68% (3) New Jack City 97 min, R, [Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller] [Mario Van Peebles] [08 Mar 1991]Ratings & Reviews: IMDb Reviews: 66%, Rotten Tomatoes: 77%, Metacritic: 61%, External Reviews
Awards: 1 win & 4 nominations.
Actors: Allen Payne, Chris Rock, Ice-T, Wesley Snipes
Writer: Thomas Lee Wright (story), Thomas Lee Wright (screenplay), Barry Michael Cooper (screenplay)
External Links: Wikipedia Rotten Tomatoes IMDb Language: English Country: USA
Plot: The gangster Nino has a gang who call themselves Cash Money Brothers. They get into the crack business and not before long they make a million dollars every week. A cop, Scotty, is after them. He tries to get into the gang by letting an ex-drug addict infiltrate the gang, but the attempt fails miserably. The only thing that remains is that Scotty himself becomes a drug pusher.
Rotten Tomatoes: The ruthless leader of a New York City drug syndicate battles to maintain his power and avoid imprisonment in this fast-moving action drama. While the film's heroes are Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), a pair of tough, streetwise cops, the main focus is their target, drug lord Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). A criminal businessman with no room for pity or emotion, the flashy but severe Brown has built an empire and transformed an abandoned Harlem apartment building into a well-defended fortress. He begins to consider himself invincible, but his lust for power and the unpredictable actions of a former client turned police informer threaten to bring about his potential downfall. First-time director Mario Van Peebles keeps the traditional plot moving at an appropriately rapid pace, with stylish action sequences and energetic performances. The film's violence was somewhat controversial on its initial release, especially after shooting incidents marred showings in several theaters. However, the film's moral message is clearly anti-drug and anti-crime, its main intent to provide a high-powered, modern take on the gangster movie. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
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55% (3) CB4 89 min, R, [Comedy, Music] [Tamra Davis] [12 Mar 1993]Ratings & Reviews: IMDb Reviews: 62%, Rotten Tomatoes: 55%, Metacritic: 49%, External Reviews
Actors: Allen Payne, Chris Elliott, Chris Rock, Deezer D
Writer: Chris Rock (story), Nelson George (story), Chris Rock (screenplay), Nelson George (screenplay), Robert LoCash (screenplay)
External Links: Wikipedia Rotten Tomatoes IMDb Language: English Country: USA
Plot: A "rapumentary", covering the rise to fame of MC Gusto, Stab Master Arson, and Dead Mike: members of the rap group "CB4". We soon learn that these three are not what they seem and don't apear to know as much about rap music as they claim... but a lack of musical ability in an artist never hurts sales, does it? You've just got to play the part of a rap star...
Rotten Tomatoes: A bunch of rap-star wannabes attempt gangsta rap effrontery, call themselves CB4 (referring to a prison cell block), and become all the rage in the tough-as-you-can-be rap music industry. Before long, however, they discover themselves to be the targets of real gangsta violence. This parody featuring Chris Rock, Allen Payne and Deezer D, contains nudity, profanity, violence, substance abuse and sexual situations--as all gangsta rap comedies should.
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27% (3) Vampire in Brooklyn 100 min, R, [Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Romance] [Wes Craven] [27 Oct 1995]Ratings & Reviews: IMDb Reviews: 45%, Rotten Tomatoes: 10%, Metacritic: 27%, External Reviews
Actors: Allen Payne, Angela Bassett, Eddie Murphy, Kadeem Hardison
Writer: Eddie Murphy (story), Vernon Lynch (story), Charlie Murphy (story), Charlie Murphy (screenplay), Michael Lucker (screenplay), Chris Parker (screenplay)
External Links: Wikipedia Rotten Tomatoes IMDb Language: English Country: USA
Plot: Maximillian is the only survivor from a race of vampires on a Caribbean Island, and as a vampire, he must find a mate to keep the line from ending. He knows that a child had been born to a woman who had a vampire father, and he searches for her in Brooklyn. Rita's mother, who has died in an asylum, was that woman and Rita has nightmares that she does not understand. Not knowing that she is part vampire, Max woos her and attempts to bring her to her blood sucking destiny. Even though Rita has strange dreams and actions, Justice, her partner, has feelings for her and does not want her involved with this stranger Max. But it is Rita who must decide her destiny.
Rotten Tomatoes: Comedian Eddie Murphy tried something different with this 1995 film that he produced and co-wrote, enlisting veteran horror director Wes Craven to give the story some chills. The uneven comedy-horror tale features Murphy as a vampire named Maximillian who arrives in Brooklyn on a ship full of people who have been brutally murdered. One of the corpses on board closely resembles that of Rita (Angela Bassett), one of the detectives assigned to the case. Maximillian targets Rita, hoping to get a dance with her that will bring her under his control. He enlists the help of a worker named Julius (Kadeem Hardison), biting his neck and turning him into a slowly decaying ghoul. Also seeking to romance Rita, though in a less sinister way, is her longtime detective partner Justice (Allen Payne). Maximillian uses his supernatural powers to interfere with the budding romance. Murphy also plays a preacher and an Italian gangster in this bizarre film.
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80% (2) The Tuskegee Airmen 106 min, PG-13, [Drama, History, War] [Robert Markowitz] [26 Aug 1995]Ratings & Reviews: IMDb Reviews: 72%, Rotten Tomatoes: 88%, External Reviews
Awards: Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 6 wins & 15 nominations.
Actors: Allen Payne, Courtney B. Vance, Laurence Fishburne, Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Writer: Paris Qualles (teleplay), Trey Ellis (teleplay), Ron Hutchinson (teleplay), Robert Williams (story), T.S. Cook (story)
External Links: Rotten Tomatoes IMDb Language: English Country: USA
Plot: During the Second World War, a special project is begun by the US Army Air Corps to integrate African American pilots into the Fighter Pilot Program. Known as the "Tuskegee Airman" for the name of the airbase at which they were trained, these men were forced to constantly endure harassement, prejudice, and much behind the scenes politics until at last they were able to prove themselves in combat.
Rotten Tomatoes: Based on a true story, The Tuskegee Airmen chronicles the experiences of the first African-American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Using Hannibal Lee (Laurence Fishburne) as a focal point, the movie follows the airmen from their initial training at Tuskegee, Alabama, through their combat assignments during World War II. Featuring fascinating vintage military planes and exciting air-combat footage, the film also depicts the racism encountered by the pilots. In one example, the airmen are forced to give their seats on a crowded train to German prisoners of war. Even after the airmen complete their training, the military brass is reluctant to trust them in battle. But First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt publicizes their plight by going to Tuskegee and having one of the African-American pilots take her for a plane ride, and shortly thereafter the airmen are assigned a combat role. Eventually they join with other African-American pilots in the 332nd Fighter Group where their skill in protecting bombers from enemy fighters finally earns them the respect they deserve. The screen story was co-authored by Robert Williams, one of the pilots trained at Tuskegee.
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63% (2) Jason's Lyric 119 min, R, [Crime, Drama, Romance] [Doug McHenry] [28 Sep 1994]Ratings & Reviews: IMDb Reviews: 66%, Rotten Tomatoes: 61%, External Reviews
Awards: 1 nomination.
Actors: Allen Payne, Anthony 'Treach' Criss, Bokeem Woodbine, Jada Pinkett Smith
Writer: Bobby Smith Jr.
External Links: Wikipedia Rotten Tomatoes IMDb Language: English Country: USA
Plot: The story of a young man, Jason (Allen Payne) who must confront his trauma-induced insecurity about love, as well as a sense of owed responsibility to his mother and troubled brother Joshua (Bokeem Woodbine). Jason, an assistant manager and sales clerk at an electronics store, falls in love with Lyric (Jada Pinkett Smith) and finds happiness, but his family history and mentally ill war veteran father, Maddog (Forest Whitaker) plague his life's plans before he can leave it all for a better life.
Rotten Tomatoes: Two inner-city youths find love on the hard streets of Houston. Each has personal problems to work through, and is wary of emotional attachments. Jason is haunted by the memory of his father's death and feels responsible for his brother's violent behavior. Lyric is strong and passionate, but doesn't want to to give her love to another just to see it snuffed out by the violence around her. Together they learn to let go of fear and guilt and dream of a better life.
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61% (2) A Price Above Rubies 117 min, R, [Drama, Romance] [Boaz Yakin] [25 Mar 1998]Ratings & Reviews: IMDb Reviews: 66%, Rotten Tomatoes: 57%, External Reviews
Awards: 2 nominations.
Actors: Allen Payne, Christopher Eccleston, Julianna Margulies, Renée Zellweger
Writer: Boaz Yakin
External Links: Wikipedia Rotten Tomatoes IMDb Language: English Country: UK, USA
Plot: About a young woman who is married to a devout Jew and the problems that trouble their marriage because of the woman wanting something more out of her life
Rotten Tomatoes: In this drama set in New York City, a Rabbi's wife defies her husband to go and work in the Manhattan diamond district.
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24% (2) The Walking Dead 88 min, R, [Drama, War] [Preston A. Whitmore II] [24 Feb 1995]Ratings & Reviews: IMDb Reviews: 48%, Rotten Tomatoes: 0%, External Reviews
Actors: Allen Payne, Eddie Griffin, Joe Morton, Vonte Sweet
Writer: Preston A. Whitmore II
External Links: Wikipedia Rotten Tomatoes IMDb Language: English Country: USA
Plot: In 1972 Vietnam, a group of United States Marines are sent in to rescue several POW officers. The Landing Zone (LZ) which should have been "cold" actually turns out to indeed be very "hot" (characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement ; very intense). Soon, after a short fight, only four of the soldiers are left alive. Later, the platoon which they were to meet the next day is entirely wiped out with the exception of one nut-case. The small group then arrives at the conclusion that they are all expendable decoys. Between all of the walking, talking, arguing and assaulting between the four soldiers, there are flashbacks to all of their contrite lives before serving in the Corps.
Rotten Tomatoes: Using relatively unknown actors, first-time screenwriter-director Preston A. Whitmore II examines the effects of the Vietnam War on four black Marines sent on a doomed prisoner-of-war rescue mission. The four men are what's left of a platoon that's been decimated after landing behind enemy lines. In charge is Sergeant Barkley (Joe Morton), a no-nonsense, Bible-quoting preacher who is leading three privates to find a POW camp in an abandoned temple. Cole Evans (Allen Payne) is an intellectual who is highly political, racially proud, and a devoted family man. Joe Brooks (Vonte Sweet) is a cheerful, naïve, and brave young soldier. Hoover Branche (Eddie Griffin) is a dope-smoking, foul-mouthed rebel who hates the war and fights the sergeant constantly. They eventually are joined by a crazy, bloodthirsty white soldier, Pippins (Roger Floyd). Flashbacks reveal why each character joined the Marines. Pippins entered the recruiting office to escape rival gang members who were trying to kill him. Brooks enlisted to impress his girlfriend. Branche signed up after being fired from a meat-packing plant for stealing a ham that he used as admission to a party where he wanted to woo a girl. Evans enlisted because bigoted real estate agents prevented him from buying a decent home for his family in L.A. -- he intended to become a Marine officer so that he can get free housing. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
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