The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series... Reviewed!

A copy of The Wayans Bros. The Complete Series was provided by Warner Bros for review. My opinions are my own.

The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series Hits DVD – A Nostalgic Treat for Fans!

The beloved sitcom The Wayans Bros., which premiered in 1995, has finally been released as a complete series on DVD! This five-season set includes all episodes inside a case that you're sure to appreciate, offering fans a chance to relive the hilarious antics of Shawn and Marlon Wayans as they navigate life in the Big Apple alongside their father. The case keeps the DVDs tamed and actually snaps the plastic holders in place, ready for action.

Did you know that Marlon Wayans told the late, great John Witherspoon that he wanted him to play his dad on a TV show prior to the existence of the sitcom? Marlon's wish came true, as John brought his larger-than-life personality and unforgettable one-liners to the role of Pops, making the show even more memorable. #BangBangBang

The Wayans Bros. wasn't just a hit in New York; it resonated with audiences nationwide. I believe this resulted in the facelift we see ushered in with the second season. This is the format most viewers are familiar with as the popularity began to soar. Its blend of slapstick humor, witty banter, and over-the-top antics made it a cultural touchstone for '90s television. People still remember many of the show's iconic one-liners to this day, and it almost feels like an ongoing skit from In Living Color. The portion of the episodes prior to the show's intro actually delivers more of that In Living Color-style content that's usually crazy and over the top. A prime example is when Marlon was supposed to watch the fries being cooked in the kitchen while Shawn was on the phone. Marlon ended up on fire, Shawn looked in the kitchen, saw him on fire, and said he's burning the fries.

If you have a Blu-ray or DVD player, this set is a must-have for fans of Wayans family comedy! The show's humor hasn't aged a bit, but some of the fashion has. Either way, it's a great way to get your laugh on. Plus, it's a fitting tribute to John Witherspoon, who left an indelible mark on the series and the industry. You will find cameo after cameo featured on the show, from The Jeffersons' Sherman Hemsley to Roy Jones Jr., Seinfeld's Phil Morris, comedy legend Bernie Mac, Michael Clarke Duncan, and many more. This will become a trend you can expect throughout the series. This show is very easy to watch, and it was actually Marlon Wayans' style of comedy that inspired younger comedians like DC Young Fly, as it blended humor with relatable life experiences.

While the show declined in ratings ahead of the generational shift of 2000, I feel that it would have held even stronger if there had been a goal to bring the show to a close. This would have allowed more viewers to stick around with the dedicated fanbase to see how it ends, knowing that it's a limited series. Most shows without a set end usually hit this wall where viewers have seen all there is to see and want to move on to something else. I believe that the storyline is better crafted when the mission is set. That's not to say The Wayans Bros. didn't have a strong conclusion while maintaining its comedic charm and wrapping up the show in a satisfying way, but the dots would have connected even more if the plan was to end it after five seasons.

One major disappointment that I have with this set is the lack of bonus content. These are the stars behind In Living Color, Scary Movie, White Chicks, and more! There were no bloopers?! That would have sweetened the pot for the dedicated fanbase, comedians, and fans of comedy. Such a missed opportunity, along with commentary that would have allowed us to fill in the blanks from the surviving cast members. Pricewise, The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series gives you a trip down memory lane for an impressive $45.99, allowing John Witherspoon's legacy to live on.

Runtime: 50+ hours. Rated: TV-PG

Storyline 4

Visuals 3

Audio 4

Price 5

4 out of 5 Cool Points

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Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin - The Complete First Season... Reviewed!

Before I jump into this review, I'd like to give a shout-out to the WB for supplying us with a copy. My opinions are my own.

Catty girls in a catty world of drama... where one thing leads to another, and revenge is back in the form of a villain inspired by their mommas. Is Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin - The Complete First Season... worth the watch? Well, let's jump in and find out!

Story: How do I start this? Oh yeah... this show is crazy as hell, starring girls who know a little something about... chaos. It's basically a horror-based soap opera described as a "secretive and suspenseful drama series" by the team over at the WB.

This story takes place in the Pretty Little Liars universe, but it's in a different location (which is Millwood, Pennsylvania). I'm new to the series... so I'm not familiar with the story of the prior P.L.L. installment. Regardless of the title, there are chicks in this story who need to be called... nasty little liars. I don't want to give the show away, but the reason why the stars of this show are looking over their shoulder... is because of the crap their moms (the nasty not-so-little liars nowadays) pulled when they were in high school.

They treated the new girl so horribly... she harmed herself. There is even info in the opening of the episodes because of things depicted in the show. This isn't the whole show, but... you clearly understand why the wheels of revenge are set in motion. Believe it or not... I didn't look at the villain like a bad guy (for the most part), I was more so watching the show like how is he going to make certain people pay. It wasn't just the moms, there were other not-so-savory characters (who acted like villains themselves to a degree).

Speaking of which, this show can be a bit agenda-driven (here and there). It covers some topics that I wouldn't knock being covered to a degree, but if one of the characters wasn't a survivor, it was another character. (Follow me) Parents were around... but not to the point where most asked where they were going and actually put their foot down to take preventative measures (especially after certain incidents took place, but... some select survivors said nothing to them). I'll give them credit for two situations off the top of my head, there was one at the movie theatres, and another with the moms of one of the characters when she was younger.

Nearly everyone in this show was jacked up (I have to be honest), except for Faran's dad and a handful of others... but he was basically under the boot of her mom (one of the nasty not-so-little liars). She was a career woman, he worked a 9 to 5 (I believe), and Faran lived with him. Her mom would pop her head in here and there for the sake of getting Faran to do things (her way) and would override the dad's objections with a smile (or would at least try unless Faran opposed it).

You might be wondering where the villain came into play in all this, but he was woven throughout (along with other villains who don't wear masks)... and despite the things the characters did to annoy me (think of horror movies and the way characters can behave), it kept things interesting. I did find myself almost shouting at the telly at times, but I kept watching as they brought it around (someone got their just deserts).

There is a twist in there that I wasn't expecting, but I'm not spilling the beans... so you'll have to check it out yourself.

There's a part I really want to touch on, but it would be saying too much. What I will say is that... I do find it weird that a particular character was able to function the way they were despite an L. You could tell that someone else was dealing with their L a little harder, but I don't know, I tried not to overthink it... I just thought it was weird. I guess she wouldn't have been able to function well through the season on that note. Once you watch, you'll likely know exactly what I'm talking about (it happens in episode one).

Overall, I think they did a good job keeping the pace of this season strong, and making sure things revolved around school life (along with the catty behavior being traded off between the P.L.L crew, Karen, and others). Season one was wrapped up in the end in a way that justifies a second season, so if this new entry into the franchise... floats your boat, stay tuned.

Visuals: Visuals for this show are solid. They were clean and crisp (for the most part), and when it was time to set a certain tone... they put the scenes together well.

Medium Close-up Shot

They delivered a horror movie in a show with the visuals to match. Even the school looked creepy in the daytime (almost looked like night school)... which I would've switched that up and given a bit more variety. Brighten up the lights or something. Take a look at various scenes minus a certain hotel and the homes they reside in (for the most part), and they look like they belong in a horror movie. I'm guessing they wanted to maintain that energy, but the other scenes helped break it up somewhat.

Two-Shot

You get a lot of mid shots in this show, not to mention full shots to show off the fashion... and of course the P.L.L. crew. They didn't stop there, they delivered some other nice angles as well like a POV shot from the villain's point of view (i.e. you even see through the eye holes of the mask at a Halloween party). You will also see other shots like one where one of the girls falls to the ground and the camera literally falls to the ground also (with the full shift of the angle)... which was pretty cool. You can see the effort, which is applauded. 

Low Angle Shot

There was also this one scene where the villain caught someone in the bathroom, and it gave me full-on Halloween vibes (minus the Michael Myers/William Shatner mask). On top of that, you may notice a few things that make you think of one or more horror movies. I got at least 4, which were Halloween (as mentioned), Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Pumpkin Head. There were others, but... they were mentioned in the show.

They were able to pull off their own feel with the look of the character and the story, but... Halloween vibes were pouring from the screen for me. Oh, by the way, they also hit us a Dutch angle in episode one... when Faran got a text from someone in dance class.

Medium Shot

Over-the-shoulder Shot

High Angle Shot

Audio: The audio was fitting, they paired up the music well along with the sound effects. There are some movies that don't utilize effects at times that could really sell the scene, so I take my hat off to the audio in this show... which is clean and impactful. Speaking of impactful, at some point in the show... they even played, 'Mister Sandman' (just like in Halloween).

Price + Extras: As far as price goes, you can get Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin - The Complete First Season on DVD... February 28, 2023 for $24.98. Which isn't bad, but the sweet spot is $19.99 for me, but luckily we have the hook-up for ya. If you get the digital version, enjoy a watch party!

In addition to the 10 One Hour Episodes on DVD, you also get...

• Swagger, Romance and Fear: The Boys of Original Sin
• A New Generation of Terror: The Villains of Original Sin

Story 4

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price + Extras 4

4.5 out of 5 Cool Points

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Marvel's Venom: The Horror movie?

A Venom movie that's geared towards... horror? I truly believe that would be well received. The standard superhero film approach wouldn't work.

Even a typical big bad villain approach wouldn't be as enjoyable... for me if it's typical. The factors surrounding Venom need to be there on full tilt to scare the unedible chocolate out of someone... In a well rounded movie (that makes sense for this character). - Blu

Bring it on. - Luis D. Lucha

If they can do it justice. - Yang

True. Should it have Spiderman though? - Luis D. Lucha

IDK... hmm maybe... maybe not, but who would be the hero then? - Blu

It doesn't need a hero. - Yang

The movie would be flat without a hero. - Luis D. Lucha

Never seen a movie without a happy ending? - Yang

No, I love happy endings too much. - Luis D. Lucha

Hey... that's... never mind. - RkRk

Spiderman... would make sense but it would have to be done in a way that sells the story as an actual horror film. - Blu

We aren't writing it so guess we'll find out. (Now won't we?) Hehehahahahaaaa- RkRk

Should it be an origin story or will Venom be presented based on the recent comic issues? - Luis D. Lucha

If they plan on creating a franchise, then they should probably give us the origin. Then again... they can stitch it into the installments if that helps avoid a dry introduction. - Blu

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