The Jerky Boys (1995) Review

In the mid-1990s, a series of tapes circulated in popular culture. These tapes featured recordings of phone calls that were done for pranks. The history of these tapes is documented across several websites, but they are commonly known as The Jerky Boys. My stepfather had one of the tapes and exposed me to them, finding their outrageous humor an interesting change of pace for a teenage mind. The team behind the calls got so popular that a movie was greenlit, and that’s where 1995’s The Jerky Boys movie comes to play. That’s right, tough guy, they made a movie!

The Jerky Boys is a crime comedy that features Johnny B. and Kamal. They stumble into the New York mob’s world by doing crank calls to a boss. They get mistaken for hitmen, and the two go through dangerous moments to uncover police corruption, chases, and much more. They utilize their prank calls to survive absurd situation after absurd situation. They eventually get exposed, and their screw ups end up making them heroes at the end. There’s even a prank call to the White House, but then again, maybe it was fake, yeah, most likely fake…or was it?

How can prank phone calls lead to a whole movie? The Jerky Boys not only entangle you in the world of prank calls, but also in mistaken identity. The calls made are nonsensical, but because this is 1995, you must throw away modern things like Google and others. Could this happen? Unlikely, but it could very well be something that could lead to a few mix-ups. Using over-the-top humor, the story is fast paced, and the film turns pranks into plot points that make sense, albeit not without suspension of disbelief.

Johnny and Kamal are screw ups, but they are lovable. They accidentally step into unsavory situations and expose police corruption. The two play on the accidental hero and antihero archetypes, making more out of the movie than just a lopsided affair. That said, something is endearing about how the 1990s comedy scene lends itself well enough to how the film puts the characters in peril, only to escape in absurdity. Several tropes are found here, including success, rebellion, and street smarts, but it’s blurred because it’s done in a comedic way.

Want to dive deeper? There’s something to be said about the satirization of authority. The Jerky Boys work for me because they use satire to show the incompetence of law enforcement, the mob, and how chaos could expose truths that are sometimes hidden in plain sight. The humor in the movie works well because it’s satire to me, and if you take it too seriously, you’ll find the film to be stupid and nonsensical.

Look, the Jerky Boys movie is a comedy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and though I gave it a good write-up and explored some ins and outs, it’s satire and slapstick. It exists in a time capsule of ’90s comedy that you may or may not remember. If you’re a fan of the tapes, this will be a nice nostalgia trip, and if you’re new, you may find some chuckles here and there.

You can stream The Jerky Boys movie or even find it on VHS by clicking here, tough guy!

Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore by Walter Mosley Review

the cover of Debbie Doesn't Do It Anymore by Walter Mosley paperback edition

Before diving too far into the book Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore, it is essential to know that this is an “adult” book. It is not for teenagers, kids, or anyone not mature enough to handle explicit language, details, and ideas. Mosley doesn’t sugar coat anything and is as raw as ever in this exploration.

Debbie Dare is our main character and finds herself at a crossroads. She doesn’t want to be an adult film actress anymore; she wants to change. The change is brought forth because her husband is electrocuted while having a tryst with a teenage runaway. This shocking turn is enough to cause Dare to evaluate her life and what she wants to do next. Throughout the novel, we are treated to a story of what it is like to be true to oneself, what family thinks of decisions that aren’t always positive, and death in light of sex.

Whether you’re an adult who watches adult media or is not one to look at it, you’ll find that Mosley doesn’t glorify it. There is a critical eye to adult film, including aspects of commodification of the body, emotional detachment, and the transactional nature of sex work. He proposes a dehumanizing portrait of fame and sex in a context that is a bit shocking to those who aren’t ready to read about it. That is not to say that it is not warranted, or out of left field, as Mosley treats his subject with humanity, and Debbie’s movements forward are done with emotion and humanity.

Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore is a redemption song. The novel is about redemption in contrast to the adult film world, fame, fortune, and realities that come with being human in the underbelly of society. Debbie wants to leave behind her past, but is met with resistance from all corners, including transactions her husband made behind her back. Money is owed, favors are collected, and friendships are too complex to form without wanting something in return. Debbie struggles throughout, and Mosley does a good job in juxtaposing several emotional moments with the nature of sex and the toll of working in general. Remove the adult film moniker. There is a human story here, one that Mosley urgently tells.

Overall, Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore is not a long book. I found it to be enjoyable, albeit raw around every corner. Care is placed into the character, and while she can be callous at times, there’s rhyme and reason to what she is doing, which pays dividends throughout.

I do not recommend Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore by Walter Mosley to everyone. However, it is a strong novel of redemption, sex, and human nature that few people can relate to, unless you can read beyond the topic of sex.

You can buy, borrow, download, or locate a copy of Debbie Doesn’t Do It Anymore by clicking here.

Frequency (2000) Review

Frequency (2000) movie poster advertisement

One of my favorite movies from the past 25 years is Frequency. Frequency is a movie that focuses on time-bending. It fuses several genres from there and is a solid thriller with emotion and fleshed-out characterizations.

We follow NYPD Detective John Sullivan, who is in the middle of a divorce. He is down on his luck and finds a ham radio, in which he begins to talk to his father, but there’s a catch. The catch is that his father, a firefighter named Frank, died in 1969. They connect across time and start to alter history, preventing Frank’s death while causing a rift in the timeline. That rift produces a serial killer, and it’s up to the duo to figure out how to stop him from the past and present. The puzzle creates an intriguing plot, which throws you for a proverbial time loop.

Now that you know the synopsis, consider the film’s emotional core. Many thrillers forget to tie together the pathos exhibited by the characters. Not this time, you get an emotional connection, which is the movie’s heart. The bond between John and Frank deepens, and though they are in different times, the changed memories hit each with bricks to the dome. Not only does the relationship drive the heart of the movie, but it also helps drive the stakes, especially when Frank’s wife, John’s mom, is a target of the serial killer.

Not into sappy things? That’s okay. This is a science fiction workshop with time changes and timeline shifts that would make Doc Brown proud. The film uses real-time changes to the past and present, and updates memories. There are even mid-scene changes, and much tension and surprise come through the traditional and sometimes non-traditional time travel tropes. There are rules to time travel, and we adhere to them in Frequency.

Perhaps the strongest element of Frequency is the merging of science fiction and a police drama. You don’t just get one solid genre focus; you get several, and they all work well with one another. What makes this movie heavy is that it gives you every genre rule without forcing it. The twists and turns are done well, the heartfelt moments don’t seem out of place, and you are given a unique ride of science fiction and drama.

You can stream Frequency on the cheap, or buy it on blu ray, either way check out more information by clicking here.

Slick Shoes “Rusty” (1997) Review

Returning to 1997, we find the pop punk world exploding with various bands. The era was full of musical talent, and Slick Shoes was one of the many bands to come out. I was first introduced to the band with their raw self-titled EP, which showcased an introduction to the punk rock act. It was raw, unfinished, with a bit of static here and there. Then came a semi-sonic shift for the band in the form of their debut record for Tooth and Nail Records, “Rusty”.

“Rusty” came out in 1997 and immediately hit the ground running, largely thanks to the fact that people bought anything Tooth and Nail released. I bought everything on the label, no matter what it was, and found joy in every single release up to a certain point in my life. Slick Shoes plays skate punk, pop punk, and straightforward punk rock with fast, frenetic guitar work and excellent attention to drumming. They are influenced by the bands you would find in the punk rock bins, and somehow find a way to stand out.

The only hindrance the band had, if any, was that the singer was underage at the time of recording and touring, and the band was stuck at times in the Christian scene. That isn’t a detriment, but it happened, and well, they had several records out before they got mainstream success. They eventually tore with Face to Face, Mxpx, and many others. “Rusty” has 16 tracks, and is 37 minutes long, with each song complementing the others in a record that has no downtime, and little to no lackluster tracks. This is a gem of a record to which you owe your time.

Feel like streaming or even playing the record on vinyl? Click here to jump into “Rusty”.

Aquabats Photos Cleveland Globe Iron

Thanks to a friend, we were able to go to see The Aquabats, at Globe Iron in Cleveland, Ohio. The band shared the stage with the Koffin Kats and Mike V and the Rats! I was able to meet Mike V at one point, and that was really cool. I was having a lot of fun so I did not get a ton of shots from the show, but here are a few that I did capture. I’m no professional photographer, so do not expect glorious ones, just a little documentation of the show.

The Aquabats live at Globe Iron in Cleveland

Until Dawn (2025) Review

The official movie poster for Until Dawn from the 2025 movie campaign; advertisement

I’m not a big gamer. I have a PS4 and a Switch, but they don’t get played much by my hands. Therefore, I cannot comment much about the video game this movie is based on. Though the 2015 PlayStation game inspired the film, I can’t recall it ever coming out. Going into this movie without that background is fine, so don’t feel like you’re missing out in any way, shape, or form.

The movie follows Clover and her friends as they search for her sister. Her sister has been missing for a year, and they find themselves being hunted by a killer in a mask. Whenever someone dies, time resets, and they are trapped in a cycle of the same night over and over again. I presume they have to figure out the issue with time, and escape the house and land before dawn.

As I stated before, I have no idea about the video game, so whether it is a good adaptation is beyond me. Does it capture the spirit of the game? I don’t know, maybe? It seems to be a tough call, but from what I’ve heard, it does honor the spirit of the game in a way.

Let’s talk pacing and how the time loop mechanic works. I found that it was a good overall movie with some frenetic moments. There are jump scares, as is the norm with horror movies in 2025. Each loop carries a new perspective, and some interesting gore and thrills for those who are fans of that.

Don’t expect Oscar-caliber performances in “Until Dawn”, but rather enjoy the romp for what it is, a time-traveling nightmare. Put yourself in the characters’ shoes, and you’ll find yourself thinking about the fright that comes with being hunted down and unable to get out of the cycle. IT’s a nightmare, if nothing else, and something that lends itself well to the overall delight of horror fans.

“Until Dawn” is not great, but it’s good enough to recommend. It’s streaming cheap now and will be available on Blu-ray and whatnot. Click here if you want to buy it, or rent it, or do whatever you want.

Max Roach “Drums Unlimited” (1966) Review

Max Roach performing with his drum kit during a 1960s jazz session, highlighting the artistry behind the Drums Unlimited album.

Max Roach is a name synonymous with drums. He is a great drummer, and that’s about as simple as I can put it. Fly back to 1966, and we visit a record from Roach called “Drums Unlimited”. Sometimes referred to as a “manifesto” of sound, the recording is a story-driven device that is both subtle at times and bombastic in the way it moves through production. It is more than background music, and Roach commented on that at one point. To quote Roach, “I wanted to create a concept where drums could play themes and variations like any other instrument”, which is why “Drums Unlimited” is so important overall.

At first listen, the record seems to fit well with the jazz records of the 1960s. It has a coffee house feel, and the record walks through some upbeat moments, playfully drawing on the experimentation of jazz music. You get this at the starting line with the first track, which features a drum solo, and plays as a starting point to a somewhat rhythmic recording.

The record doesn’t just sit with solo work, as the band showcases talent with the second track, clocking in over 12 minutes, presenting a steak-house quality invitation to reason with instruments. The horn section has been noted as hard bop, and players Freddie Hubbard and James Spaulding bring forward a playful nature. There are waves of sound here, including stand-up bass, piano, and of course, what we all came here to listen to, drums.

Making up the rest of the cast on “Drums Unlimited” is interesting for those who generally follow jazz music. Otherwise, you’re not going to know who these players are. These guys include Freddie Hubbard, James Spaulding, Ronnie Mathews, Jymie Merritt, and Roland Alexander. These players, above all, bring together their talents to create a memorable jazzy record.

People generally like “Drums Unlimited”, and many have noted that the drum solos and breaks are good with swinging jazz pieces to complement it all. Major review sites talk about how creative this record is, and many find it to be an essential piece to their collection, so you’re in good company if you’re eyeing this one to add or stream.

At first glance, I thought this was just background music. However, upon listening to it a bit more, I realize that this is an excellent record for tuning into instruments. Whether you like drums or just want something jazzy to dance or drink to, you’ll love how “Drums Unlimited” plays to Max Roach’s and company’s strengths.

Feel like streaming or owning this jazz gem from Max Roach? Click here to get it on the cheap.

Talib Kweli “Quality” (2002) Review

Talib Kweli thinking and just sitting around

An hour and five minutes of hip-hop is what you get when you decide to put on the debut studio record from Talib Kweli. Starting things off on “Quality” is Dave Chappelle, keynote speaker, who tells a random story with a cool soothing beat. Then, we are treated to Kweli’s rhymes. Forget what you know about the popular hip hop you’ve heard in the present, because this isn’t mumbling, it isn’t street or gangster, it’s a bit more conscious. Talib has stories to tell, from various circles of his views, and other topics that you would expect from rap’s heaviest hitters.

“Quality” is just that, it’s clarity of sound, clear vocals, clean lines, and choruses that will have you floored at times. There’s a lot to unpack from this record, and something for everyone. Whether you’re a college student trying to just mellow out with background music or you’re a hip-hop head that wants to revisit some of the best in the business, you’ll find that “Quality” features something for everyone. It has a sensibility, an honesty in the lyrical development, and an optimism, as Pitchfork magazine put it. It’s a reflection of an artist who is not just about bravado but is also a storyteller with a focus on political affirmation, social studies, and street-wise knowledge. Production from Kanye West and others makes this a must-listen to record, twenty-something years after it was initially released.

In the mood to stream or perhaps spin a vinyl? Click here and pick up this gem.

“IT” by Stephen King Review

There are a few books that I have read that are past the 1,000-page mark. Chances are, that you too have not ventured into a lot of reading that pushes that many pages. The closest literary work that comes to mind is The Holy Bible. Even that book, I have not read thoroughly, and I consider myself to be a Christian…of sorts.

Stephen King, prolific author, published “IT” in 1986, and it was his 22^nd book overall. A lot has been said about the book and the movie adaptations, so this review will not cover new ground. However, as an avid reader and writer, I wanted to put my thoughts down into a compartmentalized review for the one reader who will probably venture to look at this page.

Let’s begin with the strength of “IT” and the mentioned characters. We are not facing a single character, but rather a group of characters in a group called the Losers’ Club. Each one is carefully written out with backstories and emotional connection points. You can blame the book’s length on the immense task of writing for each character and including their stories. Each story is drawn out, sometimes to nauseum, but it is essential to paint the broader picture of what the group will face off against in the latter parts of the book.

Alongside the backstories, there is a pendulum moving back and forth regarding the timeline. The timeline is not set linearly, as much as there are flashbacks, forward progress, and isolation points in the story. “IT” handles this by throwing you into the story from past to present, with character stories that draw from their life experiences as children and adults, but not all at once. There is a switch between children and adults, and it adds depth to the characters, as well as breathes life into the story arc on a larger scale.

Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of “IT” is the exploration of childhood trauma, memories, fear, loathing, and loss of innocence. This is juxtaposed in the back-and-forth storytelling that King positions throughout the narrative. Whether you’ve grown up isolated from a lot of trauma or you’ve experienced abuse of any kind, you will find that King writes as an expert in the field, painting pictures vividly of what it is like to pass through the fires of each theme. Beverly’s narrative touched me the most, especially when she was abused as an adult and had to escape the grip of her husband. Beverly’s abusive story arc hit home for me, and those who read it can attest to the realism that is placed in the way King draws the picture.

The characters themselves lend credence to a larger setting, the town. Derry becomes a character in the book in how it is positioned. The city, the people, the history, and the stories that are etched into the larger portrait tell a story of evil. “IT” is not for the children, as they say, and it showcases that through brutal moments, including gay bashing, sexual tension, abuse, and more. A paper could be written about the town of Derry as the centerpiece of the madness on its own, but it is another puzzle piece you must reflect on as you read. The characters must contend with the town as a character, setting, and overall organism.

Thus far, we have discussed talking points on a positive scale. I want to express that I loved the book, but some moments are not so appealing to the masses. You may have stumbled on this review, considered reading “IT”, and are on the fence. Well, let’s talk for a few moments about criticism.

The length of “IT” is well over 1,100 pages. That is not an exaggeration of any kind. Stephen King went to town writing, and the book will take you time to push through. That can be seen as a negative to some people and a positive to others. I, for one, found it to be of “epic” proportions, which is a personal opinion.

The content is graphic. I don’t think anyone expects anything less from Stephen King. There is a reason why he is the “king” of horror. Whatever critic you decide to read, or when you place yourself into the book, you will find a complexity or harshness to some of the story. The evils aren’t always supernatural either, albeit they aren’t pulled away, but it’s often the real world that is scary, especially the abuse that comes with “evil” as a moniker.

Fan of linear structure? Then you will not find this book to be pleasing in that regard. The book jumps around time line-wise, so if you wanted point A to point B to be a straight line, you are reading the wrong book. “IT” jumps from past, present, and way past and future all in the same breath. It is fast paced, mind you, but it still leaves the reader a bit disoriented, mainly due to the length. You spend so much time in one place that by the time you finish, you’re left trying to remember all the details that come with the past, and of course, the present. That is not a detriment to the story, but if you’re not a fan of jumping around, you will find that King pushes you around regarding time placement.

As stated earlier, there is not much that can be said about “IT” by Stephen King that hasn’t already been said. The book is long, no exaggeration there, and it is scary. However, the most terrifying parts of the book deal with the loss of innocence and the evil that people do, rather than the supernatural, as some may take it. I found myself tearing up at times with the realism of the abuse suffered by the characters, and cheering them on as they fight insurmountable odds. This is a beast of a book that demands your attention for more extended periods than most.

Haven’t read “IT”? Check it out from your local library for free, or click HERE to order a copy and have it delivered straight to your door. Remember, it’s a behemoth, and you’ve been warned.

The Distillers “Sing Sing Death House” (2002) Review

Hellcat Records has put out some of my favorite albums of all time. They have consistently floored me with the quality that they have put out, and it’s interesting to see the many different arrays of options that they put forward. In 2002, while I was graduating high school, they would release “Sing Sing Death House” by the Distillers, and I fell in love with one Brody Dalle. Everyone else who saw the punk rock beauty, including Tim Armstrong of Rancid fame, did, too. Eyes closed, however, The Distillers are more than a pretty-faced fronted band, they have a strong ethos in the punk rock world, and the record proved to be just one hell of a ride.

The second studio album from the band finds them with clever production, stronger bass-heavy rhythms, and vocals that were unmatched at the time. “Sing Sing Death House” starts the punk rock quest fast and heavy with “Sick of It All”, and doesn’t let up throughout the record. I love the bass guitar on this record, and the rest of the frenetic pace just complements it so well.

So many good songs come through with this release, including the opener, then of course “I Am A Revenant”, “Sing Sing Death House”, “City of Angels”, and much more. While under 30 minutes, the band could paint a portrait of punk rock ethos and much more, within good production value and breakneck speed. One heck of an album, that’s what you get with “Sing Sing Death House”.

Stream The Distillers or buy the vinyl all by clicking here, yeah, just one click.