Description

Ice Cube (Friday) makes his directorial debut with this comedy about the inhabitants and employees of a steamy Los Angeles strip club. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

I SEE THE VISION, BUT
I could see the same vision that first time director Ice Cube saw with this script. Unfortunately he was unable to successfully carry it out. The story follows a young woman (Lisa Raye) who becomes a stripper to support herself while in college. Along the way various sub-plots involving a night club owner, school, moonlighting, and her stressful family life, all add up to make the story more interesting. The most disappointing aspect of the film, aside from some bad acting, is the fact that certain emotions that the audience should be compelled to feel are not attained. However, there are two MAJOR REASONS that this movie should be seen despite the above.....BERNIE MAC (Dollar Bill) and CHRYSTALE WILSON (Ronnie). These two have really great performances in this film. In particular Chrystale Wilson is very good in her tough but sexy stripper role. Despite the plot there is not very much graphic nudity in this film; basically just enough to get the point across(another mistake). None the less, if you like Ice Cube, I would suggest checking out FRIDAY or TRESPASS. And also be sure to see this film for Mac and Wilson, but don't expect too much else.

O.k.
This movie did show the life of a stripper. It was O.k. and had funny scenes, however I would never view it as a classic. I would never buy it for my collection either. I pass it everytime on the $8.88 walmart rack. There was a message in the movie (how the stripper was paying for college and trying to save her cousin from that life), yet it was barely noticed with all the sex, violence, and stupid comedy.

Its Okay
As a black woman, I really hate this movie because it makes black women look really bad. But I understand what Ice Cube was doing. This movie wasn't meant to win any awards, but it does try to give a message. That message was/is "make the money, but don't let it make you" or something like that. But with all the stripping, violence, cussing, and comedy its easy to lose track of the message. Plus, you don't get the message until the very end. Despite my feelings for this movie, Bernie Mac proved to me he is a genius in comedy. He made this film watchable (in my opinion). No doubt, this movie is for men only.

Like someone else said... Cult Classic!
This isn't one of the best black films around, but it is a cult classic. Funny, and dramatic at times, the plot isnt' all that great but holds together a little better than some. Tired of seeing these type of movies though.

Da Bomb !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dis movie was so good to me i can watch dis movie over and over and over again if you aint never seen it you need to get up and go get it you wont be disappointed da movie about a girl named Diamond who wants to go to college to be a broadcaster but shr dont got enuff money 4 it so she turns to stripping it is so so so so so so so so so so so so good!!! go get it 4 real holla ... Read more

Reviews (70)

Really Good Movie With A Nice Lesson
I liked The Best Man. It was a really nice movie, not too deep, not too light, with vivid characters that were very 3 dimensional.

There are 6 main characters, all friends since college, who get together for a wedding. All of the characters are doing nicely in their chosen professions, which was a VERY WELCOME change from the standard fare offered with African American's at the helm. I was finally able to identify with the people on screen (not all of us live in ghetto's and drink alcohol!). There are misunderstandings, expectations of infedility, and loads of fun in this movie. And the dialogue was refreshing, exciting and insightful.

If you've ever seen and loved The Big Chill, then The Best Man will be a great addition to your collection. Both films are similar in their overall premise, great scripts and fabulous directing.

As for the acting, everyone did a great job. But, I would be remise in not telling you the purchase price for this video is worth it JUST for the performance of Terrence Howard, who portrays Quincy. Quincy is one of the most fabulously drawn characters I've ever experienced. As some older folks say "He played the heck out of that role!"

Buy it! You won't regret it.
Dr. Braxy :o)

THE BEST OF THE BEST
This movie is fast becoming a classic. It was well written, acted and the cast was beautiful. Though the cast was of African American actors, this is movie for all ethnic backrounds.It tells of a group of college friends that reunite for a wedding, but the wedding itself is not the story, its a semi-ficticious book written by one of the friends. Why is the book so paramount? Its actually a true account of events that had occurred between the friends when enrolled in college. The movie also gives an accurate depiction of quality of the up and coming African Americans in the entertainment industry. Everyone did a masterful job! I could not imagine anyone else playing in their roles. The directing was great and the ending was expected but moving. I cried!Terrance Howard should have been nominated for an award for best supportng actor. He made this film as realistic as your reunions with your families and friends. Don't miss this!

The Best Man is one of the Best
Of course I am attracted to this movie because of Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, and the beautiful chocolate Morris Chestnut. Yet another attraction is that these characters are professionals, established, and have a storyline. I am happy that this movie was made. For every ghetto movie there needs to be 100 movies like this, to show that African Americans actors can do more than be on drugs, sell drugs, on welfare, and women showing their bodies. I love this movie. It is great.

I Can Relate
Me and my friends watch this movie everytime we get together. This a great movie. I have this one friend that compares me and 3 of my other friends to the characters of the movie, with me being Trentin. I can't disagree at all out of the four she picked i would be Trent but she would be Jordan. So we all seat back a just the persons line who we relate to it fun. Watch this movie with your friends and see if you can relate to the characters.

Great to watch -- with the volume on mute!!
I enjoyed this flick the second time, ONLY because I watched it without ANY sound. That's right, on complete MUTE. This movie just LOOKS good. Whoever wrote this script should be "slapped", I mean with a back-hand, too.

And Nia?? I like her, she is pretty but girlfriend CANNOT act at all. I don't know if it's her or the script. The audience saw EVERY camera angle of her immaculate haircut, behind her ears, etc. Nia would have been far better in a 30-second hairstyle tv commercial.

And that fight scene between Taye and Morris was completely overdone.

This will be the last African American film I will see in awhile. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

DESERT RATS GET ACTUALIZED!
Filmed not too far from here in the town of Baghdad in the Mojave Desert, Percy Adlon's BAGHDAD CAFE has charmed just about everyone who has stumbled across this literally off-the-beaten track 1987 gem that's now available for the first time in a bare-bones widescreen DVD transfer.

The story is deceptively simple. Marianne Sägebrecht is a German tourist who leaves -- and is subsequently abandoned by -- her husband(?) in the California desert. In the middle of nowhere, she makes her way to the run-down, failing, Baghadad Cafe and Motel run by C.C.H. Pounder (ER's Dr. Hicks). The rotund Sägebrecht quickly becomes a part of the eccentric family under Pounders tough-talking rule. Not only that, her presence is the catalyst that transforms the forgotten roadside stop into a bustling business and a life-altering experience for all present. Jack Palance is extraordinary as an ex-Hollywood set designer and artist who sees Sägebrecht's true beauty and becomes obsessed about capturing it on canvas. What he sees Sägebrecht becomes and in the process impacts those she touches. This wonderful film is about loving and accepting and believing and discovering and being. The original music by Bob Telson includes the haunting "Calling You" sung by Javetta Steele. This is one for the digital library. Highest recommendation.

Can't expain the attraction ' just see it
I found Bagdad Cafe on DVD three days ago and have watched it twice since, each time with a big smile on my face. It's difficult to explain why this movie is so haunting; if you try to tell a friend "You've got to see this movie because...", you'd be stuck for a definable reason. It's a very gentle character study of two women, different as can be, who come to understand and even like each other. They are both frustrated with their current positions in life. Jasmin (Marianne Sagebrecht), the stranded German tourist, is willing to start repairing her life, even in this bleak desert setting. Brenda (CCH Pounder) has led such a hard-knocks life that she can't understand or accept anyone trying to help her. There's a wonderful supporting cast surrounding them, but the heart of this movie is the way the two women learn to be friends. You're either going to love this movie or be totally bewildered by what I (and other reviewers) see in it.

This movie was shot in Newberry Springs, near Barstow; the restaurant is still there (originally called Sidewinder Cafe, now renamed the Bagdad Cafe, of course). This is the favorite movie of one of my sister's friend who lives in Brazil. When this friend's daughter Paula visited recently, we stopped by the Bagdad Cafe on the way to Vegas; Paula's mom shed tears of delight when she saw pictures of her daugher making a pilgrimage to this high desert Mecca.

My favorite movie of all time
This movie is just perfect. It deserves all the oscars in the world. After watching this movie, you feel good about life....

Different Worlds Harmonize -- Quiet Gem of a Film
When a middle aged Bavarian Tourist lands in a remote, scarcely populated California desert town, she creates not only a stir with the locals, but eventually brightens the spirits of her host family as well as all the "regulars" who pass through the "Bagdad Cafe". What started out as a "big mistake" soon looks like divine providence.

"Miss Jasmin" (the German lady with a matching accent) and "Miss Brenda" (the rough-talking owner of a greasy-spoon restaurant who employs Jasmin and gives her a home) become close friends. An aging "showbusiness man" (brilliantly played by pre-City-Slickers Jack Palance) views Miss Jasmin as his "muse" and is inspired to paint her portrait. When word gets out that her tourist visa had expired, the local Sheriff forces Jasmin to return to Germany. Sadness canvases the place where Jasmin had been embraced as a welcome change of schedule. The life she had brought with her seemed drained away with her departure.

There isn't much plot to stretch the running time (the original German cut runs nearly 2 hours), however there are many bittersweet moments in this simple, but beautiful film. The last few scenes deliver the inevidible (thus predictable) conclusion. A little on the "artsy" side and clearly without a multi-million dollar budget, but still a palatable final product.****

Yawn.
I'd heard nothing but good things about this movie from critics and family members. Clearly, a lot of folks like this movie. It didn't do a lot for me, though. It had its moments. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Pretty Good
I saw this movie a few month's ago and I was suprised, I expect it to be horrible. One thing I wish though is that MC Lyte had a bigger role (she's a great actress), I thought the other ladies were good too.

Bad Meaning Good
Civil Brand was a very good movie. When my fiance' picked it out, I was just like whatever, but I watched it anyway and was presently surprised.

It had an unexpected ending and the cast was great, Da Brat, Mos Def, LisaRaye, Nubush Wright, Lark Vorhees and many more. The acting was superb and very real. I was shocked at how they portrayed a female penitentiary.

This movie is worth watching.

Later!!!!

Don't mess with Jailed females!!!
I recall when this movie was being filmed. Lisa Raye did an interview about the movie. The film is about prison being big business. The women are being exploited, abused and enough is enough. The final straw is when one character ends up dies. Lisa Raye plays Francis Shepeard who is in prison for killing her abusive husband. She ends up heading an all out boycott on the prison conditions. Da Brat is Sabrina and she is the narrator. Which is cool, because her acting leaves much to be desired. The movie is okay, but I think the movie would have been better if we could have seen a flashback about Francis' character having to deal with her husband. The movie is okay.

The Truth Unfolded
This movie should be a MUST for all people to see. It's the raw, honest truth about what the prison systems in America are all about, and that's making big $$$$$$$$ off of the criminal system. Yes, it is a system, right down to & including Wall Street where rich tycoons make money through their shares of stock. It is explained in the movie itself, but if you are just looking at the entertainment for yourself, this profound truth will go right over your head. LISTEN UP PEOPLE!!! Pay CLOSE ATTENTION to this movie, don't just watch it for self-pleasure. There's powerful & useful information in this film, just as informative as "The Columbine". It exposes an America that you need to know about. It was creative how the producers made this film for enjoyment as well.

NOT THAT BAD
THE MOVIE WAS NOT THAT BAD THE PLOT WAS OK BUT IT COULD HAVE
BEEN MUCH BETTER. THE MOVIE IS ABOUT WOMEN IN PRISON FACING
A CORRUPT WARDEN AND SECURITY GUARD. THE MOVIE COULD HAVE PLAYED OUT BETTER FOR THE MOST PART IT WAS JUST OK. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream begins in the1940s, when Joseph Jackson (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) and Katherine (AngelaBassett) meet and fall in love, and ends in the 1980s, when their sons reunitefor the 1983 Victory Tour that brought them back together as the Jacksons. During the first part, "The Early Years," the couple starts a family, andalthough times are tough, Joseph still finds time to play music on the side. When he discovers that his sons have inherited the same talent, the Jackson 5are born.They sign with Motown and start churning out the gold records.Thesecond part, "The Success Years," begins in 1970 at the peak of their fame, butby 1976, the hits have started to dry up.If the acting is uneven and the storysomewhat sanitized, Bassett is affecting, and the series includes Emmy-winningchoreography and a combination of original and re-created material, ranging from"I Want You Back" (1969) to Michael Jackson's "Beat It" (from 1982's multi-platinum Thriller). --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Nicely done
I liked this movie. Much better than some of the other movies about stars from that era. Like the Osmonds, Partridge Family, and Brady Bunch. ... This one however, had more time to go into the WHOLE story with 6 hour play time instead of just 2. I thought the actor who< did Joseph did well. If the movie is a true depiction of Joseph Jackson, he's not that abusive, just strict for those times. Would be considered abusive for this "time out for brats" era. I loved the little guy who played the little Michael. Wonder where he is now. Was that really him singing. He was so cute! Was that Jermaine's son who played the young Jermaine. Looked just like him and just did a wonderful job. The oldest Jermaine was a terrible actor. The only Marlon I liked was the youngest one. The other two were casted terribly and he wasn't that ugly! They did a wonderful job casting Tito on all the ages. Those actors did a great job. The youngest Jackie was believable but not the other one. Vanessa Williams did a great job too. The two older Michaels, I don't think were as good as the first little guy but I guess were acceptable. The oldest ones voice was too deep, and he was skinny enough to be Michael. Did an alright job dancing though. The middle Michael sung well, but wasn't near as cute as the REal Michael Jackson was and not near of good dancer.

Brilliant Flim, Yet good and Bad casting
The Jacksons an American Dream is entertaining MOVIE and well planned with a well thought story. Yet some of the cast wasn't that belivalbe, because some of the kids didn't even look a little bit like the real Jacksons. Even Michael wasn't that well done. the adult one had a deep voice and wasn't skinny enough. And most of all, his nose was too big. couldn't the casting crew just find an MJ inpersonator.The 2nd Micheal was great though. Like a clone. But the Jermaine was not anything like the real thing. He wasn't even that good looking. Yet kathrine was done well by Angela Basset and Joseph played by Laurence. Sussane De Passe was played by Vennessa Williams perfect as a picture. Despite some of the casting, the movie is brilliant,with, fun yet emotinal lerning things you never thought you would know about talened yet troubled Jackson Family!The movie also features some of your favorite classic hits from I Want You Back, ABC, I'll Be There, even Bilie Jean and Beat It Showing hoe MJ became the KING OF POP! If you haven't seen it, SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!

great film, the people that play Micheal are amazing!
This is an amazing mini seris! It's the perfect gift for any Jackson fan! The people that play Micheal are awesome and could pass for the real Micheal Jackson! I must also give credit to the person that played the father because that is a starnge and power person and he made the character even more amazing. The rest of the cast was cute and good! But I am just so amazed by the person that plays Micheal in 1976- 1983 that was one of the best parts of the movie but the best of best part of the movie is when Micheal performs "Billie Jean" is amazing and is actually like Micheal did it. Please see this movie you won't regret it!

Great DVD, but...
Great story line and music. But, I would have like to have some behind the scene footage. I had originally taped it from WABC in 1992 on my VCR, and was pleased when it was released in this format.

MARLON GETS THE BUTT-WHUPPIN' OF A LIFETIME!
In one early scene, Marlon screws up on a dance number, and Joe gets very angry at him. As a punishment, he has to go out and pick a switch to get the butt-whuppin' of a lifetime. When he comes back in, his shirt is off, and Joe's a busy beatin' him until his back is red. He's crying and screamin', "DADDY, WHAT DID I DO?", while his brothers look on. Please see this scene, it's funny! ... Read more

Description

An old west adventure with an original hip-hop flavor. Set in the 1800s, the town of Flatridge is overrun by a band of five multi-racial female gunslingers who set out to discover a lost treasure buried somewhere within the town. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

are you serious...
yea so the cable keep going out right and my moms just keep renting videos....but what the hell is this?! Like everyone said it was a good concept but not a good movie. I think the director only made this movie cause he wanted to feel up Lil Kim. Was all her little sex scenes really needed? And why is Bobby Brown in anyone's movie...I don't understand why that horse is dancing at the end...are you serious, are you just going to end the movie that way like it had something to do with the plot. I gave this movie 2 stars cause I like Stacey Dash as an actress and I have a thing for guns, I'd be shooting everyone too. The movie confuses me...to try and make sense of it will make your head hurt...just laugh if you happen to come across it.

Not the best girl power movie
I was looking for an empowering girl movie, but I thought this movie was cheesy and SLOW. The concept was ok, black/asian cowgirls, but with the exception of Monica Calhoun, I thought the acting was pretty crappy. What was up with Macy Gray's character? I didn't get that at all, or why she killed off one of the characters. It would have been neat if it weren't so poorly acted, and again- cheesy and slow.
If you want a good girl power movie, try "Enough" or "Double Jeopardy".

Entertaining
You you like Black films, you will enjoy this one too. It's not the best, but definitely not the worst. The star casting did a fairly good job in their acting. I would recommend this film.

Yes Today!!!
I loved this movie. It had a lot of funny parts that make you laugh and scoff at all those western movies out there. People are missing the point of, "Gang of Roses". It's supposed to be a quirky movie. It's not really meant to be a "Western Film", as it is an ironic movie that combines the old west and hip hop. It plays with your amagination and broadens you horizons. If you take this movies as a serious "Western Film", then you won't enjoy it. It's meant to be humorous.

All of the woman did a great job at acting. I give major credit towards Lil'Kim, on her first feature film. She did a good job, and showed she is an entertainer, and not just another "Black Actress". She is versitle, and has a lot of talent.

Superb
The movie was okay. The only thing that I did not like was the Macy Gray character. The cowgirls never got the chance the see her. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This sequel to the sex thriller Trois improves on the original. Mia (Monica Calhoun) is a police psychologist who leaves the force to start a private practice, but one of her cases follows her. Mia, whose husband neglects her, finds herself drawn into stories of sexual escapades by Tammy (Chrystale Wilson), whose husband was brutally murdered only months before. To gain a better understanding of her patient, Mia goes to a mysterious sex club called Pandora's Box, not realizing she's being drawn into a trap. The sex club scenes in Trois 2: Pandora's Box are no sillier (and considerably more direct) than those in highbrow erotic thrillers like Eyes Wide Shut. Calhoun (The Best Man) makes an appealing heroine and carries the movie along in between the steamy scenes. Also featuring Michael Jai White and Tyson Beckford. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Much Better than Trios 1
This movie is a thriller. Although many would watch it for the sex scenes, and Michael Jai White is one of the finest men I have yet to see on screen, I enjoyed it for the fantasy. I mean the attention and affection Hampton gave Mia is what most women, including me desire. I, myself, would have chosen a better place to do it. The sex club scene is not what I would prefer, but it was a wonderful story.
I applaud the director and producers of this film. To bad it didn't get the publicity that it truly deserved. But that's Hollywood for you. This is surely one for my DVD library.

better than the first
The first Trois movie was one of those independent films and you could tell it was done on a budget and it was a first time directorial debut for those cats. So surprisingly, the 2nd Trois was up to par on so many levels: direction, acting, cinematography, plot, storyline, production. They did a great job with the second movie and I commend them on their efforts. It was all good and Pandora's Box delivered a suspenseful, erotic thriller with an all-black cast, who did their thing through the entire movie. It stars Monica Calhoun (who played Mia in the Best Man and was LisaRaye's cousin in Playa's Club), Kristoff St.John (Neil on the Young&Restless), Michael Jai White (he played in Spawn), and it also stars the lightskinneded thick chick from Playa's Club who played Ronnie (one of the girlz after Diamond).

Anyway the movie was tastefully done, it had a great plot and it gave a positive portrayal of black women who are successful in their careers, sassy and sexy. The sex scenes were very passionate and the actors did an excellent job portraying their characters.

Definitely a must-see. This definitely a movie for the ladies because the first was for the men. This time around the lead character has a fantasy about 2 men and they are both fine as hell. Tyson Beckford has a small role in the beginning!!! The opening scenes are off the chain, it will immediately get your interest. The director's commentary was also good, which is available on the DVD version.

Shocking
A great movie. Tyson Beckford and Michael Jai White are hot in this movie. Plot kind of put me in the mind of Wild Things but erotic.

If you open your Pandora's box.
Open at your own risk. Opening Pandora's box will reveal a sensuous side you did not know you had, will expose and erotic side you had no idea was a part of your personality. This movie is a lot better then the first!!!! I found the plot to be interesting. It will keep your attention until the end of the movie. This is one I plan to own.

better than the first "trois"
From the very beginning, this film grabs the viewer's attention and never lets go. Although the film is quite predictable, it's still enjoyable to just watch and see exactly how certain events unfolded and who would be involved and in what capacity.

From the beginning of the film, we know right away that a scheme is under way. Most of the main characters seem to be people one would never imagine getting caught up in a scheme involving so much deceit and treachery. The main character is a Psycologist (Mia) whose marriage is on the rocks. Her main client is a woman who begins to council Mia more than she councils her however. Mia is lead by her client into a web of treachery fueled by her failing marriage. At a certain point in the film Mia considers the possibility of having intimate relations with two men at the same time.

Although I really enjoyed this film, I think that it sends a very negative and troubling message and is biased towards women. In the first "Trois", the ending was very fitting and sent a good strong message but the story was much weaker. This film however, had much better scenes and a richer plot but the message it sent at the end was disturbing to say the least. That's not to say that the film has no redeeming value however. I liked the part in the film where the patient says to her Psycologist that she must look deep into herself before she can start to understand someone else. ... Read more