Troy Winbush Movies
- 2007
Real-life rap artist Snoop Dog guests in this episode as fictional rapper Murderuss, who is accused of killing his musical rival Extra Large (Marcello Thedford). Monk (Tony Shalhoub) does his best to clear Murderuss, but all the circumstantial evidence is against the singer: his trademark pocket watch was used to trigger the bomb that wiped out Extra Large, and Murderuss' famous gold chain was used to strangle the first victim's chauffeur. Before long, even Monk is persuaded of Murderuss' guilt--but he's afraid to drop the case for fear of incurring the rapper's rath--er, wrath. The solution to the crime...comes in a rhyme...in the nick of time. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
It's a battle for humanity in this faith-based thriller from ChristianCinema.com and filmmaker Kevin Downes. In a dystopic future, humankind has been oppressed by a fascist government supported by the Community Police Force (CPF). But when three political prisoners escape from death row and join a Christian resistance, salvation could be at hand. Along with Downes, Six: The Mark Unleashed stars Stephen Baldwin and Eric Roberts. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Stephen Baldwin, David White, (more)
- 2002
A high schooler with a huge collection of video games is murdered and a three-year-old girl is shot and killed in her crib. Investigating the high-school case, the detectives are stymied by contradictory evidence, and by the presence of a weird suspect named Swirly (Josh Zuckerman), who lives with his even weirder mother. And while tackling the case of the dead three-year-old, Connie (Charlotte Ross) and Rita (Jacqueline Obradors) trace the gunfire to an engagement party on a lower floor. In off-the-job developments, John Jr. (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) tries to reach out to his taciturn dad (Joe Spano); Andy (Dennis Franz) and Connie may get together; and gay cop John (Bill Brochtrup) prepares to visit Africa with his new significant other. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Henry Simmons
Previously, and brilliantly, adapted as an opera by Georges Bizet, the Prosper Merimee novel Carmen served as the inspiration for this updated made-for-cable movie. Set in contemporary Los Angeles, the film stars Beynoce Knowles of Destiny's Child as the seductive Carmen, no longer an employee in a cigarette factory but instead an aspiring actress. The "Don Jose" character has become a cop named Sgt. Derek Hill (Mekhi Phifer), who after being ordered by his corrupt superior officer Frank Miller (played by rapper Mos Def) to arrest Carmen for her involvement in a bar fight, falls hopelessly--and tragically--in love with her. After leading Hill down the path to perdition, Carmen deserts him, not out of love for bullfighter Escamillo but for a top-40 rap star named Blaze (Casey Lee). Although the familiar Bizet melodies are heard as linking music, the main musical score is a complete original, composed by Kip Collins. MTV's Hip Hopera: Carmen first aired over the titular cable network on May 9, 2001. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Beyoncé Knowles, Mekhi Phifer, (more)
- 2000
A lengthy spell of calm weather may cost professional stormchaser Calvin (Randall Batinkoff) his job with the National Severe Storm Labs. Then, almost miraculously, Calvin's territory is struck by a series of devastating tornadoes. Trouble is, the locals are blaming God for all the destruction, meaning that Tess (Della Reese) is going to have to work overtime to defend her Boss. At the same time, Monica (Roma Downey) hopes to persuade Calvin to stop allowing anger and selfishness to govern his life--but it is a lost child in the center of a violent storm that ultimately puts Calvin on the right track. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Made for television, Heart of Fire stars Patrick Duffy as Max Tucker, a veteran firefighter who has seen so much in his lifetime that he regards himself immune to the tragedies and heartaches of the world. Tucker's cynicism is put to the test when he tries to save a little girl named Katy (Alex McKenna), trapped beneath a burning tanker. Though the other firefighters have given up the girl for dead, Tucker puts his own life on the line in hopes of pulling off an "impossible" rescue--and restoring his faith in miracles. Produced by Arnold Shapiro of Rescue 911 fame, Heart of Fire (cable TV title: The Tanker Incident) first aired January 7, 1997 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
The frozen body of a baby is found, whereupon the child's mother falls under suspicion for causing the infant's death. The woman insists that the real villain is slumlord Iris Colman (Karen Lynn Gorney), who cites the "rent laws" as her excuse to deny proper heating to her tenants. But another resident of the same apartment building offers up an entirely different story. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
With his parents' guarded permission, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) arranges to have a dinner date with Cheryl (Vanessa Williams) in the Huxtable home. Just before the big event, in walks Ellen (Troy Beyer), the girl friend of Theo's pal Denny (Troy Winbush), who wants to discuss Denny's upcoming birthday party with Theo. Inadvertently mixing wines with her antihistamines, Ellen ends up falling asleep in Cliff and Clair's bedroom. As a nervous Theo tries to hide the unconscious Clair from both his parents and Denny, Cheryl finally shows up--and she's no mood for explanations! Previously slated to air on two separate occasions in the fall of 1990, this episode marks the last regular appearance of Joseph C. Phillips as Martin Kendall. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
With the rest of the family out of town, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) has the Huxtable house all to himself. Taking advantage of the sitaution, Theo's pals Howard (Reno Wilson) and Denny (Troy Winbush) talk hm into throwing a small, intimate party for themselves and their girl friends. You guessed it: The festivities quickly get out of hand and the house is overrun with a plague of uninvited guests, who wreak both havoc and damage in equal measure--and worst of all, Theo's girl never shows up! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Cliff (Bill Cosby) braves a terrific rainstorm to purchase a few extra ingredients for the Huxtables' Thanksgiving dinner--only to be forced back into the deluge time and again because he keeps forgetting one "little" item after another. To top off the situation, Martin's ex-wife Paula (Victoria Rowell) shows up unexpectedly. How will Denise (Lisa Bonet) react upon meeting her matrimonial predecessor face-to-face? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Even though it was his idea that he and Justine (Michelle Thomas) should start dating other people, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is riled when he sees Justine in the company of a guy named Scott (Harold Perrineau Jr.)--so much so that he makes a fool of himself in public. Seeking a paranormal method of getting rid of Scott, Theo solicits the aid of a "spiritual scientist" named Dr. Lotus (Moses Gunn). The good doctor is more than willing to place a hex on the troublesome Scott--provided that Theo can come up with an 800-dollar fee! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
When Theo's buddy Denny (Troy Winbush) finds a valuable designer watch, his friends pressure him into giving the timepiece to his girlfriend Jade (Vanessa Williams) as a present. Unfortunately, the watch turns out to be stolen, and both Jade and Denny end up at the local cop shop. Though this crisis is resolved, Jade is so mad at Denny that she dumps him on the spot--and in his efforts to bring the couple back together, Cliff(Bill Cosby) as usual makes things all that much worse! Featured in the cast is Don Reed, who'd previously played Chip St. Charles on the Cosby Showspinoff A Different World. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Hoping to impress their prom dates--and to one-up their friend who has rented a limo for the occasion--Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), Denny (Troy Winbush) and Smitty (Adam Sandler) pool their resources and engage the services of a helicopter! Alas, the "big night" flight proves to be a disaster; in fact, the boys and their dates don't even make it to the prom. In his efforts to help his son save face--and to make up for not escorting his wife Clair (Phylicia Rashad) to HIS prom way back when--Cliff (Bill Cosby) ends up hosting an impromptu dance party in the Huxtable living room. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Aspiring to become her school's first male drum major, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) is thwarted by the "good ol' boy" chauvinism of the student jury. Exerting pressure on his friends, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) forces the jury to hold another audition, but doesn't let Vanessa know what has happened--while she assumes that the new audition is being conducted solely because of her "dazzling" talent! Meanwhile, Grandpa Russell (Earle Hyman) has a lot of trouble repaying a long-standing debt to his old musician pal Slim Claxton (Dub Taylor), who stubbornly refuses to accept the money. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
An uncomfortable Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) tries to avoid visiting his friend Jake (Christopher Collet), who is hospitalized with cancer. Finally, Theo works up the courage to drop in on Jake, who uses humor and good cheer to make things easier for his friend--even though he himself isn't quite as confident about his future as he seems to be. Elsewhere, Elvin (Geoffrey Owens) drops in on the Huxtables and immediately gets into trouble by doing a spot-on impersonation of Cliff (Bill Cosby). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Now free to date the gorgeous Julia (Naomi Campbell), Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is nervous about talking to the girl. His pal Denny generously offers to act as intermediary--and guess, just GUESS who winds up with Julia. On the rebound, Theo goes back to former girlfriend Justine (Michelle Thomas), but she's not interested anymore. Meanwhile, Cliff (Bill Cosby) proves to be a stern and exacting taskmaster as Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) performs numerous household chores to repay a loan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Thanks to his mom Clair's connections, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) manages to get hold of two tickets to the next taping of his favorite TV music show "Dance Mania", and takes his pal Cockroach (Carl Anthony Payne II in his final series appearance) along as guest. Unfortunately, only one of the boys is allowed on the dance floor due to the fire code, so Theo gallantly lets Cockroach take his place--never dreaming that Cockroach would actually accept! The result: Cockroach becomes a classroom celebrity, and Theo goes ballistic! Watch for a young Adam Sandler, making the first of several appearances as high-schooler Smitty. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is upset when his sister Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) accepts a date from his friend Lyle (Dennis Singletary), who has a habit of boasting about his "conquests" in the school locker room. Sure enough, the next day Lyle is claiming that he has "scored" with Vanessa, and Theo is outraged. It not only turns out that Lyle is full of hot air, but it is also revealed that Theo is far more concerned about his own reputation than Vanessa's! Elsewhere, Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) performs a magic trick which baffles her dad Cliff (Bill Cosby). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1984
The series that literally rescued the moribund situation comedy genre from oblivion, NBC's The Cosby Show made its first appearance on September 20, 1984. By the time its first season was over, the series was the second-highest-rated program in the country, enabling NBC to build a brand-new sitcom empire with such popular offerings as Frasier, Seinfeld, and Friends. Bill Cosby was of course the creator of the series, in concert with the Carsey-Werner Company, whose later efforts included Roseanne, 3rd Rock From the Sun, and That '70s Show. Cosby played the leading character, Dr. Cliff Huxtable, a successful obstetrician who lived in a fashionable Brooklyn townhouse with his attorney wife, Clair (played by Phylicia Ayers-Allen, later billed as Phylicia Rashad). The couple's children included daughters Sondra (Sabrina Le Beauf), Denise (Lisa Bonet), Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe), and Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and son Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner). Among the many other characters were Cliff's dad, Russell (Earle Hyman), and mom, Anna (Clarice Taylor); Sondra's boyfriend -- and later husband -- Elvin Tibedeaux (Geoffrey Owens); Theo's pal Cockroach (Carl Anthony Payne II); Rudy's friends Peter (Peter Costa) and Kenny (Deon Richmond); Vanessa's boyfriend Dabnis (William Thomas Jr.); Clair's second cousin, Bedford-Stuyvesant refugee Pam Turner (Erika Alexander); and Pam's friends Slida (Mushond Lee), Charmaine (Karen Malina White), and Lance (Allen Payne). Also, after briefly leaving the series to star in her own series, A Different World, Lisa Bonet returned in the role of Denise, then-married to Lt. Martin Kendall (Joseph C. Phillips) and stepmother of Martin's daughter, Olivia (Raven-Symone). Increasing the number of family members were Sondra and Elvin's twin children, Winnie and Nelson, played during the series' final season by Jessica Vaughn and Gary Gray. Unlike many sitcoms with African-American casts, The Cosby Show did not overemphasize its racial aspects, nor did it traffic in stereotypical characters or dialogue. Put simply, the Huxtables could have been any upper-middle-class family of any color, and it was their normality and universality that made the series a hit with viewers from all ethnic groups. The winner of innumerable industry awards, and America's top-rated sitcom for a remarkable five years in a row, The Cosby Show finished its network run on September 17, 1992, and has been a welcome fixture in the syndicated-rerun field ever since. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, (more)
Marshall Uzzle's 2002 direct-to-video horror picture A Light in the Darkness concerns Taylor Melnick (Matt Terzian), a former mental patient who is discharged after four years in a sanitarium. He returns to his hometown and runs head-first into his own psychoses, then decides to seek violent revenge against the town for the treatment he received, axe-in-hand. Geoffrey Lewis, Troy Beyer and the legendary Karen Black co-star. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Matt Terzian, Geoffrey Lewis, (more)
An upscale cookout leads to lots of comic misadventures in this raucous urban comedy. Having just lost his job at a soul food take-out joint, Cedric (Brian Hooks) gets the bad news that a local female crime kingpin has picked the wrong time to call in a large IOU he racked up some time back. Needing a fast buck, Cedric and some friends decide to stage a Hawaiian luau, and charge people for the privilege of enjoying the feast. However, what was to be a small, exclusive party becomes a massive neighborhood blowout, and everyone who is owed money by Cedric (a sizable list in itself) shows up expecting free food and entertainment. The Luau also features Maia Campbell, Faizon Love, and Troy Winbush. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brian Hooks, Maia Campbell, (more)
A man thinks he's found the woman of his dreams until he discovers someone else already had the same idea in this romantic comedy-drama with a primarily Hispanic cast. Mike (Jaime P. Gomez) is employed at a psychiatric hospital in California, where he meets Gabriela (Seidy Lopez), a young woman who is also working there while she completes her degree. Mike finds Gabriela to be sweet, charming, intelligent, and very beautiful, but there's a problem -- Gabriela has a fiancé, Pat (Zach Galligan). While Pat and Gabriela's relationship is hardly perfect -- she's very busy with work and school, and he's very devoted to his career -- Gabriela takes it very seriously, and Mike tries to resign himself to the fact that he and Gabriela are never going to be anything more than friends. But as they spend more time together, sparks begin to fly between Mike and Gabriela, forcing her to choose one man over the other. Completed in 2000, Gabriela found a distributor in 2001, when it was picked up by the independent distribution firm Power Point Films. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jaime Gomez, Seidy Lopez, (more)
Brian De Palma's Hollywood sanitization of Tom Wolfe's scabrous satire stars Tom Hanks as Sherman McCoy, the "master of the universe," a shallow Wall Street investor who makes millions while enjoying the good life and the sexual favors of Maria Ruskin (Melanie Griffith), a Southern belle golddigger. Sherman and Maria are driving back to Maria's apartment from the airport when Maria takes a wrong turn on the expressway and the two find themselves in the South Bronx. She sees a black youth approaching Sherman's car and Maria, frightened, guns the engine, running over the teenager and killing him. The two drive away and decide not to report the accident to the police. Meanwhile, indigent alcoholic journalist Peter Fallow (Bruce Willis), anxious for a story to make good with his editor, comes upon the hit-and-run tale through local black community activist, Reverend Bacon (John Hancock). Bacon plans to use the hit-and-run case as a rallying point for the black community, while Fallow recognizes the press coverage inherent in prosecuting the callow Sherman. As Sherman is brought to his knees, the New York community fragments into different factions who use the case to suit their own cynical political purposes. Finally, Sherman is left without any allies to support him except for the sympathetic Judge White (Morgan Freeman) and the remorseful Fallow. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, (more)
An impulsive but determined white principal brings order and respect to a predominantly African-American and Latino high school in this comedy-drama from the director of Young Guns and That Was Then, This Is Now. Rick Latimer (James Belushi), a high-school teacher, is in the process of a divorce when he sees his estranged wife at a bar having drinks with her attorney. Drunk and enraged, he smashes the guy's car up and receives a reprimand from the school board -- a new job as principal at rough-and-tumble Brandel High. Security guard Jake Phillips (Louis Gossett Jr.) is soon teaching his new boss the ropes, but Rick isn't willing to accept the violent and drug-ridden status quo. With a two-word motto -- "No More!" -- he sets about cleaning out the riff-raff, also taking time out to tutor students and get to know Jake. But when chief thug Victor (Michael Wright) refuses to back down, the violence escalates. Eventually, Victor's vengeance threatens the lives of steely history teacher Hilary Orozco (Rae Dawn Chong) -- and Rick himself. Kelly Minter, who plays one of Brandel High's troubled students, portrayed a dyslexic in the similarly themed Summer School the same year The Principal was released. Screenwriter Frank Deese would go on to write the Corey Haim/Corey Feldman vehicle License to Drive. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Belushi, Louis Gossett, Jr., (more)
