Description

They're loud, proud and outrageously funny - they're The Queens of Comedy, captured live onstage in Memphis during their triumphant comedy tour! Miss Laura Hayes (Def Comedy Jam), Adele Givens (The Tracey Ullman Show), Sommore (The Hughleys) and Mo'Nique (The Parkers) lauch a full-scale laugh attack that's not afraid to go over the top - or below the belt. No one is safe from their merciless wit, as they take on such topics as skinny women, marriage, children and, most importantly, men. And you'll also go behind-the-scenes with The Queens, as they display the magical chemistry that made them a top-drawing concert act. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

HILARIOUS!!!!
I've watched this video multiple times both alone and with friends. I've loaned it out to friends, all of whom LOVED it!! If you don't find humor about sex funny, or find skinny women sacred, then this just isn't the video for you. There's no reason to compare it to "The Original Kings of Comedy," too bad the titles are so similar. The humor is totally different. If you're tired of the stale "black people do this" vs. "white people do that" format that's so prominent in the "Kings," try out the "Queens" and get ready for something else instead. Oops, I jumped on the bandwagon and compared the two...but just to say THEY'RE TOTALLY DIFFERENT! Check out the Queens! There's a combination of styles that runs from dry humor to more blatant humor, and from subtle to crude. Enjoy it!

Funny At Times
The "Queens" was a pretty good show. Each of the featured comediennes had her moments...I especially enjoyed Monique's stand-up section. She was funnnnyy! She probably best represented the whole "Royalty of Comedy" idea and complimented the "Kings of Comedy" well because she just got up there and let loose. Adele also gave a good show. The others basically stood up and told some jokes. Adele did a great job of handling herself in those video clips of the three ladies hanging out in Memphis. True, Monique was loud and overbearring -- but it seems like the film editors gave her the most screen shots because she really did give the strongest performance. Truthfully, they could've done without the little video clips -- it kind of reminded me of BET's "Comic View" where they used to (and still do at times) insert little non-necessary skits just to fill out the time slot. But, all in all it was a pretty good show. Worth the money to rent it from the video store, but not worth the late fee if you don't turn it in on time :-).

Too much cussing takes away from the comedy
Loud is right, loud with the cussing!!!
I had been wanting to see this DVD for a while. I really enjoy Sommore and Mo'Nique, but this DVD was a let down. These ladies have no problems discussing just about any topic from spending 5 days in jail, sex, black men, sex, children, sex, marriage, and sex. You also got some behind the scenes footage, which to me was really not necessary. I knew better then to compare this to the Kings of Comedy. I mean why even bother? I knew it would be different, but the titles were similar so I guess that's why people made the comparison. I have no problem with cussing. It just seemed extremely excessive, and it was not funny. That's part of the problem I have with some comics, the use of cussing as a filler to help expand their act. You don't have to cuss to be funny. When I could laugh, I enjoyed some of the jokes, but aside of that, it's not gut busting funny. It's not hysterical. This was a major, major let down. You do not need to use excessive foul language to be funny!!!

Trash
Do yourself a favor and stick with the Kings because this mess is a waste of money. The majority of the jokes are sex related & full of cursing. These things could be excused if they were funny! But this is far cry from it.

The F bomb used too much, FAILURE
seriously. I didn't understand this. This show sucked. It really, really sucked. Every other word was an F bomb and the fat one kept talking about sex and going into detail and it made me shudder. I'd rather staple gun myself in the forehead then see this piece of crap again. I'd give it 0 stars if I could. ... Read more

Reviews (80)

I JUST TOOK IT FOR WHAT IT IS...
I've read the reviews of "Baby Boy"-the 2001 John Singleton film-
and came to see that many of them portrayed the movie as sterotypical and predictible.Well,I'm sorry but I didn't see
"Baby Boy" like that.I felt that it was a honest,well-directed
film that explored many "touchy" issues.I mean,it's basically a
vivid coming of age movie...except it's set in the hood of South Central L.A.Just like Singleton's 1991 breakthrough debut,"Boyz
N The Hood"(note:this is NOT a sequel).

"Baby Boy" tells the story of Jody,played by model/singer Tyrese
Gibson(whose strong performance proves that (some) singers can actually act),a young Black male in South Central with no job,
no direction,and no real self-pride(come on,he lives with his mother!-whose 36!).He's a job-less twenty-year-old with two children by two different woman.And he and his mother's
boyfriend-played by Ving Rhames- bump heads many times in the film.(Rhames' charcter is actually a former wife-beater/
ex-convict).And basically the story goes on from there...well,
not really.But I didn't really write this review to tell the entire plot of "Baby Boy",but rather to voice my opinion on "Baby Boy"'s images.

STEROTYPICAL is a term I hear a lot when people bring up "Baby
Boy".Well,I mean they have a point.A Black man with no job,no life,and no real life skills...Is this "Amos & Andy" or a film
made in 2001? And the Black woman in the film are protrayed as
dependants and somewhat shallow.They'd let a man talk down to them,cheat on them,and/or hit them BUT if the sex is right-all is
forgiven.And again,the Black men in the movie are very unflattering.One may conclude that they are lazy,shuffless
thugs.It would be nice to have more rounded,diverse protrayals of
Black men around in films.

Yet while I can see where the nay-sayers are coming from in a way I also don't feel offended by "Baby Boy".To Singleton's credit,the characters are never turned into carictures.
They're humans.And they never come off exgrated-unlike other
movies set in a "hood" environment."Baby Boy" is a stroy estienally(sp.) we all can relate to -in ways.
"Baby Boy" is deeper than an ordinary "hood" flick.In a lot of ways it seems like "Baby Boy" is more of an observation than
a statement.In that respect,I don't find the movie's
characterizations to be that negative.

All in all,I feel that "Baby Boy" is showing a diversity in black images.Yes,I love films like "Best Man" and "love jones"
and the like BUT all brothers and sisters DON'T live like that and so I feel that they should be represented as well.

Tales of the ghetto
Bbaby bOY WAS BOUT 21 YEAR OLD JODI WHO CAN'T MAKE A LIVING AND IS LIVING AT HIS MOM'S CRIB. hE DISLIKES HIS MOMS NEW BOYFRIND BUT HIM AND HIS FRIEND P STICK AROUND. P is a killer who wants a job and takes one by Jodi and fails. He makes a bad choice when Jodi gets jumped by breaking jaws and whipping young kids. When Snoop Dogg gets home to Jodi's Girlfriend Yvette he tries to get revenge on Jodi after a phone call in jail. Him and his crrew do a drive-by but P ends up killing them.

The boy is no baby!
When I first heard of this movie,I thought it would be similar to "Three Men and a Baby". Almost every cast member of this film is little known,if not unknown,except for Snoop Dogg. Whoa! There's quite a lot of mention of the word that rhymes with "bigger". Man,is this film raunchy. There is one scene where a little kid told Snoop Dogg's character,"I hate you." Dogg replies,"I hate your ass too!" The word that rhymes with "bigger" follows. Tyrese Gibson is Rodney whose live-in girlfriend is wanted by Jody(Dogg). Although this film is a drama,where was some dialogue that tickled my funny bone.

nice film
Not as preachy or sappy as some of John Singletons other pics. Little too much sex for my taste (When I want sex I'll rent porn, thanks). But this movie is funny and true to life. Its about a man who has two babys mammas and doesnt want to settle down, hes a mommy's boy and things get ugly when mom gets a new man. The main characters are interesting and you get some laughs out of this movie. I dont believe it is just a "black" movie its a really good watch. Snoop has a small part and his acting is decent.

JOHN SINGLETON'S THE MAN!
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ''BOYZ N THE HOOD'' COMES THIS DRAMA ABOUT AN UNAMBITIOUS 20 YEAR OLD WHO LIVES AT HOME WITH HIS MOTHER. UNEMPLOYED, HE HAS TWO CHILDREN FROM TWO DIFFERENT MOTHERS AND HE SEEMS DESTINED INTO A LIFE OF CRIME. GREAT URBAN DRAMA REALLY TELLS THE VIEWER THAT MOST AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN NEED TO GROW UP AND STOP PLAYING GAMES ALL THE TIME. THIS CAN BE COMPARED WITH ''BOYZ N THE HOOD''. THIS MOVIE IS PERFECT IN BOTH THE DRAMA AND THE ROMANCE SECTIONS. TYRESE EVEN DID A GOOD JOB PORTRAYING JODY, THE MAN WHO TENDS TO BE IRRESPONSIBLE. GOOD MOVIE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE A ROMANTIC DRAMAM AND LEARN A MORAL. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Too Pretty To Be A Fighter
I popped some popcorn and settled onto my couch - and was blown away - watched the entire thing in 1 day

Some of the rarest and greatest footage I've ever seen!

It felt like a treat to watch the fights I've only read about - I watched both Liston fights! - how many people can say that?

As the fights are concerned - you get to see them! - you get to watch Ali dance and dance - you get to watch him float like a butterfly and sting like a bee - you get to watch him apply his craft - I've never seen the amount of Ali fights as I did on the day I watched these videos. To be fair - some of the fights you only get a couple of important rounds - but as a whole this is the greatest of any Ali VHS/DVD I've ever seen.

You get to see some others interviewed about Muhammad Ali - from his brother - To Angelo Dundee - to Malcolm X - it' just incredable the amount of footage that this makes available to you.

I know it's said a lot, but if you're an Ali fan you HAVE to own this...you have to!

The best documentary of "The Greatest"
If you're a fan of the great Muhammad Ali, or have an interest in boxing history, or even just an interest in a fascinating period in American history, this 6-tape set (just under six hours total) will be worth the price. It contains a lot of rare footage of Ali in and out of the ring, as well as insightful commentaries by Angelo Dundee and others who knew him best. Of course it's impossible to separate Ali from his social impact and the turbulent times he lived in during his boxing days, and those are certainly covered in this set, but the main emphasis is really on his remarkable boxing career. Aside from his legendary fights with Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and George Foreman, there's extensive footage of many less-famous fights with boxers like Henry Cooper, Floyd Patterson, Archie Moore, George Chuvalo, Ernie Terrell, Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonavena, and so on, and even his Olympic and early progessional fights. If you'd like the most complete Ali documentary available, this is the one you're looking for.

Amazing Footage
I have yet to view anything concerning Ali that surpasses this documentary. This is an absolute must have for any Ali fan.

The Greatest
Anyone who is a fan of Muhammad Ali, or who understands or admires his greatness, it would be unfair for them not to see this movie. The words really dont do it Justice as to the Depth of it's content. The fights, in depth interviews, and out of the ring footage is truly remarkable. This is a must see for any Boxing fan.....

Great Documentary
This documentary is very good, it has tons of fight footage. It has clips from some of Ali's bigger amateur fights, his Olympic fight, some of his bigger fights before fighting Liston. His fight with Liston, clips from all of his 9 title defenses. Clips from his first fight with Frazier, his fights with Norton. No clips of Ali-Frazier II which was kind of dissapointing, but most of the Rumble in the Jungle and most of the Thrilla in Manila. The only other dissapointing thing was that they didnt show clips of Ali-Spinks II which would have been interesting. Great documentary, 6 episodes an hour each, insights from Angelo Dundee, Jerry Izenberg, Ferdie Pacheco, Wali Muhamad, Howard Cosell etc deffinately worth buying. ... Read more

Description

A trumpeter thinks his life is complicated when he must choose between his two girlfriends, but things get worse when he is called upon to come to the aid of his manager and childhood friend. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Not perfect but far from a dud
The music clearly is the star of this film. Mixing avant garde jazz with more standard fare and doing it successfully. You love music, you love this film. The film itself is worth watching too. The usual expert and hardworking performance from the very photogenic Denzel Washington. Cynda Williams is so sexy I wouldn't care if she couldn't act (but she is a competent actress). Spike Lee (properly speaking, his long-time cinematographer Ernest Dickerson) is an artist and the way he photographs his scenes is always a pleasure. This is a better story than some of his other films. Don't see how a real lover of cinema could hate this movie.

A genius musician battles his inner demons.
This is a masterpeice. Bleek Gilliam is a talented musician and the leader of the Bleek Gilliam quartet, a famed jazz band in New York. Bleek has a problem. He has three loves in his life. He is forced to choose between his two worshipful lovers - Indigo and Clarke, and his true baby - his music. Further complicating his life are his lifelong freind and mooch - Giant, and his bandmate, Shadow. Giant is in and out of trouble, and Shadow longs to move out of Bleeks shadow to form his own band.

This is a visually stimulating film. Spike Lee's uses of colors and lighting creates a mood that is essentially Jazz. The ambiente atmosphere of the film is highlighted by outstanding music composed by Branford Marsalis.

Mo-Better blues is an urban tale that will strike at the heart of all. Those who are new to Spike Lee's brand of photography are in for a treat. Also be sure to check out other Lee classics Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Crooklyn, and He Got Game.

Beautiful
This is one of the most visually beautiful film with African-American actors I've ever seen (another that comes to mind is Devil in a Blue Dress, also starring Denzel Washington). The opening credits are a masterful combination of music and shadows.
Overall, an enjoyable contemporary story of young, single African-Americans filmed in Brooklyn and Manhattan, a rarity for its time. They're making more of this type of film today . . . but the actors are getting younger and younger!

Nice...
I saw this film when it was released (summer of 1990). I didn't appreciate it because I was 21 (a kid who wouldn't get the major theme). I recently purchased the DVD, and I watched it for the first time in 13 years.

I really enjoyed this film. Everyone has (or has had) a Bleek in his life: someone who is so self-centered on his/her desires that he/she doesn't show respect or regard for anything else. However, we always lose the love of our life for various reasons. Then, what do you do when the love of your life is suddenly taken from you? That is this film's theme. Bleek's true love was music - jazz music. Bleek's love of music was the most important thing to him. Music overrode everything: an incompetent manager (who just happened to be his best friend), his lovers, and the contentment of his bandmates (the money issue which is related to having an incompetent manager).

I enjoyed the score and the jazz pieces included in this film (after all, Bleek played the trumpet). I really liked the cinematography in this film because the film showed the beauty of New York City - the brownstones, the Manhattan skyline (a brief glimpse), the Brooklyn Bridge, etc.

All in all, a good film. Rated 4 stars (not 5 stars because I thought the ending of the film was too rushed).

Under rated gem.
Ok Denzel is in it playing a bit of a cad. But the real news here is that this is one of Spike's better movies, unlike the forgetable Girl 6 or Bamboozled, both nice efforts but far off the mark. Wesley Snipes, who to me is always better when he plays an evil character, is wonderful in this. Denzel is a little on the flat side in this one, this isn't a Malcolm X or Training Day performance for him. Wesley is wonderful. No action hero [stuff], just a great acting job. Spike is in it as expected and does his usual in his role. Joi Lee is credable and the soundtrack is good if not spectacular. If you are a Spike or a Wesley fan, add it to your collection. If not rent it and give it a look, its worth the price of a rental for sure. ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Saba Tay on the Tippie Ti.
This movie came and went in theaters so fast I didn't get a chance to see it, but I rented it because Pootie Tang was always funny on the Chris Rock show, and I consider Chris Rock one of the funniest men in America. Pootie Tang is a rapper who speaks some sort of very extreme rap lingo, to the point where you cannot understand a word he says. Meanwhile, everyone else always understands him (kind of like Chewbacca, somehow the other characters can interpret what he says perfectly) though once in a while they'll say, "What the hell you talkin about?"

The plot isn't complex, Pootie fights bad guys (like drug dealers) with his magic belt, sings songs that somehow people can understand, and the ladies love him. Chris Rock plays his father, one of his friends, a DJ, and probably some other character I'm forgetting. Meanwhile The Man wants to brainwash Pootie into endorsing their horrible product, and (surprise surprise) he loses his magic belt, and goes on a mission to get it back. Wanda Sykes is great as...uh...I forget her name, but she narrates the story and helps Pootie, plus she wears a different cool-... wig in every scene. I wasn't rolling on the floor laughing, but the movie was funny and entertaining It starts out with Bob Costas interviewing him and saying he's gonna show a clip from his movie, 80 minutes go by, maybe even less (the end credits seemed to go on for 10 minutes) . The opening, with him fighting Dolemite-type bad guys, is hilarious. I also was impressed that the movie didn't rely on gross-out humor and wasn't violent-I don't think anyone got killed- and has a positive message that makes it a good family movie. I think it was "Do right, fight what's wrong, but the important thing is to love the world while you're doing it ." And what's wrong with that?

Comedic Genius, Pure Comedic Genius
Pootie Tang is like modern art. You either get it, or you don't. People have different senses of humor, and this movie will expose that like none other. I laughed until it hurt, my best friend didn't crack a smile. The movie centers around Pootie himself, a crimefighter who uses a belt to whip his opponents into submission. He also doesn't speak English, but this hilarious pseudo-ebonics language. Pootie is dedicated to helping the children, who I believe he calls the "Tippie Tai." Now, before you make up your mind about this movie, I will give a brief test. Read the following list of characters: Pootie Tang, Dirty Dee, Trucky, Bad Bitty, Biggie Shorty, and Froggy. If you didn't find these names humorous, this movie probably isn't for you. The humor centers around nonsense. Words, names, and events that make so little sense, that they are hilarious. Example: Pootie's father is mauled by a gorilla at a factory. That's funny stuff, but not to everyone. If you're looking for subtle humor, search elsewhere. But if you're looking for a movie with an off-the-wall brand of humor, buy Pootie Tang. I will admit however, that towards the end of the movie all of the nonsense words lost their humor value slightly. That is the only thing that prevented this movie from getting 5 Stars. Sa Da Te!

Absurd, Hilarious Comedy--one day A Classic
Yeah, you heard it first.
Pootie Tang will one day be a classic.

Based on the character on HBO's Chris Rock Show.
Pootie is a superstar/crimefighter, who beats down criminals with a magical belt (from Piggly Wiggly) and speaks an un-understandable type of slang.

The story is:
Pootie loses his magical belt to an evil vixen (played by Jennifer Coolidge), who was sent by the business mogul Dick Lecter (played by Robert Vaughn).
Lecter wants the belt so he can control Pootie and get him to endorse his products such as cigarettes, malt liquor, and razor blades to the children.
Pootie, after losing his belt, must retreat to the farm to regain his confidence and strength he will need to defeat the evil Dick Lecter.

The film also has tons of other stars like: comic Chris Rock (as Pootie's friend, his father, and a radio DJ), comic Wanda Sykes (as Biggie Shorty), comic Dave Attell (as Frank), J.B. Smoove (as the annoying Trucky), Laura Kightlinger, J.D. Williams (as Froggie), and Bob Costas (as himself).

This is movie is great but you have to give it a chance and realize that it is purposely ridiculous.

Stupid with some funny moments
Corny, but with funny moments. I didn't particularly care for the girl drinking the cat-milk scene which I thought wa s bit much, but hilarious at the same time. I did like the scene with pootie Tangs hit "silent" album. Silly but funny.

Other than that...just a dumb comedy.

Funniest Movie I've EVER Seen in My Life
I'm a hardcore critic, particularly when it comes to the dozens of all-black movies, year after year, perpetuating horrible stereo-types. Your first clues that Pootie Tang is different are Chris Rock & Wanda Sykes. Within the first minutes, this movie had me crying & holding my middle, I laughed so hard. I laughed this hard right up to moment it ended. Next day I invited four friends over to watch, same reactions. I laughed harder than before! Some reviews dubbed it "stupid". That's a moronic over-simplification. It's actually a very intellegent spoof on ridiculous subjects. The comedy is brilliant! And, not ONE curse word uttered in this entire film. (Sah-Dah-Tay!!) ... Read more

Reviews (72)

Awesome man, excellent tribute
Denzel Washington makes this little understood nearly mythical man breath. After studying the life of Malcolm X in a sociology of religion class, we watched this film to relax a bit. The script seems fairly accurate to history, and the imagery helps bring the conflict, drive and sincerity of Malcolm X to life.
In the movie, it becomes so obvious that Malcolm had just reached a kind of Buddhist nirvanna in his Islamic faith. Had he been allowed to live, his newly found spiritual insight gained from his pilgrimage to Mecca most likely would have helped to enlighten other Americans, Muslim or Christian, white or black. Malcolm appears on the verge of something even greater than he had previously been. Malcolm appears to be on the verge of becoming a national and perhaps even global spiritual and secular leader at the time of his death. Denzel makes more mourn the death of a man I never met. Inspiring, insightful. I'm grateful to Denzel and Spike for bringing me this "joint."

Excellent Biopic, One of the Best!
A sweeping biopic of an admirable man, who, while his ideas were wrong, had the will and the determination to defend his ideas and to say them publicly. A powerful film, with a sweeping force and excellent production values. While the film is extremely long (200+ min.), it is never boring ans always fascinating, it is divided in equally interesting stages; Malcolm's youth, prison time, his dedication to Elijah Muhammad, and the ultimate betrayal and death of Malcom X. A compelling study of a complicated, angry man, and whether you agree with his ideas or you don't, the movie remains a riveting biopic that is one of the best movies of the 90's. The reason the film works so well is mainly because of the performances and the assured direction by Lee. Not as incendeary or provocative as one would expect from a Spike Lee film, only the first and last few minutes are controversial. Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance that ranks among his best. Also Angela Bassett is great in support. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 9!

Powerful...
...is the best way to describe Malcolm X, Denzel Washinton's greatest work in cinema so far. It tells the story of Malcolm X, the strong-willed black revolution leader whose ironic and powerful views differed very differently from Martin Luther Jr.
Denzel Washington gives an extraordinary performance, and with heart he shows the metamorphosis of Malcolm X, from hip young kid, to his life of crime days, to when he was a white-hating civil rights leader.
There are many other great performances in the film, and Spike Lee makes Malcolm X his best "joint" ever. You can feel that this is a Spike lee film, because it is a little strange and it swings from one mood to another. Spike lee also stars in the film, but as a minor character.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Malcolm X, and it ranks as one of the best film of the '90s. If you love Denzel Washington, you haven't seen him perform until you have seen him in Malcolm X.

BEST MOVIE EVER
Movies are never good as the book, but its good to see a visual. One thing I didn't like about the movie is the way they protrayed Elijah Mahammad.
This movie changed my life, for someone like me in High School that didn't like to read. lol It was becasue of this movie I joined the Nation Of Islam when I was 18. I figured I would go to the source, Malcom X just repeated what Elijah said, and look how great he became. Malocom X was so great, but always thought he would come back to the N.O.I....Give thanks to Malcom X our living Ancestor...

Definite classic
But... while this film marks Spike's high point as a director and one of Denzel's highest points as an actor (THIS is what he should've goitten the Oscar for, not Training Day, and it's criminal that Spike wasn't nominated.)
That being said, the film is overall excellent and historically accurate, even when it hurts, such as the corruption of the Nation of Islam. Two things, however, mar it: First, Freeman's Elijah sounded like he belonged in Kung Fu film; the real Elijah (there are tapes)didn't quite sound that Asian. Second, the ending just didn't fit. That was just Spike trying way too hard to say something that really didn't need to be said. The film could've ended at the assassination and been near perfect. The rest was attempted spin-doctoring.
DEFINITELY see this film. It's essential in understanding a lot of the early '60s political scene. ... Read more

Description

Rappers Kid 'n Play star in this teen comedy where Kid, grounded for fighting at school, schemes to sneak out to Play's all-night party while avoiding the bullies who are after him. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Kid spelled backwards describes ya best
This is one of my all time favorite movies. The plot is simple but executed oh so well. Kid sneaks out his house to go to a party his dad told him not to go to after fighting in school. A tale of running from "hoods" and gettin in more trouble than planned. Without this all star acast this movie would be wack. Martin Lawrence, Robin Harris put in memorable performances. And it also has one the best scenes ever in a movie. The Dance scene where kid n play face off against sidney and charane is one of the most memorable scenes ive ever seen. That alone makes this movie a must have. The battle between Kid n Play is also entertaining. Pick it up.

This is one party 2 you won't forget.....
House Party is heavy!!! The cast are great and the storyline is actually real, something teens can relate to aswell as parents. Kid's dad makes me laugh! I loved when he said "it was so hot in here last night I swear I saw the devil in here!" Full Force play the school bullies and they played it heavy!! There is one line you won't forget, "I'm gonna kick your f****** ass!" Kid and Play's rhyme battle was really good and Bilal....he's great! There is another line you won't forget, "shut the f*** up Bilal!!!" That's repeatedly said by Kid and Play cos Bilal doesn't know when to shutup!!! I like the music and the whole atmosphere of teens wanting to have fun. But the best part is the dance battle between KidnPlay and Sharane and Sidney. It's HEAVY!!! You'll watch that part over and over trust me!!! The whole movie is just great and you'll laugh a lot. It's also great for memories for those who grew up in the 90's, especially the music and dancing. Trust me when I say GET THIS!!! By the way I aint seen house party 3+4 but I've seen the 2nd one. It's not as good but it's good to watch at least once or twice still. But the 1st one...a DEFINITE MUST HAVE!!!

Hip Hop ready to start!
House party 1,2 and 3 are the best parts to ever be a complete sucess after Kid'n'Play finally done all three movies of House party and had made so many soundtracks for the motion picture.I will always remember how Kid'n'Play made this a no.1 movie of the year so everyone can see how it was back in those days.However,House Party 4 tried the best they could do in order to bring new laughter into the sequel.Unfortunaly,it was considered to be known as a dismal failure.

HIIP!!!!
This is a great video I loved this movie when it had came out and I still love it today it is one of my favorite comedies Martin Lawrence, Kid'N' Play, Tisha Campbell, Full Force , and others I enjoyed this movie and I still do today it is a funny scene in every part of this movie I liked the part when the cop called "KID" eraser head that was so funny I like the whole movie!!!! Anyone who likes parties or Kid 'N Play then I would recommend that you buy this album it is great and you will definitely enjoy it!!!

THE CLASSIC HIP HOP COMEDY
IN THIS SLEEPER HIT, A TEENAGER PLANS TO GO TO A PARTY BEING THROWN AT HIS FRIEND'S HOUSE. BUT, JUST HOURS BEFORE THE PARTY, HE GETS IN TROUBLE AT SCHOOL WITH SOME TOUGH GUYS AND HIS FATHER FINDS OUT ABOUT IT AND GROUNDS HIM. VERY GOOD AND VERY FUNNY. THIS MOVIE IS A TRIP BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF HIP HOP WHEN IT WASN'T ABOUT GUNS, DRUGS, HOODS, OR COLORS. THIS MOVIE SHOWS HOW RAP USED TO BE ALL ABOUT PARTYING, WHICH IS WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT SO MUCH. AND THE RHYME BATTLE BETWEEN KID AND PLAY IS ENTERTAINING TO WATCH TOO. FOLLOWED BY 3 SEQUELS [THE LAST ONE WENT DIRECT TO VIDEO]. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Actress Kasi Lemmons made an auspicious debut as a writer and director with this delicately handled, wrenchingly emotional drama, hailed by critic Roger Ebert as one of the best films of 1997. Eve's Bayou begins with ominous narration: "The summer I killed my father, I was 10 years old." From that point the story moves backward in time and memory to Louisiana in 1962, when a young girl named Eve (Jurnee Smollett) witnesses a shocking act on the part of her womanizing father (Samuel L. Jackson). But what really happened? And can Eve be certain about what she saw when there is more than one interpretation of the facts? Less a mystery than a study of deeply rooted emotions rising to the surface to affect an entire family, the film has the quality of classic Southern literature, with layers of memory unfolding to reveal a carefully guarded truth. Barely seen during its theatrical release, this lushly photographed film deserves to be rediscovered on digital video disc. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Feel The Heat
Eve's Bayou is a spectacular movie. The color and scenery is wonderful and the people are elegant and troubled. Even the character's names stir up visions of dark swamp water and sultry heat. The story is told and seen through the eyes of little Eve Batiste played by a wonderful young actress named Jurnee Smollett. Eve takes us deep into her world which is filled with colorful characters and complex personalities.Diahann Carroll is fabulous as the old fortune teller Elzora with her insane laughter. Debbi Morgan as Aunt Mozelle Batiste Delacroix is something to behold. Aunt Mozelle has promised her family that she will not use her "second sight" to tell fortunes, but neighbors won't let her keep her promise. They seek her out to find missing husbands anyway. Lynn Whitfied as the manor born wife is beautiful and poised as she tries to keep her family together in spite of her wandering husband (Samuel L. Jackson). Jackson is very sexy in this movie and his character has roving eyes as well as roving hands that don't stop even when he is caught in a compromising position by his youngest daughter, Eve. This starts a set of events that lead to the total destruction of an already deeply troubled family.Although this movie did not make history at the box office my guess is that it will become a cult classic. Years from now this movie will be viewed for what it is, a brilliantly produced film. You can literally feel the Louisiana heat from Eve's Bayou. Vannie

A Poetic Accomplishment
This movie is moving and poetic in every sense of the word. From the acting right down to the musical score. I was astounded to learn this is a directorial debut.
Debbi Morgan is absolutely amazing in her role as the sister with the "gift of sight". She provides us with the most amazing scene in the film. In the scene, she is recalling a confrontation between her secret lover and husband. She recalls the events while looking through a mirror, and the scene is acted out as "reflections" in the mirror. This is one of the most powerful scenes I have witnessed. Now that I own the DVD, I can watch it over and over, it is that powerful.
My 2nd favorite performance is by Dianne Caroll, who plays the town voodoo witch.
The DVD has great commentary and an equally well produced short featurette.
The film is complimented by the musical score, which helps the story flow like velvet. I even bought the soundtrack for its amazing hypnotic quality.

Top 10
Eve's Bayou is one of my favorite movies starring one of my favorite young actresses, Jurnee Smollett. You may remember her from On Our Own, a sitcom with her siblings all apart of the cast. The acting is great and the whole movie is a lot different(including the setting) than the usual stuff that comes out. Samuel Jackson is the loving, but adulterous husband and Jurnee doesn't like it. When she decides he goes too far she does the unthinkable to protect her family.

Loved this movie!
Mystery, Magic, and Family what a wonderful base for a movie. I loved the setting, the characters, and the story. It left enough to the imagination to keep it believable. This movie is worth owning!

Eve's Bayou
This is one of the most beautifully written, directed, filmed & acted films of all time! Kasi Lemmons outdid herself with this smoldering family drama set in 1950's Creole Louisianna.

With a stellar cast including Sam Jackson, the incomparable Debbie Morgan, Lynn Whitfield, Diahann Carol, Megan Goode & Jurnee Smollet, this drama seethes with intensity broken by moments of levity. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Based on Terry McMillan's best-selling novel, How StellaGot Her Groove Back stars Angela Bassett as a 40-year-old, Manhattan stock trader and single mom whose static life gets a jolt during a vacation with her pal (Whoopi Goldberg) in Jamaica. Sparks fly when Bassett meets a 20-year-old stud (Taye Diggs) who has an ambivalent career path but a great body and lots of sexual energy to burn. After some prodding by Goldberg's warm-funny secondary character, Bassett gets it on with the fellow--and proceeds to worry about what she's doing with a man half her age. The film is most enjoyable in its sunny, exotic early scenes and becomes more formulaic once the unlikely couple transports their will-we-stay-together-or-won't-we tensions back to the Big Apple. But director Kevin Rodney Sullivan goes out of his way to make a movie unabashedly thick with fantasy and wish-fulfillment for female audiences (it's Diggs who reveals a lot more flesh than the regal Bassett). This is a Saturday-night movie all around. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (66)

A nice movie for the ladies!
I just saw this movie again this past weekend. Each time I do, I want to hop on the next plane to Jamaica. The shots of the island and Stella's room were wonderful! Angela Bassett's performance as Stella was refreshing. There aren't too many movies which showcase successful, intelligent, and independent African American women. And, of course, Stella's beauty and physique makes 40 worth looking forward to. I didn't think that the chemistry between Winston (Taye Diggs) and Stella was very magical, at least not like in the book, but I thought they made a nice pairing thanks to Bassett's performance. And Diggs' performance in the shower made him a worthwhile addition. The best chemistry was between Bassett and Goldberg. They remind me so much of me and my best friend! And the bickering between the sisters was hilarious. The women, in general, just stand out in this film. A great movie to watch especially when hanging out with the girls.

I Wasn't Wild About This One, But It's Worth a Look
Terry McMillan's followup to "Waiting to Exhale," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," was dismissed by some critics as a fluffy beach romance novel. It definitely had its spunk, but suffered from an overall blah-ness that weighed it down. The movie version has similar problems. Our heroine, played by the fierce talent that is Angela Bassett, is a broker trying to balance her career and being a single mom. She, along with her best friend (Whoopi Goldberg), takes a vacation to Jamaica, where she falls for the striking Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs, whose Jamaican accent fades in and out throughout his otherwise solid performance). The problem? She's 40. And he's 20. You can pretty much imagine the issues these two have to face, as they decide whether or not to start a "serious" relationship. "How Stella..." is a pleasant movie, despite the often sappy touches that almost mar the film. The love story itself is fairly predictable, although the supporting roles from Suzzane Douglas and the always-dependable Regina King are pretty good. Don't go looking to get blown away by this movie. Like the novel on which it's based, it will pass your time nicely without requiring any deep thought.

A movie for every library
When Stella Payne (Angela Bassett), a forty-something African American and successful businesswoman, goes on a wild vacation to Jamaica, she gets more than she bargained for in the way of unconventional romantic interests. Stella soon falls in with a younger, more Jamaican crowd featuring the winsome Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs) - a hot black stud who soon shows up back in the USA. Sparks may be flying, but when life settles back down does the anomalistic coupling of a native-born American and Jamaican have a true future?

Drama is also high among Stella's conventional acquaintances - with whom she is shy to display her all-too-Jamaican boyfriend - and, while Winston appears comfortable in spite of the nationalistic disparity, it is all too obvious that Stella is not. Throw in a protective son (Michael Pagan) and life-long friend, the convivial and cancerous Delilah (Whoopli Goldblerg), and you've got the perfect formula for an engaging and plenary love story for everyone. Based on the novel by Terry McMillan and directed by the celebrated Kevin Sullivan (of "Conviction" and "Barbershop 2: Back in Business"), "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" is both fun and political in a refreshingly unusual way.

Whoppi is funny
I love this movie because Whoppi is hilarious.

Whack! Terrible
This movie was whack it was kinda of good but Taye Diggs cannot act Jamaican and he looked ugly! I bet you that Omar Epps could have done a better Jamaican. and the book was quadruple times better even more! ... Read more

Description

This collection includes the most powerful, inspirational words of some of the most famous orators in history.Each volume contains historical footage, photographs, and the best-known speeches of the past century.Perfect for the classroom or for the history buff. Includes the following: John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan. 4 hours. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

one of the best in the Speeches Collection
Given that these collections have to be pretty short -- typically 70 minutes -- this one has an amazing range of good material in it. Nearly every major speech of the 1960 campaign and of the presidency is here, althought most have to be represented by brief clips (but the clips are well-chosen). The editing of "Ich bin ein berliner", of the Texas "we will go to the moon" speech, and of the "New Frontier" (1960 convention acceptance speech) in particular, is shrewd and gives you a really good feel for what JFK was good at as a speaker -- probably the last of two great masters (the other was Martin Luther King) of the transitional style (the one we associate with FDR, Robert Taft, Adlai Stevenson, or Douglas MacArthur) in American public address.

Two unfortunate omissions are the American University "peace" address, and the complete omission of material from the Senate. There is occasional overlaying with "nostalgia" footage but it's mercifully brief and seldom obscures the speeches themselves. Clips of the speeches addressing the federalizing of the Alabama Guard in the U of A integration struggle, and of the announcement of the blockade during the Cuban missile crisis, are excellent but it's unfortunate that they are not longer. But these are quibbles.

Some truly great stuff here; a very good cut of the Inaugural (with most of the famous quotes given their proper contexts); nicely chosen clips of the Kennedy-Truman "open convention" squabble; a couple of extemporaneous excoriations of Nixon; the address to Protestant ministers on the subject of Kennedy's religion. Definitely one for your collection if you are interested in public speaking, or if you teach speech or history.

Good Content, but Poor Production
The other reviews of this video are correct in the fact that it is marred by choppy editing and sometimes poor video quality. Also, the lack of any narration beyond those in the newsreel clips might be confusing to those who know little about the period.

However, forget what I just said and buy this tape anyhow. Just to be able to hear the words of this great and inspiring American is a blessing.

John F. Kennedy's message of courage, dedication, and sacrifice for the common good are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. If you were born after JFK, then you definately need to see this video. If more people listened to what Kennedy was saying and tried to live up to his challenge, then this country would not be in the sorry situation that it now is. This is particularly applicable to the current self-serving national and business leadership of our country.

Listen to John F. Kennedy, and remember a time when our national leadership was concerned with goals much higher than just making as much money as possible at the expense of everyone else. To listen to this inspiring speaker is to be challenged to make our country the great place it could be.

The Speeches Collection -- John F. Kennedy
I work in the political field. Presidential history is one of my specialties. I am a former history teacher, also, who collects political memorabilia and went to high school and college (Florida State University) in the Kennedy-Johnson era. It was a wonderful era and this is a top-notch tape, if you like JFK. Ignore the comments about poor production. This is sometime after Kennedy, production techniques have improved considerably. I am selective about what I purchase and believe me, there is nothing about this tape, in my considered and historically-based opinion, that should make the JFK afficionado have second thoughts about buying it!

Dr King&JFK hold it down
the rest are weak.I don't care&never cared to hear what Reagan had to say ever.Dr.King is still a Force that hasn't been touched yet.JFK was cool as a Speaker if nothing else.

The Evil Empire speech without the "evil empire"
I bought this in order to hear Ronald Reagan's "evil empire" speech. However, in spite of the fact that "evil empire" is quoted on the back of the DVD's cover, one never actually gets to hear Reagan utter the phrase that shook the Soviet apparat. Instead, his speech to the National Association of Evangelicals is inexplicably cut off after he refers to the Soviet Union as "the focus of evil in the modern world" - some three paragraphs BEFORE one would have heard him implore his audience not to ignore "the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire". Talk about "Hamlet" without the Prince. Irritating, to say the least . . . ... Read more

Reviews (23)

"I am a giant, and I'm surrounded by ants."
With perhaps the best cast ever assembled for this play, David Susskind's 1961 production of Raisin in the Sun is a classic film and a landmark achievement during the civil rights struggles of the early 1960s. Starring a young Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee, Claudia McNeil as his mother Lena Younger, Ruby Dee as his wife Ruth, and Diana Sands as his sister Beneatha, the film closely follows the script of the play, and director Daniel Petrie wisely confines the setting almost entirely to one room, as it is on stage. This intensifies the emotions and interactions of this three-generation family, which share a small, two-bedroom apartment in South Chicago, and makes their longing to break free obvious both visually and emotionally.

Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee is the "giant...surrounded by ants" as he dreams of escaping his job as a chauffeur and investing in a liquor store. Poitier's body language and subtle gestures as he argues about how to spend his mother's ten thousand dollar life insurance check powerfully convey his anguish. The close-up of Poitier's slow transition from an insolent and angry young man to a tearful and repentant son in one scene with his mother is unforgettable. Claudia McNeil, as the mother, is stalwart, strong, and full of pride. Ruby Dee, as the devoted wife, trying to decide whether to have an abortion in order to lighten her husband's load, is simultaneously resolute and resigned. Diana Sands, as Beneatha, the agnostic medical student, reflecting the beginning of the "Roots" and "Black Power" movements, provides some comic relief as she practices African "home-from-the-hunt" dances.

At the heart of the play is the issue of discrimination against black people and the limitations on their dreams, and the filming in black and white is appropriate. The small dying houseplant that Lena nurtures remains the major symbol here, as it is in the play, but through the cinematography new symbols emerge. The kitchen cupboard door opens and shuts as family members open and shut themselves to each other and the outside world, and numerous scenes take place between two people with a door in the background, opening and closing as their emotions change. The film quality and its high contrast have withstood the test of time, the sound is good, and the acting, especially as revealed in the close-ups, makes this a classic film, better than any stage version I have ever seen or imagined. Mary Whipple

Subject matter still an issue today
This film is excellent. I first saw it on television umpteen years ago and in school, and I was touched by the whole plot. An African-American family obtains a large amount of money from an insurance policy and they decide to use it to buy a home in the suburbs. But the residents of the white suburban neighborhood where this family wants to move don't want them there. And prior to that, there is contention between family members for even entertaining the thought of moving there. Powerful performances by Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil and Diana Sands. This is still a relevant topic today, even though this film was made 40 years ago because these things are still happening. No doubt Lorraine Hansbury, the playwright, was influenced by the very public genrification story of entertainer Nat King Cole, who faced the same kind of racial problems when he brought a house in a wealthy white neighborhood in California in 1948.

Wonderful family film. Highly recommended.

Excellent Adaptation
Beautifully acted. Heartfelt and heartbreaking. A simple story intelligently and sympathetically told. Among Poitier's best. This is a one movie example of how important and excellent Poitier was in the late 50's & 60's. One of the few must sees for every American.

The human striving for the American Dream
A Raisin In The Sun is the DVD recording of the on-screen adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry's classic stage play about black identity, starring Danny Glover and Emmy Award winner Esther Rolle. When a $10,000 insurance benefit generates dreams and squabbles in a Chicago ghetto family (the son yearns to start his own business while the mother longs to live in a house of her own), A Raisin In The Sun wonderfully captures the human striving for the American Dream and the realities confronting those who have grown up and lived their lives poor and disadvantaged. DVD extras include an about the author section, tidbits of information about the play and the cast, and more. 173 minutes, color, suitable for family viewing.

The Best of Black Cinema
This is acting at its best. Not only for African American Actorsand Actress,but for acting period. The story is based on the everyday struggles of a Black family. The story is based sometimes in the early 60ds or late 50ds but these struggles still go on today. As a black women in the struggle I related to every part of the story, not only do we get knocked down by the world as per say, but we also get knocked down by our own people.Black men try hard to find a way to take care of their families and sometimes things look better on the other side, as brother in the story does he trusts his friends because his mother trusts him and things go bad for him, but out of every thing bad comes something good, I don't want to tell the story for those who hasn't seen it, the family still go own to move on with their plans and whole their heads up high as they go on and that makes the struggle even better, as least the family still has their self worth and dignity. And as usual Momma the head of the family per say teaches them lesson and also teaches them a lesson in the lost that they experince. always keep your head up and never do anything to loose your self worth or your diginty. This is one movie that every black family shouid see. I recemmond it highley.!!!!! dean.r.m@worldnet.att.net. ... Read more

Description

"I have a dream today."On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King spoke these words as he addressed a crowd of more than 200,000 civil rights protesters gathered at The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Two months earlier, President John Kennedy had sent a civil rights bill to Congress, but it was struck down. Although Kennedy was concerned about the possibility of widespread violence during this protest, he realized he was powerless to stop it and embraced the movement instead. Known as the "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom," the country expected to hear King deliver strong words to his opponents. Instead, his "I Have a Dream" speech was one of heartfelt passion and poetic eloquence that still echoes in our memory. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Content - Thumbs Up; Video - Thumbs Down
I do not remember seeing the entire length of Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream" speech delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial nearly forty years ago. As I was preparing to speak to a group of high schools students in a program titled AVID --- Advancement Via Individual Determination --- I was excited by the thought of seeing Dr. King's speech. What better example of a leader with an inspiring vision for the future? What better example of someone who put their skills and experience to their highest and best use to fulfill their dream? What better example of someone who gave their life to something of value and significance?

Dr. King did not disappoint me. As I strained to pick out his figure --- nearly lost in a sea of over 300,000 faces crowded beneath the Lincoln Memorial --- I heard the voice that stirred souls to action in tumultuous times. I heard the cadence, rhythm, and volume of it. I heard the phrases rising and falling like waves crashing on the shore. I felt a lump in my throat as I considered the power and importance of the message.

And I wondered if we are already too far removed from this message. Nearly two generations hence, are we closer to Dr. King's dream? Does today's generation understand the price paid for its freedom? Are we cultivating leaders who will rise to the needs of tomorrow? Leaders of character, integrity, vision, action, teamwork, and service? This was the example and spirit I sought to inspire those students.

I was, however, disappointed by the quality and integrity of the video. I was at first surprised to hear Peter Jennings of ABC News narrating the video. As I watched, it became clear the content of the video was an excerpt from a narrative on the life of Dr. King, yet I could find no credit to Mr. Jennings, ABC News, or other source material. It ended abruptly as if it had been hastily or carelessly editted. I found this distracting and disappointing.

If I had an opportunity to select an alternative source for Dr. King's speech, I would select a better one.

Surreal!
In many publications this speech was named the number one speech of the 20th Century. I will not disagree. I have never been able to see the whole speech until now. Dr. King's words ring true 37 years later. Guaranteed to give you chillbumps! A must for any collection!

Outstanding Archival Look at The Dream Speech
The video begins with a brief look at various 1960's era civil rights protests and the violence that often followed such demonstrations. Using footage (much of it somewhat raw) shot during the marches and demonstrations and narrated by Peter Jennings, the montage of video "highlights" of the 1960's civil unrest provides a strong setting for the showing of MLK's "I have a dream" speech at the foot of the Lincoln Monument.

The video does not show the entire speech, but it does present enough to gain a good understanding of its content. Perhaps the single most important reason to watch the video (as opposed to reading a text version of the speech) is to witness King's change in tone, demeanor and style as he reaches the end of the speech. As he begins to call for "letting freedom ring" he abandons his notes and begins to seemingly speak extemporaneously, and the passion in his voice begins to rise. It is a powerful visual, lost in any textual version.

The video concludes with a brief explanation of the assassination and memorial service.

a great speech
the power of mr king's words are timeless.they have shaped and influenced the world.it's a shame that to often only the excerpts of the speech are ever broadcast.the whole speech needs and deserves to be heard.the man had a vision for a better future for all.he has left a life lasting impression on me.this video is history and will last thru the end of all time.a must have for all people that respect human life.

Most effective speech ever
I have heard reference to this famous speech many times over the years but I had never seen the entire speech. After seeing the entire speech for the first time it was easy for me to conclude that this is the best speech ever given by any public speaker with respect to: -sense of urgency created -references for all stakeholders -appropriate emotion and sincerity -skillful use of voice (tone, inflection)

I recommend this speech to anyone who is interested in seeing a very skilfull speaker. In addition, the subject matter of the speech is moving and relevant to many of the issues facing America today. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Very Funny, Bitter, Sad--Worth Seeing In Any Case
One could easily predict that Richard Pryor was going to end up a very sad, embittered figure in his older age, if he was even still alive, after seeing this stand-up performance when it first came out. That is when I first saw it. Which is not to say that this is not a howlingly funny stand-up act most of the time. It is that too. Like most comics though, Pryor was not fueled by much good that had happened in his life, but rather by the things which had enraged him or enabled him to see the world with an all too cynical eye. I liked him much better as this stand-up comedy performer than I ever did as an actor though. He made so many lame comic films with Gene Wilder that I lost count of them. If that is the only way you have seen him perform, in movies with Wilder, you really missed seeing his true talent. I think Pryor would have served himself better as a performer had he stayed in this medium instead of becoming an actor. Some people may find Pryor offensive in stand-up but I think that is generally true of most stand-up comedy acts. Stand-up tends to use a lot of profanity and vulgarity because they are time proven audience pleasers.

A butchered performance
The producers of this film, evidently thinking people weren't going to recognize what was funny in a Richard Pryor stand-up act, all but butchered a good performance by *overdubbing* conspicuous applause and crowd noises at odd moments and frequently cutting to shots of the audience, obviously shot at different times, and inserted at random. When listening to an amazing stand-up comedian as Pryor, the last thing you want is for the camera to stray off the stage...

The Real King of Comedy!
Richard Pryor is the king, no question. He inspired most top comics today, and this stand up shows why. Alot of people forget that most comedy is recycled, and mostly from this man here. It's definitely worth buying, and you'll want his other stand-ups before you know it!

A great movie!
This is definitely one of the funniest stand up performances I have ever seen.Richard Pryor is one of the greatest comedians of all time.It is so sad that he can't talk anymore.He was definitely the most talented storyteller I have ever seen.His stories are SOO funny.He is also a great imitator.His imitations only make his act funnier.A lot of today's comedians can't compare to Richard.He was one of a kind.His routine about Africa is hilarious.Jamie Foxx's terrible routine about Africa can't compare to Richard's.This is definitely the most vulgar stand up routine I have ever seen.So if you have young children,DO NOT let them come CLOSE to ANY of Richard's movies.Otherwise,sit back and enjoy one of the greatst stand up performances ever recorded!

Not my favorite...
This to me at least can't compare to Richard Pryor live. It's funny...Richard Pryor is a comic genius...but, the jokes didn't keep me rolling as much as Live in Concert. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

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. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Easy Does It!
It is the end of WWII. Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins(Denzel Washington) returns from the war to find segregation,discrimination, and a decent job hard to come by. He has used the little bit of money he had to buy a house and car, but he must find a way to keep up the payments. A job does come his way, it sounds shady, but it's seems to be easy cash, so he takes it. The job...To find a missing woman named Daphne Monet(Jennifer Beals)...seems easy enough.

Finding this mysterious woman, Easy, gets into trouble at every turn. Dead bodies start turning up all around him. The cops harass him,he uncovers political foul play, and a dark secret about the woman. Working with him is his old friend "Mouse" (Don Cheadle), who's answer to everything is shoot first and ask questions later. The "reward" for finding this woman and what she knows is growing as the answers start leading up the ladder of society. Is Easy's interest now for the money or the girl?

If you like the old style of film noir in movies like "Laura" or the newer modern film noir like "L.A. Confidential" you'll love "Devil in a Blue Dress". It's gripping, edge of your seat stuff.Director Carl Franklin and director of photography Tak Fujimoto give us a great look at this steamy side of Los Angeles in the 1940's.The musical score by Elmer Bernstein is wonderfully atmospheric, and the old rhythm and blues or"Shout and Jump" music by such greats
as T-Bone Walker and Duke Ellington are a great addition to 1940's feel. The cast also features Tom Sizemore and Maury Chaykin.

The DVD(Columbia Tri-Star) is a nice transfer. It is in widescreen, with a full screen version on the other side. Picture and colors are outstanding. The sound was good, dialouge a little low at times but still good. Features include Director's commentary during the film if you want, Don Cheadle's screen test and trailers. There are subtitles for those needing them.

All that is needed now is another EASY RAWLINS story..how bout it Denzel?..........Enjoy........Laurie

A neo-noir of the first order
A voluptuously seedy tale of blackmail, murder and double-cross, "Devil in a Blue Dress" captures splendidly the mood of the forties, and is a worthy modern equivalent to old gems such as "Double Indemnity", "The Blue Dahlia" and "The Big Sleep". Acting, writing, direction, cinematography and music are all of an par above the standards of conventional filmmaking. Denzel Washington -- (an actor who is flawless in every performance) -- is superb in the role of Walter Moseley's detective, Easy Rawlins, the classic noir type of the down-at-heel gumshoe. He receives excellent support from Jennifer Beals, Tom Sizemore and Don Cheadle as his gun-crazy help. A heady aroma of sexuality and intrigue make this one of the most absorbing of recent noir film adaptations. Carl Franklin, with a flair for suspenseful situations, directs crisply.

Devil with a lot of sexuality
Denzel and Lisa Nicole Carson [who played Carla in ER opposite Peter Benton's character] heat up the screen with their... love making doesn't really quite apply here, but let's stick that I suppose. Tom Sizemore delivers a stellar performance. The film has a sleek, stylized quality to it. Period piece. Denzel delivers as he does time and time again. A good movie, but be prepared for violence and serious sexual content.

Stylish Post-War Mystery
It's summer in Los Angeles, 1948. Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins (Denzel Washington) returned from World War II a few years ago to a land of opportunity. He got a job, a mortgage and a home of his own. But now he has lost his job and is determined not to lose his house. A friend introduces Easy to a sleazy character named DeWitt Albright (Tom Sizemore) who ostensibly is trying to locate the former girlfriend of mayoral candidate Tom Carter (Terry Kinney) so that the couple may be reunited. Desperate to keep making his mortgage payments, Easy accepts the job of finding the girlfriend, a woman named Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals). His search causes him to be suspect in several murders and arouses the interest of the rival candidate for mayor, Matthew Teran (Maury Chaykin). Easy finds that he is not the only person looking for Daphne Monet and that no one is exactly who he, or she, appears to be. As motives become less clear and the trail becomes more murderous, Easy calls on a childhood friend named Mouse (Don Cheadle), who has more experience in the criminal underworld and is more than willing to use force, for help. With the police, Albright, and Daphne Monet all demanding his loyalty, Easy must buy time and use his wits to unravel the mystery of Daphne's identity and uncover the scandals that will make or break the careers of two of the city's prominent politicians.

"Devil in a Blue Dress" is based on the detective novel of the same name by Walter Mosley. Screenwriter and director Carl Franklin has altered and simplified Mosley's novel for the screen and employed cinematographer Tak Fujimoto to create a stark and moody environment in sunny California. Fujimoto's cinematography looks great and is reminiscent of the film noirs of the 1940's, when the story takes place, and also does an excellent job of communicating the tone of the novel visually. The degree to which the film evokes the style of World War II era film noirs is striking considering that "Devil in a Blue Dress" is in color. This film isn't as sexy as the novel on which it is based, nor is it as effective in conveying Easy's desperation. It is, however, more tightly woven, more plausible, and more enmeshed in city politics. Don Cheedle's interpretation of "Mouse" couldn't be better. And the cinematography is a pleasure to watch. "Devil in a Blue Dress" a stylish and enjoyable neo-noir adaptation.

Uniqueness amongst Conventionality
'Devil in a Blue Dress' quickly creates a very appealing misé en scene that's constructed upon upbeat and sunlit scenery. Combined with director Franklin's dexterous dolly movements and smooth camera techniques that follow the always-charismatic Denzel Washington around the culturally diverse streets of 1948 Los Angeles, it makes you want to throw your imagination into its storyline for a few hours. With brooding and insidious male characters, beautiful and mysterious female characters, voiceover narration by the protagonist, and a gradually revelatory, detective-like storyline we get the sense that we're watching a more-colorful-than-usual film noir. There's no question that it couldn't have been setup much better; it's too bad that it slowly-but-surely dissipates away into the realm of conventionality.

As far as underrated acting goes - Tom Sizemore is spectacularly sleazy as the coldhearted DeWitt Albright and Maury Chaykin is his usually creepy self as the political Matthew Terell. Easy Rawlins (Washington) is a familiar character - he's a man who will do just about whatever he has to do in order to earn some cash, although he's proud of his dignity and won't sell himself short. He's also more amiable and compassionate than the average man is, which is what ultimately differentiates him from the bad guys of the story. The lesser-seen element here, however, is that he also happens to be Afro-American. It's refreshing to see a film concentrate upon this culture without trying to dictate too many things to us about it - race is an element of this film, but it's not a particularly prominent or overblown one.

A myriad of different characters are introduced - sometimes it seems as if the film is actually relying upon the appearances of new characters in order to progress the plot, and even then some things aren't made very clear. I understand that the writers were simply trying to convey the sheer volume of the situation that Easy has gotten himself into, but its lack of tautness just gets annoying after a while. And there is a cool aura of mystery surrounding the plot until you realize that it's simply going down the all-too-familiar cinematic road of political corruption. The final theme of an average man achieving complacency through oppression is well communicated, but couldn't it have been done in a slightly more interesting/original/unique way? ... Read more

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He's a semi-employed construction worker and she's a music teacher with ambitions for a singing career. But when they meet at her Brooklyn brownstone their socio-economic differences melt away--or do they? This is the question that drives this 112-minute HBO movie based on Terry McMillan's best-selling novel. Zora wears fabulous clothes, decorates her hardwood-floored apartment with unusual furniture, and dines with her girlfriends at chichi restaurants, while Franklin can't even make regular child-support payments to his estranged wife. She's college educated; he doesn't have his GED. Sanaa Lathan (Love and Basketball) gives Zora dignity and grace throughout the film, while Wesley Snipe's Franklin starts o