“The History of Black New York” thematically explores various aspects of the black experience through the use of historian testimony and period specific media. The documentary begins with the early arrival of the Dutch on Manhattan Island and their fair treatment of black slaves. With the arrival of the English, morality and race became intertwined in New York, as with the rest of America, leading to the ensuing years of black oppression and segregation. Quickly, the DVD jumps into an analysis of the role of blacks in the American military, ranging from the Colonial & Civil Wars to the rise of Colon Powell to military prominence.Then the film shifts focus from the blacks' martial experience to the social, with a brief discussion of the Harlem Renaissance and its impact upon the evolution of modern black culture.A brief biography ofcongressional pioneer Adam Powell, a glimpse into the life and rhetoric of Maclom X, a tip of the hat to baseball legend Jackie Robinson, and various other black heroes highlighted the portion of the documentary which touched upon the Civil Rights movement.

As a documentary viewed in a vacuum without prior knowledge of the history of blacks in America, this film would make little sense.Yet, most Americans are familiar enough with at least the basic story of the the civil rights movement in the United States to understand a good portion of “Black New York.”Perhaps the filmmakers bore this in mind when they left out key transitions between subject matters, jumped around in time to further a topical point, and chose to include obscure anecdotes by historians instead of the bare bones structure of narrative.

"I wish I could have enjoyed it more. It's only due to the flaws in my character which I'm rather proud of." 

Douglas Adams once told us in his series of Hitchhiker's Guide books that the secret to life, the universe, and everything is 42. While Adams was a great writer and had a wonderful imagination, his math is a little suspect. Any of us who have grown up with This Is Spinal Tap over the last 40 years, we know the real answer is 11. If that confuses you, then stop reading right now. Go out and rent, stream, buy, or pinch  a copy of 1984's This Is Spinal Tap. Once you've watched that film, you can come back and rejoin the conversation on the long-awaited sequel: Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. It will all start to make some sense, and when that happens, then you know you're gone completely bonkers ... and that's OK. We'll wait for the rest of you to catch up. Wasn't that a hoot? Now that we're all on the same page, we can take a look at the Blu-ray release from Bleeker Street.

"Hi, Dad. It's me, Frank Jr. I want to be just like you, but at the same time be completely different and original. So, if you're proud of me, give me a sign. Like, maybe make me see an owl or something." 

The Naked Gun (2025) is a beautifully absurd film that had me and everyone in the theater laughing in tears. It is both a continuation and reboot to the original franchise that introduces a new generation of characters, which still honors the classic formula of deadpan delivery, absurd plotlines, and visual gags that gave the original its significance. It was like a breath of fresh air in a lackluster era of Hollywood which felt was seriously rich in soul. I can’t even joke; my face was hurting from laughing and smiling throughout the entire movie!

"I know my life isn't too exciting. I know I'm not to exciting either. I don't have a fancy job. I don't drive a fancy car. I'm not a member of any kind of country club but I do have a nice house, a strong back and a heart full of love to give. The world is so full of bad things it's frightening especially if you're alone. No one should be alone. People should be happy. I think I can make you happy." 

So Tony Tost wants to make me happy. He's released Americana now on home video and streaming. Here's what I need from you to make that happen. As a writer give me a great story that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Show me and don't tell me wherever it's possible to do that. As a director I'll need you to give me a cast that can carry the weight of it all and I want compelling characters. You see, Tony. I want very much to care about the people I'm watching. I want to become quickly invested in who they are and what they want or need. Being a first-time feature director I'm even willing to give you a little slack as long as you are trying to take care of those needs. Here's what doesn't make me happy, Tony. Don't try to pull some iconic film styles and ideas from other, likely better and more experienced directors.