Celebrating the holidays is always better with a little tequila
In this week’s episode of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, the portrayal of Ronnie’s character brings forth a striking resemblance to the older Kanan we once knew.
His demeanor exudes a sense of cool, calm, and collected savagery, reminiscent of Kanan’s initial encounters, especially when he locked eyes with the bouncer. The silent, intense stare mirrors the memorable moment when Kanan first met Brock, foreshadowing unforeseen consequences.
As we witness older Kanan’s analogies unfold, they transcend beyond his character, resonating with the overarching narratives in OG Power and other Books, notably Ghost, Tommy, Tariq, and a myriad of other characters. The recurring theme of choosing to be a little fish or a big fish serves as a powerful metaphor, urging characters to evolve and grow in order to claim their rightful place.
The emergence of Kanan’s courier system harkens back to the origins of Ghost and Tommy’s courier system in OG Power, showcasing the intricacies of the game and Kanan’s influence on shaping the criminal landscape. His persuasive tactics with Semrad echo the charismatic ways of Ghost, hinting at the mentorship that may have transpired off-screen. Kanan’s character is gradually coming out of its shell, offering viewers a deeper understanding of his strategic mind.
The unexpected twist of Marvin saving Gerald adds a layer of unpredictability to the narrative, challenging preconceived notions about character dynamics. Meanwhile, the tension between Romero and Famous adds a touch of humor to the storyline, highlighting the intricate relationships within the drug trade.
As Ronnie spies on Unique, ominous foreshadowing suggests that a plan to eliminate Raq may be in the works. Howard’s palpable anxiety reveals a deeper layer of complexity as he grapples with the impending connection to Burke’s death. The episode closes with Ronnie’s sudden appearance, reminiscent of the boogie man, signaling that the plot is intensifying, and the stakes are rising. Power Book III: Raising Kanan continues to deliver gripping moments and unexpected twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Everyone grows up rooting for the underdog. It’s what makes us human. It’s what gives us hope. And it’s what inspired the true story behind ‘The Boys In The Boat’ originally written by Daniel James Brown. The film adaptation was co-produced and directed by George Clooney, with screenplay by Mark L. Smith.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Wil Coban, Callum Turner, Sam Strike, Joel Phillimore and Jack Mulhern attend the Amazon MGM Studios Los Angeles Premiere of “The Boys In The Boat” at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for MGM)
The true story of the 1936 University of Washington rowing team whom competed in the Berlin Summer Olympics. The Los Angeles Premiere featured the cast and crew which created the sports drama. You saw each of the eight rowers, eye’s grow larger whenever they were asked about their time training for their position on the team. Clooney made it clear, he only wanted athletes to play the part. The boys trained for 2-3 months to get into rowing shape. Thomas Elms, who plays “Chuck Day,” also mentioned that Clooney shared athleticism was more important than their acting skills for this film.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: Director/Producer George Clooney attends the Amazon MGM Studios Los Angeles Premiere of “The Boys In The Boat” at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for MGM)
During our chat with Clooney, I asked him which of his previous roles had him training as much as The Boys In The Boat had to train for their role. Clooney joked, “Ocean’s Eleven. I professionally had to learn how to drink and not throw up… You gotta stretch your liver and kidney.” He finished with, “These guys had a much harder time, we killed them.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) George Clooney, Joel Edgerton and Callum Turner attend the Amazon MGM Studios Los Angeles Premiere After Party of “The Boys In The Boat” at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for MGM)
The boys are led by Coach Al Ulbrickson who is played by Joel Edgerton. Ulbrickson’s job is at risk if the team doesn’t perform well. So the teammates and coach are all in a make it or break it situation. During our time speaking with Edgerton, he mentioned how everyone has been in an underdog mindset before. Which makes the movie not just easy to watch, but easy to identify with.
You can watch The Boys In The Boat in theaters on December 25, 2023.
Introducing “John Lindahl’s Cult Classiqué” – an album accompanied by its own six-part series, unfolding into a cinematic experience.
Vintage Frames Company & Artist Trevor “Trouble” Andrew (Photo Credit: Ben Droz)
Art Basel brought the shade with the creation of a limited-edition prints from Vintage Frames Company and artist Trevor “Trouble” Andrew.
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.
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.
A world of pure imagination can be found anywhere, even within something as simple as a sidewalk on a Sunday afternoon, if you’re willing to see it that way. As Timothée Chalamet sings in his latest film Wonka, all one needs to do is simply look around and view it! But this Sunday, Los Angeles based Chalamet fans (and, not naming names, but one particular New-York-based Chalamet fan who caught a flight to be there) didn’t have to do much imagining, as the star immediately made his way over to eager admirers waiting across the street from the film’s red carpet premiere.
Excited screams could be heard from any vantage point as a titular star-carrying black SUV made its way down the blocked off street surrounded by fans and barricades, with Chalamet waving at fans through an open window in the backseat. Anyone who knows the first few things about the actor would have been able to guess his next move: exiting the car on the opposite side of the carpet to greet fans first and foremost. This is not new for Chalamet, a self described “fan,” himself. The star often makes a point to meet as many supporters as time will allow at his public appearances. This comes as a delight to the aforementioned fans who can then come to the realization that the phrase never meet your heroes simply does not apply to them.
Chalamet, clad in what Vogue described as a “bar of chocolate cosplay,” is no stranger to style. Many of his looks from the ongoing Wonka press tour have been bold and chic, a few even featuring a very popular detail- the lack of a shirt. While that wasn’t the case for his US leg of the tour, his custom Tom Ford suit was certainly all of the above, bold, chic and stylish.
After appearing in as many selfies as one man possibly could, Chalamet hit the carpet to, you guessed it, appear in even more. The carpet, where Chalamet greeted even more fans, was absolutely decked out in more candy paraphernalia than originally imaginable. And it wouldn’t be resemblant of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory if you couldn’t eat some of that candy, so the walls were lined with edible Wonka bars for carpet-goers to enjoy.
Wonka tells the story of a young Willy Wonka, pursuing his dream of being a world famous chocolatier. However, this dream doesn’t come easy, and after many unfortunate run-ins with the chief of police (Keegan Michael-Key) as well as some particularly frustrating encounters with a certain “little orange man,” (Hugh Grant) as he describes, Willy teams up with the exuberant Noodle, (Calah Lane), an orphan who has never tasted chocolate before, to overcome his powerful competition: the chocolate cartel. The movie is a delightfully fun film for all ages, and the premiere’s festivities perfectly encapsulated the dream world that the trilogy has illustrated on screen throughout its three films.
On the candy-lined carpet, in addition to Chalamet, was Paterson Joseph, Calah Lane, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, director Paul King and more, as well as other special guests like John Stamos and Kelly Rowland, who both brought along their kids to enjoy the heartfelt film.
Once the red carpet festivities had concluded and my fellow attendees and I had taken our seats inside of the Regency Village Theatre, Chalamet, joined by the cast, took to the front of the room to kick off the screening. “A big thank you to Paul King,” he started, before quickly being interrupted by a crying baby somewhere in the audience. “Oh no, is it that bad?” he joked.
“Easy for me to say, but these are the kind of movies we need right now,” he continued. “I think this one will leave you with a smile on your face. I don’t want to speak too soon. But this is definitely the sweetest project I’ve ever been a part of.”
It is utterly impossible to leave the theater after seeing the film *without* Pure Imagination stuck in your head, and Chalamet’s rendition did not disappoint. The undoubtedly ear-wormed attendees, myself included, were invited to walk along the dazzling red carpet to get from the screening to the after-party, where the entryway was lined with umbrellas mimicking one of the grandiose dancing scenes in the film, in which Chalamet was front and center.
In the number, Willy is penalized for daydreaming and charged a fine, but that couldn’t be further from the case at this party. Though there was no fine for daydreaming, it was not at all necessary, as it was decked out with festive crafting stations, numerous hot chocolate bars, video games, and of course, a massive candy bar complete with just about every type of candy imaginable. It truly was an evening of pure imagination.
The party featured a handful of interactive features that does the exact same job as the film: making anyone who steps into the Wonka world feel like a kid again. Earlier this year, Warner Bros Pictures teamed up with Xbox to roll out an array of Wonka-inspired gaming paraphernalia that aimed to transcend the boundaries of traditional gaming merchandise. The centerpiece of the collaboration was the debut of the Xbox Wonka Console, a rendition of the Xbox Series X that mirrors the aesthetic of the infamous Wonka bar. At the glistening Xbox station, party guests had the opportunity to take the console for a spin and enjoy a variety of games and features.
The fun didn’t stop there. At one of the craft stations, guests could make their very own holiday snow globes (which, for reference, I learned the hard way that you are not allowed to bring through airport security, and any pleas that it is very important to you because it came from the Wonka premiere will not be taken into consideration) and create a scene that is beautifully reminiscent of the colorful atmosphere of Willy’s chocolate shop. Even more fun (and take-back-to-New-York-friendly) was Noodle’s very own candy bracelet making station, where guests were treated to colorful (and candy shaped!) beads to create their own friendship bracelets. All of these activities will most likely work up an appetite, and luckily, the party featured a delightful selection of themed bites, including Slugworth’s Sliders and Classic Brit With A Twist, fish and chips with chicken tenders.
There was no shortage of joy at the Wonka Premiere and after party, but the night was made even sweeter by reuniting with my favorite actor, and the man who kickstarted my very own journalism career. That’s a story for another day, but just as Willy’s mom tells him in the film, it’s not about the chocolate, it’s about the people that we share it with.
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Big Boy, the Voice of Los Angeles and the charismatic host of Big Boy’s Neighborhood, recently orchestrated a spectacular reunion of comedic talent at the Yaamava’ Theater.
Tuesday night, NeueHouse Madison Square hosted a special screening of National Geographic’s latest documentary feature, The Mission.