5 After 5, Character Allusions Edition

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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was 5 things that make you feel cozy and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here.


Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.

And if you've posted your own 5 After 5 list on your blog, I've turned this series into a link party - so be sure to get your own 5 things added below (or leave your answers in today's comments if you're not a blogger).  I loved reading everyone's comments from last week and I really can't wait to see what you share today!


List 5 Character Allusions You Love


So I learned that these types of references are also sometimes referred to as callbacks, Easter Eggs, and meta-references, but it seems to me that allusion is still the most accurate way to describe them.

The five instances I mention here are all times when the reference is presented more like an inside joke - one that viewers probably wouldn't even pick up on or notice if they're weren't familiar with the particular allusion, which I just love.

I'm really curious to see which ones you come up with!

1.  Tango and Cash 


Bet you didn't even remember this movie, did you?  Well, when Sylvester Stallone's character shoots up a tanker filled with cocaine, one of his fellow cops remarks, "Geez, the guy thinks he's Rambo or something."

It makes me laugh, and I don't think I've ever even watched Rambo all the way through.

But everybody knows Rambo, so it's a joke anyone can get. 


Yes, this clip is in Italian.  This clip is also full of foul language, so I figured this would be a way you could watch it and jog your memory without worrying about bad words flying around your house today.  

Unless, of course, you speak Italian.  In which case, WARNING: There are bad words in this clip!


Not only is the club at the beginning of the movie called, "Club Obi Wan," but the same sound is used for the opening sequence on the plane as was used when Hans Solo failed to crank up the Millennium Falcon in The Empire Strikes Back.

If only Jack Ryan had some similar connection.




3.  Coming to America



At one point, Eddie Murphy's character Akeem gives money to two old homeless men, who turn out to be the Duke brothers from Trading Places.  

Love it.




This one's also in Italian, but that's just because it's the only one I could find.

4.  Maverick



Yes, James Garner plays Maverick's dad and yes, he was Maverick on tv, but one of the absolute best allusions is when a man comes in to rob the bank and turns out to be Danny Glover.  Not only is Murtaugh's "theme music" playing in the background (my high-school boyfriend and I used to wax philosophical about the specific soundtracks each character had in this movie), but Glover says, "I'm too old for this" - his classic line in the Lethal Weapon trilogy.

(This clip has one bad word, so save it for when little ears aren't around, or turn it off once Danny Glover's character exits the building)




5.  How I Met Your Mother



The scene at the end of episode 14 of season 3 had me jumping up and clapping with glee when it first aired - Barney is sitting at his computer, typing about his day in his diary, while the familiar strains of Doogie Howser, M.D. play in the background.



For next week:


List 5 Apps You Love


G and I both still have dumb phones, but I did pool a bunch of Barnes & Noble gift cards (being a teacher can sometimes be pretty cool) a few years ago to get a Nook.  I had fought getting a reader like this for quite a while (there's just something about actually holding a book!), but we were going to be traveling and I decided it was a smart thing to use to be able get online and also to save my back from lugging around the bazillion books I inevitably would have stuffed into my tiny little backpack.

Anyway, I don't have too many apps on it, but there are five that I visit almost daily...

I can't wait to find out what yours are!

What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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