Alpha Films

18/09/2023

So ready for this !!!

The real Cats movie, coming soon!

26/08/2023

We love the idea too.
An ‘EQUALIZER’ prequel with John David Washington. 🔥

08/04/2023

"Panther" (1995) was an ambitious project by Mario Van Peebles and his father, Melvin Van Peebles, which was a semi-fictionalization of the conception and decline of the Black Panther Party. Mario directed, and he and his father produced the film based on Melvin's novel. Several production companies assisted the project, including PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Working Title Films, TriBeCa Productions, and MVP Films. The movie has a tremendous cast of stars featuring Kadeem Hardison, Courtney B. Vance, Marcus Chong, Tyrin Turner, Jenifer Lewis, Bokeem Woodbine, Joe Don Baker, Nefertiti, Bobby Brown, James Russo, Wesley Jonathan, and many more. One thing about Mario Van Peebles' movies is that his films will always have a large cast of actors.

Since the film is semi-fictional, one does not watch this film as the truth. The conception, existence, and decline of the Black Panther Party from the 60s and 70s are highly complicated. There are so many layers involved with the organization that no film could account for everything that when on. Several fictional characters intertwine with non-fictional characters. For example, Kadeem Hardison leads the movie as Judge (a fictional character), who joins the Black Panther Party when he returns home from Vietnam.

The movie dramatizes several events, but one must be familiar with the party's history to understand them fully. Most of the primary party leaders, such as Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Eldridge Cleaver, Gene McKinney, and Bobby Hutton, are characters in the movie. Kathleen Cleaver's character had a minor part, and Peebles did not include Angela Davis. However, Mario did have a cameo part as Stokely Carmichael. In addition, Angela Bassett had a minor role as Dr. Betty Shabazz, wife of Malcolm X.

Mario Van Peebles has a style of filmmaking, and it shows in this movie. The cinematography is excellent, and the acting is top-notch. The soundtrack to the film is a mix of hip-hop and RnB renditions of original tracks from the 60s and 70s. Nevertheless, there is a lot of social and political commentary, and many will disagree with the approach. However, it's a solid movie with entertainment value. But I advise you to watch it critically if the truth is meaningful to you.

Director: Mario Van Peebles
Writer: Melvin Van Peebles, Mario Van Peebles

Starring Kadeem Hardison, Bokeem Woodbine, Courtney B. Vance, Marcus Chong, Tyrin Turner, Joe Don Baker, Anthony Griffith, Wesley Jonathan, Nefertiti, Bobby Brown, Lahmard J. Tate, Angela Bassett, James Russo, Jenifer Lewis, Roger Guenveur Smith, Chris Rock, Anthony Johnson, Dick Gregory, Kool Moe Dee, Mark Curry, L. Sidney, Mario Van Peebles, Melvin Van Peebles

Storyline
It is a time of tension of rioting in the streets—a time of change. In Oakland, California, in 1968, a militant group, The Black Panthers, led by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, armed themselves and were ready to fight for freedom. To the people, they're heroes, but to the FBI, they're Public Enemy Number One. So now the Feds will do everything they can on the right or wrong side of the law to bring the Panthers down.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2009/01/panther-1995.html

Available on Blu-ray and streaming services.
https://www.amazon.com/Panther-Marcus-Chong/dp/B0B8TB1TG5

27/03/2023

Will Smith is back in ‘I am Legend Chapter 2’ coming soon! 🍿

Details: https://tinyurl.com/2p8pfzsx
Follow: Upcoming Movies News

20/03/2023

"Deep Cover" (1992) is a crime thriller and one of the first modern urban noir films released. Directed by Bill Duke and written by Michael Tolkin and Henry Bean, this movie is a gritty story of the Los Angeles drug world and an undercover cop trying to bring down the operations. The film has an excellent cast featuring Laurence Fishburne, Jeff Goldblum, Victoria Dillard, Gregory Sierra, Clarence Williams III, and Roger Guenveur Smith. The film's soundtrack includes the hit tune "Deep Cover," featuring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg in his official appearance.

By 1992, Bill Duke was a reliable director by leading several T.V. series and movies, such as "A Rage in Harlem" (1991). He started directing in 1979 and starred in his first movie in 1976. Bill Duke brought a unique style to black filmmaking in an era where urban films became popular. Laurence Fishburne was already an experienced and well-known actor. The previous year, he starred as Furious Styles in "Boyz n the Hood." So his role as an undercover cop in a corrupt drug world was vastly different. However, this opportunity boosted his career as an actor who can lead a theatrical film as the focal point in every scene. His filmography after "Deep Cover" is him a lead in most of his movies. Clarence Williams III brought his experience as a self-righteous detective. He started his career in 1959 and gained his notoriety in the show "Mod Squad." The combination of Fishburne and Williams in a film together is brilliant.

Additional actors include Victoria Dillard and the highly underrated Roger Guenveur Smith. Dillard began her career in 1987 and starred in several T.V. shows and films. In 1991, she was in the Denzel Washington film, "Riccohet," which has a similar style to "Deep Cover." Smith began his career in 1988 in the Spike Lee movie "School Daze." "Deep Cover" marked his fourth film, but he already became a notable actor. He also starred in "Malcolm X" the same year.

The artistic style of the movie is edgy and moody. Bill Duke puts you on the streets and in the mix of the underground. The dark scenes and the drug world's cruel nature are vivid and glaring. He introduced us to his style in "A Rage in Harlem" in 1991, but he took "Deep Cover" to another level. It's an entertaining movie that I highly recommend.

Director: Bill Duke
Writers: Michael Tolkin (story), Henry Bean (screenplay)

Starring Laurence Fishburne, Jeff Goldblum, Victoria Dillard, Gregory Sierra, Clarence Williams III, René Assa, Alex Colon, Roger Guenveur Smith, Sydney Lassick, Kamala Lopez, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Glynn Turman, James T. Morris, Sandra Gould

Storyline
Russell Stevens (Fishburne) is a police officer that a drug enforcement agent recruits to go undercover in Los Angeles to bring down a massive drug operation. While undercover, he is to rise in the ranks by working closely with David (Goldblum), a shady Jewish attorney connected with Barbosa (Sierra), a big-time kingpin with ties with more prominent distributors and even a corrupt politician. As Stevens gets further involved in street life, he comes to a crossroads between his duty as an officer of the law and surviving the underworld to stay alive.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2013/04/deep-cover-1992.html

Available on Blu-ray and streaming services.
https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Cover-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B092P69MTK

20/03/2023

"Higher Learning" (1995) is a drama film John Singleton wrote, directed, and produced. Columbia Pictures was the production company, and Sony Pictures Releasing was responsible for distribution. The movie has an outstanding casting featuring Omar Epps, Laurence Fishburne, O'Shea Jackson (Ice Cube), Kristy Swanson, Michael Rapaport, Jennifer Connelly, and Regina King. The film addresses social issues of racism, identity, abuse, and s*xuality in a university setting. It's a diverse film with various stories where each actor adds their essence to their character portrayals.

John Singleton's brilliance intrigued many with his first film, "Boyz n the Hood," in 1991. Then, in 1994, he made the romance drama "Poetic Justice" starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Finally, "Higher Learning" was his third and most eclectic movie. Fishburne, King, and Ice Cube were already familiar with Singleton's work as they appeared in "Boyz n the Hood" together. However, this was the first time for Omar Epps.

Before starring in "Higher Learning," Epps was breaking through in Hollywood. In 1994, he was in the comedy film "Major League II," but his most notable was Q from "Juice" in 1992. For Ice Cube, "Higher Learning" marked his fourth film. While his acting talent was apparent, people still knew him as a hip-hop artist because of his incredible success in the industry. Ice Cube was an unremitting part of black culture, especially for a youthful generation. As a result, he produced one of the funniest films ever made known as "Friday," which he released in 1995.

Laurence Fishburne was continuing to peak as an actor. In 1995 alone, he starred in "Bad Company," "Just Cause," "The Tuskegee Airmen," and "Othello." Before then," he was in "What's Love Got to Do with It," "Deep Cover," "Boyz n the Hood," and the "King of New York." And those were just some of his films from the 90s. His role in "Higher Learning" was the college professor version of Furious Styles from "Boyz n the Hood." Regina King was starring in her third movie. The previous two were also Singleton films, so some of her introduction to filmmaking came from his guidance. King had early exposure to producing films, but until she reached that part of her career, she starred in many major studio movies.

Additional actors include Trevor Smith (Busta Rhymes) and Tyra Banks. Rhymes was a famous hip-hop artist in 1995. However, Rhymes was new to acting even though he appeared in a few films, primarily as himself. His persona was an excellent fit for the movie because he wasn't required to be too far outside of how people knew him. Lastly, supermodel Tyra Banks starred in her first film. Before, she appeared in several music videos and episodes of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Singleton did a brilliant job with the viewpoints of this movie's characters. One can split this film racially between white and black perspectives and sub-perspectives within each racial group. Michael Rapaport, Kristy Swanson, Jennifer Connelly, Jason Wiles, and Cole Hauser each have their own identity and symbolically represent a particular social issue. This film has no real lead actor, as the main actors share the screen equally so that they can illustrate their character's stories.

This movie reminds us of the complexities of young people on a college campus. Society pressures them to fit in, find themselves, and deal with humans and their attitudes about life. It's a timeless film with the same, if not more, relevance today. Moreover, it's a film worthy of discussion because of the thought-provoking content Singleton provided. I highly recommend this movie now and forever.

Director: John Singleton
Writer: John Singleton

Starring Omar Epps, Laurence Fishburne, Kristy Swanson, Ice Cube, Michael Rapaport, Regina King, Jennifer Connelly, Jason Wiles, Tyra Banks, Cole Hauser, Bradford English, Busta Rhymes, Jay R. Ferguson, Andrew Bryniarski, Trevor St. John, Talbert Morton, Adam Goldberg, J. Trevor Edmond, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Kari Wuhrer

Storyline
In John Singleton's powerful portrait of college life in the 1990s, a group of incoming freshmen at Columbus University -- including varsity athlete Malik Williams (Omar Epps), awkward outcast Remy (Michael Rapaport), and Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson) -- struggle to find themselves and adjust to newfound independence. However, when Remy finds acceptance among a group of neo-Nazis, tensions rise even higher on a campus already divided along racial, socio-economic, and gender lines.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2011/10/higher-learning-1995.html

This movie is available on Blu-ray and streaming services.
https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Learning-Blu-ray-Omar-Epps/dp/B07MF43VK5

04/03/2023

"The Inkwell" (1994) is a coming-to-age romance-comedy directed by Matty Rich and written by Trey Ellis and Paris Qualles. The film has a starred studded cast ranging from experienced to up-and-coming actors and actresses. Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, now known as Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, is responsible for the movie's release.

After his success with his first movie, "Straight Out of Brooklyn," in 1991, Matty Rich earned an opportunity to direct "The Inkwell" at 22 years old. This task was a tall order for a young director in a major Hollywood picture, especially considering the movie's casting. However, he was responsible for a film very different from his first movie. "Straight Out of Brooklyn" had an African-American NYC urban theme, and "The Inkwell" had a middle to the upper-class background. In addition, the writers set the story in Martha's Vinyard at Inkwell Beach (a.k.a. Oak Bluffs Beach), the name derived from the beach visited by primarily African-Americans. However, much of the movie's filming occurred in Eastern North Carolina, especially in Wilmington.

Larenz Tate is the main character in the movie, which is the opposite of his famed character O-Dog in "Menace II Society" (1993). He plays a quirky 16-year-old virgin boy whose father (Joe Morton) was a former Black Panther and whose mother (Suzzanne Douglas) was a nurturer of love and support. Concerned about his well-being, the parent visits Martha's Vinyard to see the mother's sister (Vanessa Bell Calloway) and conservative brother-in-law (Glynn Turman). Tate's character learns valuable lessons about grown folk's business during his two-week stay.

While the film's premise attempts to counter some of the stereotypical depictions of African-American urban films in the 1990s, it's noteworthy to remember Touchstone Pictures produced the film, and Buena Vista Pictures distributed it. And both of those companies are Disney companies. That means there were some influences from executives on the movie's script. The film suffered intense criticism due to its character and story development. Ellis wanted to use a fake name, "Tom Richostronza," to exclude his affiliation with the script, and eventually was one of many reasons that led Rich and Ellis to disagreements. Ellis blamed Rich for taking an excellent story and making it frivolous. Ellis didn't intend the film to be as silly as it was, blaming Rich for changing the script after Disney hired him. Ultimately, Rich replaced Ellis with Paris Qualles to finish up production. Nevertheless, the movie did see some profits as it wasn't a box office flop, but Rich never directed another motion picture after "The Inkwell."

Director: Matty Rich
Writers: Trey Ellis, Paris Qualles

Starring, Larenz Tate, Joe Morton, Suzzanne Douglas, Glynn Turman, Vanessa Bell Calloway, A.J. Johnson, Morris Chestnut, Jada Pinkett Smith, Duane Martin, Mary Alice, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Markus Redmond, Perry Moore

Storyline
In 1976, Drew Tate was a young teenager who had trouble dealing with life after accidentally setting his house on fire. His parents, Kenny and Brenda, go to Martha's Vineyard to spend the Fourth of July weekend with Brenda's sister Francis, Francis' black Republican husband Spencer, and their son Junior. While there, Drew falls for a self-centered girl named Lauren and befriends a married lady named Heather. Subsequently, Drew deals with his parent's attempts to save their marriage and his troubles, eventually leading to a life-changing event for Drew.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2013/01/the-inkwell-1994.html

Available on Blu-ray and streaming services.
https://www.amazon.com/Inkwell-Blu-ray-Matty-Rich/dp/B07DKRXTWM

20/01/2023

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (1979) is a CBS made-for-television movie based on Maya Angelou's biography under the same title. The film features a stellar cast that helps tell the story of Ms. Angelou's trials, trauma, and perseverance in her young life. Unfortunately, the young star of the film, River Malik (a.k.a. Constance Good), who played Maya, did not have any additional roles after this movie.

"Caged Bird" was part of several TV movies released by primetime network companies like NBC, CBS, and ABC. However, by the late 1970s, the blaxploitation craze was ending, and there was a slight uptick in black TV dramas, especially after the success of "Roots." In an interview by Esther Rolle, who played Maya's grandmother in the film, she said, "I can't understand the scarcity of black drama on television. People act like blacks can't do dramatic roles, and if they did, nobody would want to see it anyway. I've always said good work is good work." Rolle continued, "Producers, directors, and everyone else tells you there's no market for black dramas. To do anything, you have to do a musical. They had a heck of a time selling the first 'Roots.' You see blacks dancing, singing, and comics; the general assumption is that's all they can do. I thought 'Roots' put that old wives tale to rest, but it didn't." I just read that entire quote in Ether Rolle's voice.

While CBS produced the film based on Angelou's book, the story still needed to be put into a script in which Leonora Thuna worked with Angelou to achieve this. As a result, those who read the book will notice differences between Angelou's book and the film's character development. CBS chose "Caged Bird" as part of the Reading in the School project back in 1979. They distributed the TV scripts to schools so students could follow along and compare them with the book.

Overall, the movie is a significant artwork inspired by an all-time author. It explores the challenges a young black woman faces, from the racial prejudice of her small town to her abandonment issues from her parents. In addition, the film examines a young woman's psychological trauma when people she trusted violated her innocence. This film represents how the decisions of the people close to you can become your consequences, and you must learn to overcome the side effects with the help of others.

Director: Fielder Cook
Writers: Maya Angelou (book), Leonora Thuna (teleplay)

Starring Esther Rolle, Diahann Carroll, River Malik (a.k.a Constance Good), John Driver, Ruby Dee, Roger E. Mosley, Madge Sinclair, Sonny Jim Gaines, Art Evans, Paul Benjamin

Storyline
This film adaptation of Maya Angelou's autobiography focuses on the author's complicated youth. Young Maya (Constance Good) lives at her grandmother's (Ether Rolle) in Arkansas. Life is hard for the little girl, but a genuinely dark turning point comes when she is r***d by her mother's boyfriend (Paul Benjamin). After she identifies her ra**st, her uncles murder him. Overwhelmed with guilt and confusion, Maya becomes mute for years, struggling to come to terms with her trauma.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2020/08/i-know-why-caged-bird-sings-1979-tv.html

Available on YouTube and VHS.
https://www.amazon.com/Know-Why-Caged-Bird-Sings/dp/630016439X

17/12/2022

17/12/2022

"Girl 6" (1996) is a comedy-drama directed by Spike Lee and written by Suzan-Lori Parks. The film stars Theresa Randle, who was at a high point in her career by starring in films such as "Bad Boys," "Beverly Hills Cop III," "Sugar Hill," "CB4," "Malcolm X," and "Jungle Fever." So, Lee and Randle were familiar with each other's work.

Sometimes, immersing in the films made by Spike Lee can be overwhelming in his artistic vision. I feel the same way when I'm looking at films by Melvin Van Peebles. Both directors have an arthouse style of filmmaking, and while beautiful, they can be challenging to follow their ideas. "Girl 6" is a very artistic film. There was a purpose for every shot, camera angle, lighting aspects, and dialect. Yet, the story of the movie is simple.

Prince is responsible for the film's soundtrack. Rightfully, as many know, Prince was strict about his music rights. Because of this, the soundtrack isn't as easily accessible as we would like it to be. Also, it's likely why a rerelease of the movie on Blu-ray has yet to happen. Nevertheless, it's a great soundtrack and helps move this film along. It's a solid combination of Prince's musical genius and Lee's artistic vision.

Director: Spike Lee
Writer: Suzan-Lori Parks

Starring Theresa Randle, Isaiah Washington, Spike Lee, Jenifer Lewis, Kristen Wilson, Debi Mazar, Quentin Tarantino, Naomi Campbell, Halle Berry, Madonna

Storyline
Trying to make it in the acting world, a young black woman (Theresa Randle) resorts to working as a phone s*x operator to pay the bills. Called Girl 6 by her new employer, she finds her work oddly fulfilling and starts getting attached to one caller, Bob (Peter Berg). While dealing with various personal problems -- such as her thief ex-husband (Isaiah Washington) wanting her back -- Girl 6 realizes that it's easier to live in her fantasy work life than her real life.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2011/10/girl-6-1996.html

The DVD is out-of-print, scarce, and expensive. You can find the movie on streaming services. Distribution companies are releasing Lee's films, so the movie will likely see a Blu-ray upgrade soon.
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-6-Theresa-Randle/dp/B000DZ95HG

12/12/2022

"Tamango" (1958) is a historical drama and one of the first films to address the brutality of slave ships. This movie features Dorothy Dandridge in the most daring role of her career. In many of her films, Dorothy's characters are modest, with a few exceptions. I always thought her role in "Tarzan's Peril" was interesting, but "Tamango" introduced me to a deeper side of Dorothy as an actress.

While the film's story is fictitious, the film's historical context is objective. Blacklisted director John Berry is responsible for the making of the film. He also directed the classic movie "Claudine" (1974) and the well-made TV movie "Sister Sister" (1982).

Movies like "Mandingo" (1975), "Quadroon" (1972), and "Drum" (1976) are an example of films that followed a similar formula, so it's arguable that "Tamango" is the precursor to exploitative slave films in the 70s. However, Dorothy was the mistress of the slave ship captain, so the intense in*******al connection piece of this movie was new to filmmaking. And it was a bold move for any filmmaker at the time.

Director: John Berry
Writers: John Berry (screenplay), Lee Gold (screenplay), Tamara Hovey (screenplay)

Starring Dorothy Dandridge, Curd Jürgens, Alex Cressan, Jean Servais

Storyline
Dutch sea captain Reiker (Curd Jürgens) leads a slave ship on a voyage to Cuba. He brings along his enslaved mistress, Aichiè (Dorothy Dandridge), and Tamango (Alex Cressan), a captured enslaved person, who recruits her to join a revolt. However, the ensuing mutiny leads to a tense standoff, and Aichiè must choose between her lover and her people.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2012/12/tamango-1958.html

Available on Blu-ray and streaming services.
https://kinolorber.com/product/tamango-blu-ray

12/12/2022

"Soul of the Game" (1996) is a historical drama aired on HBO about three baseball players; Satchel Paige (played by Delroy Lindo), Josh Gibson (played by Mykelti Williamson), and Jackie Robinson (played by Blair Underwood). Unfortunately, there are few films about the Negro Baseball League, and as time passes, much of what was becomes a speck in history. However, it's films like "Soul of the Game" that contribute to keeping these legacies alive, and when you include a veteran class of actors to tell the stories, you can visualize how big that speck was when it existed.

Considering much of the film takes place post World War II, this movie gives a great perspective of the journey these black baseball players endured trying to get into the majors. Paige was known for his pitching abilities; however, he was an older player. Gibson had tremendous hitting power but struggled with his mental health. That leaves Robinson, and this movie paints a unique picture of how Robin got into the league. There is plenty of social commentaries, mainly because black baseball players were trying to join the majors.

I enjoyed this film and what it offered. When I first saw the movie, I was familiar with the Negro Baseball League but not with many of the players. This film gave me a starting point to look further into black baseball history. Although baseball isn't as widely celebrated in the black community as it used to be, this film looks into when it was. I highly recommend this film for viewing. It's educational, thought-provoking, touching, and overall fantastic cinema.

Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan
Writers: Gary Hoffman (story), David Himmelstein (teleplay)

Starring Delroy Lindo, Blair Underwood, Mykelti Williamson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Gina Ravera, Edward Herrmann, R. Lee Ermey, Obba Babatundé, Brent Jennings, J.D. Hall, Jerry Hardin, Richard Riehle, Armand Asselin

Storyline
After the appointment of pioneering MLB commissioner Happy Chandler, high-intensity catcher Josh Gibson (Mykelti Williamson) and aging ace pitcher Satchell Paige (Delroy Lindo) compete for the attention of Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey (Edward Herrmann) as he scouts for talent in the Negro leagues. However, when Rickey signs Paige's youthful teammate, Jackie Robinson (Blair Underwood), he makes baseball history -- and creates a rift between three friends that may not mend quickly.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2009/12/soul-of-game-1996-tv-movie.html

Available on DVD and streaming services.
https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Game-David-Himmelstein/dp/B000053V7F

08/12/2022

"There is no such thing as love when it comes to a gang'ster's life."

🎞️ City of God (2002)
🎥 Dir. Kátia Lund, Fernando Meirelles

29/11/2022

"Hav Plenty" (1997) is a 90s romance-comedy film that has flown under the radar for a while. Christopher Scott Cherot wrote, directed, and financed most of the film. A few members of the main cast began their careers with this film.

The movie won at a few film festivals, and at the Sundance Film Festival, the movie earned a nomination for Grand Jury Prize Dramatic. However, the soundtrack by executive producers Michael McQuarn and Tracey Edmonds catapulted the film to the next level.

This movie is a witty 90s-era comedy. It's a solid representation of evolving black filmmaking, which opens additional doors for people to grow their careers.

Director: Christopher Scott Cherot
Writer: Christopher Scott Cherot

Starring Christopher Scott Cherot, Chenoa Maxwell, Tammi Katherine Jones, Robinne Lee, Hill Harper, Reginald James, Kim Harris

Storyline
For struggling novelist Lee Plenty, the only thing sorrier than his writing career is his love life. That is, until Lee's old college friend, Havilland, invites him to her home to celebrate New Year's Eve. Before long, Lee is surrounded by three gorgeous women: Havilland, her uninhibited best friend, and her affection-starved sister. It looks like Lee's in for a weekend filled with laughter, love, and surprises.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daarac.org/2013/01/hav-plenty-1997.html

The DVD is out-of-print and expensive. Check eBay for better prices. I'd like to see this get upgraded on blu-ray. Also available on streaming services.
https://www.amazon.com/Hav-Plenty-Christopher-Scott-Cherot/dp/B00005UQ9Y

24/11/2022

"Greased Lightning" (1977) is a biographical film about the first black NASCAR race winner, Wendell Scott. Michael Schultz directed this movie, and he had an outstanding casting ensemble with Richard Pryor leading the way. Pryor has a great acting range in this movie, and Pam Grier supports him along the way.

Wendell Oliver Scott was born in Danville, Virginia, and was the first African-American winner in the Grand National Series. During his teenage years, he dropped out of high school, became a taxi driver, and served as a mechanic in the segregated Army in Europe during World War II. He married Mary Coles in 1943, and they had seven children.

The movie highlights Mr. Scott's life, and I appreciate how seriously the people involved in the film took this project. Richie Haven sings the theme song to the movie and stars in the film as the mechanic to Wendell Scott.

Director: Michael Schultz
Writers: Leon Capetanos, Lawrence DuKore, Melvin Van Peebles, Kenneth Vose

Starring Richard Pryor, Beau Bridges, Pam Grier, Cleavon Little, Richie Havens, Vincent Gardenia, Julian Bond, Earl Hindman

Storyline
This movie is the true story of Wendell Scott, America's first African American NASCAR driver, once he returns from WWII to find his hometown the way he left it. He learns all the county roads with seed money for a taxicab business. With his new knowledge, an opportunity presents itself with some steep consequences. After an invitation to the local race track, a race car driver is born. Ethnic boundaries are a part of everyday life in the 1950's American experience. You become part of his fight for equality, fairness, and the American dream.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2010/06/greased-lightning-1977.html

Available on DVD and streaming services. I would love to see this upgraded to Blu-ray.
https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Greased-Lightning-Richard-Pryor/dp/B000FOPPCY

23/11/2022

🖤🖤🖤

"Talkin' Dirty After Dark" (1991) is a comedy film in which Martin Lawrence landed his first lead role in a movie. This movie is very 90s. Lawrence was blossoming in his acting and standup career, and this movie did both for him. Unfortunately, there is not much to say about the film other than it's a nice comedic throwback to the 90s. The premises is straightforward, and it was shot on location in Los Angeles, Ca.

Director: Topper Carew
Writer: Topper Carew

Starring Martin Lawrence, John Witherspoon, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Jedda Jones, Renée Jones, Marvin Wright-Bey, Darryl Sivad, Lance Crouther, Robin Montague, Vanessa Hampton, Tommy 'Tiny' Lister, Rodney Winfield

Storyline
Terry is an up-and-coming comedian but believes politics will get him the big breaks and more time at the famous Dukie's Comedy Club. It just so happens that Terry is 'sleeping' with Ruby Lynn Sinclair, the wife of club owner Dukie Sinclair. What follows is a night of comedy, romance, comedy, and action, and Terry achieves his initial goal: getting 67 dollars to pay his phone bill.

https://www.daarac.ngo
https://www.daaracarchive.org/2019/10/talkin-dirty-after-dark-1991.html

Available on DVD and streaming services.
https://www.amazon.com/Talkin-Dirty-After-Martin-Lawrence/dp/B00007BK2T