Magic, Movies and Melanin

We’re baaaaaaaack! Before Disney got soft, this DCOM had parents writing complaint letters and kids sleeping with the lights on. We’re breaking down the boogeyman, the loss of imagination, Francis growing up too fast, and why this movie hit different for Black millennial kids. Fear, nostalgia, and childhood innocence all collide in one of Disney Channel’s boldest originals.Ty Hodges, take your flowers!⸻⏱️ Chapters00:15 Introduction and Movie Context06:18 Plot Overview and Themes12:01 Growing Up and Imagination18:15 Representation in Film25:07 Scare Factor and Audience Reception31:04 Thematic Depth: Imagination and Growing Up39:06 Ratings and Reflections: Personal Impressions⸻📲 Connect with UsFollow the pod: @magicmoviesandmelanin (Instagram & Threads)Ernest: @ebeknowing (Instagram)Tiara: @justaddatiara (Instagram)

For our Magic, Movies & Melanin season finale, we’re throwin’ it back to the summer of 2002 when one pair of MJ sneakers turned Lil’ Bow Wow into a full-on NBA superstar. In this episode, we revisit Like Mike and talk about everything from Calvin’s insane vert and NBA cameos to Bow Wow’s acting debut, teen crushes, and the underrated heart this movie actually had.We talk favorite scenes, wild moments, and why this film still hits for so many of us who grew up in the era of AND1 mixtapes, and wishing we could dunk like Vince Carter. There’s laughter, some real talk, and a whole lotta love as we close out the season the only way we know howTap in for one last ride this season! 🏀Timestamps:00:21 – Introduction and Season Finale Announcement04:40 – Plot Overview and Character Introductions09:57 – Calvin’s Rise in Basketball15:11 – Memorable NBA Moments and Crushes22:13 – Bow Wow’s Film Debut and Performance26:35 – Cameos and NBA Players in the Movie31:12 – Favorite Scenes and Character Dynamics37:53 – Nostalgia and Future Projects45:52 – Cultural Impact of Like Mike and Nostalgia51:49 – Sports Movies and Personal Connections

It’s 1994. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is talking to invisible angels. Tony Danza is trying to win one last game before Social Security kicks in. And Ranch Wilder? He’s hating from the dugout like no one has ever seen!In this episode of Magic, Movies & Melanin, I’m joined by special guest Sauce Brady to unpack the wild ride that is Angels in the Outfield—from spiritual infield assists to surprisingly inappropriate dialogue in a kids’ movie. Thanks for listening!

I’m joined by my special guest @Cam_infinity1 to hit the court to break down Disney Channel’s height-biased classic, Double Teamed (2002). From suspicious timelines and the “doing too much” dad energy to knee wiggles, we’re calling out the chaos with love. Lets chat!Timestamps:0:18 – TT’s reflection1:31 – Meet our guest Cam4:06 – Let’s address the title…11:20 – The real Heather & Heidi13:05 – That man Larry16:36 – Parents doing the most24:10 – Lies, lies, lies35:40 – Knee wiggle choreography45:32 – Two Truths & One Lie50:31 – Keith Lee-style rating

Let’s talk Roll Bounce! If you remember what it felt like to be young, grieving, and still trying to have fun…this one’s for you! Chicago in the ’70s, Bow Wow with some real acting chops, and a soundtrack that knew what it was doing! Tap in with us and send this to Khleo Thomas too! Let’s go back in timeIG: @jutaddatiara@ebeknowing@magicmoviesandmelaninThreads: @ebeknowing@justaddatiara@magicmoviesandmelanin

Third time’s supposed to be the charm… but when D3: The Mighty Ducks dropped, critics left it on thin ice 😬.On this episode of Magic, Movies & Melanin, we’re breaking down the nostalgia, the awkwardness, and why D3 might secretly be the realest Ducks movie of them all.Tap in and let’s talk about growing up, letting go, or the fact that Cole was absolutely NOT a teenager!Follow us on IG:@magicmoviesandmelanin@ebeknowing@justaddatiaraFollow us on Threads:@magicmoviesandmelanin@justaddatiara@ebeknowing

Welcome back to 1994 with D2: The Mighty Ducks! Always remember, “Ducks fly together!” In this episode, we: • Revisit the plot and childhood memories (03:41) • Call out the not-so-magical moments (11:07) • Check in on where the cast is now (20:57) • Dream-cast a ’90s Black version of the Ducks (38:10) • And rate it Keith Lee style (51:14)Whether you tried a knucklepuck in your driveway or just vibed with 90s hockey vibes, this episode is for you.Follow us on IG:@magicmoviesandmelanin@justaddatiara@ebeknowing

This week on Magic, Movies & Melanin, we’re throwin’ it back to Camp Hope and giving Heavyweights the flowers it deserves—30 years later and still a whole vibe! TT and I dive into the legacy of this underrated ‘90s gem, breaking down the wild plot, Judd Apatow’s early genius, Ben Stiller’s unhinged (and iconic) performance, and the glow-ups and comeback stories of the cast.Then we get real: childhood memories, plus-size pain, and the power of representation. And don’t miss our Snack Contraband Draft!This one’s for every kid who felt left out, laughed anyway, and knew their worth long before the world did.Timestamps for the Crew:​ 00:11 – Introductions & Heavyweights Breakdown​ 09:30 – Discussing The Writers and Cast​ 17:30 – Snack Contraband Draft (aka pure chaos and cravings)​ 37:42 – Keith Lee-Style Movie Ratings​ 41:08 – Reflecting on Life as a Plus-Sized Preteen/TeenFollow us on Instagram:@magicmoviesandmelanin@justaddatiara@ebeknowing

Season 2 of Magic, Movies, and Melanin kicks off with a throwback to the golden era of Disney Channel — the 1998 classic Brink! Join us as we talk about the rollerblading drama that had every 90s kid yelling “Soul Skaters for life!” or “Skate Better!”From the battle of passion versus profit to the characters’ journeys of self-discovery, this episode breaks down what made Brink! more than just a movie about skating. We unpack the socio-economic layers hidden beneath the spandex and grinds, explore Disney’s depiction of authenticity, and reflect on how characters like Gabriella and Boomer stood out in a sea of predominantly white casts.0:29 - Welcome to Season 2! 4:49 - The *Brink!* Backstory You Didn’t Know 15:51 - Highlight Segment: Best and Worst Moments 21:10 - Boomer’s Hairline: A Critical Analysis 27:05 - 90s Sports Culture and Disney DCOMs 39:45 - Representation Check: Who Got Left Out? 42:04 - Where Are They Now? (*Spoiler: Soul Skaters Still Rule*) 51:18 - Who Would We Cast in a 2025 *Brink!* Reboot? 1:02:25 - Keith Lee Style Ratings: Is *Brink!* Still a 10/10?

We’re heading back to the summer of ‘62 with The Sandlot! From Smalls’ tragic hat to Benny’s GOAT status, we’re breaking down the quotables, the chaos, and our dream recast set in ‘90s Chicago. And yes…The Great Bambino is present!Follow us on IG:@magicmoviesandmelanin@justaddatiara@ebknowing

This season finale of Magic, Movies, and Melanin dives into the nostalgia of Disney’s The Parent Trap (1998)! We break down the iconic twin hijinks, rate whether it holds up, and explore where the cast is now. Also, Chessy and Martin? 🤔 Tune in!

This week, I teamed up with the hilarious and nostalgic @cam_infinity1 to dig into the Disney classic Holes (2003). In this laughter-filled episode, we chat about our favorite songs (because “Dig It” will forever be a bop), shine a light on the Black and Latino characters who made an impact, and even tie the story into our own past work experiences—spoiler: digging wasn’t involved, but the grind was real!

On this special holiday episode of Magic, Movies, and Melanin, Ernest and Tiara dive into The Preacher’s Wife and talk about the memories that it brings!

This week on Magic, Movies, and Melanin, we’re taking y’all back to church with a deep dive into the iconic Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit! 🙌🏾 Shani Showbiz joins us to unpack the soulful moments, the lessons in faith, and that unforgettable choir scene. From high notes to life lessons, it’s all here—and yes, we might get a little churchy!

Get ready for A Goofy Movie! We’re joined by special guest Charisma to explore this beloved classic, from the unforgettable Powerline jams to its heartwarming father-son journey. You won’t want to miss it! 👁️ 2️⃣👁️

Get in here! Let’s Jammmmm! Welcome to the Space Jam y’all 🙌🏾🙌🏽

*previously recorded*Throw it back to the 90s as we dig into Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. From Zords to missing legends, we’re unpacking the action, the nostalgia, and what this movie meant for fans. Plus, we break down how the absence of Walter Jones shaped the story for Black viewers and longtime fans alike.

In this episode of Magic, Movies, and Melanin, we’re going back to 1999 to unlock the doors of Disney’s Smart House! Imagine a world where your house cleans, cooks, and knows your every need—sounds like a dream, right?

Breaking news!! Dive into Disney magic with a review of this beloved Halloween classic!

Ready to bop to the top? In this episode, we’re diving into the teen musical that had us all believing we could sing, dance, and somehow still ace math class. Join us as we break down High School Musical!