Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Alternative R&B rising starlet Korin has escalated her inevitable rise to stardom with sheer vulnerability and unadulterated emotion.
This week’s installment of Power Book III: Raising Kanan delivered a riveting experience, laden with unforeseen twists and compelling developments that left viewers teetering on the edge of their seats.
Thereโs nothing like spending the holidays in New Yorkโ from the countless movies that are set in the city, to the even more innumerable people dressed up as Santa and holiday cheer throughout the streets, it truly is a magical time of year. And with it comes all of the winter wonderland activities, especially ice skating.
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.
Photography by Dijana Mesin
Christmas on Cherry Lane was a unique and thoughtful film that followed the story of three families simultaneously. We witness each family memberโs festivities, traditions, worries and anxiety, especially pertaining to their holiday plans.
The filmโs brilliant showcase of separate plots over ย various decades was perfected effortlessly and beautifully by both the writer and director. Christmas on Cherry Lane had a unique โbig pictureโ take and gave us both a birdโs eye view and fly on the wall perceptions. The audience stepped into each of the three houses and rooted for each person to manage to surpass their personal obstacles.
The film was not only a sentimental and thoughtful seasonal movie but also a confirmation of how weโre all connected. The sense of humanity and empathy in the movie was done intentionally and with a purpose. Audience members discovered how all the families have been connected through different generations thanks to the protagonistโs evolution from being a teen to an elderly resident in the community tying it all together.
Besides Christmas on Cherry Lane displaying ย charming holiday themes, the movie philosophically confirmed the domino effect of our actions and the beauty of us all being connected with each other over decades of time. Itโs a family friendly film that tugs at your heart strings and leaves a lasting effect of hope and positivity on the watcher and perhaps even a tear or two (guilty!).
Over the weekend, The Knockturnal got the amazing chance to watch a special screening of Beyoncรฉ’s latest film, “Queen Beyโs Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncรฉ.
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.
Ever wonder if your favorite SNL stars get nervous before a show or if they get star struck when getting to work with a new host? Nowโs your time to find out!
SNL episodes have a fast turnaround rate and the actors are all tremendously talented at being able to adapt quickly to new scripts, characters and changes that are being made. Not only are they adapting to those elements, but to add in another level, they work alongside new hosts frequently.
Some of the SNL cast confessed to getting star struck when working with Emma Stone, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. Others admitted that they still get nervous before getting on stage despite all the practice theyโve had and the amount of years theyโve been with the show. However, as one actor said, โfeeling nervous means you care,โ and I couldnโt agree more.
The cast lit up the red carpet with their charm, witty jokes and honesty. The tight knit members often spoke highly of each other and served as each otherโs hype men and woman. Given the amount of long hours they put into the show, the actors dotingly told me that they consider each other family, and that was more than evident on the AMNHโs Gala red carpet.
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.
โWe start this season where he wants nothing to do with her. And you have to watch her deal with that,โ she said. โShe 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.โ
Patina Miller is not alone. MeKai Curtis, also has the same sentiment about this seasonโs 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.
โEverybody, 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,โ 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$$, who plays Unique, shared his point of view on the theme for this seasonโs Raising Kanan as his character has a brother named Ronnie, who is out of prison. Joey also expressed that everyone encounters their own set of challenges, especially within the context of family dynamics. As observed in the last season, there were conflicts between Uncle Lou’s and Rock’s characters, resembling a big brother-sister relationship. This theme of trust presents similar challenges for the character Unique.
โRonnie is clearly not pleased with the way that Unique has what he’s done with the Empire,โ said Joey BadA$$. โAnd 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.โ
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.