen downtown, we’ve all seen the beautiful skyline of Chicago and on the river. But sometimes you haven’t just seen the super marcato, you know, and you haven’t just seen the places in Little Village and actually filming in these neighborhoods where this is supposed to take place,” said Sikora.
Joseph Sikora acknowledging the exceptional contributions to the show’s visual storytelling, credit is extended to the remarkable Director of Photography, Joe Jody Williams. Sikora said his consistent and outstanding work throughout the season was integral to its success. Williams played a crucial role in orchestrating a beautiful and cohesive visual narrative, ensuring a seamless and consistent look that carried through from the beginning to the end of the season. The resulting visual continuity added depth and coherence to the overall storytelling experience.
