Editorial Review

This tedious remake of the classic Christmas movie Read more

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Reviews (29)

A Hallelujah Good Time
Whitney and Denzel make a phenomenal team. The soundtrack makes the movie all the more wonderful.

A new holiday classic!
Ever since I saw this film in theaters with my family in 1996, I knew this film would become an annual holiday tradition and it has. It's amazing to think how far Whitney has fallen since her role as the singing Preacher's wife, but I do consider this to be the best role she has played on screen (surpassing "The Bodyguard", "Waiting to Exhale", and "Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella"). It was a role tailor made for her, as she did start her singing career in church and always wanted to make a Gospel album.
Great Story And Music Combine In A Terrific Christmas Movie
As a rule I dont tend to warm to remakes of classic films however the Penny Marshall directed Christmas story "The Preacher's Wife", is a definite exception and has become one of my favourite festive season viewing experiences. Based on the classic Samuel Goldwyn film "The Bishop's Wife", which starred legends Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven, this 1996 effort has a charm and slant on the essentially same story all its own. Denzel Washington in the role of an angel sent down to earth to sort out the life of a preacher who has lost sight of what really is important, is a most worthy successor to Cary Grant in the original film and Whitney Houston in the female lead displays a warm screen presense and great musical talent that couldn't be bettered in this type of story. Amazingly I only saw this film for the first time 3 years ago but it has become a firm favourite of mine ever since. Combining a traditional and much loved Christmas tale with some truly wonderful gospel singing gives this effort a really upbeat feel which however never sacrifices for one minute the more touching aspects of the story.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (53)

A little heavy handed, but still really interesting portrait of problems in schools
187 is a strange movie about schools.It's strange because this is one of the few pictures that looks at a teacher's perspective of the system and it's strange because it's not a rosy picture of schools.Jackson's portrayal of Trevor Garfield paints a picture of a nervous, worried teacher who was passionate about teaching, but is now scared of the slightest sound, continually checking the corner of his eye, as he's been faced with a near fatal attack a year earlier.
aboutthe movie 187.......
This film/DVD is sold in Singapore videoshop and I managed to grab a copy for myself ans watch them.....hee hee. The story is basically a teacher teaching groups of bad pupils in a school which three of the bad student get rid of benny (another teacher) which in the end two student shot themselves to die after a teacher use a pistol to shoot himself to let the two bad student have the guts to shoot theselves to die for doing mistakes. The rest of the bad students in the end graduated. This story talk about teachers been attacked in bad school by these bad students. Thios movie is recommended to those whom are interested in this genre of film/DVD.
Children Of The Corn
I love this movie and I don't see how Mr. G could handle the pressure of teaching as long as he did. Especially after what happen to him at his first teaching job in New York. I could clearly see why he snapped. But, like everyone else said, that transition on film went underneath the radar. Maybe, that's the way it was intended. I feel like everyone turned their backs on him and of course, it was too late. But, this is solid movie for anyone's dvd collection. Just be prepared to swallow what you eat with this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

This family drama begins in a gritty Chicago neighborhood with ajobless, hopeless mother (Alfre Woodard) pouring her efforts into the bottle and various drugs rather than her troubled daughter and wise-beyond-his-years son. But the movie soon heads south, as the title suggests, when Mom and kids are sent to live with an uncle for the summer. Their lives change, of course, but that's the only predictable aspect of this 107-minute film. First-time director Maya Angelou brings her poetic sense to Myron Goble's elegant script, and the performances are uniformly excellent, most notably the always superb Woodard, Al Freeman Jr. as her uncle, and Mary Alice as her mother. Wesley Snipes takes a break from his action career to do some acting as Freeman's son, and the late Esther Rolle is haunting in the last portrayal of her career. The film's touch of mystery is provided by one of its most devastating characters, a candelabra called Nathan. Rated PG-13, but suitable for ages 8 and older. Read more

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Reviews (29)

Excellent and calm movie
This is the movie that oughta keep you calm and warm up your heart. PG-13? Just for drug related material? Just one scene that Loretta Sinclair does smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. But on top of that, it's a heartwarming movie.

So inspiring!
This movie shares the real meaning of family and the values that have long since been lost. One of my all time favorite movies!

Great Movie
I watched this movie the first time just because of the cast. I've always thought Alfre Woodard was wonderful, and don't get me started about Mary Alice, Al Freeman Jr., and Esther Rolle! I just loved it, and I caught it again when it ran on cable a while back. I've told everyone I know to see it. It's what so-called traditional family values are all about: caring and integrity and your family heritage, and, most of all, LOVE! Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Despite rave reviews as one of the most stylish and intelligent detective pictures in a number of years, this 1995 adaptation of Walter Mosley's novel never found a mass audience. Too bad, because Carl Franklin's film is nearly perfect in every way, from its rich, shadowy look to its depiction of life in post-World War II black America (L.A.-style) to the acting of Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, and others. Washington plays Easy Rawlins, an aircraft factory worker who is laid off only to find his true calling: as a private eye, albeit an unlicensed one. Hired to find a missing woman, he becomes entangled in a complex but satisfying case involving sex, corruption, racism, and of course money. Top-notch from top to bottom--and Cheadle is dangerously funny as Easy's best friend, a killer named Mouse. Read more

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Reviews (26)

Very good performances hung on not much substance.
Devil in a Blue Dress (Carl Franklin, 1995)
this movie rocks, man!
very good script adapted from a great writer's novel. great casting and amazing performances by all the actors. the directing, editing and the shooting are also too good to not mention it here. this is a perfect noir genre movie, very dark and moody but also got pretty funny sometimes. i enjoy it very much.

Tooo good for words
I usually could talk for hours about how good I think Denzel Washington is, and I could talk even longer about a great movie but this is different it was too good. Maybe it was the surprise of it that made it have more impact, as I had only ever heard whispers about it before until I saw it on the shelves of my local DVD rental store. Positively one of the best private eye films ever. All technical aspects of the film were surperb, soundtrack excellently placed, Denzels performance was magical and supporitng cast brillianlty chosen.
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Editorial Review

John Singleton, at the age of 23, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his debut film, Read more

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Reviews (98)

Excellent Movie With a Strong Message
Boyz n the Hood was one of the most important movies of the 1990's. It is both an excellent movie about life in the mean streets of the inner city as well as a reinforcer of the moral values needed to turn around the situation in Urban America where youth gangs run rampant. During the course of the story, it offers much needed commentary on the
A modern classic for ALL races and ages!
This is truly a BRILLIANT movie in that it lets one have an unvarnished look into how the "real" hood is really like.For me this was nothing less than educational.I could see how individuals may be caught in a web of circumstances and locale (the hood) which they are powerless to escape or ignore.This is more than just a movie, it is a powerful statement by a visionary director that tears the stereotyes down, and exposes the humanity of the characters.When watching the movie, I could clearly relate to the characters and feel their pain and anguish --- these were not just thugs and criminals from a poor neighborhood, but humans with hopes, feelings and aspirations, just like you and me.What more can I say, except: BRAVO!

More than crime
This is not only a thrilling story on the life of a group of African Americans but it also captures the reality of the streets of L.A. As you watch the movie you see the life surrounding this group of black friends. You truly become attached to the characters and begin to feel that they cant do anything to escape the struggle they have been in since they were born. Ice Cube the main character plays a gangbanger who is living the life of a criminal, from fights on the corner, to drive by shootings.
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Editorial Review

Cheryl Dunye has transcended the usual pitfalls that pockmark most lesbian-themed movies: specifically, the usual angst and suffering that occur when the gay gal falls for a heterosexual friend. Read more

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Reviews (10)

you just don't want to part with this film..
Was it Jamaica Kincaid who said that there are books you just can't part with? That you just have to take them with you after you read them at, for instance, a library? (Well, whoever it was, was she justifying book thefts? I like to think so, for I understand such a quick and strong 'attraction' to certain books myself. There really are books that you can't part with.) Excellent portrayal of the artistic process...
This movie is the story of a woman that wishes to become a film-maker.She becomes obsessed with an actress from the 30's - and begins searching for information on her, and films a documentary in the process.Soon, the lead's love life begins paralleling the actress that she is researching. Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity
The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain.Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN doesjust that.It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman."Utilizing a light-hearted,documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonatewith many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation.Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Drama    3. Feature Film-drama    4. Mature    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

As a filmmaker and passionate fan of basketball, Spike Lee was the perfect director for this ambitious and heartfelt sports drama, which brought out the best in both Lee and his well-chosen cast. In his third film for Lee, Denzel Washington plays Jake Shuttlesworth, who is in prison for the manslaughter of his wife. His estranged son Jesus (well played by Milwaukee Bucks basketball player Ray Allen) is the nation's best high school basketball star, and Jake receives a compelling offer from the state's governor: If Jake can convince Jesus to sign a letter of intent to attend Big State University, the governor will reduce his sentence. Lee turns this back-room bargain into a fascinating examination of capitalism in college and professional sports, but the film also works as the moving story of a father's desperate attempt to regain his son's respect. Lee handles the basketball angle with an insider's awareness, and takes a few stylistic risks (including a memorable final image) that pay off with considerable emotional effect. Read more

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Reviews (68)

Spike out did himself with this one!
One of my top five movies of all time.

a very solid performance by den one of his best
denzel deserved his recognition for best actor he plays a prison bird responsible for killing his loving wife because he was pushing his son too hard practicing basketball in this film i first i thought this would be an usual basketfall film but i was totally wrong while it was a basketball film it was much bigger than that alot of things was going on in the movie meaning different issues what i like about this movie is that students hs or college who play in sports might be able to relate more than those who are non student athletes or to the parents who may give their children extra coach when they don't have to go to practice for whatever sport it maybe might relate to this movie a bit more than parents who might not coach their kids much he got game was about life decisions and what the consequences would be good or bad with whatever decision that is being made he got game was barely boring easy to understand most people will get nearly all the messages that is being sent trust me when i say so the movie is very emotional but has a small mixture of comedy and high flying action basketball move spike lee should me and the millions who watched this film why he is one of the best directors and producers of all time

Terrible
Do not waste your money purchasing this movie. Wait until it shows on TV, if you're unlucky enough to see it. The music for the story was inappropriate and totally threw off the entire story. Instead of following the story my husband and I kept concentrating on the terrible music. Dont waste your money. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Steven Spielberg, proving he's one of the few modern filmmakers who has the visual fluency to be capable of making a great silent film, took a melodramatic, D.W. Griffith-inspired approach to filming Alice Walker's novel. His tactics made the film controversial, but also a popular hit. You can argue with the appropriateness of Spielberg's decision, but his astonishing facility with images is undeniable--from the exhilarating and eye-popping opening shots of children playing in paradisiacal purple fields to the way he conveys the brutality of a rape by showing hanging leather belts banging against the head of the shaking bed. In a way it's a shame that Whoopi Goldberg, a stage monologist who made her screen debut in this movie, went on to become so famous, because it was, in part, her unfamiliarity that made her understated performance as Celie so effective. (This may be the first and last time that the adjective Read more

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Reviews (173)

What?No Academy Awards?!?
That this movie did not win even one Academy Award totally escapes me and makes me wonder what has gone wrong in Hollywood.As a consequence, I find the entire Academy Awards set-up suspect, an annual contrivence!Color Purple was not only my favorite novel of all time, it must be one of the best films of its decade...bar none!It is still fresh, every time I see it.Even pityful Miss Milly--an important characher, with only minimal screen time--gave an outstanding performance. There should be perpetual appause to everyone and anyone who played a part in making this exceptional film.

The most important film ever
This film has everything that makes a film work and become a classic, but it goes beyond that. It's a moving life altering film that'll stay with you forever. Great casting, great music, great photography, great editing and an amazing, heart-wrenching story based on Alice Walker's pulitzer prized novel. It's an excrutiating shame that it won none of the 11 academy awards it was nominated for! Out of Africa is a good movie, but The Color Purple is infinatelly more important and relevant!

The Color Purple
Representation of Courage, Demonstration of Strength, and Presentation of Hearts of Lilac: The Color Purple Entails a Medley of Music...Ambiance...Worship...Hatred...Offenses...Love...Forgiveness, and Redemptions. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Tim Reid's wonderful film about life in the black neighborhood of Glen Allan, Mississippi, from the mid-'40s to the dawn of the civil rights movement, is thick with terrific, inspired actors and possessed of a mature, limpid visual style. The story is told from the point of view of a young boy raised by his stalwart grandfather and his kind aunt. But the collective tale of a community coming to terms with the risks it must take to fight racism and achieve political rights is equally important and compelling. Beautifully written (based on the autobiographical novel by Clifton Taubert), Reid's vision is rich in scenes of ritual and community that have rarely, if ever, been revealed on film. This is more than just a good movie; it's a watershed event in this nation's cultural history. Read more

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Reviews (11)

I Really Liked This Movie!!
I am so glad that this is available on DVD now because
A few holes in the story, but other than that.........
This is by no means a bad film. It's a good look at life for Black southerners in the pre-integration days. Al Freeman, who one cannot stop thinking of as Elijah Muhammad after the Malcolm X movie, is quite good as the kind of strong and wise patriarchs once common, but sadly missing in today's Black America.
Once Upon A Time...When We Were Colored
Step back in time to 1946, to a place called Glen Allen, Mississippi.Racial discrimination is at an all time high, and hate groups like the KKK parade in the streets.African Americans are forced to use different bathrooms, and different water fountains, and Clifton Taulbert is born in a cotton field right in the middle of it all.This horrible time to be African American is where Once Upon A Time...When We Were Colored takes place.Read more

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Editorial Review

This true story of the black flyers who broke the color barrier in the U.S. Air Force during World War II is a well-intentioned film highlighted by an excellent cast. Proud, solemn, Iowa-born Laurence Fishburne and city-kid hipster Cuba Gooding Jr. are among the hopefuls who meet en route to Tuskegee Air Force Base, where they are among the recruits for an "experimental" program to "prove" the abilities of the black man in the U.S. armed services. Fighting prejudice from racist officers and government officials and held to a consistently higher level of performance than their white counterparts, these men prove themselves in training and in combat, many of them dying for their country in the process. Andre Braugher costars as a West Point graduate who takes charge of the unit in Africa and in Italy (where it's christened the 332nd). The film is rousing, if slow starting and episodic, but it's periodically grounded by a host of war movie clichés, notably the calculated demise of practically every trainee introduced in the opening scenes (ironic given the 332nd's real-life combat record--high casualties for the enemy, low casualties among themselves, and no losses among the bombers they escorted). Ultimately the Emmy-nominated performances by moral backbone Fishburne and the dedicated Braugher and the energy and cocky confidence of Gooding give their battles both on and off the battlefield the sweet taste of victory. Read more

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Reviews (30)

Great Entertainment and view of American history
The Tuskegee Airmen was a very dramatic movie with great demonstration of fellowship, determination, honor, and patriotism. The actors captured your attention and pulled you in. You felt their anger, sorrow, pain and pride. It is well worth watching several times over.

The "Tuskeegee Experiment" is a great and informative film.
I tend to get very emotional about this film. I can never see the ending without tears of appreciation, joy and intense pride. HBO is by far the best at making original movies and shows. The film has technical flaws... every film does... but beyond them it tells a story that, by design or negligence, has been ignored by American history for almost a half century.
Enlightning.
This is a great air combat film and based on true history.
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