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https://www.blackenterprise.com/memphis-teens-give-free-haircuts-to-homeless/

Memphis teenagers Darnell Wells and Zac Sherrod linked up to provide free haircuts and hot meals to the homeless population in their city. WREG reported that the pair organized an effort to feed the homeless after Wells posed a question on his Facebook account. Wells asked if anyone wanted to help him feed the homeless and Sherrod didn’t just respond with his words.

According to Wells, they gave out at least 30 hamburgers to Memphis homeless. They initially were not going to post their good deed, but Wells says he was moved by God to put it out, as he told WREG: “We weren’t going to post it and publicize it at all, but God put it on my heart to post it. I hope it inspires somebody to go out and help somebody else.”

Wells usually works at The Shop, located in Fr‎ayser but he wanted to do something positive to benefit his community. Wells grabbed his clippers, and some collapsible outdoor chairs, and scooped up Sherrod, then set out to cut the hair of local homeless people.

The pair found a few people waiting when they got to the location, as Wells told WREG, “It was only two people when we got there. I ended up cutting nine heads and had five more waiting. We ended up giving out at least 30 burgers.”

Wells is not looking to end his positive contributions to his city anytime soon, saying that he wants to do something to help out local children. “I’m trying to get to kids, so they know it’s people doing the right thing, and you can do something positive and help other people.”

Wells also reflected on his conversations with homeless people as he was providing haircare. “We learned so much from them. They were giving us their life stories, and how they got into the predicament they’re in — giving us lessons.”

https://blackgirlnerds.com/amandla-stenberg-stars-in-the-queer-horror-romance-my-animal/

Bobbi Salvör Menuez (Euphoria) and Amandla Stenberg (Bodies Bodies Bodies) ignite in this genre-bending supernatural love story. Tormented by a hidden family curse, Heather is forced to live a secluded life on the outskirts of a small town. When she falls for the rebellious Jonny, their connection threatens to unravel Heather’s suppressed desires, tempting her to unleash the animal within. 

https://blacknerdproblems.com/new-york-or-nah-tmnt-mutant-mayhem-review/

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is bringing back the heroes in a half-shell in a big way. Whether you’ve seen the many (many) ads, were a huge fan from back in the day, or are a new fan there’s something here for you. When I tell you the franchise is in good hands, it looks like these Renaissance-named ninjas are about to be around for a good long while.

Another One

I know that you know that everyone knows audiences are drowning in rehashed IPs. It’s as if there are no original ideas out there being produced (unless you look outside the big studios and focus on smaller indie or ethical studios like A24 who have already chosen to honor the demands set by the WGA & SAG-AFTRA strike). Despite the numerous sequels, spinoffs, and prequels, Mutant Mayhem delivers one hell of a reboot. Mind you, TMNT started as a comic book in 1984, then was an animated show in 1987, then the first movie in 1990. You can Google the rest of the numerous cartoons, newer comics, crossovers, video games, etc., and see the long legacy of the franchise. That said, this might be the best Turtles property so far.

Iconic Turtles Are Back

Mutant Mayhem is a dope return to form for the Ninja Turtles IP, the archetypes are so wonderfully modernized and terribly cute. Everything from the OG 80s comic is here in this movie. Gritty New York City? Check. Alienated high school-aged mutants living in the shadows? Check. A Black April O’Neil? Check.

What Mutant Mayhem brings to the table that sets it apart is what feels like the most genuine comradery the Turtle brothers have ever had across all of media. The way the core cast (Micah Abbey as Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. as Michaelangelo, Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo, and Brady Noon as Raphael) clicks is almost uncanny. It really feels like these young actors were recording a slice-of-life anime of any given Thursday with high school freshmen. They are a vibe, and it makes the whole movie so effortless and fun to watch.

Authentic NYC Or Nah?

There is a level of authenticity that drives this whole thing; it’s irrevocably and unmistakably NYC. From the cultural references, the acting, the art style, the music – the whole aesthetic feels cohesive. It almost felt as though one was looking through a New York-tinted lens. If you’re from the tri-state area, it’s gonna hit different.

The ‘imperfect’ art design is a stroke of genius. All of the asymmetries work right into the ‘teenage’ feel of the movie. Despite utilizing the same ‘dropped frames’ sketchbook animation effect made popular by the Spider-Verse movies, Mutant Mayhem manages to stand on its own. From the cityscape to the characters, the look just screams dystopian urban landscape and that was always the vision TMNT creators Kevin Eastman (easter egg hidden in the name of April’s school) and Peter Laird (easter egg in the neon sign where the turtles and April meet) had in mind. But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in any of its forms is always a coming-of-age story. And coming-of-age these days looks a lot like this:

It is not lost on any real New Yorker that there’s an entirely improvised scene in the movie where the turtles start talking wild reckless in the vein of the homegrown Instagram sensation Sidetalk NYC. When the Ninja Turtles are talking about bacon, egg, and cheeses with puffer coats and Timbs – that just warmed my jaded, Bronx-raised heart. Or furthermore that the god of Chopped Cheeses made ‘the Ocky way’ gets a sponsored ad on Tik-Tok making a TMNT-themed bacon egg and cheese on a pizza?!? Can’t forget the bev (never, never, never). Oh nah, somebody did their homework, and east coast audiences are going to be so hyped.

@rah_money1

TMNT Bacon, Egg and Cheese THE OCKY WAY Watch the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: #MutantMayhem Only In Theatres August 2nd #ParamountPartner @ninjaswhoareturtles @Paramount Pictures

♬ original sound – General ock

What Ever Happened To…

Part of what makes Mutant Mayhem so entertaining is the stellar cast. Having Ice Cube and Paul Rudd in a movie together is something only Seth Rogen might be able to do. However, for the last fifteen years or so the lion’s share of animated flicks have used actors with big names to draw audiences into theatres. As a result, a lot of our favorite voice actors have been relegated to supporting roles or background work. Unfortunately, the success of yet another animated cluster of Hollywood talent will only reinforce that going forward. Perhaps after the strike, they’ll be some leverage for voice-centric actors to return to prominence.

Aight, So Boom

Mutant Mayhem is the goods people, it lands all of the important cultural nuances without beating you in the head while doing it. Between its cultural competency, the talent, the synergy between the turtles, and the New York City of it all – you’ll be hard pressed to find a more fun movie this year. It’s like Across The Spider-Verse but with none of the high stakes. No matter where you are in the forty-year mythos, this is a great place to jump back in.

Like TMNT? Find BNP’s other reviews of the franchise here.

Cover image via CNN

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The post New York or Nah?: ‘TMNT: Mutant Mayhem’ Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2023/08/17/the-nerd-element-talks-to-brendon-small/

It’s been ten years since the saga of Dethklok, the fictional death metal band at the center of the brutally funny and epic animated show, “Metalocalypse,” ended on a cliffhanger in “Metalocalypse – The Doomstar Requiem – A Klok Opera.” It seemed as if that would be it—Adult Swim had canceled the show and nixed a wrap-up set of episodes to give the show a proper send-off. Despite the show’s popularity—and the fact that it spawned a successful live version of Dethklok lead by the show’s co-creator, Brendon Small—it seemed done.

Small, however, never gave up the mission to finish Dethklok’s journey. The result is a full-length movie, “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar,” which picks up where “The Doomstar Requiem” left off, with the band dealing (or not) with the events surrounding the rescue of their rhythm guitarist, Toki Wartooth (voiced by show co-creator Tommy Blacha).

Featuring a stacked cast which includes Small, Blacha, Mark Hamill, Juliet Mills, Malcolm McDowell, Amy Lee, and Jon Hamm, the film brings the band’s destiny to a deliciously satisfying conclusion.

The Nerd Element recently spoke to Small, who wrote and directed “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar.” Because of the current strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, certain topics were off-limits; however, Small had plenty to share about directing the movie, some of the techniques used in the animation, and the music of Dethklok, including the new single, “Aortic Desecration,” that plays a big part in Dethklok’s journey.

The pride and love he feels for the ambitious project definitely shows. In addition to the film, there’s also a new album, “Dethalbum IV,” as well as the film’s soundtrack. As Small notes in our discussion, all three are important elements of the whole experience of “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar.”

Small’s career includes another beloved animated show, “Home Movies,” which he co-created with Loren Bouchard, and he’s done lots of acting in shows such as “Bob’s Burgers,” “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” and “The Venture Bros.” In addition to Dethklok, Small has a solo musical project, Brendon Small’s Galaktikon, which includes fellow live-version Dethklok band members Gene Hoglan and Bryan Beller.

“Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar” will be available on Blu-Ray and digital on August 21, 2023. “Dethalbum IV” will be available on August 22, and the soundtrack to the film will be available on August 25, 2023. “Metalocalypse: The Complete Series” is already available for purchase.

See our Review of the movie Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar here

The post The Nerd Element Talks to: Brendon Small! appeared first on The Nerd Element.