1. “Clueless”-yes that Clueless I loved this movie growing up the fashion, the dialogue, the slang, the script, the characters, and most of all the hilarious moments in this movie still make me laugh like when Cher (played by Alicia Silverstone) drives into a STOP sign. Or when Murray (Donald Faison) is giving Dionne (Stacey Dash) driving lessons, or a purple clog goes flying that hits Tai (the late, Brittany Murphy) in the face at a Malibu party. A lot of hilarious moments in the film. The movie was so well written they ended up doing a short television series for a couple of years based
on the film. I remember my mom took me to see this when I was 9 I fell in love with this movie instantly. 1995 was a huge year for some classic films in all genres. I keep wo
ndering wait a minute what happened? What happened to original scripts? Is it me or have we lost our sense of originality when it comes to producing funny content in films. I know we love nostalgia it’s a beautiful thing to be sentimental and reflect on better days. However, I think sometimes we don’t want to keep repeating the same concept too. It’s important films like this stay alive, stay fresh, stay current, and keep generations loving great original work by writers, producers, and artists. I remember hearing how Clueless was actually based on Jane Austen’s “Emma” genius idea! Who would think of fitting a beautiful, blonde 16-year-old in Beverly Hills as the lead then squeeze into the 1990s and have it focus around a high schooler who schmoozes her way into the love life of her teachers and peers.
2. “FRIDAY”- Who doesn’t love Friday? written and produced by the one the only Ice Cube (O’shea Jackson) about an unemployed 20-something who just got fired and accused of stealing at his job. So to take his mind off his job his best friend gets him into all kinds of shenanigans in their South Central, LA neighborhood fit with colorful, memorable, and hilarious characters. I don’t want to give too much away but this film is a cult classic you need a box of tissues from crying laughing so hard. You will start quoting all of the dialogue verbatim. I have to hand it to Ice Cube he opened a door for every single actor in this film including himself along with (Meagan Good, Apollo, John Witherspoon, Nia Long, Faison Love, Chris Tucker, Regina King, Anna Marie Horsford, Paula Jai Parker, John Lister, and the list goes on). Friday went on to make 2 more films “Next Friday”, and “Friday After Next” continuing to open doors with its successful franchise. People still want to know what happened to a reunion? May be coming soon I hope because a story this good can’t be forgotten.
3. “ The Brady Bunch Film”
“There’s a story of a lovely lady… if anyone grew up during the seventies, eighties, or watched Nick and Nite reruns growing up on Nickelodeon in the nineties and 2000s you will appreciate this movie. How you cannot adore the ultra-innocent, sweet, wholesome Brady Bunch family. The blended family which consists of 3 boys and 3 girls both from previous marriages joining their parent’s new marriage together. Brady Bunch was actually a bit ahead of its time with the blended family concept I love that because we don’t realize how Carol and Mike had to bring six pre-teens and teenagers all together to live under one roof. Then join them all together. Kind of a fascinating concept and they were all well behaved. The remake of this film was such a great love letter to the original cast and crew of this hit television series that lasted 5 years and 5 seasons (1969-1974) with Sherwood Schwartz the creator. The Brady Bunch film cast stars Shelley Long, Gary Cole as Carol and Mike Brady. Also Christine Taylor, Henriette Mantel, Paul Sutera, Jennifer Elise Cox, Christopher Daniel Barnes, and Olivia Hack. You also may have seen a few surprise faces in the film and including RuPaul appeared in a cameo as well.
5. “Braveheart”
I remember this film because my father when he watched his movies they always had to be on surround sound dad had to feel, see, and hear the movie. It was like a feast for the senses. My father had two huge 3-feet surround sound speakers in his living room. When I lived with him he's a big movie and history buff. If dad was playing his music and movies you had to feel it in your heart when you watched or listened. Braveheart I remember was one of those packed with action, historical figures, drama, and stunning visuals. The film starring and featuring Mel Gibson as a Scottish patriot, William Wallace leading his army into battle to threaten King Edward before he becomes a symbol to Scotland for freedom
6. “Dangerous Minds”- This is a classic as well about a substitute teacher who is teaching at an inner city public high school starring Michelle Pfeiffer. This film is one of those you won’t forget plus who can forget the soundtrack? Michelle stars an ex-marine who comes into teach her students how to become the next future air pilots and train them. She ends up giving the teens more than just school lessons in class. She takes inner city kids and comes in with toughness to mold and shape them into something more substantial in society.
7. “Seven” two words- “Brad Pitt” need I say more? And starring of course the living legend, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey. This film it can be a bit hard to watch because of the intensity surrounded around a serial killer who has plotted and out to commit a crime using the 7 deadly sins as his trademark when the detectives and police are out hunting down the murder. The genius of using religion, violence, drama in this film plays a major roll in this film. It’s a bit of a witch hunt for the killer in this film and will keep everyone on edge as they get to the end of the film. The film will take you on a mystery to find out who is this person using religion and committing a serious serial killer crime at the same time.
8. “Bad Boys-The Franchise” will celebrate 30 years this summer. This classic has already gone on to make a few films after the 1995 blockbuster summer hit. This dynamic duo of the 1990s has now gone into the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s with four massive blockbuster hit movies and they still are not done yet. The film featured Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Theresa Randle, Tea Leoni, Joe Pontliano. The Bad Boys films always had a phenomenal soundtrack to all of their films featuring unknowns and well known stars. The Bad Boys franchise is still expanding more to be told from Martin Lawrence and Will Smith.
9. “Higher Learning” a film set on a Los Angeles public university in 1995 starring another all star cast and a few unknowns. Directed by the late, great, and multitalented, John Singleton. This film gave Hollywood some edge because it really transformed the scope of schools being filmed. It took it to another level especially the dramatic scenes. We have never seen a movie where actors/actresses were dealing with crises in an educational setting. Not caused by the students maybe protests, perhaps racial, gender issues, political issues during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, or even the 80s. We never saw it heightened on this level. The 1990s took the educational realm in films to a different level. This was one of those movies that broke the rules. It covered political topics, historical, college campus issues, integration the affects of it in a post-integration generation. The cast was phenomenal starring Laurence Fishburne, Omar Epps, Tyra Banks, Kristy Swanson, Ice Cube, Michael Rapaport, Cole Hauser, Jennifer Connelly, and Busta Rhymes. I believe this was actually Busta Rhymes his first debut film outside of hip-hop/rap career. This is another one of those movies that have lessons in them for every one especially those in college right now the Generation Y & Z, Millennials can all take some lessons and notes from this film.


10. “Waiting to Exhale”- This film is a classic! This film came out around Christmas 1995 Another one I can watch over and over again. People still talk about the phenomenal musical soundtrack produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis so many people were featured behind the scenes and the front lines of the film you were getting a whole wave of amazing singers and artists from Whitney Houston, Brandy, TLC, Cece Winans, SWV, Toni Braxton, Chante Moore, and many more. The music made you appreciate the book, the film, and the characters too. There is supposed to be a sequel reports have brewed about a possible part two to the film. I hope it would happen soon with all of these characters perhaps a new story can unfold with their friendship and lives of “S
avannah” (the amazing the late, great, Whitney Houston(August 9, 1964-February 11, 2012), “Gloria” (Loretta Devine), “Bernadine” (Angela Bassett) , and “Robin” (Lela Rochon). The film was directed by fellow actor, Forest Whitaker.
avannah” (the amazing the late, great, Whitney Houston(August 9, 1964-February 11, 2012), “Gloria” (Loretta Devine), “Bernadine” (Angela Bassett) , and “Robin” (Lela Rochon). The film was directed by fellow actor, Forest Whitaker.
11. “Goldeneye” The 30th anniversary is coming up this fall this another film with a stellar soundtrack featuring the incredible Tina Turner (November 26, 1939-May 24, 2023) who sung the theme song of the film. The film is a nod to the James Bond films that featured Sean Connery and all of the other stars who had a chance to play him. This was a chance to bring a new generation of fans to the film. Goldeneye takes James Bond into a new generation where he is out to stop Double 06 and save the world in this film starring Pierce Brosnan.
12. Jumanji- This film will take you and your children on a rollercoaster ride. I remember my father took my stepsister and I as children to see it we loved the movie so much I went to Toys R Us and bought the board game just to play with my other classmates as well. The film stars the late comedic legend, Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde, Bebe Neuwirth, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier, and more notable stars in a film that takes live action to a whole different level. The game literally comes to life for the main characters. This is one you do not want to miss. Buckle up and hold on tight. Jumanji is going to take on a live safari in your home!
BONUS FILMS-“ It takes Two” I love this little movie there is something about it that is heartwarming two little girls who have never met before end up crossing paths. One is a little girl who is up for adoption but will be adopted by parents who just uses kids as employees. The other is a well-kept, privileged, child prodigy on her way to becoming a future pianist and musician whose father is the owner of a successful children’s camp and philanthropist. The two girls cross paths and all of the while play matchmaker to two of the people closest to them. I also love the film because it stars two of our biggest 1990s child stars who became extremely successful, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen “The Olsen Twins” star along with Kirstie Alley, Steve Guttenberg, Jane Sibbett, and Phillip Bosco. I wanted to close with something heartwarming and since I hope one day to have twins of my own this is one of those films I hope to show my mischievous, funny, and sassy dynamic duo if they are little girls too (Fingers crossed).
Last Bonus-"My Family/ Mi Familia" (1995)
The story is generational discussing a Latin American family who escapes immigration for a better life style and to give their future children a better life. It takes you on a ride from the 50s into the early 1990s. I loved the movie had a great story line and really focuses what matters most following your heart, family connections, and fighting for your family no matter what the obstacles you may be facing in your life.
Congratulations to all of the cast members featured in these films on 30 years of their lives in the business whether it was their first role on set or another featured film. For actors and actresses we all just want one hit to be a part of one great hit whether in theater, television, or film. So that’s why its so important to celebrate a work anniversary you have accomplished greatness and will accomplish more to come.
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