The Urban Movie Source

Black Actor/Actress Sightings

2009-11-23T18:56:00.004-06:00

This is a post that simple tells you what black actors & actresses are in up coming films. Never again will you have to wonder what black films are out and who is staring in them.

2/19/2010

Valentine's Day
Jamie Foxx stars as Kelvin Briggs

2/26/2010

A Couple of Dicks
stars Tracy Morgan

Coming Soon

2009-11-23T18:40:00.005-06:00

2/19/2010

Takers
A Los Angeles detective races to bust a group of notorious thieves before they can carry out a 20-million-dollar heist in this crime thriller from director/co-screenwriter John Luessenhop and writing partner Avery Duff. Their heists are planned to perfection, and they never leave behind a shred of evidence. But when greed gets the best of the gang and they agree to one last job, one seasoned detective (Matt Dillon) vows to put them behind bars for good. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Matt Dillon, Idris Elba, Tip "T.I." Harris, Chris Brown, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Zoe Saladana

3/19/2010

Our Family Wedding
The weeks leading up to a young couple's wedding is comic and stressful, especially as their respective fathers (Whitaker and Mencia) try to lay to rest their long-standing feud.

Cast: Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera, Carlos Mencia, Taye Diggs,
Regina King, Charlie Murphy, Anna Maria Horford, Lance Gross

Weekly Black Film Releases

2009-11-23T17:41:00.008-06:00

NEW TO DVD

Releases: 11/24/2009

Janky Promoters
Two friends get in over their heads when they book a hit rap artist with zero promotional experience in this Dimension Films comedy written, produced, and starring Ice Cube. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Young Jeezy

New to Theaters

Opening: 11/25/2009

The Princess and the Frog
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans. "The Princess and the Frog" marks Disney's return to the warmth and grandeur of hand drawn animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker, creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" with Oscar winning composer Randy Newman. From the heart of Louisiana's mystical bayouts and the banks of the mighty Mississippi comes an unforgetable tale of love, enchantment and discovery with a trumpet playing alligator, a love sick Cajun firefly, and a host of other charming characters at every turn.

Cast: Anika Noni Rose, John Goodman, David Keith, Jim Cummings, Jenifer Lewis

Posted by Rashad

Weekly Black Film Releases

2009-11-10T13:37:00.010-06:00

New to DVD

Movie Release Date: 11/10/2009

Mike Epps:Under Rated & Never Faded

No Synopsis available

Subtle Seduction
An undercover cop works to capture a black widow killer in this thriller featuring Buffy "The Body" Carruth. When Vanessa's boyfriend begins to wander, she takes advantage of his one weakness to ensure that he'll never cheat on anyone again. Now Vanessa has developed a taste for killing, and she just can't stop. Even the announcement of a police investigation into her murders fails to prevent the sultry murderess from striking again. With each new victim, Vanessa risks leaving behind another clue for police. When a street-smart detective decides to go undercover in an attempt to catch Vanessa in the act he risks becoming her latest victim. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Jaci Williamson, Alex Thomas, Buffie Carruth

Envy
Set amidst the urban decay of modern-day Detroit, this indie drama follows two cousins, AJ (Ray Jay) and Caesar (AZ), as they navigate the perils of the drug trade. Despite his family's best efforts to keep him off the streets, AJ is nonetheless drawn to Caesar's underworld lifestyle; in a matter of months, he graduates from tag-along to full-blown player in a massive criminal organization. ~ All Movie Guide

Cast: Corey Browne, Maia Campbell, Chico DeBarge, Ray J, LisaRaye

New to Theaters

Opening:11/13/2009

2012
Movie Synopsis: Disaster movie maven Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) crafts this apocalyptic sci-fi thriller following the prophecy stated by the ancient Mayan calendar, which says that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012. When a global cataclysm thrusts the world into chaos, divorced writer and father Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) joins the race to ensure that humankind is not completely wiped out. Chiwetel Ejiofor, Danny Glover, Amanda Peet, Thandie Newton, and Oliver Platt round out the cast of this end-of-the-world thriller co-scripted by the director and his 10,000 B.C. writer/composer, Harald Kloser. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Danny Glover, Amanda Peet, Thandie Newton

Posted by Rashad

Black Actor/Actress Sightings

2009-11-09T18:19:00.011-06:00

This is a post that simple tells you what black actors & actresses are in up coming films. Never again will you have to wonder what black films are out and who is staring in them.

Planet 51
Dwayne Johnson lends his voice as Capt. Charles T. Baker

The Blind Side
Quinton Aaron debuts as Micheal Oher

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Xzibit as Big Fate
Denzel Whitaker as Daryl

Invictus
Morgan Freeman stars as Nelson Mandela

Posted by Rashad

Weekly Black Film Review

2009-11-04T12:15:00.060-06:00

Reviewed for 10/20/2009

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Rashad Says:
If it wasn't for the “ghetto” Transformers, this would be an instant classic.
This sequel is bigger, faster, and more intense that the first one. Its filled
with long high powered action sequences, tons of witty one-liners, and a strong storyline. Minus the racially challenged oversized tin cans, this is defiantly a keeper so add it to your collection!!!

Acting: Great
Characters: Great
Storyline: Great

De'Anthony Says Not Reviewed

The Tournament

Rashad Says:
“Man, the characters in the movie are classic!!!” This is one of those rare films where the storyline isn’t great, and yeah, the acting might be a little average, but characters the writer created for this movie, are what makes it a keeper. Ving Rhames has been in a lot of good movies, but his performance in this film as Joshua Harlow is very believable and the best I've seen from him lately. With a supporting cast like Kelly Hu (a poor women’s Lucy Liu) and Ian Somerhalder, who gives a Heath Leger (Jokeresque) performance as Miles Slade, this movie falls just short of being a classic, but not by much!! So don't rent it, buy it!!!!

Acting: Great
Characters: Amazing
Storyline: Good

De'Anthony Says:
Yo, all I have to say is MASS MURDAFEST from start to finish. Fine-@$$ Kelly Hu in here taking to the greatest of @$$-whoop'ns, and my Bro Ving Rhames finally making amends for all of his roles as a homosexual, portraying the #1 top Assassin in the World. This movie has the Craziest Whiteboy, yo I'm saying he damn near bested Heath Ledger's performance as "The Joker" with his portrayal of the Reckless and Ruthless Assassin Miles Slade. Aye Yo I'm definately giving this movie the Instant Classic rating because of the manner in which people are issued their demise. This movie is ACTION PACKED, I LOVE IT!!!!

Acting: Fantacular (Fantastic + Spectacular)
Characters: Excerllection (Excellent + Perfection)
Storyline: Deadly!!!

American Violet

Rashad Says:
Move over Angela Bassett, Nicole Beharie has arrived!! Nicole Beharie gives an amazing performance as the lead character Dee Roberts, a young black women who is the victim racial profiling in a rural Texas town. While watching this movie, I immediate became engage by the intense circumstances depicted in this film. Some of us are so blessed we sometimes forget about the people who live in parts of the country were they still consider Black people to be second class citizens. Especially when those people turn out to be elected city officials who disrespect the very people that struggle, and break their backs just to pay their salaries!!! If love a good drama with a strong storyline, this is definitely a film you want check out.

Acting: Great
Characters: Good
Storyline: Amazing

De'Anthony Says: Not Reviewed

Lies & Illusions

Rashad Says:
Yeah that’s right, I gave this film a half black fist!!! If it wasn't for the car chase scene at the end of the film, it would definatley have gotten a mean mug. With a solid actor like Christian Slater and Academy Award Winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr in the cast, You would think this would be a much better film. Wrong!!!! Everything about this movie was BLAH!!! So do me a favor and stay away!!!

Acting: Pitiful
Characters: Weak
Storyline: Ok

De'Anthony Says: Not Reviewed

Reviewed for 10/27/2009

The Maiden Heist

Rashad Says:
Three old guys plot to break into a museum to still a painting because one of the them is in love it!!! All I have to say is WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean c’mon, with A-list cast that consist of Morgan Freeman, William H. Macy, Christopher Walken, & Marcia Gay Harden, you would never think that this could be a crappy movie!!! Everyone say it with me, WRONG!!! This film gets a resounding BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Acting: Not Good Enough
Characters: Boooooo!!!
Storylines: Who Cares!!!

De'Anthony Says:
Listen folks this probably will be the only time you'll see 3 "Mean Mugs" given for a movie, this movie is so horrible that I wont even waste my vocabulary trying to expound on how f@*$ed up it is. You know what, if I want to punish someone I would strap them down, force their eyelids open, and make them watch this Movie. 3 Old Men who dont want their fading careers to fade-to-Black.

Acting: ????
Characters: ????
Storyline: ????

Reviewed for 11/3/2009

The Taking of Pelham 123
Rashad Says:
This was another one of the movies that looked good on paper, but some how just fell a little short!!! The basic plot of this movie is that Travolta’s character, Ryder(can we be any less creative) hijacks a subway car, while Denzel’s character Walter Gaber, who has his own issues, notices that car 123 headed to Pelham Bay is stopped. Ryder gives Gaber his list of demands and a bunch of twist and turns later, they discover that this was all a diversion set up by Ryder, to get back at the Mayor of New York for a beef they back in the day. Or is it, “wink wink.” This movie was definitely not as good as advertised, and ended up being an over hyped washout. I want my money back!!!! If you are a die hard Denzel fan, go ahead and rent this movie, but I won't recomended bying it!!!

Acting: Ok
Characters: Good
Storyline: Weak

De'Anthony Says: Not Reviewed

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Rashad Says:
“G. I Joe, the American hero, GO JOE!!!” I really love it when movies are what they say they are. This was a hard cored, loud, high powered action film. Some people wined and complained because this movie wasn’t anything else but an ACTION movie. Which is true, but really, what did u expect!!! We all knew that the storyline probably wasn’t going to be great, and the acting…..what acting, BUT this film was billed as advertised, and in my opinion you can’t have enough action. I loved this movie, and I will be buying it!!!!

Acting: Good
Characters: Amazing
Storyline: Great

De'Anthony Says: Not Reviewed

In Theaters
Reviewed for 10/16/2009

Law Abiding Citizen

Rashad Says:
For this film, I going do some different...STANDING OVATION clap, clap, clap!! I only have one word for this movie, and that word is WOW!!!
Jamie Foxx, WOW!!! Gerald Butler, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Acting: Oscar Worthy
Characters: Unforgettable
Storyline: One of a Kind

De'Anthony Says: Not Reviewed

Micheal Jackson's This Is It

Rashad Says:

Now I remember why I am a Michael Jackson fan. It was good to see a side of Michael that I haven’t seen for a long time. No media, no paparazzi, no false accusations, just MJ doing what he does best. This film was an amazing behind the scenes look at a true master at work. I was impressed by the my Michael commanded the stage and also his ability to draw the best out of his dancers, back up singers and musicians, Michael was truly a musical genius and will be greatly missed. I wish they would have gotten a chance to complete the concert because looks like it was shaping up to be legendary!!! R.I.P MJ!!!

De'Anthony Says:

INSTANT CLASSIC!!! I am TRULY a Michael Jackson fan, and I am completely satisfied with this Movie. This was not a "Moon Walker" type of movie, in this you got a chance to see the True Michael Jackson in his Purest, most innocent form. This man translates Divine Wisdom in the form of Music, and with the Purity and Innocence of a child gives Us the true Power and Beauty of Music to the point that whenever we witness one of his performances (on screen or in concert) there are no big "I's" and little "U's", uniting everyone (even the so-called Gansta's get up and Dance). Everyone on this Planet is born with a specific gift that they use to convey the Divine, and Music was his Gift. It's hard to accept his passing, but after this movie, I think for me it finally set in, this Musical Genius is Gone but never forgotten. To our Revolutionary Brother, LOVE YOU ALWAYS MICHAEL, be at Peace Soldier!!

UMS Ratings System

2009-11-03T19:35:00.013-06:00

You way be sitting at home wandering, Rashad, what is considered a “black film?” Well, I am going to let you in on the secret. What makes a movie a “black film” is that the lead role in the movie has to be played by a black actor/actress? Also it has to have at lease two or more black supporting actors/actresses. That’s it. Simple isn’t it.

Mean Mug
This means that the movie was general a bad movie so stay away!

Cool Flick
This means that it was overall a good movie, but had a few slow parts, or left me with some unanswered questions. Watch at your own risk.

Great Flick
This means that this was a great film, But I still would rather rent it, or go to the show and watch it rather than by it.

A Keeper
Now this is a movie you definitely want to buy. An overall great flick, but a few things made it fall short of being a classic.

A Classic
This rating is rarely given out. Only a small number of movie are worthy of this rating. This means that this movie is flawless. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this movie, so go out and but it immediately!!

= a half a Black Fist

Coming Soon

2009-11-03T17:25:00.006-06:00

12/4/2009

Armored (2009)
A newbie guard for an armored truck company is coerced by his veteran coworkers to steal a truck containing $42 million. But a wrinkle in their supposedly foolproof plan divides the group, leading to a potentially deadly resolution.

Cast:Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne

12/11/2009

The Princess and the Frog
A fairy tale centered on a young girl named Princess Tiana who lives in New Orleans French Quarter during the Jazz Age.

Cast: Anika Noni Rose, Keith Rose, Oprah Winfrey

1/15/2009

The Book of Eli
In a post-apocalyptic United States, a lone man (Washington) fights his way across the country in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Lateef Crowder

Posted by Richauna

The Buzz

2009-11-03T00:10:00.005-06:00

2012

Director: Roland Emmerich
Stars: John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Studio: Sony Pictures Releasing

The Plot: An academic researcher leads a group of people in a fight to counteract the apocalyptic events that were predicted by the ancient Mayan calendar.

THE BUZZ: After 10K BC's middling success, Roland Emmerich probably sensed that movie-going audiences worldwide prefer him in present-tense mode, heavy on apocalyptic imagery. I've heard rumors that 2012's script, which Emmerich wrote with composer-turned-screenwriter Harald Kloser, contains an incredibly cheesy twist of Shyamalanian proportions, but I haven't sought out the spoiler(s) just yet. I will say that part of me hopes this end of the world scenario could mint Emmerich as the slightly higher brow Uwe Boll, if only he thought to cast Tara Reid as an anthropologist here. Said differently: This A-and-B-list cast is slumming!

~Strap in Folks, and buckle up, cause this is the next big "End-of-the-world" film!!! The Buzz on this movie is that it could be one of the best disaster films of all-time, second only to Independence Day. Form watching the trailer I can tell this going to be an action packed, high energy, sitting on the edge off your sets type of films. With great cast members like Thandie Newton, John Cusack, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, (who was great as Dewey Hughes in Talk to Me) it could end up being an instant classic!! Even if is movie doesn't get an Oscar nod from the Academy, it still should be very entertaining

Posted by Rashad

Weekly Black Film Releases

2009-11-02T23:30:00.016-06:00

New to DVD
10/20/2009

The Tournament (2009)Movie Synopsis: The world's best assassins converge upon the streets of a small Scottish town to compete in a deadly tournament in which the last killer standing gets a million-dollar prize while wealthy thrillseekers watch a live video stream and gamble on the outcome. Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) stars as a local priest who becomes an unwitting participant in the grisly contest in this adrenaline-fueled action film from director Scott Mann. ~ All Movie Guide

Cast: Robert Carlyle, Kelly Hu, Ian Somerhalder, Liam Cunningham, Ving Rhames

American Violet (2009)
Nicole Beharie, Tim Blake Nelson, Will Patton, and Xzibit headline this fact-based drama about an innocent Texas mother caught up in a high-profile drug raid, and unjustly accused due to the uncorroborated testimony of a single informant. Dee Roberts (Beharie) is a young single mother of four living in a small Texas town. Arrested during a drug raid and accused of a crime she didn't commit, Dee goes against the wishes of her mother, Alma (Alfre Woodard), and rejects the plea-bargain that would free her from jail, but brand her as a felon for life. As word begins to spread that similar incidents are occurring in poor communities all across the country, Dee realizes that there are more mothers out there like her, and decides to take a stand against powerful district attorney Calvin Beckett (Michael O'Keefe). Now, despite being well aware of District Attorney Beckett's fierce reputation, Dee enlists the aid of ACLU attorney David Cohen (Nelson) and former narcotics officer Sam Conroy (Patton) in overcoming the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that, if not navigated with the greatest of caution, now threaten to destroy her life. With the custody of her children on the line, one brave mother wages a valiant battle to strike at the very heart of the corrupt Texas justice system. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Nicole Beharie, Tim Blake Nelson, Will Patton, Xzibit, Alfre Woodard

Hurricane in the Rose Garden (2006)
A young married couple gets a quick lesson about traditional African customs in this culture-clash comedy. It's been five years since Sade (Tangi Miller) and Joseph (Pascal Atuma) tied the knot, and they're still childless. No one has a problem with this arrangement except when Joseph's mother arrives, unexpectedly, and refuses to leave until Sade has given her son a baby. ~ All Movie Guide

Cast: Tangi Miller, Pascal Atuma

Lies & Illusions
Christian Slater stars in this thriller as successful self-help author Wes Wilson, whose happiness is shattered when his fiancee, Samantha (Sarah Ann Schultz), is killed in a seemingly random attack. Wes's world is turned further upside down after he uncovers Samantha's secret double life, which involved stealing a cache of diamonds from ruthless jewel smuggler Isaac (Cuba Gooding Jr.) -- who now wants his loot back, and is willing to do anything to get it. ~ All Movie Guide

Cast: Christian Slater, Cuba Gooding Jr, Sarah Ann Schultz

10/27/2009

The Maiden Heist (2009)
Three security guards (Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, and William H. Macy) scheme to steal their favorite pieces of artwork that their museum is about to relinquish to another gallery in this Peter Hewitt-helmed crime-comedy. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, William H. Macy

11/3/2009

The Taking of Pelham 123
A New York City subway dispatcher draws on his extensive knowledge of the subway system in order to outsmart a dangerous criminal mastermind who's hijacked a subway train in this remake of the 1974 thriller inspired by John Godey's best-selling book. Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) is drifting through his daily routine when he receives word that a heavily armed gang of four has hijacked a subway train and is holding all of the passengers hostage. Led by cunning master thief Ryder (John Travolta), the gunmen will begin executing everyone aboard should the authorities fail in delivering ten million dollars in the space of just one hour. With the tension in the tunnels rising, Walter races to save the hostages before the shootings start. But through it all, there's one part of Ryder's plan that Walter can't quite comprehend: even if the thieves do succeed in getting their money, how could they possibly get out of the tunnels undetected? ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro, James Gandolfini, Luis Guzman

Hardwired
Academy Award-winner Cuba Gooding, Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michael Ironside headline this sci-fi action flick about a man who must fight for his life after receiving a lethal brain implant. Luke Gibson (Gooding, Jr.) nearly died in the car accident that killed his wife and unborn child, but upon awakening in the hospital it quickly becomes clear that his life is still in danger. A microchip has been implanted in Luke's brain, and now his every move is being monitored by Hope Industries, a powerful corporation headed by a ruthless executive (Kilmer). If Luke doesn't get it out of his head soon, he'll become another brain-dead casualty of our corporate overlords. In order to regain of his own mind and prevent Hope Industries from achieving global domination, Luke seeks help from a team of highly intelligent computer hackers. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

11/25/2009

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Director Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, Van Helsing) adapts the beloved Hasbro G.I. Joe toy line with this Paramount Pictures production that pits the Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity against the evil forces of the organization known as Cobra. Dennis Quaid and Channing Tatum star as General Hawk and Duke Hauser, respectively, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marlon Wayans leading the rest of the cast, including Sienna Miller, Ray Park, Rachel Nichols, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Saïd Taghmaoui, and Asian film star Lee Byung-hun. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Cast: Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Marlon Wayans, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rachel Nichols, Sienna Miller, Christopher Eccleston, Saïd Taghmaoui, Lee Byung-hun

A Mother’s Prayer
An estranged family is reunited thanks to a mother's dying wish in this musical family drama starring Robin Givens, Shirley Murdoch, Johnny Gill, and Jermaine Crawford. In time, prayer and faith helps everyone to realize the importance of putting their own problems aside and focusing on the family. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast:Cast: Robin Givens, Johnny Gill, Jermaine Crawford, Shirley Murdock

New to Theaters
Movie Release Date:10/23/2009

Astro Boy
Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy (voiced by Highmore) is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist (voiced by Cage) in the image of the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving man's expectations, our hero embarks on a journey in search of acceptance, experiencing betrayal and a netherworld of robot gladiators, before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the father who had rejected him.

Cast:Freddie Highmore, Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell
Black Actor/Actress Sighting: Samuel L. Jackson

10/30/2009

Saw VI
Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood.

Cast:Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Mark Rolston
Black Actor/Actress Sighting: Darius McCrary

Michael Jackson’s This is It
A compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.

11/6/2009

Precious-Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen (Sidibe) who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction.

Cast:Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton

Posted by Richauna

Oldschool Pick of the Week

2009-11-02T11:09:00.016-06:00

The Last Dragon

The TV prints of this entertaining mélange whittled down the film's original self-serving title (Motown king Berry Gordy was the producer), and settled on merely The Last Dragon. Taimak stars as an African American martial-arts whiz, so devoted to his hobby that he dresses and behaves in what he thinks is true Chinese fashion. Taimak falls in love with sexy vee-jay Vanity. Gangsters intrude on both their lives when crook Julius J. Carry III tries to promote his talentless protégée into rock stardom. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast: Taimak, Vanity, Christopher Murney, Julius J. Carry III, Faith Prince

~Yo, there really is no need to explain why I chose this classic Martial Arts movie. This movie actually captures the 80's from the Black perspective and gives ALL of US that are Martial Arts practioners, and music junkies something that transcends the annuls of Time. With a cast of Handsome Heroes, and Fine-@$$ Damsels-in-Distress, and a Villain who is the epitome of what a Villain should be with a combination of Cool, Vicious, and Comical (Yo, My man had on Samurai pants, with some Football Shoulder pads, and some Chuck's, tell me that ain't funny). The soundtrack to this movie will still get play in any Music Junkie radio (Vinyl, or Cassette for the younger Generation), and this movie is what got me into the Martial Arts because Bruce Leroy is the Black Belt Jones (Jim Kelly) of the 80's.
Yo, anyone who has ever had a chance to be a part of The Last Dragon Movement knows why this is an Instant Classic regardless of the fashion statements made. This movie should be shared with All Generations, and remember "WHO'S THE MASTER!!!"

Acting: Spangtastic (Spectacular + Fantastic)
Characters: Unforgettable
Storyline: Great, but Cheesy (A Spanish/Black Brother [Taimak Guarriello] pretending to be Chinese, Yo, come on!!!)

Posted By De'Anthony

Remember the Titans

A high school football coach finds himself fighting for stakes much higher than the State Championship in this drama based on actual events. In 1971, a court order forces three high schools in Alexandria, Virginia (two white, one African-American), to integrate their student bodies and faculties for the first time. As a result, Coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton), longtime head coach of the T.C. Williams High School football team, is asked to step down, and Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) is appointed to replace him as the school's first black faculty member. The new coach is hardly welcomed with open arms, either by the school's staff or the students, and the newly integrated team is full of players (both black and white) who have little trust or respect for one another. But Boone is determined to put a winning team on the field -- it's how he approaches the game, and his future depends on it. Against long odds, Boone helps his team overcome distrust and misunderstanding of their coach (and each other) as they become a gridiron force to be reckoned with. Remember the Titans also features Nicole Ari Parker, Kate Bosworth, and Jerry Brandt, and was produced by action-film kingpin Jerry Bruckheimer. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Cast: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst

~Since its football season I'll go with a classic football movie. Remember the Titans is an amazing true story about an high school football team form Virginia who had learn how to play as a team despite their social and cultural differences. Denzel Washington gives another flawless performance, but even more than Denzel's performances, this film had a great young multi-cultural cast that launched the careers of actors/actress like Wood Harris (Paid in Full), Donald Faison, Ethan Suplee (My Name is Earl), Nicole Ari Parker, Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), and Ryan Gosling (The Notebook) This movie easily gets five fists, So if you don't all ready own this film go ahead an add it to your collection!!!

Acting: Amazing
Character: Larger than Life
Storyline: Flawless

Posted by Rashad

Recommendations

2009-08-12T21:35:00.020-05:00

Action
Paid in Full

Paid in Full marks the feature debut of director Charles Stone III, who rose to fame after creating Budweiser's "Wassup" commercials. The urban gangster drama is loosely based on the true story of 1980s Harlem drug kingpins AZ, Rich Porter, and Alpo. (This story was also the basis for a documentary, Game Over (Part 1).) Ace (Wood Harris) works at a laundromat, struggling to get by, while his friend Mitch (Mekhi Phifer) lives the high life selling heroin. His sister's boyfriend, Calvin (Kevin Carroll) also sells drugs, and looks down on Ace for struggling to earn a living. Out delivering laundry one day, Ace meets Lulu (Esai Morales), a big time coke dealer, who lives better than anyone Ace has ever known. When Lulu leaves some coke in the pocket of a coat he's having cleaned, Ace returns it to him, and Lulu rewards him for his honesty by letting him keep the drugs. When Calvin gets busted, Ace hesitantly takes his place in the neighborhood, and starts working for Lulu. As the crack business takes off, Ace finds himself making more money than he knows what to do with. Mitch goes to jail for a short time, where another inmate, Rico (rapper Cam'ron in his acting debut), defends him in a fight. By the time Mitch gets out of prison, Ace is running the neighborhood. Ace makes Mitch his right-hand man, and when Rico gets out of jail, he joins the crew. The drugs and money flow, and Ace tries to keep everyone happy, but there are some who want what's his, and will stop at nothing to get it. Paid in Full was shown at the 2002 Urbanworld Film Festival. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

Cast: Wood Harris, Mek hi Phifer, Kevin Carroll, Esai Morales, Chi McBride

~This the ultimate hustlers movie. Mek hi Phifer and Wood Harris both delivery strong performances in this film, but the man that stole the show was rapper "Cam'ron." For his first major acting role he delivered an a strong, intense, and believable performance as a hot headed, slick talking street hustler named Rico. This film has a great storyline, great characters, and and just enough action, and intensity to keep you on the edge of your seats. This film is so well done, it takes back to the early 90's when films like Boyz 'N the Hood, Menace II Society, and Juice were the movies every black person want to see. If you like gansta films, this definety the one to check out.

Comedy

Book of Love

Subtitled "The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs", Book of Love is a mockumentary following the lives of three L.A. bachelors (Eric K. George, Anthony "Treach" Criss, and (Richard T. Jones) as they recover from a series of unhealthy relationships. The team of average Joes are no match for their manipulative girlfriends (Robin Givens, Mari Morrow, and Salli Richardson) , however, and the over eager men are taken for all they're worth. It's this manipulative, self-serving treatment that drives the young bachelors into behaving like "dogs" themselves. Directed by Jeff Byrd, Book of Love was produced by both BET Studios and 5th Gear Entertainment, and eventually released by Strange Fruit Films. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

Cast: Eric K. George, S alli Richardson, Anthony "Treach" Criss, Mari Morrow, Richard T. Jones

~Playa, playa, playa, play on..... Anthony "Treach" Criss who plays as Jay Black , is definetly get his freak on in this film!!! This movie follows the story of three playas (mostly Treach) and how eventually their playa ways get them hooked up with the wrong group of "divas," who teach them a hard lesson about "playin" and "getting played." I know what the fellows are saying, why would I recommend this movie when it is obviously a "chick film." The fact of the matter is that even though this was a "chick film," it still was a funny movie, bottom line!!!! So this one is for ladies, check this film out!!!!

Drama
The Rosa Parks Story

Angela Bassett plays the title role in this meticulously detailed biography of pioneering civil rights activist Rosa McCauley Parks. Even as a child, Rosa stands separate from her fellow African-Americans; instead of being shipped off to a shabby public school, she is enrolled in a private classroom run by Quakers, who encourage the girl to transcend the severe limitations of legalized segregation in her home state of Alabama. In her late teens, Rosa marries barber Raymond Parks (Peter Francis James), a politically savvy and outspoken proponent of equal rights for all. For many years suffering in silence as the iniquities of the South's Jim Crow laws consign her to second-class-citizen status, Rosa finally joins the local branch of the NAACP with the encouragement of her childhood friend Rebecca "Johnnie" Carr (Tonea Stewart) -- much to the dismay of husband Raymond, who feels that the organization is ineffective in its ongoing battle against the white power structure. Rosa's personal struggle against institutionalized racism reaches its zenith on the night of December 1, 1955, when, bone-weary after a long day's work as a seamstress at a Montgomery department store, she refuses to give up her seat on a bus to a white man -- and is promptly arrested. Thus are the wheels set in motion for the first major Civil Rights demonstration of the 1950s, with Rosa rising to heroic status in the eyes of her people, an event that also profoundly alters the life of local religious leader Martin Luther King Jr. (played by the Reverend's son, Dexter Scott King). Mostly filmed on location in Alabama, The Rosa Parks Story features Cicely Tyson as Rosa's strong-willed mother Leona and Mrs. Parks' longtime friend Rebecca Daniels Carr in a cameo role. The film was shown as part of CBS' celebration of Black History Month on February 24, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast: Angela Bassett, Pet er Francis James, Cicely Tyson, Tonea Stewart, Dexter Scott King

~This another one of those films that flew under the radar and turned out to be an instant classic. Angela Bassett, Cicely Tyson, the amazing true story of Rosa Parks, what more do need for a great movie. This film was a well written and accurate account of Rosa's life and the events that took place on that historic day she decided to stand up.. in this case sit down and make change that would effect the nation. Even including Dexter Scott King to play as his father Martin, was just the right call for this film. Before this film I had never of heard Pet er Francis James, but when they make a movie about President Obama's life, they need to hire him to play the President, because looks and sounds just like him. Forget Will Smith, this is the the guy!!!!

Documentary

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts

Academy Award-nominated director Spike Lee (the guiding force behind the critically acclaimed documentary 4 Little Girls) turns to nonfiction filmmaking once again with the heart-wrenching marathon work When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, produced by Lee's Forty Acres and a Mule Filmworks and originally screened on HBO. In four "acts" of approximately one hour each, Lee examines the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in the late summer of 2005 and the incorrigible response to the catastrophe from U.S. government agencies. The filmmaker then evaluates the overwhelming measures that must be taken for the area to rebound and recover fully, demonstrating time and again that this seems an unlikely prospect in the immediate future. Act One covers the events that immediately preceded Katrina's onslaught of horror, with an in-depth exploration of the Bush administration and FEMA's joint failures to understand the potential calamity at hand. Lee picks up this subtopic again and makes it the central focus of Act Two, which expands into a dissection of the government agencies' failure to respond to the crisis with adequate measures; time and again, the director fills his frame, in this segment, with images and indications of naked human indifference. Act Three plunges headfirst into the toll taken by the hurricane on the lives of Louisiana residents, with protracted glimpses of the destruction wrought. And finally, the film wraps with Act Four, where Lee conducts more recent interviews with experts who question the soundness of the New Orleans levee system in the face of future catastrophes. A number of celebrities and public figures also appear on camera to provide commentary throughout the work, including New Orleans mayor Roy Nagin, actor, singer and social activist Harry Belafonte, and actor Sean Penn. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

~Movies that are based on tragic but true events are always hard to watch. At times while watching this film, I found myself shaking my head, and thinking to myself hoe sad it was to see real people treated like pure crap!!! It's funny to me how society scream "bloody murder" when they find out that Micheal Vick is dog fighting, but when hundreds of thousands of black people die because of one man negligence. Peta was all up in Micheal Vick's butt, but Fe-ma tried to turn their backs and act like Katrina didn't happen...... I could go on and on, but if you want to know the truth about what happen during Katrina, and Barbara Bush with her little smart comment........ ok I'm back. Go check out this movie!!!!!!

Weekly Black Film Releases

2009-08-12T13:02:00.018-05:00

Week of 08/11/09

Steppin

A college campus springs to life when the local radio station announces the official opening of the step competition season. At UTS, the Greeks rule the campus but the Steppers are the kings of the hill. Step season is underway, and with a big money prize up for grabs the heat is on. As the fraternities and sororities work to recruit the best talent around, dance fever sweeps the campus. Anthony Anderson, Faison Love, and Mo'Nique star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Darius McCrary, Wesley Jonathan, Chrystee Pharris, Anthony Anderson, Mo'nique

The Art of War III: Retribution

When international diplomacy fails, it's up to one covert agent to prevent North Korean terrorists from obtaining the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. Caught in the crossfire after the deal turns deadly, Shaw (Treach) races to save a beautiful facilitator and winds of getting framed for murder. Pursued by the authorities with only his new partner and mysterious facilitator to aid him, Shaw uses his stealth and his martial arts skills to prevent the terrorists from detonating a nuclear bomb at a United Nations peace summit. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Anthony "Treach" Criss

Lonely Street

A notoriously gullible detective becomes the number one suspect in the murder of a tabloid reporter after accepting the task of protecting a once-famous celebrity who faked his death to escape the public eye in director Peter Ettinger's quirky adaptation of Steve Brewer's popular series of novels. The grandson of the only known fatality brought on by the 1939 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds, Bubba Mabry (Jay Mohr) comes from a lone line of painfully gullible descendents - and he's determined not to live down to the family reputation. Operating from the seedy confines of a criminal-infested Route 66 Motor Inn, Bubba finds that few of Albuquerque's skeptical locals are willing to enlist the aid of a detective of such credulous origins. When a man named J.G. (Mike Star) shows up covered in gold jewelry and approaches Bubba about protecting a recently-arrived celebrity from an overzealous fan, the struggling detective sees his latest mission is an easy way to make a quick buck. Upon discovering that his latest client is none other than the Elvis Presley, and that the "fan" is actually a tabloid reporter looking to break the story that The King is still around, however, the once-simple case begins to grow increasingly complex. As if things weren't strange enough already, the body of the reporter has been discovered dead in a motel room and Elvis and J.G. have skipped town, leaving Bubba the prime suspect in the strange murder. Now, in order to crack the case and stay out of prison, Bubba is going to have to stay one-step ahead of tireless female reporters Felicia Quattlebaum (Lindsay Price) and Bambi Gamble (Nikki Cox) as he seeks out a suspicious local concert promoter and get to the source of a lucrative blackmail scheme aimed at blowing the lid off of The King's long-running ruse. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Cast: Jay Mohr, Robert Patrick, Joe Mantegna, Mike Starr, Katt Williams

American Street Idols

This hard hitting documentary takes an unflinching look at the homeless population of Los Angeles' poverty stricken neighborhood known as Skid Row. Battling violent crime and desperation just live out day-to-day life, the members of this community still create their own culture. Some of the figures that help create this culture appear here, to share their experiences and feelings about homeless life in L.A. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide

Alex Thomas In The Foxnation

NO MOVIE SYNOPSIS AVAILABLE

The Buzz

2009-08-06T23:27:00.006-05:00

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire [limited]

Director: Lee Daniels
Stars: Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate

The Plot: In Harlem, an overweight, illiterate teen (Sidibe) who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction.

THE BUZZ: Mo'Nique is going to win the Best Supporting Actress for her role in this terrifying realistic drama from Lee Daniels. A pivotal scene between Mo' and star Gabby Sidibe literally made crowds gasp at Sundance earlier this year, and it is sure to illicit similar reactions from general audiences this winter. What Daniels has done here is rather remarkable: His take on the hardships faced by the titular character is only semi-sentimental, and it implies that a person's conviction is the one thing that remains when their circumstances are remarkably bleak. Amazingly, his story is also funny. This is, quite simply, a great film. And if you need your mood lightened while watching it, squint just a bit and Mariah Carey's mustache really comes into focus.

~Their is certainly a lot of great buzz surrounding this film. When first heard that an extremely funny comedian like Mo'Nigue was going to be playing a serious role I was a little bit skeptical, but after seeing the trailer I am convinced that this her best role to date. Just like Jamie Foxx , I feel that this is Mo'Nigue's "Ray" moment. Most critics don't feel that a full time funny person, like Jamie, or Mo'Nique can be successful at playing a serious roles, but their is defintely is some Oscar buzz being to swirling around Mo'Nique's performance in this film. I don't think the Academy will give Mo'Nique the nob, only because she is not as popular outside of the black audience as Jamie is, but if does ended up winning I won't be surprised.

Weekly Black Film Review

2009-08-06T23:15:00.006-05:00

Reviewed for 7/28/09

Streets of Blood

This movie was a lot like "Street Kings." A "good cop" discovers that he is working for a police department that is full of "dirty" or "crooked" cops. So he starts to get a little too deep and gets tangled in a web of lies and deception. I was a little surprised that Curtis "50Cent" Jackson chooses to play a cop, but he did an ok job for a rapper turn actor. Val Kilmer performance really made this movie. His role as Andy Devereux "the good cop," was very convincing. Overall this was a really good movie, despite the fact that the movie taking place after Katrina had nothing to do with the storyline.
Acting: Great
Characters: Good
Storyline: Good

Black Actor Sightings

2009-08-06T22:10:00.013-05:00

This is a post that simple tells you what black actors & actresses are in up coming films.
Never again will you have to wonder what black film are out and who is staring in them.

Fores t Whit ak er & Jennifer Hudson star in Fragments

Faizon Lo v e & Tasha Smith star in Couples Retreat

Thandie Ne wton stars along side Danny Glover, & Chiwetel Ejiofor in 2012

Zoe Saldana as Neytiri & Laz Alonso as Tsu 'Tey star in Avatar

Morgan Freeman stars in Invictus

Zoe Saldana, Idris Elba, Michael Ealy, Steve Harris, Chris Brown & T.I. star in Takers

Tyrese Gibson & Charles S. Dutton star in Legion

Coming Soon

2009-08-06T20:06:00.025-05:00

To Theaters

11/06/2009

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire [limited]
Director: Lee Daniels
Stars: Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate

The Plot: Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write. Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of “alternative,” but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

12/11/2009

The Princess and the Frog
Director: Ron Clements John Musker
Stars: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard (Full Cast)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Plot: A fairy tale centered on a young girl named Princess Tiana who lives in New Orleans French Quarter during the Jazz Age. Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans. "The Princess and the Frog" marks Disney's return to the warmth and grandeur of hand drawn animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker , creators of

"The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" with Oscar winning composer Randy Newman. From the heart of Louisiana's mystical bayouts and the banks of the mighty Mississippi comes an unforgetable tale of love, enchantment and discovery with a trumpet playing alligator, a love sick Cajun firefly, and a host of other charming characters at every turn.

1/15/2010

The Book of Eli

Director: Albert Hughes A llen Hughes
Stars: Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson (Full Cast)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Plot: In a post-apocalyptic America where the once-picturesque countryside has become a desolate and violent wasteland, one man (Denzel Washington) fights to protect that sacred tome that could hold the key to the survival of the human race in this futuristic thriller from filmmaking duo Al bert and Allen Hughesnd.

1/22/2010

Tooth Fairy

Director: Michael Lembeck
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews (Full Cast)
Studio: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

The Plot: A bad deed

on the part of a tough minor-league hockey player (Johnson) results in an unusual sentence: He must serve one week as a real-life tooth fairy.

To DVD

8/11/09

The Art of War III: Retribution

A secret agent goes on a covert mission to stop North Korean terrorists from obtaining a nuclear bomb.

Starring:	Anthony 'Treach' Criss, Warren Derosa... View Full Credits
Director:	Gerry Lively

Lonely Street

A gullible private detective becomes the prime suspect in a tabloid reporter's murder after being hired to snoop on him by a mysterious celebrity.

Starring:	Jay Mohr, Katt Micah Williams... View Full Credits
Director:	Peter Ettinger

8/25/09

Tyson

A mixture of original interviews, archival footage, and photographs sheds light on the life experiences of Mike Tyson.

Starring:	Mike Tyson... View Full Credits
Director:	James Toback

Old School Pick of the Week

2009-08-06T19:30:00.004-05:00

Glory

Glory is a celebration of a little-known act of mass courage during the Civil War. Simply put, the heroes involved have been ignored by history due to racism. Those heroes were the all-black members of the 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, headed by Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), the son of an influential abolitionist (played by an uncredited Jane Alexander). Despite the fact that the Civil War is ostensibly being fought on their behalf, the black soldiers are denied virtually every privilege and amenity that is matter of course for their white counterparts; as in armies past and future, they are given the most menial and demeaning of tasks. Still, none of the soldiers quit the regiment when given the chance. The unofficial leaders of the group are gravedigger John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) and fugitive slave Trip (Denzel Washington), respectively representing the brains and heart of the organization. The 54th acquit themselves valiantly at Fort Wagner, SC, charging a fortification manned by some 1,000 Confederates. Glory was based on Lincoln Kirstein's Lay This Laurel and Peter Burchard's One Gallant Rush; the latter book was founded on the letters of Col. Robert Gould Shaw, the real-life character played by Matthew Broderick. The film won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for co-star Denzel Washington, and additional statuettes for Best Cinematography (Freddie Francis) and Sound Recording.

Cast: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, Cliff De Young, Andre Braugher

~This one of my All-Time favorite films. Great storyline, great acting, and great characters. This is some classic Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman work. It's like have Freeman's "Joe Clark" & Denzel's "Malcom X," all in one movie. Honestly, I dang near shed a tear when Denzel's character Pvt. Trip got beat for stealing them shoes!!! Especially with the way his feet looked. Well, there is nothing more to stay but to go buy this movie

Recommendations

2009-08-06T17:46:00.025-05:00

ACTION

Shottas

Grammy-nominated reggae artist Kymani Marley and Jamaican dancehall star Spragga Benz star in director Cess Silvera's tale of two Kingston gangsters looking to make a name for themselves on the mean streets of Kingston. Homegrown gangers Biggs (Marley) and Wayne (Benz) have paid their dues in Kingston, and now they've set their sights on a better life in Miami. After robbing a soda truck to gain the funds needed to make their way to the United States, however, their dreams quickly turn to dust when they are deported for hustling and sent back to Jamaica with nothing but the shirts on their backs. Biggs and Wayne aren't willing to kiss their ambitions goodbye quite so easily though, and thanks to a little compliance from the Kingston politicians, the pair soon begin extorting money from the local businesses. The heavies in the Kingston underworld are beginning to resent the pair's wildfire success though, and as the pressure mounts to end the rising tide of crime a local politician pays the ultimate price to arrange for the visas that will get Biggs and Wayne back to Florida. Upon returning to the states, the now-powerful duo finds that there is a high price to pay for power in a world where to trust equals death and success simply means having more enemies.
Cast: Ky-mani Marley, Spragga Benz, Paul Campbell, Louie Rankin, Wyclef Jean

~This was a great RASTA film. Ky-mani Marley does a great job playing as Biggs. This film is filled with action, suspense weed smoking, and that rough Jamaican lingo. If you are into gangsta films this is one to check out.

COMEDY

She Hate Me

Directed by Spike Lee, She Hate Me follows John Henry "Jack" Armstrong (Anthony Mackie), who is fired from a posh job in biotechnology after informing the proper authorities of some sketchy business dealings from within the company. Unemployed and desperate for some quick cash, Jack accepts a strange offer -- his ex-girlfriend Fatima (Kerry Washington) says she will pay him generously if he successfully impregnates her. Once word gets out among the lesbian community, Jack is inundated with requests, and is initially quite happy with his new direction in life. However, things -- as they are won’t to do -- get complicated. There's his former employer, who is actively trying to pin the blame for their wrongdoings on his shoulders, for one thing, and it isn't long before the moral implications of his life as a sperm donor come to the forefront. The film co-stars John Turturro, Ellen Barkin, Woody Harrelson, Monica Bellucci, and Q-Tip.
Cast: Anthony Mackie, Kerry Washington

~This a very funny, but interesting film. Anthony Mackie plays as Henry "Jack" Armstrong, who is your typical playa playa type of character. The "interesting" of this movie is that, Henry loses his jobs and figures out that there is got to better way to make money without having to work a 9-5. He comes to the conclusion that with all the women he's been with, all that want from him is to have a baby, so he becomes a baby making MACHINE. As his clientele increases he soon realizes that only draw back to have sex for a living is that he develops a bad case of "SORE NUTS." I don't want to give the whole movie away but, I will say that their is a bit of twist ending that really doesn't make any sense, but overall I was fair entertain by this movie. So check it out.

DRAMA

Something that the Lord made

The true story of two medical pioneers -- one celebrated, one overlooked -- is brought to life in this made-for-cable drama. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) is chief surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, where he is pioneering new techniques in heart surgery. Blalock makes the acquaintance of Vivien Thomas (Mos Def), a carpenter hired to work at the University, and to his surprise discovers a man of keen intelligence who has a great interest in medicine. However, as a poor black man in the Jim Crow South, Thomas lacks the financial resources to obtain a medical degree, though he certainly has the knowledge and the desire. Blalock takes Thomas on as his lab assistant, and together they develop a technique that allows them to correct a common congenital heart defect in children. However, while they work side by side in the lab and in the operating room, Blalock and Thomas do not walk the same paths in society, and Thomas develops a deep resentment that he has been given little credit for his contribution to a medical innovation that makes Blalock famous.
Cast: Alan Rickman, Mos Def, Kyra Sedgwick, Gabrielle Union, Mary Stuart Masterson, Charles S. Dutton

~To me this film right here is an instant classic!!! This one of the best straight to DVD film I have every seen. Best part about this film is that it is a true story. Mos Def gives the best "rapper turned actor" performance I have ever seen. Take that Will Smith!!! In my opinion this movie should have been nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor and Best Picture. Alan Rickman & Gabrielle Union are also great. Bottom line, don't waste your time renting, because this one is a keeper!!!!

Weekly Black Film Releases

2009-08-04T15:16:00.008-05:00

New To DVD

Obsessed

Derek Charles (Idris Elba), a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion, is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage to the beautiful Sharon (Beyoncé Knowles). But when Lisa (Ali Larter), a temp worker, starts stalking Derek, all the things he's worked so hard for are placed in jeopardy.

Cast: Idris Elba, Beyoncé Knowles, Ali Larter, Bruce McGill, Jerry O'Connell

The Soloist

The Soloist is a biographical drama about real-life musical prodigy Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, who dropped out of Julliard after developing schizophrenia and became a homeless musician on the streets of Los Angeles. Journalist Steve Lopez discovers the former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets. As Lopez endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their live

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton

In Theaters

No Black Films opening for this week!!!!

Old School Pick of the Week

2009-07-30T17:59:00.004-05:00

The Wiz

Sidney Lumet's The Wiz is the film version of the popular Broadway musical that retells the events of L. Frank Baum's classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz through the eyes of a young African-American kindergarten teacher who's "never been below 125th Street." Leaving a large family dinner to chase her dog into a snowstorm, Dorothy (Diana Ross) is swept up by a cyclone and transplanted to the land of Oz -- which looks suspiciously like a skewed version of the run-down Manhattan of the late '70s. Landing on top of the Wicked Witch of the East, the puzzled Dorothy is greeted by munchkins who peel themselves from a graffiti mural and sing to her about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a powerful wizard living in Emerald City who can help her get home. On her journey down the yellow brick road, she encounters a garbage-stuffed scarecrow (Michael Jackson) in a junkyard, a broken-down tin man (Nipsey Russell) caught in the decay of an old amusement park, and a cowardly lion (Ted Ross) posing as a stone statue outside a museum. The quartet tangles with a subway station that comes to life, a poppy den, and a gaggle of motorcycle henchman on their way to the Wiz -- who orders them to kill the Wicked Witch of the West (a sweatshop tyrant) before he will grant them their wishes. The Wiz has about double the large-scale production numbers of The Wizard of Oz (1939), with songs written and composed by Charlie Smalls.

Cast: Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor

~In Memory of MJ, I have to go with this all-time classic film. Rated #11 on the Top 50 Black Films of All-time, this by far the best black musical ever made. The Cast, The songs, even the storyline, even thought its an adatation of the Wizard of Oz, should at least been nomiated of an academy award. This a must have in ever black houshold, so if you don't have it please go out and buy it.

Weekly Black Film Review

2009-07-30T16:47:00.011-05:00

Reviewed for 7/21/09

A day in the Life
MEAN MUG
I seriously thought that I would have to ever give out a bad rating,
especial on a "black film," but I just didn't get this movie. With a cast full of "black star power" like Faizon Love, Omar Epps, Mekhi Phifer, and Melinda Williams, and camios by Bokeem Woodbine & Ray J, you would think that this would be a blockbuster black film. Here is a few major problems I had with this film. 1. It was written and directed by Sticky Fingaz, who called himself a "great black actor. When I think of great black actors, I think of Denzel, Will, Morgan, Lawerence, Sidney, Samuel, and Forrest just to name a few, not Sticky Fingaz. 2. The whole concept of a "Hiphop Musical is kind of a if it works THANK GOD!! but if it doesn't OH MY GOD!!! There was virtual no acting, no storyline, and no point to this movie. There is a reason that music videos are only 4 to 5 mins. long, because people get tired of seeing the same thing over and over again. I could go on and on but for the sake of black films everyone I going to stop. My recommedation for this movie is to "SAY AWAY'!!!

See Dick Run

This was a overall pretty funny film. Kel Mitchel is hilarious. I had low
expectations of this film, but I found myself happily entertained watching this film. The basic storyline is Rich Jones Mitchell is a local playboy, and has a reputaion of doing women wrong. Tired of his ways someone put a Voodoo curse on him and sends a "Succubus" or " Demon Whore" that removes his penis from his body and puts in a jar for safe keeping. So he runs franticly around the city contact all of his old flings that might have cursed him. Frustrated after not getting any good leads his best friend Craig tells him to contact a Voodoo High Priestist. She tells him that his penis should be in a jar of under the bed of the person how cursed him. With out spoiling the movie Rich goes through hell and high water, but he eventual gets his penis back and repents from his playboy ways. For a good, but silly laugh I would definetly recommend this film.

He's on my Mind

NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW

Weekly Black Film Releases

2009-07-30T16:30:00.005-05:00

New to DVD

Streets of Blood

Six months after one of the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, crime and corruption sink to new levels of depravity as a pair of New Orleans cops work to clean up the streets. New Orleans has been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, opening the floodgates for a sea of criminals seeking to assert their control over the city's seedy underworld. But when the stakes are this high, there's sure to be corruption within the ranks of the local police force, too. When a veteran detective with a violent history (Val Kilmer) is assigned a new partner with a dark secret (Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson), the perceptive police psychiatrist (Sharon Stone) suspects that the officers may have become morally compromised by the chaos that threatens to consume the city that's already synonymous with vice and decadence.

Cast: Val Kilmer, 50 Cent, Sharon Stone, Dylan McDermott, Brian Presley

In Theaters

No Black Films opening for this week!!!!

Coming Soon

2009-07-25T19:00:00.008-05:00

To Theaters
07/10/2009

Soul Power [LA/NY]

Director: Jeffrey Levy-Hinte
Stars: Mu hammad Ali, James Brown, Don King (Full Cast)
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

The Plot: A documentary on the legendary soul music concert staged in Kinshasa, Zaire in 1974, which was staged to compliment the Rumble in the Jungle, the rematch between boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

09/11/2009

I Can Do Bad All by Myself

Director: Tyler Perry
Stars: Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate

The Plot: Madea (Perry) delivers three young adults who tried to rob her home to their aunt (Henson), a hard-living nightclub singer who doesn't want the responsibility of parenting the trio. Can Madea's influence, coupled with the arrival a handsome, industrious new tenant (Rodriguez), help April turn a corner in her life?

10/02/2009

More Than a Game [limited]

Director: Kristopher Belman
Stars: LeBron James, Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis (Full Cast)
Studio: Lionsgate

The Plot: Go back in time and follow LeBron James and four of his teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Ohio and James's journey to fame in the NBA.

12/04/2009

Armored
Director: Nimród Antal
Stars: Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne (Full Cast)
Studio: Screen Gems

The Plot: A newbie guard for an armored truck company is coerced by his veteran coworkers to steal a truck containing $42 million. But a wrinkle in their supposedly foolproof plan divides the group, leading to a potentially deadly resolution.

Ratings System

2009-07-25T17:12:00.005-05:00

You way be sitting at home wandering, Ghetto Movie Guru, what is considered a “black film?” Well, I am going to let you in on the secret.What makes a movie a “black film” is that the lead role in the movie has to be played by a black actor or actress? Also it has to have at lease two or more black supporting actors or actresses. That’s it. Simple isn’t it.

Ratings System

Mean Mug

This means that the movie was general a bad movie so stay away!

Cool Flick

This means that it was overall a good movie, but had a few slow parts, or left me with some unanswered questions. Watch at your own risk.

Great Flick

This means that this was a great film, But I still would rather rent it, or go to the show and watch it rather than by it.

A Keeper

Now this is a movie you definitely want to buy. An overall great flick, but a few things made it fall short of being a classic.

A Classic

This rating is rarely given out. Only a small number of movie are worthy of this rating. This means that this movie is flawless. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this movie, so go out and but it immediately!!

= a half a Black Fist

Black Actor Sightings

2009-07-23T01:11:00.035-05:00

This is a post that simple tells you what black actors & actresses are in up coming films.
Never again will you have to wonder what black film are out and who is staring in them.

Y'all should seriously appreiate this cause this take alot of work. Buy me lunch or something ;)

Common plays as Barnes in Terminator Salvation
Zoe Saldana & Tyler Perry star in Star Trek (2009)
Delroy Lindo lends his voice as Beta in Up
Denzel Washington stars in The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Donald Faison, Mike Epps, & Mos Def star in Next Day Air
Eddie Murphy stars in Imagine That
Damon Wayans Sr. is the Director, and Damon Wayans Jr. stars in Dance Flick
Queen Latifah lends her voice as Ellie in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Tracy Morgan lends his voice as Blaster in G-Force

Keke Palmer plays as Jemma in Shrink

Snoop Dogg plays himself in Brüno

Marlon Wayans plays as Ripcord in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Ving Rhames plays in The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges & Terry Crews both play in Gamer

Mr. T better known as Lawrence Tureaud lends his voice as Earl Devereaux in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Ving Rhames plays as The Prophet in Surrogates

Naturi Naughton who played "Lil Kim" in Notorious, stars in Fame along with Charles S. Dutton

Columbus Short plays in a Whiteout

Old School Pick of the Week

2009-07-23T00:57:00.007-05:00

Let's Do It Again

A pair of blue-collar buddies use hypnosis to turn a wimpy boxer into a champ in this crime comedy, which reunites actor/director Sidney Poitier and comedian Bill Cosby, stars of the similarly themed Uptown Saturday Night. Clyde Williams (Poitier) and Billy Foster (Cosby) want to help raise funds to sustain the Sons and Daughters of Shaka Lodge, their local community group. Given that Clyde was trained as a hypnotist while in the military, the pair decide to con mobster Biggie Smalls (Calvin Lockhart) by placing a high-stakes bet on a boxing match and then using hocus-pocus to transform skinny underdog Bootney Farnsworth (Jimmie Walker) into a bruiser. When Biggie finds out about their ruse, he and his thugs move in to reclaim their money, setting the stage for further laughs and sleight-of-hand. With a supporting cast that includes Denise Nicholas and Lee Chamberlin as the protagonists' wives and Ossie Davis as an elder at their lodge, Let's Do It Again also reunited Good Times stars Walker and John Amos to the silver screen. Cosby and Poitier would return two years later with A Piece of the Action, though Lockhart, another veteran of Uptown Saturday Night, would sit out the final team-up. Hip-hop fans will note that Lockhart's character provided one of the aliases for slain '90s rap star Christopher Wallace, also known as the Notorious B.I.G. The soundtrack for Let's Do It Again featured Curtis Mayfield songs performed by the the Staple Singers.

Cast: Sidney Poitier, Bill Cosby, Calvin Lockhart, John Amos, Jimmie "J.J." Walker

This flick right here N..., this flick right here N...., is a GUT BUSTING, PANTS WETTING, SLAP YO MOMMA IN THE MOUTH, classic comedy film. This one of my all-time favorite films, and that's saying alot cause I am very hard on films, especially new ones. All I'm going to say to you is "BUY THIS FILM." If you don't already have it, go out and get it, you will not be disapointed.

Recommendations

2009-07-23T00:10:00.008-05:00

ACTION

An experienced robber (Morgan Freeman) heavily in debt with the Russian mob engages a novice thief (Antonio Banderas) to pull off one last heist in this crime drama from director Mimi Leder (Deep Impact). Radha Mitchell (Silent Hill) co-stars in the Millennium Films production.

Cast: Morg an Freeman, A ntonio Banderas, Radha Mitchell

This an fun action-packed flick with a little bit of comedy on the side. Antonio Banderas & Morgan Freeman had great chemistry. Banderas played or of a work-horse, kind of do all the dirty work role, while Freeman played the wise old owl role. It does a slight little twist at the end, but overall it was a fun film to watch.

COMEDY

Bored to tears at being played by the men in their lives, three sexy and smart friends decide to play the players only to discover that the game is fixed in a sizzling relationship comedy starring V ivica A. Fox, Carmen Electra, and Stacey Dash. Who's to say that only the boys can play when it comes to matters of love? Certainly not these three friends, because when the men in their lives prove ever too predictable, it's soon time to find out just how shallow the waters in their male counterparts run. Now, as the girls set out to seduce one unsuspecting mark and convince him that he's struck relationship gold, they are about to find out just how quickly the tables can turn when it comes to games of the heart.

Cast:Bill Bellamy, Vivica A. Fox , Carmen Electra, and Stacey Dash

Now this film right here is for the playa playas. This is a classic Bill Bellamy flick. Bill's character is out to get the drawals from all three of these fine chicks, but little does he know they all are playing him. Bellamy & Fox share some really fun dialog in this flick, and Electra & Dash act as the down homegirls for Fox's evil plots to expose Bellamy. Overall this a really funny flick, so check it out.

DRAMA

Vivica A. Fox and Shemar Moore return for this thrilling sequel to Motives that picks up three years after the events of the original film. Innocent convict Emery Simms is serving time for a crime he didn't commit; while most convict's claims of innocence are shoddy at best, Emery has every reason to protest his wrongful incarceration. Meanwhile, in the outside world, Emery's ex-wife (Fox) has married his best friend and the pair is struggling to build a normal life together. When Emery is killed in prison and his brother Donovan (Brian J. White) discovers the truth about what killed his ill-fated sibling, his quest to cut through the complex web of lies and deceit which previously ensnared Emery threatens to bring about deadly consequences.

Cast: Brian J. White, Vivica A. Fox

Oh Drama, drama, drama. This Flick is the essence of the word drama. Everybody's cheating. Everybody's playing each other, and on, and on, and on..... After saying all of that this really is a good film. I am the type of person that tries to stay away from any kind of drama, but I must admit I did caught up in to all the nonsense going on in this flick. I think this was on of Brian J. White best films. Vivica was her typical self, I really liked Sean Blakemore who played the role of Vivica's husband. Yes ladies he was a dogg, but he was so slick wit it any man could appreiate his craft. So if you love drama, defintely check out this flick.

The Buzz

2009-07-22T23:12:00.002-05:00

Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself
Opens September 11, 2009
PG-13
mature thematic material involving a sexual assault on a minor, violence, drug references and smoking
When Madea, America’s favorite pistol-packing grandma, catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of Raymond, her married boyfriend, April wants nothing to do with the kids. But her attitude begins to change when Sandino, a handsome Mexican immigrant looking for work, moves into April’s basement room. Making amends for his own troubled past, Sandino challenges April to open her heart. And April soon realizes she must make the biggest choice of her life: between her old ways with Raymond and the new possibilities of family, faith…and even true love.
Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Tyler Perry, Hope Olaide Wilson, Mary J. Blige
Director: Tyler Perry
Genres: Comedy, Drama

THE BUZZ: TP's last Madea outing was his/her biggest success yet, and his pact with Lionsgate is strengthening to take his overseas, which has yet to feel the effects of the pistol-packing grandmother. And let's take a moment to celebrate the union of divas here, with Mary J. Blige returning for her second TP appearance and Gladys Knight added to the mix. Let the hysterics begin.

~Tyler Perry's Latest installment looks to be a very promising one. After watching the trailer I can already tell that this film will have a great storyline carried by "Best Supporting Actress Nominee" Taraji P. Henson's strong emotional conviction. Maybe, just maybe Tyler final got the balance of Drama with a dash of Comedy right this time. I am really looking forward to seeing this flick.~The Ghetto Movie Guru

Weekly Black Film Releases

2009-07-22T17:10:00.004-05:00

New to DVD

A Day in the Life

Onyx rapper Sticky Fingaz directs and stars in this hip-hop musical about a gangster who becomes caught up in a bloody war between two feuding crime families while struggling to leave the streets behind. When Black's family raids one of Stick's drug houses and kills two of his men, Stick is forced to choose between leaving it all behind or seeking revenge and feeding the cycle of violence. It's a difficult decision that's made even more arduous when Stick's girlfriend reveals that she's pregnant. Word on the street is that Black has just put out a contract on Stick, and now a pair of detectives is hot on his trail. Desperate, Stick decides to flee the country with his girlfriend and start over. Just as they're about to board their flight, a gunfight erupts at the airport and all hell breaks loose.

Cast: Sticky Fingaz, Faizon Love, Omar Epps, Mekhi Phifer, Michael Rapaport

See Dick Run

A smooth-talking ladies' man incurs the wrath of a voodoo priestess who takes away his manhood with a devastating spell. Now, the only shot that Richard (Kel Mitchell) has at reversing the curse and becoming whole again is +to apologize to all of the women he has ever wronged before the clock strikes midnight.

Cast: Kel Mitchell, Page Kennedy, Todd Bridges, Phyllis Stickney, Brooklyn McLinn

He’s on my Mind

When a scorned woman gets the power to intercept men's thoughts, her personal and professional lives fall into complete chaos. Kayla King thought she had the perfect life, but she was about to get a rude awakening. An elementary school teacher who just married the man of her dreams, Kayla is devastated to discover her new husband fooling around with another woman. Subsequently embarking on a quest to find out why men behave like they do, she gets more than she bargained for when the thoughts that most men keep secret are inexplicably amplified for her to hear. It's going to take a miracle for Kayla to come to grips with her newfound power, but in the meantime she'll get an education that she's not likely to forget.

Cast: Sherial McKinney, Ayo Sorrells, Dylan Mooney, Shamari Berkley

In Theaters

G-FORCE

Armed with the latest high-tech spy gear, a guinea pig named Darwin (Sam Rockwell) and his team of specially trained rodents are often the last line of defense against chaos and destruction. But when the government shuts them down and ships them off to a pet shop, Darwin and his gang will have to find a way to break out and prevent a mad billionaire (Bill Nighy) from taking over the world.

Cast: Bill Nighy, Zach Galifianakis, Sam Rockwell, Tracy Morgan

Ice Age:Dawn of the Dinosaurs

After the events of Ice Age: The Meltdown, life begins to change for Manny and his friends: Scrat is still on the hunt to hold onto his beloved acorn, while finding a possible romance in a female sabre-toothed squirrel named Scratte. Manny and Ellie, having since become an item, are expecting a baby, which leaves Manny anxious to ensure that everything is perfect for when his baby arrives. Diego is fed up with being treated like a house-cat and ponders the notion that he is becoming too laid-back. Sid begins to wish for a family of his own, and so steals some dinosaur eggs which leads to Sid ending up in a strange underground world where his herd must rescue him, while dodging dinosaurs and facing danger left and right, and meeting up with a one-eyed weasel known as Buck who hunts dinosaurs intently.

Cast: John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Denis Leary