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2020 was a long year… but it’s 2021 and he’s back!!
Giving much respect to my very favorite comedian of all-time Sebastian Maniscalco. We saw him back in September, in a fantastic, gut-busting show at the Masonic Theatre in wonderful San Francisco. Then, we just saw him last weekend in another great show at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, which was so funny the next morning it felt like I’d just been doing crunches all night! And my face hurt from laughter! Sebastian has an incredible ability to take the everyday observations and turn them to complete comedy gold. His bit about Rocky III (one of my all-time favorite movies, EVER) and the shiner and sunglasses was worth the price of admission alone! His newest Netflix special just dropped on January 15th and he’s about to conquer New York City with four sold-out shows at the Mecca of Entertainment, Madison Square Garden and to top it all off there’s a new baby boy addition to the family. What an amazing way to start off 2019! Congratulations Sebastian Maniscalco!
Hit the “Books” button above to jump to my blurb about his fantastic book.
FILMS
This list, inspired by my Instagram #10daymoviechallenge list, is a more extensive list of my favorites. Mostly because I couldn’t stand not writing anything about my favorite films! So the fact that challenge didn’t allow me to do just that, has gotten the best of me and I have created this ever-changing list. These aren’t ranked in any particular order. Just my all-time favorites, a little story about each one and a little quote from each film to finish it off. This list will be updated almost daily.
Some of the the films I’ve been watching recently…
Fatherhood
Kevin Hart’s best film. Ever. Period.
Heavy Metal
A classic. Great soundtrack, great cast and crappy animation (but c’mon, it was 1981). Just a wild trip that seems cocaine and acid-induced.
American Pop
This is just an incredible animated film that has a fantastic story and amazing soundtrack. This film is underrated and pretty groundbreaking. A must-see.
Lethal Weapon
Yes, a Christmas movie. And an absolute classic.
Lethal Weapon 2
One of those rare cases where we could argue whether the sequel is actually better than the first film. Another classic.
The Tax Collector
I’m a big time fan of this movie. Hyper violent, no doubt. But not in comparison to many other films. And I’m a Shia fan, and I think he’s great in this. I ride for this flick.
Long Hot Summers: The Story of The Style Council
A fantastic documentary about a fantastic group. This is one of the docs that is a true rewatchable for me.
The Bannen Way
Recently turned on to this one and I absolutely LOVE it! Incredibly well done, with a great cast and well-deserved Streamy Awards. A really fun romp. Check it out.
Creed II
Beyond expectations. It really is that simple. Steven Caple Jr did a fantastic job picking this franchise up where Coogler left it. I really enjoy the way they have put some real story, some real emotion and real heart into these Creed films and this one is no exception to those elements. Adonis coming to grips with his life is no longer just about him and the filmmakers delving more into that story element. And they did a great job giving us some real story behind Creed’s adversary and that connection to Rocky IV. Overall this is just another incredibly enjoyable film and great addition to the Creed and Rocky franchises. By the end of this one, I ‘may’ have jumped out of my seat, threw my fist down and yelled. Loudly. And I’ll never apologize for letting out those kinds emotions when movie is so good that it can actually stir that kind of emotion in me. Bravo Creed II.
“I won’t be any good to anybody if I don’t get to do what I love to do…”
Creed
With the sequel only days away from the moment I am writing this, I just finished re-watching this one and I absolutely LOVE this movie. This is arguably the best movie of the entire Rocky-world. Ryan Coogler is a fantastic filmmaker and his ability to reinvigorate an already wildly popular and billion-dollar franchise. Michael B. Jordan playing Adonis Creed hasn’t been better to this point of his career and Sylvester Stallone, reprising his irreverent role of Rocky Balboa has unquestionably never been better. He was deservedly rewarded with a Golden Globe but completely robbed from the Oscar win. Regardless of awards, this movie is close to the top of my all-time favorites, ever. Even on this re-watch, there were some tear-welling and incredibly inspiring parts that I had forgotten about, but was very excited to revisit. If you haven’t watched this one yet, please go do yourself a favor. And then do yourself another one and go see the sequel.
“I gotta prove it… that I wasn’t a mistake”
Stand By Me
Seminal film for me. Watching it for the first time when I was ten, this was the first movie I could truly relate to because it felt like me and my group of friends. And although at the time I didn’t quite understand, older now, with two sons, I understand the closing line more than ever.
“I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?”
Rocky
Anyone who knows me, knows that Rocky and the entire franchise, including the incredibly well-done Creed spin-offs, are some of my all-time favorites and have always remained a true source of inspiration for me.
“Cut me Mick. You gotta open my eye.”
True Romance
I will never forget the first time I ever watched this movie, on my brother’s old, used VHS copy, and I will never forget just how f*ing cool it was and I still think it is one of the single coolest, kick-ass movies I’ve ever seen.
“You’re so cool… you’re so cool…”
Good Will Hunting
This one has a much longer story than I’m going to put here, but whereas Stand By Me got me starting to write creatively, this film is single-handedly the reason I began teaching myself everything I possibly could about screenwriting. The film itself sparked something in me emotionally, just loving it from a viewing standpoint. And then, the following March, Matt and Ben won for best original screenplay and as I’m sitting there watching, thinking “these guys are only a few years older than me… what is this screenplay thing all about?” The Good Will Hunting published script is the very first script I bought, of any kind.
“… well I got her numbah. How do you like them apples?!”
The Lost Boys
1987. When Vampires weren’t sparkly bitches. But rather, when Vampires have never, ever been cooler. Before or since. I can’t overstate just how fucking cool this movie was then, still is, and will always be for me. This one checked all the boxes. Kick-ass vampires, actual special effects (well before all the CGI bullshit), the bond between two brothers, a super-hot female lead, and an absolutely fantastic soundtrack that I still go to every now and again. This one will always be on my ‘best’ list and in my re-watchable rotation.
“One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach… all the damn vampires”
The Breakfast Club
Classic. I remembering watching this growing up and thinking “is this really how high school will be?” Turns out, yes and no. This film is near and dear to my heart and it will always be on my “bests” list.
“Face it, you’re a neomaxizwoondwebie. What would you be doing if weren’t out makin’ the world a better place?”
Fletch
I laughed hard at this movie the first time I ever saw it, and I’ve never stopped laughing at it. Every time I watch it.
“Oh it’s me, Doctor Rosenpenis, I’m just here to check Alan Stanwyk’s file…”
Rad
This movie came along at a perfect time in my childhood. When I was completely obsessed with all things BMX. Getting my copies of BMX Plus! and BMX Action almost monthly, this movie finally put all those photos and articles into motion. Not to mention it had “Adrian”, Talia Shire, an incredible opening credit sequence, the goofiest possible school dance bmx freestyle scene, and one of the undisputed hottest female actresses EVER, in Lori Laughlin. It is absolutely no doubt 80’s gourmet cheese, and I love every bite!
“Cru, just pretend you’re in the lumber yard… go balls out”
The Five Heartbeats
From the moment I first heard old soul R&B, I was hooked. And like what Rad did for bmx with me, this movie made all this music I was listening to, come to life on the screen. It was exactly like having a behind the scenes look at the Four Tops, Enchantment, The Dells, The Temptations, Smokey and his Miracles and all the other wonderful sounding R&B groups had to go through to get their music out to all of the world. I really love this film, the time and music it so wonderfully represents and the message of the strength of brotherhood solidified through creating such amazing music. I am truly honored to call Robert Townsend an inspiration.
“Sure ya’ll wanna hang with ol’ Eddie Kane?”
Hoop Dreams
Obviously, by the time the movie came out, I knew what a documentary was, but I’d never seen anything like this. Especially being a white kid from a small town suburb who loved the game of basketball. I’d never seen life, or basketball portrayed in such a real and raw way. Basketball as literally, a way of life and a means to survival. Basketball in a way that I could never, really possibly know. But thanks to Arthur Agee and William Gates and the fantastic filmmaker Steve James, I saw the wonderful game of basketball in an entirely new way. And a true inspiration in a variety of ways.
“that’s why when somebody say ‘when you get to the NBA, don’t forget about me’… Well, I should’ve said to them, ‘if I don’t make it, don’t you forget about me’…”
Halloween
The first ever movie to truly scare me. It’s that simple. and I was absolutely fascinated by that feeling and the quick visuals I was “sneaking” to see. I was young, maybe 4 or 5, and my family was at a season-end soccer party at another family’s home and the older boys were watching this movie. I clearly remember that music, that jack-o-latern and that white face. This movie terrified me then, and I still love watching it every Halloween and it still scares me to this day.
“He’s gone! He’s gone from here! The evil is gone!”
Coupe De Ville
A little known Patrick Dempsey gem. And he’s just one of a fantastic and very well-known cast, including Daniel Stern, Alan Arkin, Ayre Gross, Joseph Bologna and the gorgeous Annabeth Gish. This is a super funny and incredibly heartwarming tale of brothers and the importance of family.
“Morons, it’s not a hump song and it’s not a dance song. It’s a sea shanty.”
Die Hard
Ah, the never-ending argument; is this, or is this not, a Christmas movie? It is. But regardless of what holiday this action masterpiece is set during, this film is an absolute classic! And for all intents and purposes, set the new course for all action films that would come after. Bruce is at his all-time best and the late, great Alan Rickman is an absolutely fantastic as ruthless screen villain in Hans Gruber.
“Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs.”
TELEVSION
Some of my favorite television shows and currently watching. Most-likely completely enthralled in.
Yep. I did this. Both seasons. Thanks to my boys and their persistence. And I can say I enjoyed just about every second of it! A lot of far-fetchedness, and whole lot more fun!
Just watch it. It’s fucking great.
Family Ties
I mean, what else needs to be said here. An absolutely classic 80’s show.
Miami Vice
The quintessential 80’s show. The coolest of cool shows. MTV Cops. This one took police procedural, mixed in a kick-ass cast, and an incredible soundtrack and put it in the sweltering and stormy Miami and you get the phenomenon which was Miami Vice. The pilot is as mesmerizing as-ever, including the incredible scene with Phil Collins’ ‘In the Air Tonight’ playing as Crocket and Tubbs speed through the streets of Miami. And I love every episode. I loved it then, even when it aired on Friday’s, and I love it even more now. It is the direct inspiration and unapologetic homage to, in my pilot script ‘DadeLand’.
Silver Spoons
And another quintessential, fun and super-cheesy 80’s show. This one was just a fun one to grow up on. Ricky always had the coolest stuff. Trust me, at 6 years old, a race car bed was pretty mind-blowing! Ricky Schroeder was goofy and fun, as was Alfonso Ribero, and, not exactly the Justin Bateman from my next favorite show…
Ozark
This series is my current, ‘can’t take my eyes off the screen’. The writing, directing, performances, the whole deal. Jason Bateman as a creator has a diamond. As an actor, he’s never been better. Same will be said for Laura Linney. She has been absolutely fantastic. The shift from season one to season two was just mesmerizing. Cannot wait for season three.
The Wonder Years
Kevin Arnold. Winnie Cooper. Paul Pfeiffer. Three of the most memorable characters of my entire lifetime. This show hit home with me growing up because of was kids my age, but they were living in a time that was a couple generations before me. It was like a weekly history lesson, portrayed by kids I could relate to. This show holds a very special place in my heart. Great stories, great music and Winnie Cooper.
Ray Donovan
I am sitting watching episode three of season six as I type this. I have watched every single episode and I truly cannot get enough of this show. I figured we were done after the finale of season five. And as I learned, I wasn’t the only one who thought that. But instead, the creators shift the show back to the east coast and who knows, we could be going another five seasons! Never have a followed a character that I’ve loved and hated as equally as I do Ray Donovan. And that’s precisely why I am a tried and true fan of this show.
Stranger Things
Like many of the shows I’ve listed before this, I will never forget when and where I was when I turned on Netflix one day and saw this show called “Stranger Things” and thought, ‘what is this..?’ And from the very first moment, the chyron shows; November 6th, 1983, I was hooked. And even more-so as the pilot episode progresses and it’s about a group of kids solving some kind of sci-fi, small-town mystery. I’m all in! Great cast, great music and a great story. Another show on this list that I cannot wait for the third season of.
BOOKS
Here’s some of my current reads that I am thoroughly enjoying and highly recommend!
Stay Hungry
By Sebastian Maniscalco
Sebastian Maniscalco is the best. The absolute best. I’ve been following and laughing hysterically at his stand-up since 2007 and it just keeps getting better. I just traveled to San Francisco to see him at the Masonic and what an incredible show. His ability to turn his observations about family, fatherhood and society as a whole into completely relatable hysterics, is unparalleled. This book allows us huge fans an in-depth and hilarious look into Sebastian’s past, present and future. I cannot wait to see him again soon! #stayhungry
The Beastie Boys Book
By Michael Diamond & Adam Horovitz
This has been an incredible read. A seriously deep behind the scenes look at one of the most influential bands (let-alone hip-hop groups) in my lifetime. Licensed to Ill was unlike anything my suburban ears had ever heard. But to listen to a variety of cool artists, actors, musicians all read and the tell the story of how this incredible trio of musical geniuses created their remarkable careers. Sadly, this book is done without Adam “MCA” Yauch who passed away in 2012, but even without the incomparable MCA, Mike D and Ad-Rock did an amazing job.
Greenlights
Simply put, this is one of the most important, impressive and pertinent books I’ve ever read. I love this book.
No Time Like The Future
What can I say, Michael J is one of my all-time favorites. Reading this is literally like getting into the time-traveling Delorean and heading back to my childhood, but also filled with lessons about Fatherhood.
MUSIC
Such an incredibly important element to all of my creative processes and to all of my life. Below is just some of what I’m enjoying currently. Primarily listening to vinyl as I have the wonderful satisfaction of rediscovering my love of vinyl.
Minus The Bear
Menos el Oso
Came back to this one today… and not entirely sure why. I mean, it’s a really cool album with some really, really cool songs on it. But it’s been sometime since I’ve listened to it, then suddenly just needed to. Happy I did.
Leon Bridges
Good Thing
I love Leon Bridges. He’s got the new Neo-Soul so dialed-in. A old school vibe with the an updated flavor. Never disappointed to put this on.
The System
Don’t Disturb This Groove
A very underrated duo and very underrated album in my humble opinion. This is a fun one and brings me back to a great time.
Bruce Springsteen
Tunnel of Love 1987
This album is fantastic. Much, much different than Born In The U.S.A., but no less great.
Wings
London Town
This is another one that just makes me happy. “With A Little Luck” is one of my all-time favorite songs. I remember hearing it when I was very little, so to spin this on the turntable is just wonderful.
Prince
Piano & a Microphone 1983
It cannot be overstated how amazing this album is. I am a Prince fan. But this album goes beyond. Just this other-worldly musical genius sitting down at his piano and working through these songs, for example, listening to him work through a very early, unfinished version of the classic “Purple Rain” is like what I imagine it would’ve been like to sit and watch Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel. Pure beauty. Pure genius.
A Star Is Born Soundtrack
I don’t know much about the previous incarnations of this film. But this Bradley Cooper and Lady GaGa version is MY version, and I love it. And I’m not apologizing for it. And like the film, this album is absolutely fantastic. It’s great to have a really cool soundtrack like we used to have growing up. Whatever award-worthy talk is happening for both the film and soundtrack, it is more-than deserved.
Against The Wind
Bob Seger
As a writer, looking for a little soundtrack to accompany my writing time or even looking for some inspiration, sometimes you just flip through the stack of vinyl and see what catches your feel. This one did just that. Pulled it out and have had it on pretty heavy rotation since. Seger is such a great songwriter, I have found this album to be just that inspiration I’m looking for.