Magic, Movies and Melanin

Good Burger (1997) is one of the most memorable Nickelodeon comedy movies of the 90s, starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. In the Season 3 finale of Magic, Movies and Melanin, we revisit this cult classic and talk about why Good Burger STILL lives rent-free in the minds of so many 90s kids and Black millennials. In this episode we break down the plot of Good Burger (1997), revisit the dynamic...

Disney Channel gave us a Black superhero family in 2000 and somehow people still don’t talk about it enough. In this episode, we go back to Up, Up and Away and really sit with it. The Marshall family, the pressure to have powers, the low budget effects that still made it feel special, and the cultural impact of seeing a Black family save the day on Disney. We break down the plot twists, Scott faki...

In this episode of Magic, Movies and Melanin, TT and I revisit Disney Channel’s The Color of Friendship and unpack why this film still hits harder than people remember. Set against the very real backdrop of apartheid South Africa, the movie forces uncomfortable conversations about race, privilege, cultural conditioning, and the ways racism can show up quietly, casually, and loudly all at once. We...

The Cinderella episode response was LOUD so we had to keep the nostalgia train rolling. This week, TT and I are heading to Rome (mentally) for a full dive into The Lizzie McGuire Movie — the iconic Disney classic that had us believing we could all randomly become pop stars on vacation. We’re talking character dynamics, Lizzie’s confidence journey, the soundtrack that still hits, and how watching t...

This week on Magic, Movies and Melanin, we revisit the Brandy + Whitney Houston version of Cinderella and talk about why this one still hits like it did the first time…maybe even harder now that we’re grown. We get into the impact of representation, how the music shapes the entire emotional experience, and why Brandy’s Cinderella feels so authentic and easy to root for. And of course we had to sho...

In this episode of Magic, Movies & Melanin, EB and TT head back to Genovia to revisit the 2001 Disney favorite The Princess Diaries. This movie lived on repeat growing up, and watching it now hits with pure early-2000s nostalgia. We talk about why the film still works, Mia Thermopolis’ awkward but relatable glow up, and how this role put Anne Hathaway on the map. Julie Andrews brings the heart and...

Cetus Lupetus forever. As 2026 settles in, we revisit one of Disney Channel’s most iconic films, Zenon Girl of the 21st Century. The future we imagined as kids, the reality we’re living in now, and why Zenon still holds a special place in our hearts. We talk space dreams, wild outfits, Proto Zoa the legend, Margie being the BIGGEST hater, and why Zenon felt empowering without trying too hard. Then...

Some Christmas movies entertain you. Jingle Jangle tries to heal you a little. This week, we step into a world full of music, magic, and big feelings as we break down Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. We get into family, loss, legacy, parenting, and what it really means to believe in yourself again after life has knocked the wind out of you. We celebrate the way Black joy and imagination sit at...

This week on Magic, Movies & Melanin, what starts as a cozy 90s Christmas memory quickly turns into a conversation about accidental Santas, questionable parenting choices, and why this movie had an entire generation thinking corporate Santa training was a real thing! We break down the plot, the father-son dynamic, and why this movie still lives rent-free in most Christmas rotations. We also don’t...

Home Alone season is here, and we’re deep-diving into the two movies that raised us, confused us, and convinced us we could outsmart grown men with nothing but paint cans and childhood goofs. We get into Kevin’s genius, the family chaos, the New York glow-up, and why John Williams’ score still melts the holiday stress right off your shoulders. If these movies were part of your childhood rotation,...

Tyra Banks as a plastic doll with bright painted eyes. Lindsay Lohan in her pre–Mean Girls era. We’re talking Life-Size (2000) on Thanksgiving. In this episode we walk through the plot, swap first memories of watching Life-Size on ABC Family, and ask the real questions: Who had more nerve, Drew or Richie What would that resurrection spell have actually done to Casey’s mama And why were those offic...

Let’s talk the “Black” Seventeen Again, the Showtime fever dream Disney Channel tried to quietly adopt like nobody would notice. We get into the nostalgia of thinking this was a DCOM, the scenes Mickey Mouse absolutely refused to air, the AUDACITY of a few characters, and the soundtrack magic that is Boyz II Men! Join us on this journey back to the year 2000. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Magic Movi...

Happy birthday to Alex, to Cam, and to our inner coven. TT and I pull up to Coventry and talk Twitches (2005). We laugh at the Dollar Tree CGI, give Tia and Tamera their overdue flowers, dig into early-2000s Disney “diversity from Canada with vibes,” and play casting director for a 2025 remake. Love. Light. A lil chaos. Just how we like it. Timestamps 00:17 — Birthday love and movie introductions...

Before Smart House, before Johnny Tsunami’d (😂)—there was a mummy named Harold! In this solo episode, let’s break down Disney’s first-ever DCOM Under Wraps (1997), talking about its weird charm, wild adult humor, and lack of color in true 90s fashion. From Dennis Rodman costumes to fake insurance scams, it’s all here. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Under Wraps 05:23 Themes and Humor in Under W...

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 fl...

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...

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 in...

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 reflection 1:31 – Meet our guest Cam 4:06 – Let’s address the title… 11:20 – The real Heather & Heidi 13...

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 time IG: @jutaddatiara @ebeknowing @magicmoviesandmelanin Threads: @ebeknowing @justaddatiara @magi...

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: @magic...

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 vi...

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: child...

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

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 m...

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!