Super Smack and the Universal “Man Booty!”

September 22, 2023September 22, 2023 Bray Lawrence

After the celebration that was Orange Chicken’s release party, Super Smack and I went our separate ways for about a month. He went to Los Angeles for songwriting sessions and music industry events, continuing his multi-month process of building his album, while also visiting some college friends. But for me? I stayed home. Nothing screams relaxation than in front of a computer screen and ungodly amounts of multiplayer video games.

Interview, Music1 Comment

Super Smack is Shamelessly Asian American in “Orange Chicken!”

May 17, 2023May 19, 2023 Bray Lawrence

It was a pleasant surprise to see an email invite from Super Smack inviting me to the listening party for his next single. It had been a few weeks since I had last seen him but I heard his voice everywhere. “Cute!” and “Grind!” started to show up in rotation through my TikTok For You Page and several of my personal friends would remark hearing the songs in their feeds as well. It was no denying his songs were picking up traction, but what exactly was resonating with the listeners? I finally had the perfect opportunity to find out.

Interview, Nerdcore

Super Smack’s Journey to Reclaim Cuteness

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023 Bray Lawrence

It’s been well over a year since I met Super Smack in our last interview for his song “Black and Gold” featuring Mega Ran, and we’ve talked and hung out several times after. So when he approached me about interviewing him for the singles off his new project, I was a bit hesitant at first, but my curiosity and excitement won out. I’m happy to say that this is the first of many short interviews with Super Smack for each of his upcoming singles and debut album.

Movies, Reviews

‘House Party’ 2023 Struggles to Keep the Party Going

January 13, 2023January 19, 2023 Bray Lawrence

Written by Jamal Olori & Stephen Glover and directed by Calmatic, House Party tells the story of two freshly fired house cleaners — club promoting best friends, Damon and Kevin — as they decide to host the most exclusive party in California at LeBron James’ exclusive mansion, the site of their last cleaning job. While the film does deliver on its premise it isn’t until the later half that it comes into its own.

Interview, Movies1 Comment

The Cast of ‘House Party’ Talks about Acting, Music, and Parties

January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 Bray Lawrence

Warner Bros. Discovery reboots the Kid ‘n Play ’90s comedy classic when House Party is set to release in theaters on Friday, January 13.

Movies, Reviews, Streaming

‘The Hater’ Has an Earnest Heart

December 23, 2022December 20, 2022 Bray Lawrence

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 showed that real life had become more like a season of television than ever before. Two years into Joe Biden’s presidency — and in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection — our identity as citizens in this country has become increasingly fragmented from each other. What is best for our communities has fallen to the wayside as it has become harder to find common ground. So when The Hater — written, directed and acted by the multi-talented Joey Ally — finally ended and credits began to roll, I finally realized what had been missing in so many other pieces of media about politics in the world of Fake News and political team sports.

Movies, Reviews

‘Hot Blooded: Once upon a Time’ is Intriguing But Disjointed

December 20, 2022 Bray Lawrence

How much are you willing to pay to become king? Is the price of having wealth, power, or respect worth the pain or death it brings? Hot Blooded: Once Upon A TIme In Korea succeeds in tackling these themes, as well as the perpetual cycle of violence, with a poetic focus that left me intrigued with what it was trying to say, even though I’m not sure if it was clear enough.

Interview, Streaming

The Cast of ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Discuss Inspiration, Collaboration, and Creativity

September 27, 2022September 26, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Onyx Collective’s new stellar legal drama, Reasonable Doubt is set to premiere on Tuesday, September 27 on Hulu. From executive producer Kerry Washington, Reasonable doubt is loosely based on the incredibly talented celebrity attorney Shawn Holley, and follows Jacqueline “Jax” Stewart, a premier criminal defense lawyer from L.A. as she battles the justice system while trying to deal with a breaking marriage and hardships of motherhood.

Interview, Television6 Comments

Kenan Thompson Reflects on His Legacy and Hosting the Emmys

September 9, 2022September 9, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Kenan Thompson is having a great year that just keeps getting better. After wrapping up his 19th season on SNL and receiving a Hollywood Star, he will now be hosting the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, September 12, 2022 on NBC and streaming live on Peacock.

Movies, Reviews

NOC Review: ‘I Love My Dad’ is Endearingly Funny and Real

August 6, 2022August 10, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Having a falling out with a family member you are close with can be difficult and the same can be said when you fall in love with a person you’ve never met online. Both experiences can leave you with the empty feeling of realizing you don’t really know them as well as you thought. In I Love My Dad, writer-director James Morosini crafts an endearingly funny and real film that displays that feeling honestly and cathartically.

Anime, Movies

A Door to a New Adventure Opens in the trailer for Makoto Shinkai’s ‘Suzume’

July 21, 2022July 20, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Toho and Comix Wave have finally released the reveal trailer for Makoto Shinkai’s upcoming film, Suzume. The anticipation of the next film from the acclaimed Your Name and Weathering With You director has been building since the first key visual was released back in April.

Television, Video Games

Updates on ‘The Last of Us’ from Summer Game Fest

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022 Bray Lawrence

The long rumored remake of The Last of Us: Part 1 arrives on the PS5 later this year on September 2 and PC at a later date. Announced at this year’s Summer Games Fest, Naughty Dog Co-President and The Last of Us creative director, Neil Druckmann spoke with Geoff Keighley about the remake, the announced multiplayer spin-off, and the upcoming TV series after the new trailer aired.

Interview, Sci Fi, Streaming

Natasha Lyonne and the Cast of ‘Russian Doll’ Talk about Season 2

May 31, 2022June 1, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Russian Doll season 2 is now streaming on Netflix. I was incredibly fortunate to have a chance to speak with Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Chloë Sevigny, and Greta Lee about the new season and what’s in store for their characters.

Movies, Reviews, Sci Fi

‘Occupation: Rainfall’ is a Fun Sci-Fi Opera Hindered By its Own Weight

March 28, 2022March 29, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Occupation: Rainfall is a confusing enigma. At moments, it feels at home in B-movie schlock delivering campy actor performances that chew on scenery and heavy action sequences drenched in CGI screen filters and explosions. Other moments, there’s a sincerity in its attention to detail in the story it weaves. Crafting interesting cinematography to amplify its thoughts on trauma, war, and moving forward.

Horror, Movies, Reviews

‘The Midnight Swim’ Dives Deep into Grief and Depression

March 15, 2022March 16, 2022 Bray Lawrence

The journey through grief, loss, and depression can often be a solitary one. A moment in time where a world full of the diversity of life, people, animals, and color, is swept to the sea and you are left with an isolating void of muted memories and half remembered thoughts. The Midnight Swim — a 2015 film recently made available on home video and streaming — written and directed by Sarah Adina Smith, dives deep into the nuance of these feelings through poetic and graceful filmmaking.

Anime, Video Games

‘Soul Hackers 2’ Overrides Predecessor’s Past with New Digital Identity

March 8, 2022March 10, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Atlus has released new story and character information about their upcoming RPG, Soul Hackers 2, a sequel to the twenty-five year old game, Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers. Following its cult-celebrated predecessor’s meshing of sci-fi aesthetic with the Shin Megami Tensei, Soul Hackers 2 aims to upgrade the concept by coding a new tale about humanity and its relationship with technology.

Crowdfunding, Gaming

‘Bundle for Ukraine’ is a Stellar Deal to Support a Great Cause

March 8, 2022March 9, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Have you been looking for ways to help people in Ukraine? Do you also like playing interesting and unique games from indie developers? Then Necrosoft Games have the perfect bundle for you. The Bundle for Ukraine is a itch.io bundle hosted by Necrosoft Games with content from 732 creators containing over 1,000 games, tabletop RPGs, books, and soundtracks aimed at helping the people in Ukraine through this tumultuous time of Russian forces invading their country: all at the starting price of $10 with the option to give more for the goal of raising $2 million.

Gaming, Video Games

‘Soul Hackers 2’ Trailer Shows Off War, Fashion, and Demon Summoning in the Digital Age

March 3, 2022March 3, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Shin Megami Tensei fans rejoice for Atlus is showing no signs of slowing down on releases of their cult classic franchises. The makers of the Persona, Catherine, and the aforementioned Shin Megami Tensei series announced their latest JRPG, Soul Hackers 2.

Reviews, Video Games1 Comment

‘Solar Ash’ is Introspective and Beautiful

February 25, 2022February 25, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Solar Ash on the surface feels ethereal yet familiar. The premise of trying to stop a world ending event has never looked so beautiful, and in conjunction with smooth controls and a haunting soundtrack, Solar Ash solidifies itself as a serviceable gaming experience on a console that has been in desperate need of unique games since its launch.

Reviews, Video Games

‘Halo Infinite Multiplayer’ is a Breath of Fresh Air

February 15, 2022February 16, 2022 Bray Lawrence

After playing well over 300 matches of Halo Infinite’s multiplayer through my Christmas break, a Covid scare followed by an actual Covid infection, and a 10 day isolation period has left me with a feeling of nostalgia. Halo is back in its most traditional form with some modern sensibilities and missteps.

DC Comics, Reviews1 Comment

The Best Magic Trick of ‘Mister Miracle: The Great Escape’ is its Heart

February 15, 2022February 17, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Mister Miracle: The Great Escape is a bit of enigma. Like the titular character himself, the book is an incredible romp of humor and excitement with a genuine heart at the center.

Cosplay, Interview

Cheyenne Ewulu on ‘Shades of Cosplay’ and Artistic Expression

February 10, 2022February 16, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Creating an influential and resonating documentary that digs into the heart of cosplay and Geekdom from a Black perspective as her first film wasn’t exactly Cheyenne Ewulu’s plan to begin with. What was supposed to be more of an artistic catharsis to express the frustration with racism and lack of awareness she noticed in the community she called home, became a beacon for Black cosplayers to find hope and admiration in their work.

Cosplay, Fandom

‘Shades of Cosplay’ Makes Me Want to Cosplay

January 22, 2022January 24, 2022 Bray Lawrence

Cosplay is an enigma to me. The act of dressing up as one’s favorite character to an almost identical degree shows a mastery of craft-making, make-up, and acting that is rarely discussed in other mediums. Being a fan of a show or a character is no longer a passive experience when you cosplay, it becomes an active response to the work that inspires you.