Open All Night, a short-lived but beloved television series, on ABC. The show blends elements of workplace comedy with quirky character dynamics, offering a snapshot of life in a small convenience store. The series introduces Bubba Smith, the retired NFLer in his first regular comedic acting role. Personally, watching the first episode, I think Bubba’s dominating presence saves the show from boring and trite mediocrity.

The Premise

Set primarily inside a small, independently owned convenience store, Open All Night revolves around the lives of its eccentric staff and customers. The store is, as the title suggests, open 24 hours a day, is in the “bad area of town” and has been subject to burglaries.

The store is owned by a hopeful middle-aged man named Gordon, played by the talented actor George Dzundza. Gordon is the heart and soul of the store, desperate to balance his family life with his professional responsibilities. The first episode had the store owner working all night because he needs a new night clerk. His wife, whines that she wants him in bed, and keeps trying to give her irresponsible teen-aged son, the job of night clerk.

Open All Night plays with situational comedy in a way that makes the store itself almost a character in the show. The fact that it’s open 24 hours creates a never-ending series of events. The nighttime setting enhances the bizarre quality of the situations. Dealing with sleep-deprived customers and navigating the unusual interactions that arise when people venture out in the middle of the night. The show captures the oddball nature of the nighttime world.

Although Open All Night was short-lived—lasting just 13 episodes—its influence on television comedy remains significant. It paved the way for a new era of sitcoms that blended absurdity with grounded character relationships. It also probably catapulted Bubba Smith as an actor, leading to his part as High-tower in the Police Academy movies.

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The Black Stallion is a captivating adventure that tells the extraordinary story of a young boy and a wild horse. Based on a novel by Walter Farley, the 1979 movie explores themes of friendship, survival, and the unbreakable bond between a boy and an animal. The Black Stallion is a stunningly visual cinematic masterpiece. The film, set in the 1940s has endured as one of the most touching of its time, largely due to its mesmerizing portrayal of the relationship between the eponymous stallion and the boy Alec Ramsay.

The story begins on a ship, where we first see the Beautiful Black Stallion fighting against his restraints. There is a storm, and a young boy Alec Ramsay (Kelly Reno), mesmerized by the animal’s power, goes to free the animal from it’s prison on the sinking ship. They wash up on a deserted island after the shipwreck. The Black Stallion is magnificent, a wild untamed spirit with a sleek black coat; a symbol of both freedom and power.

One of the most powerful aspects of The Black Stallion is the way it emphasizes the importance of perseverance and survival. Alec and the stallion form a bond of mutual respect, relying on each other to overcome the difficulties of their isolated situation. The emotional resonance of their relationship is brought to life through the vast and barren landscape of the island as well as the intense moments of struggle and triumph between them.

When Alec and The Black Stallion are rescued, it becomes obvious that the boy and horse share a special bond. However, Alec’s home life isn’t exactly set up to accommodate the Stallion. Finally a suitable stable is found for the horse and retired jockey Henry Dailey (Mickey Rooney) decides to teach Alec how to race with his horse. Alec, now determined to prove The Black Stallion‘s abilities, enters the horse into a race, where the young boy and the wild stallion face their ultimate test.

The scenes leading up to the race are filled with tension and anticipation. Alec’s relationship with The Black Stallion is tested in ways that force the boy to mature and take responsibility for the horse’s fate. This journey from isolation to competition illustrates the universal themes of growth, courage, and the pursuit of dreams. The bond between Alec and The Black Stallion ultimately culminates in a thrilling race sequence, showcasing not only the horse’s natural abilities but also the trust that has developed between the boy and the animal. The race is a powerful metaphor for their shared journey, symbolizing the culmination of their bond and the triumph of perseverance. The film beautifully captures the power of silent communication and the strength that can be found in shared moments of hardship and joy.

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French Postcards was released in 1979 and is a charming and introspective coming-of-age film that combines elements of romance, comedy, and drama. Directed by Michael Adams, the film explores the lives of a group of American college students who travel to Paris for a year abroad. With themes of self-discovery, love, and cultural exploration, French Postcards captures the spirit of youthful idealism while also portraying the complex realities of relationships.

The film’s narrative is structured around the relationships and personal journeys of its central characters. Among the main protagonists is an American student named Joel, who becomes infatuated with a French woman named Toni, played by the French actress Valérie Quennessen. (Summer Lovers) Toni represents both the allure of Parisian culture and the romantic ideal often sought by American tourists. At its core, French Postcards is an exploration of the tensions between expectation and reality. The American students have arrived in Paris with idealized notions of romance and adventure, but their experiences often challenge these illusions.

The film also contrasts the idealized image of Paris as a romantic city with the everyday reality of life in the French capital. While the characters are surrounded by the beauty of Parisian streets, cafes, and landmarks, they quickly realize that the city itself is not the answer to their personal dilemmas. Rather, the city becomes a backdrop for their internal struggles. The film’s tone balances light-hearted humor with moments of introspection, offering a nuanced look at the way people, particularly young people, confront their desires, fears, and aspirations.

The film’s performances are another strength, with a solid cast bringing the characters’ emotional journeys to life. Among the standout performances is Valérie Quennessen, whose portrayal of Toni brings a sense of mystery and warmth to the character. She is both an object of romantic desire and a complex individual in her own right. Although her role is central to one of the key romantic story-lines, the true heart of the film lies in the broader experiences of the group of students. Through their interactions with each other and with the city of Paris, the film explores how youth, love, and identity are intertwined, and how personal growth often occurs in unexpected ways.

While French Postcards is ultimately a film about youth and romance, it also touches on the universal themes of self-discovery and the quest for meaning. It shows how travel can open up new possibilities for growth, but also how it can highlight the uncertainties that come with trying to understand oneself and one’s place in the world. The film’s exploration of cultural differences and personal evolution remains relevant today, offering a timeless reflection on the challenges and rewards of coming-of-age experiences.

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The Winds of Kitty Hawk, a 1978 made-for-television movie, serves as a poignant and historical dramatization of one of the most significant events in the history of human flight: the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903. Directed by Michael O’Herlihy, with a narrative that blends historical accuracy with cinematic drama, The Winds of Kitty Hawk stands as a tribute to the ingenuity, determination, and spirit of innovation that led to one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

The era of this movie was one in which few believed it would be possible to fly like birds.   The Wright brothers’ innovation in aerodynamics, control, and propulsion was unmatched even by renown scientist that had government sponsorship.  Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, was chosen as the site for the brothers’ experiments due to its strong winds, isolation, and soft sand, which made it a perfect location for their trial and error-based work.

Orville and Wilbur Wright, were self-taught engineers or inventors of their time. They relied on their backgrounds as bicycle mechanics. The Winds of Kitty Hawk captures their hands-on experimentation, showcasing the brothers as ordinary men who, through sheer determination, ingenuity, and tireless work, brought the dream of flight to fruition.

The plot of The Winds of Kitty Hawk focuses on the emotional and professional journey of the Wright brothers as they pursue their dream of flying. The film begins by exploring the early years of Orville and Wilbur, highlighting their close relationship as brothers and their shared passion for mechanical innovation. The early stages of the film emphasize their obsession with flight, often portraying their solitary existence in Kitty Hawk as they worked tirelessly on their experiments.

As the movie progresses, the narrative delves deeper into the technical challenges the brothers faced, as well as the personal sacrifices they made. The brothers’ work in Kitty Hawk was fraught with failure, but their perseverance never wavered. Scenes in the film show the brothers building and testing multiple prototypes, each one more refined than the last. At the heart of these sequences is the palpable tension between hope and despair, as the brothers’ success seemed always just out of reach. The film’s portrayal of this struggle resonates deeply with viewers, emphasizing the theme that innovation often comes at the cost of failure and setbacks.

One of the key moments in the film is the first successful powered flight on December 17, 1903. The film dramatizes this historic moment with a sense of triumph, showing Orville’s first flight in the Flyer, lasting just 12 seconds but achieving a distance of 120 feet. The achievement was brief but revolutionary, marking the birth of modern aviation.

One of the central themes of The Winds of Kitty Hawk is the triumph of human ingenuity over adversity. The film underscores the Wright brothers’ commitment to their dream, even in the face of personal doubts and setbacks. This determination is not portrayed as a simple, linear path to success but as a series of missteps, learning experiences, and small victories. It highlights the importance of persistence in the pursuit of one’s goals and the belief that failure is merely a steppingstone toward success. The movie honors the legacy of Orville and Wilbur Wright and serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream.

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Subspecies 3: The Bloodlust is a 1994 direct-to-video vampire horror film directed by Ted Nicolaou. It is the third installment in the *Subspecies* series, following *Subspecies* (1991) and *Subspecies 2: Bloodstone* (1993). Like its predecessors, *The Bloodlust* offers a unique blend of Gothic atmosphere, creature horror, and the exploration of complex, often tragic relationships. Blood represents both the physical sustenance of the vampire and the metaphorical ties that bind characters together. For Radu Vladislaus, a tormented vampire prince, blood is the source of his power, but it also symbolizes the emotional and moral costs of his existence. His desire to find peace is inextricably linked to his need for blood, and this duality makes his journey one of tragic futility.

What makes Subspecies 3:The Bloodlust* stand out in the trilogy is its exploration of Radu’s relationship with his humanity. He is both a victim of his own curse and a villain who inflicts suffering on others.  Unlike many traditional vampire movies, where the vampire’s actions are driven purely by lust for blood and power, *Subspecies 3* explores the psychological weight of immortality. Radu’s self-loathing and desperation for redemption gives the character a layer of complexity not often seen in vampire cinema.

Radu’s struggle with his identity as a vampire is mirrored in his interactions with others. As Michelle goes from being a mere victim to his protege, Radu’s internal conflict grows. He struggles between his predatory instincts and his desire to protect her. The tension between love, lust, and the need for blood is explored in deeply emotional terms, making the film much more than just a typical horror tale.

One of the defining features of *Subspecies 3: The Bloodlust* is its strong visual style, which continues the trend set by its predecessors. This was shot on location in Romania in conjunction with Subspecies 2, so the transition from one film to the next is seamless Ted Nicolaou remains as director, and maintains a sense of Gothic elegance while embracing a more lurid and visceral aesthetic. The film benefits from the haunting landscapes, ancient castles, and fog-shrouded forests that serve as the backdrop to Radu’s tragic existence. The vampire transformations, which have always been a highlight of the series, are particularly striking in this film.

At its core, *Subspecies 3: The Bloodlust* is a film about love, sacrifice, and the consequences of immortality. Radu’s search for redemption, particularly through his interactions with Michelle, introduces a layer of romantic tragedy to the film. His desire to protect Michelle from becoming like him is both noble and self-destructive, as it ultimately leads to his undoing. In the end, Radu’s love for Michelle becomes both his strength and his greatest weakness, as it pulls him deeper into his own personal hell.

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Subspecies 2: Bloodlust, released in 1993,

Subspecies 2: Bloodlust is the second installment in the Subspecies series. Directed by Ted Nicolaou, this is the direct continuation of the bloodthirsty vampire Radu Vladislas’s story.  Picking up right where the first film left off, Subspecies 2 further explores themes of power, temptation, and the brutal consequences of immortality. The film delves deeper into its world of vampires, blood rituals, and unrelenting evil, with a mix of gothic horror, dark fantasy, and supernatural elements.

At the heart of Subspecies 2: Bloodlust is the character of Radu, a centuries-old vampire who seeks to expand his dominion by turning more humans into vampires. Radu’s obsession with power and blood drives the narrative, as he hunts down Michelle who he turned into a vampire in the first films.  His tragic backstory, rooted in the curse of vampirism, makes him a compelling yet repulsive antagonist. Radu is depicted as an unrelenting villain, driven by lust, not just for blood, but for vengeance against those who have wronged him in the past.

The relationship between Michelle and her sister, played by Irina, also adds to the film’s emotional weight. The sisters’ bond becomes an essential element as they try to help Michelle resist the urge to become more like Radu. Their interactions serve as a counterbalance to Radu’s increasingly violent actions. The love and loyalty between the two women emphasize the possibility of redemption, even within a world ruled by evil.

Visually, Subspecies 2 maintains the gothic atmosphere of the first film. The low budget special effects have a campy  charm, enhancing the horror and gruesome aspects without detracting from its theatricality.  As with many films in the horror genre, Subspecies 2: Bloodlust blends gore with psychological themes. The deeply flawed characters,showcase a struggle between humanity and monstrosity.  This good and evil battle has Radu representing the dark side of power, while Michelle represents the inner conflict between her new identity and the person she used to be.

Ultimately, Subspecies 2: Bloodlust is a thrilling continuation of a dark tale of vampirism, filled with intriguing characters, suspense, and moments of horrific beauty. It stands as a solid entry in the Subspecies series, and for fans of low-budget, character-driven horror, it remains an engaging, if flawed, exploration of bloodlust, power, and tragedy.

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Escape from New York was directed by John Carpenter and released in 1981. Set in a future where Manhattan has been turned into a maximum-security prison, the film follows the anti-hero Snake Plissken, played by Kurt Russell. Despite being made over four decades ago, the film’s themes of government control, societal decay, and individual rebellion resonate strongly in today’s socio-political climate.

The captivating premise of Escape from New York is set in a dystopian near-future, where crime has reached unprecedented levels.  Manhattan Island gets converted into an enormous maximum-security prison. The whole island then becomes a lawless, chaotic environment where inmates rule and the authorities abandon any attempt at maintaining control. The protagonist, Snake Plissken, is a former soldier disenfranchised with the government. When the President of the US crash lands on the island, Snake is coerced into rescuing him in exchange for his own life and freedom.  Snake is a lone renegade working against the clock to complete this perilous mission, or face certain death through the implantation of explosives in his body.

The bleak and gritty tone of Escape from New York is significantly achieved by the portrayal of Manhattan as a decaying urban wasteland. Snake with his rugged demeanor, cold exterior, and cynical worldview matches this vision of a future where crime and corruption have consumed the very fabric of society. The film’s low-budget production design emphasizes this dystopian atmosphere, with the island’s streets cluttered with remnants of past civilization and overrun by dangerous criminals.

While Escape from New York is largely known for its action-packed sequences and suspenseful narrative, it also presents a sharp critique of political systems. The idea of a government abandoning a major city and leaving its citizens to fend for themselves can be seen as a metaphor for the disconnect between the political elite and the everyday people they govern. The film suggests that in times of crisis, the government may prioritize control and manipulation over the welfare of its citizens.

In conclusion, Escape from New York is more than just a post-apocalyptic action movie. It is a tense, thought-provoking exploration of individualism, government control, and societal collapse. Through the character of Snake Plissken, John Carpenter crafts a narrative that resonates with audiences even today, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the price of freedom.

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Subspecies part 1 : A Cult Classic in Vampire Horror

Subspecies 1 was Released in 1991 and directed by Ted Nicolaou, Subspecies is a direct-to-video vampire horror film that has gained a cult following over the years. Though it may not have achieved mainstream success, it resonated with fans of the horror genre for its unique blend of gothic atmosphere, supernatural terror, and a more intense focus on psychological horror than the typical vampire flicks of its time. Set in Romania and deeply rooted in Eastern European folklore, Subspecies introduced audiences to a chilling world where vampires are not only bloodthirsty creatures but also complex, often tragic characters.

Subspecies tells the story of Radu Vladislaus (played by Anders Hove), a vampire prince who has returned to his ancestral home after being exiled by his family. Radu is the villain of the story, but his character is marked by both malevolent traits and a sad, twisted backstory. His character is physically distinctive, with long, sharp fangs and a vampiric thirst that seems insatiable. However, his inner conflict with his vampire nature adds layers to his villainy. Radu’s struggle is compounded by his relationship with his sister, who is a pawn in his schemes, and his obsession with a human woman, Michelle (Denice Duff), who becomes a key figure in his bloody machinations.

The movie unfolds as Michelle, an American student visiting Romania, and her friends become entangled in Radu’s dark world. The film draws on the theme of the vampire as a seducer, but also as a grotesque creature, contrasting traditional seductive vampire tropes with a more monstrous, grotesque version of the undead. Radu’s monstrous behavior and obsessive pursuit of Michelle exemplify the film’s subversion of typical vampire lore. The film’s appeal grew steadily through word of mouth and repeated viewings. Fans appreciated its atmospheric tone, the gore, and its willingness to embrace classic vampire mythology, while also adding something new to the genre.

One of the most unique aspects of Subspecies is its setting and atmosphere. Shot on location in Romania, the film uses the country’s mist-covered landscapes, ancient castles, and folklore to enhance its eerie and unsettling tone. The setting is integral to the film’s narrative, as it establishes a gothic mood that is rarely seen in other direct-to-video films of the era. The Romanian backdrop adds an authenticity to the mythos of the film, linking it to centuries of vampire lore and dark legends.

Visually, the film stands out for its use of practical effects. The blood and gore are frequently shocking, and the scenes with Radu’s vampire minions – grotesque, hunched creatures with their own eerie qualities – further elevate the sense of danger. The film was made with a relatively small budget, but Ted Nicolaou and his team were able to deliver gruesome and atmospheric scenes that were well-suited to the film’s premise. Radu’s transformation into a monstrous vampire, complete with his glowing eyes and spindly limbs, was a highlight of the practical effects that helped elevate the film above its budget constraints. This strong central performance helped Subspecies stand apart from other low-budget vampire films of the time, earning it a devoted fan base.

Critics and viewers who embraced Subspecies were particularly fond of its atmosphere and the character of Radu, who became one of the most memorable vampire villains in cinema. Anders Hove’s performance as Radu was widely praised. His portrayal of the tragic yet evil vampire made him a standout in the film. A role that he went on to reprise in the 3 sequels that followed. The subsequent films, Subspecies II: Bloodstone (1993), Subspecies III: Bloodlust (1994), and Subspecies IV: Bloodstorm (1998), would all carry forward the themes of family conflict, the horror of immortality, and the tragedy of vampirism. The saga has become one of the most enduring in the realm of independent vampire cinema.

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Thundarr the Barbarian debuted in 1980. Set in a future where civilization has crumbled, *Thundarr the Barbarian* follows the adventures of Thundarr, who battles evil forces alongside his companions: Princess Ariel, a sorceress, and Ookla the Mok, a half-human, half-animal warrior. The cartoon is set 2,000 years after a cataclysm known as “The Great Disaster,” which leaves Earth in ruins. The planet is now a place where technology and magic coexist, often in violent conflict.

Watch Prince Planet – an even older classic cartoon

Thundarr, the main character, is a muscular and fearless warrior who wields a powerful sword capable of incredible feats. He is often portrayed as a typical barbarian hero, fighting to defend the weak and uphold justice. He is also a natural leader. Alongside him, Princess Ariel uses her magic to protect the group and intelligence to make a plan of action. While Ookla, a creature of great strength, with a yeti look and stature, has a canine like loyalty and fearlessness. Together they travel across the dangerous landscape, battling tyrants, monsters, and dark forces that seek to dominate the world.

Despite the chaotic world in which they live, the trio embodies strong moral values. Each episode presents a new adventure where Thundarr and his companions stand up for the oppressed, fight against cruelty, and teach viewers the importance of honor and bravery. What’s more, they offered help freely, accepting gratitude, but never looking for payment. Relying on their own skills and ingenuity to survive, they were quick to offer help to anyone who happened to cross their path. The show captivated children’s imaginations with its combination of futuristic technology and ancient sorcery.

For children in the 1980s, *Thundarr the Barbarian* presented a world that, while violent and chaotic, also contained messages of hope, bravery, and justice. Thundarr, as the heroic lead, was someone children could look up to—a strong, dependable figure who never hesitated to help, and never gave up, no matter the odds. His courage in the face of evil and his willingness to protect the helpless resonated deeply with young viewers, who often saw him as a symbol of empowerment.

For many, *Thundarr* was a gateway to exploring themes of survival and resilience. In a world where many 1980s cartoons were set in fantastical or exaggerated environments, *Thundarr* stood out for its post-apocalyptic setting, which was both thrilling and unsettling. The devastation that marked Earth in the series mirrored fears of environmental degradation and nuclear war. In a time when many felt the looming threat of global tensions, Children, who often felt powerless in their own lives, could watch Thundarr and his friends take control of their world. In a time when many felt the looming threat of global tensions, the idea that heroes could rise from the ashes of a destroyed world provided a sense of hope.

The show’s emotional impact wasn’t just about action and adventure. It also offered important moral lessons. Princess Ariel’s intelligence and magic, combined with Thundarr’s brute strength, showed children the value of cooperation and balance. Ookla’s loyalty and courage, despite his monstrous appearance, taught kids not to judge others based on looks. These diverse characters formed a team that represented different aspects of humanity, reinforcing the importance of unity and understanding.

Series 2

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THX 1138, was George Lucas’s 1971 debut feature film.  A pioneering work in the science fiction genre, offering a profound commentary on individuality, control, and the dehumanizing effects of a technologically advanced society. Set in a sterile, dystopian future, the film explores the consequences of a society that prioritizes order and conformity over human emotion and freedom.

Robert Duvall plays THX 1138, a citizen in a futuristic, enclosed society where emotions are suppressed through the mandatory use of drugs. The inhabitants, devoid of names, are identified by alphanumeric codes, reflecting a system that reduces individuals to mere numbers. Everything is assigned and monitored in this existence, from occupations to cohabitants, nothing is left to chance or personal preference. THX skips taking his medications and feels a growing sense of dissatisfaction and rebellion against the oppressive regime that governs his life. His relationship with LUH 3417 (Maggie McOmie) ignites a spark of emotion and desire, driving him to question the societal norms that bind him.

Watching the sterile environment in THX 1138, with it’s stark white walls, narrow corridors, closed minimalist living spaces, cold lighting and bleak clothing, the viewer can sense the characters’ emotional desolation. Exploring the themes of control and resistance, this film vividly illustrates the consequences of a society stripped of personal freedoms, where surveillance and regulation dictate every aspect of life. This aesthetic choice amplifies the film’s critique of a future dominated by technology and bureaucracy.

One of the film’s most poignant themes is the struggle for individuality. THX’s journey represents a quest for self-identity in a world that denies him the right to feel. The initial suppression of his emotions leads to a transformative awakening when he begins to experience love and desire. This evolution underscores the importance of human connection and the inherent need for emotional expression. THX’s rebellion against the system ultimately becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

*THX 1138* also serves as a cautionary tale regarding the unchecked advancement of technology. The film presents a society where automation and surveillance have reached disturbing heights, reducing human beings to mere cogs in a machine. The omnipresent droid police force, depicted as faceless, reflects the fear of a future where individual rights are subordinated to state control. Lucas’s vision resonates with contemporary concerns about privacy, data surveillance, and the ethical implications of technological progress. As AI is infiltrating so much in this modern world, now more than ever we should embrace our humanity and individuality and oppose the overwhelming push for conformity. Lucas’s film invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between progress and personal freedom, urging us to cherish the emotional connections that define our existence.

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