Minority Mindset

The roots of manga may stretch back to illustrated scrolls from the 1100s and 1200s, but the form really began to take shape during Japan’s Edo period with a book called Toba Ehon. This book helped popularize illustrated stories and moved them from simple jokes to a more lasting art form. While very different from popular manga like Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen today, Toba Ehon’s influence can still be seen in manga, particularly in its earlier styles.

The 1995 movie Vampire in Brooklyn is now available to stream on Paramount+. The Eddie Murphy film will join other popular titles like Run and Us on the platform starting February 1st.

Sophie Turner’s performance is the standout feature of this six-episode series. She doesn’t just act the lead role; she truly becomes a complex and believable character, and carries the story forward. The show, titled Steal, also weaves in several intriguing subplots that create a captivating narrative, making it well worth watching.

A new Dragon Ball Super anime is officially in the works! The announcement was made at Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri, a huge event celebrating the 40th anniversary of Dragon Ball in Japan on January 25, 2026. Masako Nozawa, the voice of Goku, and Akio Iyoku, an executive producer on the series, were there to share the exciting news. This new anime will be the first since the passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama in 2024.

Before becoming known for navigating difficult situations in the Texas oil industry, Billy Bob Thornton starred in the 2005 remake of the classic comedy Bad News Bears. Directed by five-time Oscar nominee Richard Linklater, the film follows Morris Buttermaker, a former baseball player who has fallen on hard times. Buttermaker, now struggling with alcohol and relationships, gets a chance to redeem himself when he’s asked to coach a team of inexperienced little league players, and he gradually helps them become a successful team.

Even after forty years, these films still feel incredibly fresh and exciting. It’s amazing to revisit these classics from the 1980s and see how much energy they still have. Directors like Spielberg, Hughes, and Cameron didn’t just make great movies – they set the standard for everything that came after. In today’s fast-paced world, taking the time to watch these films almost feels like a bold act.

Several beloved movies will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026, reminding us of a particularly strong year for film. That year saw a focus on crime stories, in-depth character explorations, and a move towards more hopeful themes. This was a welcome change, as the previous decade was known for its generally dark and pessimistic tone, especially in thrillers and horror films.