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PODCAST

Magic, Movies and Melanin

Ebakuu (E) and TT

Magic, Movies, and Melanin is the podcast where culture, cinema, and representation are all jam packed! Hosted by E, each episode will dive into iconic films, unforgettable performances, and the magic of storytelling—through the lens of Black excellence. From nostalgic favorites to modern masterpieces, we celebrate the impact of melanin in media and the legacies of the stars who shaped our world. Tune in for thoughtful discussions and personal reflections of some of your favorites!

tv & film film reviews

All Episodes

01:03:05

Life-Size (2000): Tyra, Lilo and That Eve Doll That...

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/11/27

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 RichieWhat would that resurrection spell have actually done to Casey’s mamaAnd why were those office folks dancing that hard to “Be A Star”We hand out the Audacity Awards, pick the funniest scenes, recast

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00:48:21

Seventeen Again: The Mowry Twins and the Multiverse...

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/11/22

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. Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Magic Movies and Melanin01:01 The Black Seventeen Again Disney Tried To Claim04:36 Our Memories of Watching It and

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01:08:50

Twitches Review: The Bond Beats The Darkness!

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/11/05

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.Timestamps00:17 — Birthday love and movie introductions05:44 — Character talk and personal reflections11:19 — Themes of sisterhood and identity17:03 — Craft Corner:

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01:09:01

Twitches Review: The Bond Beats The Darkness!

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/10/31

Happy birthday to Alex, Cam, and to our inner coven. TT and I pull up to Coventry and get real about Twitches (2005): the sisterhood and the light, the identity tug-of-war, and why that one-drop conversation still hits. We talk craft and character, laugh through the bargain-bin CGI, give Tia and Tamera their overdue flowers, and unpack Disney Channel’s early-2000s “diversity…but make it Canadian” era. We even play casting director for a 2025 remake and argue who could really embody The Darkness

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00:23:16

Role-Playing Moms, Dennis Rodman, and a Mummy Named...

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/10/18

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 Wraps05:23 Themes and Humor in Under Wraps10:12 The Halloween Party and Climax15:17 Final Thoughts and RatingsConnect with Us:Threads:

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00:44:54

Don’t Look Under the Bed: Fear, Imagination & Growing...

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/10/01

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

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00:55:15

Bow Wow’s Big Shot: Our Like Mike Sendoff

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/06/03

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

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00:59:42

Angels With Attitude: Angels in the Outfield ft....

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/05/26

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!

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00:56:34

Basketball Biopics and Twins: The Double Teamed Episode

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/05/20

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

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01:07:18

The Roll Bounce Episode

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/05/05

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

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01:03:36

D3: New Ducks, Same Fight!

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/04/28

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

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01:06:15

Quack Attack: Breaking Down D2

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/04/21

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

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00:48:43

Weighing In On Heavyweights

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/04/14

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

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01:02:21

Sandlot. Baseball. Forevurrrrrr!

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/04/07

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

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01:14:20

Soul Skaters 4 Life! A Brink! Review

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/03/31

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

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00:54:43

Split at Birth: The Parent Trap (Season Finale!)

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/01/20

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!

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00:58:44

Diggin’ Deep With D-Tent: Holes 2003

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2025/01/07

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!

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00:54:48

When Angels Visit: A Preacher’s Wife Retrospective

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2024/12/16

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!

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01:24:41

Higher Notes: Lessons from Sister Act II

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2024/11/26

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!

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00:59:01

Road Trippin’ with Goofy and Max: A Goofy Movie Review

Magic, Movies and Melanin ·

2024/11/22

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👁️

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