Patti LaBelle Movies
Born Patricia Holt. Black singer/actress, onscreen from the '80s. ~ All Movie Guide
The American Basketball Association is on the verge of collapse, and when a former NBA benchwarmer returns to his hometown of Flint, MI, to whip his former team into shape for the playoffs, redemption is just a free throw away in this period sports comedy starring Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson. Penned by Old School scribe Scot Armstrong, Semi-Pro tells the tale of a 1970s-era basketball player who doesn't have much luck in the NBA, but vows to leave his mark on the sport by coaching the Flint Tropics. When the upstart ABA league agrees to be absorbed by the NBA, only four teams will be allowed in. Jackie Moon (Ferrell) must orchestrate a successful season both on the court, and financially off the court with the help of many odd promotional events, in order to remain in the sport he loves. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, (more)
A woman accused could be either a killer or a victim in this psychological drama from director Bill Duke. Valerie Maas (Aunjanue Ellis) is a God-fearing housewife and artist who one day finds herself in a situation she never imaged possible -- being questioned on murder charges by no-nonsense police detective Hicks (Lou Gossett Jr.) and Simmons (Clifton Davis), a district attorney eager to close this case. As Valerie repeatedly insists she's not a murderer, she tells the story of the last several months of her life. Valerie's husband, Dutch (Razaaq Adoti), is a psychiatrist with a practice in Atlanta who was offered a high-paying job by his old friend Monica (Paula Jai Parker), who works at a hospital in Philadelphia. Dutch takes the job and Valerie dutifully follows, and as she seeks solace in the women's support group at local church, Dutch spends more and more time with drug-abusing Monica, her wealthy but disinterested husband, Kevin (Roger Guenveur Smith), and obsessively womanizing musician Ryan Chambers (Leon). As Valerie's marriage begins to fall apart, she suspects her husband is being unfaithful, but she's shocked to discover the truth is more complicated than she imagined. Cover also stars Vivica A. Fox, Patti LaBelle, and Mya Harrison. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Gossett, Jr., Vivica A. Fox, (more)
- 2007
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This concert features appearances by a number of popular R&B and Gospel performers including Kirk Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and John Legend offering renditions of songs designed to bring the listener closer to God. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patti LaBelle, John Legend, (more)
OutKast duo André "Andre 3000" Benjamin and Antwan Andre "Big Boi" Patton star as two Prohibition-era performers determined to fend off the vicious gangsters currently attempting to gain a stake in the pair's lucrative club in this musical drama directed by longtime collaborator Bryan Barber and featuring choreography by three-time Tony award winner Hinton Battle. In the 1930s, Idlewild was the hottest speakeasy in the South thanks to the impressive showmanship of flamboyant manager/lead performer Rooster (Patton) and the notable talents of introverted pianist Percival (Benjamin). Everything changes, however, when a powerful gangster and his ruthless henchmen move in on the scene with every intention of landing a healthy portion of the club's considerable profits. Ving Rhames, Terrence Howard, Faizon Love, Patti LaBelle, Macy Gray, Ben Vereen, and Cicely Tyson co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- André Benjamin, Antwan Andre Patton, (more)
- 2005
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Rock and roll legends The Who come alive for a whole new generation of fans in this release that offers a collection of unforgettable live performances. In addition to a stunning live performance of Tommy featuring special guest stars Elton John, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Patty Labelle, and Steve Winwood, this three-disc release also offers a live 1996 performance of Quadrophenia, and three more sets featuring such classics as "Boris the Spider", "Who Are You?", and "The Acid Queen". ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
A pair of estranged twins driven apart by the death of their parents find reconciliation and redemption after following radically different paths in life in director Charles Randolph-Wright's righteous tale of sibling rivalry and divine intervention. Upon losing their parents, twin brothers Teshawn (Billöah Greene) and Wesley Tucker (Darien Sills-Evans) each attempt to deal with the devastating blow in their own personal ways. While Wesley falls back on his faith by becoming a respected Harlem minister, Teshawn breaks into the music business by transforming himself into thuggish gangsta rapper Zulu. With his star on the rise and the future looking bright, Teshawn is suddenly forced to flee his West Coast home for the safety of Harlem when vengeful record producer Bull Sharky (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) vows to put an end to more than just his recording career. As Teshawn seeks sanctuary in the open arms of his forgiving brother and the gospel church, his work with the failing church choir offers fulfilling sense of community that soon leads him into the arms of attractive churchgoer Kia (Janine Green) -- a no-nonsense woman of God who holds Harlem's rich history near and dear to her heart. Now, as Bull Sharky and violent his crew begin knocking down doors in a desperate attempt to locate the exiled hip-hop star, Teshawn and Wesley are compelled to confront the past in order to clear the path for a brighter future. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Billöah Greene, Darien Sills-Evans, (more)
- 2003
Something of a cross-breed between American Idol and The Real World, this cable TV reality series drew its participants from five different cities: Miami, London, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and New York. Though the young ladies chosen were undeniably talented musically, it was the purpose of the series to instruct them in the intricacies of "diva behavior." To that end, the girls lived in the same penthouse apartment for two months, where they were drilled by such pop-artist experts as Patti LaBelle, Gloria Estefan, Lisa Stansfield, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child, and the two surviving members of TLC. After a live talent showcase, the five semi-finalists were whittled down to three, with the viewers voting for the ultimate winner on the final episode. Born to Diva originally ran from April 28 to May 22, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
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One of R&B's greatest divas, Patti LaBelle has been one of the finest vocalists in soul music in a career that's spanned five decades, and this live video, recorded on-stage at New York City's Manhattan Center in 2000, finds her still at the top of her form. Patti LaBelle: Live! One Night Only features LaBelle singing 20 songs, including "When You Talk About Love," "I Believe I Can Fly," "New Attitude," "Sparkle," "On My Own," and "If You Asked Me To." Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey also make special guest appearances. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1993
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) lands a lucrative job with the Kineshawa company--one that will force him and Whitley (Jasmine Guy) to move to Japan. En route to her new home, Whitley delivers her baby, somewhat to the surprise of her friends, who hadn't even been informed that she was pregnant. Back at Hillman, Ron (Darryl M. Bell) prepares to sue Dwayne for copyright infringement, thereby alienating Freddie (Cree Summer); and Kim (Charnele Brown) and Spencer (Michael Ralph) announce their engagement. Though intended as the series finale for A Different World, this episode was ultimately followed by seven "leftover" episodes, two of which did not air until the series left NBC and entered syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In the first episode of a two-part story, Whitley's overbearing mother Marion (Diahann Carroll) visits Whitley (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison). It's bad enough that Whitley is unable to admit that she's lost her job; it's even worse when she meets Marion's much-younger boyfriend Malik (Nestor Carbonell). But the fur doesn't really begin to fly until Dwayne's mom Adele (Patti LaBelle) shows up, still unable to forgive her son for marrying Whitley without her O.K., and absolutely unprepared to make nice-nice with Marion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Thanksgiving dinner at the home of Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley (Jasmine Guy) degenerates into a slapstick food fight, thanks to the couple's respective mothers Adele (Patti LaBelle) and Marion (Diahann Carroll). Later on, the two warring moms land in jail after getting involved in a rally-turned-riot for starving Haitians, organized by the well-meaning Freddie (Cree Summer) and attended by Marion's new "boy toy" Malik (Nestor Carbonell). Fortunately, Adele and Marion finally settle their differences when they discover that Dwayne and Whitley are flat broke; unfortunately, the bungled rally causes a rift between Freddie and her activist boyfriend Shazza (Gary Dourdan). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Whitley (Jasmine Guy) is outraged that her fiance Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) has been dating an attractive science professor, and never mind that it was Whitley's own bad attitude that drove Dwayne away from her. At the same time, Whitley's mom Marion (iahann Carroll) and Dwayne's mom Adele (Patti LaBelle) meet for the first time--and detest each other on sight. Eventually, Marion and Adele negotiate a temporary detente...which, alas, is more than can be said for Whitley and Dwayne. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
One of R&B greatest divas, Patti LaBelle, belts out a selection of old hits, new favorites, standards, and pop classics in this very special concert video, recorded live at New York's famed Apollo Theater. Patti LaBelle: Live in New York includes "New Attitude," "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)," "Rush Rush," "From a Distance," "Lady Marmalade," "Over the Rainbow," and many more. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Enjoy the sounds of Patti LaBelle with titles such as "Lady Marmalade," "You Are My Friend" and "Stir It Up" among others. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1990
Kinu (Alisa Gyse-Dickens) is in a monumentally rotten mood because Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) can't get his mind off Whitley (Jasmine Guy). Fed up with Kinu's overbearing attitude, Dwayne's roomie Ron (Darryl M. Bell) plots to get rid of her by hiring Whitley as his housekeeper. And Dwayne's mom Adele (Patti LaBelle) puts in her two cents' worth by striving to alienate both the women in her son's life. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
It's Christmas Time at the Wayne family household, and Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) has brought Whitley (Jasmine Guy) and Ron (Darryl M. Bell) along to join the celebration. Anxious to make a good impression on Dwayne's mom Adele (Patti LaBelle), Whitley buys her an expensive gift. Alas, not only is Adele unimpressed, but the gift ends up being ripped off by a phony Santa Claus (Stanley Brocks). Meanwhile, Ron is still on the outs with his dad for turning down the opportunity to join the family business. Guest star Patti LaBelle sing "Nothing Could Be Better". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Most TV movie reference books have given up mentioning the hundreds of unsold pilots that dot the video landscape. Parker Kane, originally telecast in 1990 and then rerun in 1992, is one of those orphans that has fallen through the research cracks. It's possible the film is due for a revival thanks to the present-day popularity of its star Jeff Fahey. Fahey plays Parker Kane, a cop turned private eye. Always a maverick, albeit an honest one, Kane supersedes the authority of his p.i. license when a close friend is murdered. The trail of clues leads to a major-scale scam involving the dumping of toxic waste. Guest star Patti LaBelle plays a nightclub singer during the less hectic moments of Parker Kane. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In the final episode of A Different World's third season, Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) is visited by his mother Adele (Patti LaBelle) as he prepares to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Confusion reigns when, while planning Dwayne's celebration party, Mrs. Wayne is mistaken for the "hired help". And upon learning that Julian (Dominic Hoffman) wants all the advantages of a sexual relationship without any of the responsibilities, Whitley (Jasmine Guy) turns to Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison) for a shoulder to cry on. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
- PG13
In this tuneful teen drama, two disparate high school students, he a street-wise Italian rebel and she a sweet naive Jewish girl, fall in love while preparing for the annual "Sing," a competition between seniors and the other grades attending Brooklyn schools. It is the caring school music teacher who involves the street-tough, for he sees tremendous talent in the youth. With the help of the teacher and the affection of the young woman, the angry youngster, mends his self-destructive ways and makes the annual musical a smashing success. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorraine Bracco, Peter Dobson, (more)
- 1989
The terrible crash of Delta Airlines Flight 191 provides the basis of this made-for-TV drama-in-real life. The disaster occurred at Dallas in 1985 and during that fateful night many of the ordinary passengers, crew, and rescue workers became true heroes as they worked together to save lives. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charles Haid, Angie Dickinson, (more)
Based on several actual case histories, Unnatural Causes stars John Ritter as a Vietnam veteran dying of Agent Orange poisoning. Alfre Woodard co-stars as real-life V.A. administration benefits counselor Maude DeVictor. Battling against official denials and bureaucratic red tape, Ms. DeVictor is finally able to expose the dangers of Agent Orange, and to assure full compensation for victims like Ritter (whose character is a composite). Featured in the cast are singer Patti LaBelle and Richard Anthony Crenna, son of veteran character actor Richard Crenna. Written for television by John Sayles (Return of the Secaucus Seven), Unnatural Causes was first telecast November 10, 1986. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Inspired by the Herman Melville novel Billy Budd, writer Charles Fuller created the Pulitzer Prize-winning A Soldier's Play, which he then adapted into this film drama in 1984, for socially conscious, liberal director Norman Jewison. In the racially-divided 1940s, Fort Neal, Louisiana, is a military base where black soldiers are sent not to fight in WWII but to play baseball against other armed forces teams. The murder of a black sergeant, Waters (Adolph Caesar) brings an investigator, Captain Davenport (Howard E. Rollins, Jr.) to the base. Davenport, the first black officer that most of the men have ever met, suspects that a pair of white men were responsible for Waters' death, but his probe reveals that nearly everyone, regardless of skin color, had ample reason to kill the loathsome but pitiable Waters. The cast of A Soldier's Story features early supporting performances from several African-American actors who would go on to greater prominence, including Denzel Washington, David Alan Grier, and Robert Townsend. The film was nominated for three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Caesar) and Best Adapted Screenplay. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard E. Rollins, Jr., Adolph Caesar, (more)
