By Don Mohler In 1955, the nation was horrified by the film “Blackboard Jungle.”  It showed an inner-city school out of control where students terrifying teachers was a daily rite of passage. I saw the film in the early 60s, and I shuddered when Vic Morrow turned to Glenn Ford to say, ”You want to…

In this guest commentary, film and pop culture historian Clint Tsao visits the Front Porch to discuss one of the holiday’s most anticipated films, By Clint Tsao Family bonds and destiny are at the heart of King Richard, the true story of a father’s unwavering vision to groom his daughters into world champions and achieve the…

By Don Mohler Early in the morning on January 20, 2021, Democrats cracked the champagne and joined together in a robust version of “Happy Days are Here Again.”  Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock delivered improbable victories in Georgia, a state that President Biden won by the infamous 11,000 votes just two months earlier. Democrats…

Occasionally, noted film and pop culture historian Clint Tsao visits the Front Porch with his latest observations. By Clint Tsao Daniel Craig formally bows out as superspy James Bond in No Time To Die, (directed by Cary Fukunaga), a rousing swan song and consummation of four preceding films. James Bond (Craig) has retired with Madeleine…

By Don Mohler The race to represent the Democrats in the gubernatorial election next June should pretty much be a done deal. But as so often happens in politics, the voters seem to have other ideas. Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot was first elected to the House of Delegates back in 1986, meaning that he has…

Guest Visit By Clint Tsao An Asian cast and director (Destin Daniel Cretton) begin a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the film adaptation of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, a rousing, action packed adventure that focuses on family ties and legacy. ‘Shaun’ (Simu Liu) leads a normal life with…

By Don Mohler Over the years I’ve made it a point to try to avoid discussions regarding abortion. It is far too personal. Individual beliefs on this issue are often rooted deeply in religious convictions, and I’ve never seen anyone change his or her mind at the end of a debate. Recent legislation in Texas…

I am proud to announce a new visitor to The Front Porch. Clint Tsao will bring his unique take on movies and pop culture on regular visits to the porch when he stops by to share his latest observations. I hope you enjoy. By Clint Tsao Writer/Director James Gunn brings a similar spirit and sense…

By Don Mohler I am angry. You are angry. Hell, the entire nation is angry. But what makes this such a challenging time is that we are not all angry about the same things. I am angry that we have developed vaccines that dramatically prevent the spread of COVID, but that in much of the…

By Don Mohler Note: This blog is republished annually on Father’s Day weekend.  It was originally published on June 15, 2019 and is meant to be a reminder that dads, and families, do indeed come in all shapes and sizes.  “Thanks mom.”  Yep, that’s right. Thanks mom. I know it’s Father’s Day, but sorry dads.…