Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Vol. 3 Review

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(More customer reviews)I have bought season 1 and season 2 of House of Pain. Now I just purchased season 3. I enjoy all the episodes. House of Pain is based on real life situations that arise among our families. It makes you just laugh and laugh. Behind all these shows there is something positive that you will get out of it. Life has a true meaning.

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TYLER PERRY'S HOUSE OF PAYNE VOL 3 - DVD Movie

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Madea's Family Reunion (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)The first time I saw a Tyler Perry play was Madea's Family Reunion and from there I was hooked. This DVD captured the pure magic of Tyler and the character Madea is hilarious. Whenever I need a laugh or have my spirits lifted, this is the first thing I place in my DVD player. It's funny, positive, spiritual, uplifting and the cast is great. I would defiantly recommend this product!!!

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The fireworks begin when Madea's family gathers for her granddaughter's wedding. As usual, Madea (Tyler Perry) rules the roost, as she and her neighbor, the wacky Mr. Brown (David Mann), deliver nonstop laughs. Live, love, rejoice...it's Madea's Family Reunion!

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Waiting to Exhale (1995) Review

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(More customer reviews)Depending on who you are, Terry McMillan's 1992 novel "Waiting to Exhale" is either a blessing or a dreaded curse. McMillan's third novel about four African American women struggling to attain stability, identity, and normalcy in Phoenix was praised in some circles for giving contemporary Black women a much-needed voice. But in other circles, mostly male, "Waiting to Exhale" was ripped to shreds as a spiteful and ungrounded damnation of Black men as philanderers, deadbeats, and no-good-dooers. It also made McMillan the biggest literary target of criticsm since Alice Walker unleashed her novel "the Color Purple." But whatever your take on the book is, the film adaptation won't likely change your stance, as it stays overall faithful to the book. Director Forest Whitaker does a respectable job bringing to life these characters: Savannah (Whitney Houston) is the buppie still in search for Mr. Right; Bernadine (Angela Bassett) just got dumped by her husband of 11 years for a white woman; Robin (Lela Rochon) is the ditzy bimbo still trying to shake off her no-good ex, and Gloria (Loretta Devine) is the full-figured owner of a successful hair salon. The best performances, hands down, are Bassett and Devine, who make the best impressions, and they help keep the film moving at a good pace. The script, co-written by McMillan, is crisp with enough funny one-liners and a story compelling enough to keep the viewer interested. But there are flaws. Whitney Houston struggles in her role as Savannah; her performance is wooden and forced, and when paired against a seasoned pro like Bassett, she flat out crumbles. A more relaxed approach to the material would have helped. Also, memo to Black filmmakers: drop the swishy gay hairdresser stereotype! It's tired, done a million times before, and, frankly, is grossly out of touch with reality. That aside, it's not often that a movie successfully adapts a novel as well as this one, and "Waiting to Exhale," warts and all, merits a B in my school of cinema.

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Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett star in this funny and touching film about four women who find strength through their rare and special relationship. Savannah, Bernadine, Robin and Gloria are all searching for the Real Thing: true love. Bernadine thought she had it, until her husband left her for another woman. Savannah and Robin are successful in business but their love lives are bankrupt. And divorcee Gloria is getting back in the game by flirting with her new, very eligible neighbor. Based on Terry McMillan's best-selling novel, and featuring the #1 smash hit "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)," "Waiting to Exhale" is the film you and your friends have been waiting for! Original score by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

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G. (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)This drama filled movie involves a love triangle. Summer G, who is played by actor Richard Jones, the handsome Blair Underwood as Chip Hightower, and Chenoa Maxwell as Sky Hightower are the main characters in this film. G is a famous rapper who settles in the Hamptons to be near his former college sweetheart Sky. Sky, who also lives in the Hamptons is married to Chip, a uncle Tom, conniving, philandering, stock broker. When Sky and G run into one another at one of his parties, memories of their past love resurface.
Soon afterwards, things began to heat up between G and Sky and Chip doesn't like any of it. While G is willing to give up everything he's worked hard for to regain the love he's lost, Chip will do anything to keep her. A must have in the collection!

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Getting Played (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought this movie was so boring. It was so trying to be Two can play that game, but nowhere near as good. The practically going straight to video should've been my cue, but alas I gave it a try on account of Vivica. I am very thankful that I did not buy it and only rented it. In my opinion it wasn't funny, it wasn't sexy yet it seemed like it was attempting to be a romantic comedy. I kid you not, the only part in the movie that I did laugh at was Ticia Arnold and the man she was with and the bloopers at the end. That's pretty bad. Trust me, save your money and your time.

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Welcome to the new players club where everyone's in on the game! Vivica A. Fox, Carmen Electra, and Stacy Dash star as three smart and sexy friends fed up with being played by the men in their lives. To prove that all men are predictable and easily seduced, this hot trio decides to play by a new set of rules. They enter into a wild contest of seduction to convince one lucky man that he's living a dream... but what the girls don't realize is that their mark is in onto their game and he's got a few plays of his own.

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Jungle Fever (1991) Review

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(More customer reviews)One of Spike Lee's best films, "Jungle Fever" comments more on race relations in America, than on the subject of adultery. Spike is all over the place with his take on male/female relationships, the devastation wrought on a family and the Black community by crack cocaine, the "color line" in the Italian community and interracial relationships. But he seems to pull it all together to make a powerful film and one of the best of the '90s.
The acting is terrific with the standout performance being Samuel L. Jackson's as Gator, Wesley Snipes ill fated brother. He's charming, comical and evil all at once. And Wesley showed his range as an actor through his performance as Flipper, the "good son," who has a momentary lapse in character and has an affair with his secretary, Annabella Sciorra. All the performances are great and the actors get you to care about the characters they present. Wesley's performance came after the strong work he did as Nino Brown in "New Jack City" and I don't remember an actor "flippin' the script" on the movie going public like that, going from evil to good, in one year in a long time.
You could look at Flipper and Angie as symbols of Black and White America, trying to come together and the obstacles we face as a nation when we don't deal with the issue of race honestly. Something we're still going through. This film also deals with our dishonesty with dealing with the drug problem too, and this is where Spike deserves credit. No one is left unexamined by this tale of life and there are no happy endings either from Gator being murdered by his father, to Flipper and Angie breaking up.
I love how Spike begins and ends the movie. Spike shows in the beginning a couple, obviously in love, in Wesley and Lonnette Mc Kee, (in a strong, small supporting role as Drew) that leads you to believe nothing could tear them apart. When you get to the end, Wesley and Lonnette are trying to make a go at it, but through Lonnette's tears, you see she's just going through the motions, hoping to put away the pain through the lovemaking. When she tells him "he better leave now," you can tell the hurt she's experienced can't be "loved away" like he'd like.
Critics of this film usually state Spike should have stuck to telling one story. What must be said is that while Spike explores a range of contemporary issues in this film, he has made a film of power and emotion, that definitely draws an opinion out of you, one way or another. An underrated, overlooked masterpiece.

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This critically acclaimed film from Spike Lee explores the provocative consequences of interracial relationships. Black architect Flipper Purify (Wesley Snipes) begins an affair with his working-class Italian secretary (Annabella Sciorra) which causes them to be scrutinized by their friends cast out from their families and shunned by their neighbors in this moving view of inner-city life. Featuring an original soundtrack by Stevie Wonder Jungle Fever stars a talented cast including Spike Lee Ossie Davis Ruby Dee Samuel L. Jackson Lonette McKee John Turturro and two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Quinn.Starring: Wesley Snipes Annabella Sciorra Spike Lee Anthony Quinn Samuel L. Jackson John Turturro Ossie Davis Ruby Dee Lonette McKee Frank Vincent Halle Berry Tim Robbins Brad Dourif Queen LatifahDirected by: Spike Lee

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This Christmas (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This Christmas looked like it was going to pass without any cinematic holiday cheer. Luckily audiences will find a special gift at their local multiplexes from Preston A. Whitmore, a filmmaker whose latest picture comes wrapped up with so much holiday mush that it would be hard for even the biggest scrooge to scowl at its spirited Christmas message
It's the most wonderful time of the year again, and the Whitfield family plans to continue their holiday tradition of bringing the entire clan back home for a few days of presents, good eating and family squabbling. The only problem with This Christmas is that each of the children has brought more than just gifts. Absence without leave, surprise pregnancies, interracial relationships, cheating husbands and angry bookies are just a few of the surprises in store for the family's matriarch, Ma Dear, making it a Christmas that will either tear the Whitfield's apart or bring them closer than they've ever been before.
With This Christmas, Preston A. Whitmore successfully bounced back from his sophomore slump. The choice to "Crossover" into the holiday genre is a big move, though looking at the filmmaker's oeuvre, he seemingly defies categorization. Written with heart, This Christmas isn't just impressive for its well balanced drama and comedy. Its ability to transcend its targeted audience to become a holiday film that can be enjoyed by anyone who has ever experienced family dysfunction makes the picture a refreshing surprise.
With an all-star, African American cast including Delroy Lindo, Loretta Devine, Idris Elba and the lovely Sharon Leal, Screen Gems certainly seems to be pushing the racial factor when marketing This Christmas. While this strategy will probably draw in adequate box-office receipts (See Tyler Perry's success), This Christmas will draw the majority of its fans next Christmas when it finds a wider audience on DVD.
Though many of the family's problems translate to touching and humorous bits of cinema, This Christmas ultimately suffers from one fatal flaw, too much conflict and no easy way out of it. There is so much going on, that the tidiest and most satisfying conclusion seems far too difficult to reach. It also seems that the character of Joe, played by Delroy Lindo, has the answers to everything. Able to pacify everyone from street thugs to the U.S. government in a single night, Joe gives Santa Claus a run for his money on this Christmas Eve.
However plausibility isn't the strong suit of the Whitfield family. There are plenty of nit-picky details audiences will pick up on that could easily take them out of the narrative. While viewers might scoff at bits such as buying the picture-perfect Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, the performances from the actors, tight editing and gorgeous cinematography will help get you through This Christmas.
If filmmakers should write what they know, then Preston A. Whitmore certainly knows Christmas and family far better than war or basketball. A solid holiday outing sure to please any audiences that comes across the film, Whitmore's well executed dramady should resonate far longer than This Christmas.

-Joe Russo

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This year Christmas with the Whitfields promises to be one they will never forget. All the siblings have come home for the first time in years and they've brought plenty of baggage with them. As the Christmas tree is trimmed and the lights are hung, secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. As their lives converge, they join together and help each other discover the true meaning of family.

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Jason's Lyric (1994) Review

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(More customer reviews)As I watched the DVD, I did seeking for an answer to something that this movie had stirred in me. To my amazement it surfaced in me that this movie centered around pure, innocent, mind probing, and heart phased LOVE. In other words, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Yet even though it appread in an ordinary way it was demonstrated in an extraordinary style. Jason, having to face the lost of his father by his own hands, had to come to terms with the fact that he killed his father but not for evil but to protect his mother. In all respect, JASON wanted to be the GOOD SON. Not hurting but helping. As a result, he had to choose between the woman he loved and the brother he wanted to protect. This woman, whom he had only known for a very short time but yet they had shared something so intimate and so soul connecting, that he found himself locked in something so deep that he could not give up; even at the cost of his brother. Even after all of the disappointments, he still came to the conclusion that this woman was the key for him. She was not perfect but she held his attention, which later led to her holding his heart. Even in the intimate scenes, I did not get offended but yet, I saw a man, who needed to know he was approved being certified in the arms a woman. He needed to know that even though he had committed a bad act (killing his father), that he was still a good person. This woman helped him to embrace that and strengthen him to a level where he could move foward and reach for GOD'S BEST. I titled my review HONEYCOMB because as bitter as the events in Jason's life was God sent him a sweet taste of victory (Lyric).
ShShalom

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From one of the producers of New Jack City comes a "sizzling hot" (Glamour Magazine) Romeo and Juliet drama that blends an explosive soundtrack with an all-star cast, including Allen Payne (The Walking Dead), Jada Pinkett (The Nutty Professor), Bokeem Woodbine (The Rock), Forest Whitaker (The Crying Game) and Naughty By Nature's Anthony "Treach" Criss (Who's The Man?). Jason and Joshua are two brothers left fatherless by a family fight that spun out of control. Trying to make good and get off the slick ghetto streets of Houston, Jason (Payne) finds a source of inspiration in a beautiful and sexy girl named Lyric (Pinkett), whose dreams of fleeing the city together give him hope for a better life. But when Joshua (Woodbine) turns to a life of crime and drugs, Jason finds he's torn between his love for Lyric and his obligation to family. And as the time comes for Jason to leave, he finds that Joshua will stop at nothing to see that he stays even if the fight to keep him rivals the one that killed their father!

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Love Jones (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie debuted in an era where the gangster and shot-em-up movies were prevalent. It was so refreshing to see a black love story about the ups and downs...joys and sorrows of a relationship. I thought Larenz Tate and Nia Long gave a phenomenal performance. I have watched this movie a zillion times and have not gotten tired of it once. As a matter of fact, after all these years, this movie still has the power to evoke emotion out of me. I still smile when Darius read his poem to Nina the first night they met...I still get angry when Darius hooked up with that chick as soon as Nina left town...I still get tears in my eyes at the end of the movie when Darius tells Nina that the love he feels for her is "urgent like a ..." Need I go on. In my book, this movie is an all time black love story.

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Say hello to Darious Lovehall (Larenz Tate) and Nina Mosley (Nia Long), two confused lovebirds who discover that you can never underestimate the power of a love jones.DVD Features:Music VideoProduction NotesTheatrical Trailer

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Love and Basketball (New Line Platinum Series) (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)I first saw Love & Basketball at the premiere of the movie with all the stars. It was a special viewing where there was almost not a dry eye at the end of the film from tears of joy. I think you cannot get a better chemistry of on screen love then Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan. I guess the film was their destiny, because last I heard they were engaged to be married in real life. The film is simply a beautiful epic that combines a little bit of everthing from drama, comedy, action and romance. You not only care about the characters in this film, you actually see them grow up on screen.
Love & Basketball is definitely one of my all-time favorite films. It seemed so realistic as if it was a true story, and I myself being a USC graduate and former Trojan athlete from the area the film is set in can attest that the film is very realistic and true to the story being told. This film is about the true undying love of two things: the love of basketball which sees both characters in their pre-teen days on the basketball court to their days of both being professional basketball players in the hometown. It's also about the true love between a man and a woman that had to evolve and elevate just like their basketball skills had to succeed. "All is fair in love and basketball"!
The DVD version of this film is a true treasure. I love every bit of it and it gives the viewer their money's worth. The producers of this DVD out did their self with giving the view a whole complete vision of what they expressed on the screen. The two original documentaries: "The Rise Of Female Athletes" and "The Portrayal Of African-American Women By The American Media" are outstanding and really conveys the point of view the writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood experienced herself as a basketball player. Plus, the deleted scenes and bloopers, three feature length commentaries, storyboards, and music video of Lucy Pearl's hit are a treat! One thing I truly loved as a screen writer was the whole screen play of the film on the DVD. This not only helped me understand the film more, but also helped me as a screen writer as well.
Love & Basketball is definitely a classic! I loved this film when I first saw it, and I still love it today, maybe even more because of the outstanding DVD version of it. This film makes you believe in the power of Love and Basketball!

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LOVE & BASKETBALL - DVD Movie

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