Magic, Movies and Melanin

Good Burger (1997): Kenan & Kel, 90s Nickelodeon Nostalgia and a Cult Classic | Season 3 Finale

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 between Ed and Dexter, and talk about the cultural impact of Kenan & Kel during Nickelodeon’s peak era. We also get into the power of 90s nostalgia and why movies like Good Burger continue to resonate with Black millennials today. Quick heads up MMM family: there was a small audio issue when the episode was re-saved, so a few parts were cut. The conversation and laughs are still here though, and we had a great time celebrating this classic for our Season 3 finale! If you grew up on Good Burger, Kenan & Kel, and classic 90s Nickelodeon, this episode is for you. Follow us and join the conversation Instagram & Threads @magicmoviesandmelanin @ebeknowing @justaddatiara Facebook Magic, Movies and Melanin ⸻ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Season 3 Finale 01:49 Diving into Good Burger 05:10 Plot Breakdown of Good Burger 13:29 Character Dynamics: Ed and Dexter 22:21 Nostalgia and the Impact of 90s Nickelodeon 23:45 The Impact of 90s Black Representation in Media 25:27 Nostalgic Favorites: Iconic 90s Shows 27:56 Kenan and Kel: A Dynamic Duo 30:31 Behind the Scenes: On-Screen vs Real-Life Friendships 36:36 The Cast of Good Burger 42:33 Memorable Performances in the Film 43:10 The Evolution of Actors in Comedy 46:11 Memorable Characters and Their Impact 50:56 Addressing Dark Themes in Nostalgia 56:01 The Legacy of Good Burger 01:00:05 Season Finale Reflections and Future Plans

Up, Up and Away (2000): Black Superheroes Before the MCU!

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 faking his strength, the villain’s wild plan, and whether this movie still holds up in the era of Marvel dominance. Then we have some fun and recast it for a modern reboot. If you grew up on Disney Channel Original Movies, love Black superheroes, or miss early 2000s nostalgia, this one is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Up, Up and Away 02:43 Cultural Significance of Black Superheroes 05:45 Character Analysis of the Marshall Family 08:26 The Pressure of Expectations and Identity 11:34 The Earth Protectors Plan and Its Implications 14:16 The Climax and Resolution of the Story 17:05 Recasting Up, Up and Away for a New Generation 28:16 Casting Choices and Character Development 34:31 The Legacy of Robert Townsend 41:36 Audacity Awards: Characters and Their Choices 46:43 Final Ratings and Reflections on the Film Follow us on the socials IG: @magicmoviesandmelanin @ebeknowing @justaddtiara Threads: @magicmoviesandmelanin @ebeknowing @justaddtiara

The Color of Friendship Review: Disney, Apartheid, and the Racism We Were Taught to Ignore

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 talk about how language is used to normalize harmful ideas, how assumptions across cultures create tension, and why the character growth is the real engine of this story. The discussion goes beyond nostalgia and into why this film remains an important educational tool, especially for younger audiences learning how history, friendship, and identity collide. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Color of Friendship 04:30 Apartheid and the historical context behind the story 09:37 Cultural shock, assumptions, and early conflicts 20:07 How apartheid shapes identity and behavior 32:41 Character development and emotional growth 48:51 Final thoughts and ratings Follow us on the socials IG: @magicmoviesandmelanin @ebeknowing @justaddatiara Threads: @magicmoviesandmelanin @ebeknowing @justaddatiara

The Lizzie McGuire Movie Review (2003)

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 this movie as an adult lowkey changes the whole vibe. We also get into the film’s questionable teen safety logic, hand out our Audacity Awards, and finish strong with a 2026 recast that proves representation will always matter. So the big question is…does it still hold up? Press play and come argue with us nicely ⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement 03:26 Nostalgia and the Lizzie McGuire Movie 10:15 Character Analysis and Favorite Moments 19:17 The Audacity Awards 28:04 Recasting the Lizzie McGuire Movie 41:35 Does It Still Hold Up? 📲 Follow & Stay Connected IG + Threads: @ebeknowing @justaddatiara @magicmoviesandmelanin

Brandy’s Cinderella Is Still THAT Girl (1997 Review)

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 show love to Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother…because she was magic! Plus: trivia, fun facts, nostalgic childhood stories, and the ultimate question… does this movie still hold up? (Spoiler: we will defend this movie.) Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and vibes 01:35 – Transition into the Cinderella discussion 04:33 – The cultural impact (representation mattered BAD) 08:05 – Plot overview + themes 12:56 – Cast and performances (Brandy really did her thing) 24:44 – Random detour: the Descendants franchise convo 27:14 – The soundtrack + why the music is the heartbeat 30:01 – Why it hits differently as adults 32:42 – Representation and identity 35:20 – Nostalgia + personal connections 37:59 – Trick-or-treating memories and childhood flashbacks 42:58 – Cinderella trivia challenge 46:40 – Whitney Houston’s Fairy Godmother legacy 51:37 – Does Cinderella (1997) still hold up? 57:56 – Social media + closing thoughts