Welcome to June! A new month brings a new edition of "This Month in YesterYear History!"
In this series, we'll take a brief look back at the "best" or "top" of pop culture from 20 (2002), 25 (1997), and 30 (1992) years ago!
Using film website Box Office Mojo, The Billboard Top 40 music list, and a conglomeration of television rating websites, I've pieced together a little time capsule of what was significant in life during those days.
Hopefully, as you read these brief synopses from the past, you'll remember the who, when, and where of your memories from that time period. That's what this site is all about, after all!
Just for a point of reference, some major news or event headlines during June were:
2002: On June 11, "American Idol" made its debut on television, captivating America. On June 14, "The Bourne Identity," starring Matt Damon, debuts. On June 21, boxer Lennox Lewis defeated Mike Tyson to retain the WBC Heavyweight title. On June 29, Dick Cheney temporarily became President of the United States for three hours as President George W. Bush underwent a medical procedure.
1997: On June 2, Timothy McVeigh was found guilty of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. On June 7, the Detroit Redwings completed a sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers to win the NHL's Stanley Cup. "Batman and Robin," featuring George Clooney as Batman, debuts on June 14. On June 26, J.K. Rowling's first entry in the "Harry Potter" series hits bookstores.
1992: On June 15, Vice President Dan Quayle instructs students in Trenton, New Jersey, to spell "potato" with an "e" during a spelling bee as "potatoe." On June 17, Charles Barkley was traded from the NBA's Philadelphia 76'ers to the Phoenix Suns. The next day, the NHL's Ottawa Senators pick Hartford Whalers goalie Peter Sidorkiewicz as their first pick in the expansion draft. On June 24, LSU college student Shaquille O'Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic.
TOP MOVIES
2002: "Scooby-Doo" - This live-action and computer-animated adventure is based on the long-running Hanna-Barbera animated television franchise. The first installment of a live-action Scooby-Doo franchise featured Hollywood stars like Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Linda Cardellini, Isla Fisher, and Rowan Atkinson. The story revolves around Mystery Incorporated, four young adults and a talking dog that solve mysteries, reunited after a two-year disbandment, to investigate a mystery at a popular horror-themed tropical island resort. Released June 14, 2002, the film grossed $275 million worldwide on a budget of only $84 million. The classic theme song from the cartoon, "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?" was recorded by popular rap/reggae artist Shaggy and rock group MxPx for the film and saw some success on radio airwaves. While financially successful, the film received negative reviews from critics who criticized the script and visual effects. However, the film has maintained a cult following over the years. This was also the last time William Hanna served as an executive producer, before his death in March of 2001. A sequel was released in 2004, followed by two made-for-tv films in 2009 and 2010.
1997: "ConAir" - The action thriller film directed by Simon West stars Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, and John Malkovich. ConAir centers around a prison break aboard a prison transport aircraft, nicknamed "con air." The movie also features Steve Buscemi, Ving Rhames, Dave Chapelle, and Danny Trejo. Released June 6, 1997, it was a smashing success at the box office, grossing over $224 million against a $75 million budget. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, although the cast, musical score, and action sequences were praised. ConAir received Oscar nominations for Best Sound and Best Original Song for the highly successful "How Do I Live?" performed by Trisha Yearwood.
1992: "Batman Returns" - Directed by Tim Burton, Batman Returns is a sequel to the classic 1989 film "Batman" and the second installment of the Warner Bros.' first Batman film series starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne and Batman. In Batman Returns, Keaton stars alongside Danny Devito (Penguin), Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman), and Christopher Walken (Max Shreck). In "Batman Returns," Batman faces the Penguin, who plots to kill all of Gotham City's firstborn sons while dealing with Max Shreck, the corrupt tycoon who aligns with the Penguin to bring Gotham City under his control. Burton initially did not want to be involved in another Batman film but agreed to return after being granted creative control by Warner Bros. The original script involved Penguin and Catwoman hunting hidden treasure, and Burton quickly replaced scriptwriter Sam Hamm to develop under his own vision. Annette Bening was originally cast as Catwoman but was replaced by Pfeiffer when Bening announced she was pregnant. The film grossed $266.8 million worldwide off of an $80 million budget. Two stand-alone sequels, "Batman Forever" and "Batman and Robin," were released in 1995 and 1997, with Val Kilmer and George Clooney starring as Batman. Joel Schumacher replaced Tim Burton as director for both films.
TOP SONGS
2002: "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton
1997: "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans
1992: "I'll Be There" by Mariah Carey
TOP TV SHOWS
2002: Topping the chart this month was CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. As the spring season ended, the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond took second place with the season finale.
1997: The NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz dominated the first half of the month. Reruns of Seinfeld on NBC took the top spot for the latter half of the month. Pro wrestling on USA Network and TNT was on the rise as the "Monday Night War" gained steam throughout the summer of 1997.
1992: Roseanne and Home Improvement, both on ABC, took the highest ratings for June in 1992.
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