Ja Rule Movies
Born in the Hollis section of Queens in 1976, deep-voiced rapper Ja Rule had made many allies in hardcore rap by 2000. He was aligned with DMX's Ruff Ryders, Jay-Z's Rock-a-Fella label, and producer Irv Gotti's group Murder Inc. Ja Rule had only started recording in 1995, and by 1999, his single "Holla Holla" went gold and he was on Def Jam's Hard Knock Life Tour. Differentiating himself from his peers, he started a parallel acting career while consistently churning out hit records. His feature film debut was a starring role as the shifty friend of Pras (formerly of the Fugees) in Turn It Up, a film based on the solo debut record from Pras, Ghetto Superstar. He also appeared alongside Pras and superstar rapper Eminem that same year in the Blair Witch parody Da Hip Hop Witch. Ja Rule continued to play himself in films as a rap performer, but he also accepted straight acting roles. In 2001, he appeared in the street-racing action flick The Fast and the Furious, and in 2002, he was Steven Seagal's ally on death row in Half Past Dead. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi- 2007
Mischa Barton, Beau Bridges, and Ja Rule star in director Luke Kasdan's drama concerning an engaged Manhattan couple who must tend to the needs of an ill family patriarch. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Mischa Barton, Beau Bridges, (more)
Viewers are offered a behind-the-scenes look at the "Stop Snitching" campaign in this documentary that speaks with prominent members of the hip-hop community about law enforcement efforts to undermine powerful crime syndicates by employing confidential informants. What began as a simple t-shirt slogan has subsequently exploded into a nation-wide movement that many have criticized as nothing more than organized witness intimidation that effectively encourages criminal behavior. Now the biggest names in rap music have come together to debate whether the "Stop Snitching" movement is simply a street-savvy code of honor and dependability, or a desperate attempt for criminals who fear betrayal to justify their unlawful behavior. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 2006
Michael Paré, Danny Trejo, Ja Rule, and Tom Sizemore star in this nightmarish tale of a maximum security prison overtaken by a malevolent supernatural force. Upon entering into a notorious penitentiary to explore a gruesome series of deaths, Detective Michael Turner (Paré) discovers that his latest case may not be as cut and dry as he initially suspected. It seems that these cold concrete halls are home to not only some of the world's most dangerous criminals, but also a force beyond human comprehension. Now, as this vengeful entity lashes out and the body count begins to rise, the hardened inmates struggle desperately to stay alive and the tireless detective works around the clock to reverse this deadly curse. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ja Rule, Michael Paré, (more)
This concert title features a number of performances by Ja Rule recorded uringa German tour in 2005. The setlist consists of well over a dozen tracks including "Between Me and You," "Murder Reigns," "Always On Time," "Thug Lovin'," and "Ain't It Funny." ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ja Rule
- 2005
Spend a wild weekend in Miami for less than the cost of room service in this release that brings all the hedonism of South Beach right to your television. Trick Daddy and Trina will be there to get the party started, and when Ja Rule and Ruff Ryders show up you know the party is going to go to the break of dawn. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
This action-packed remake of the John Carpenter classic tells the tale of an under-manned Detroit police precinct on its last day of operation that finds itself under siege by a ruthless force that will not stop. This time, a notorious cop-killer and mobster Marion Bishop (Laurence Fishbourne) is unexpectedly brought into the precinct during a blizzard on New Year's Eve, much to the dismay of police sergeant Jake Roenick (Ethan Hawke). By nightfall, the remaining cops and prisoners find themselves fighting for their lives against a group of rogue cops intent on taking down Bishop before he testifies against them in the courtroom. Now it's up to the officers, secretaries, and inmates on the inside to band together just to survive this one night. Also starring Gabriel Byrne, John Leguizamo, Drea de Matteo, and Brian Dennehy. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ethan Hawke, Laurence Fishburne, (more)
When Todd Anderson (Storm P) signs a 30-million-dollar contract with the New Jersey Nets after being named the number one NBA draft pick of the year, his mother (Jenifer Lewis) vows to prevent her son from forgetting his roots. Not used to balancing his new life with his old, Todd mistakenly invites family and friends from his old neighborhood to his multi-million-dollar house for a cookout on the same day of an important endorsement interview. Though his extravagant family cookouts were welcome at his old digs, Todd's stuffy new neighbors -- particularly the conservative Republican Judge Halsted Crowley (Danny Glover) -- are less than thrilled with the arrival of Todd's massive family. Complicating the situation further is the eccentric neighborhood security guard (Queen Latifah), who takes on the heady assignment of ensuring that none of the private community's rules are broken, as well as two thugs who, determined to get an autographed pair of sneakers, hold up the cookout at gunpoint. Directed by Lance Rivera, The Cookout also features performances from Ja Rule, Eve, Farrah Fawcett, and Jonathan Silverman. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ja Rule, Tim Meadows, (more)
Directed by Peter Chelsom, this film is the English-language remake of Masayuki Suo's 1995 romantic comedy of the same name; the Japanese version earned a record-breaking 9.5 million dollars in United States box offices. Shall We Dance? revolves around John Clark (Richard Gere), a workaholic Chicago lawyer who, despite a respectable paycheck and loving family, is unable to shake the feeling that something in his life is missing. On a whim, John disrupts his normal evening commute to attend a dance class in hopes of meeting Paulina (Jennifer Lopez), a beautiful dance teacher he would occasionally spot gazing out of the studio windows. Though Paulina quickly lays to rest any preconceived romantic notions John may have had about her, she nonetheless forms a bond with him that goes beyond those normally held by a teacher and student. Invigorated with his new hobby, John focuses his newfound enthusiasm into training for an upcoming dance competition; however, he chooses not to let his wife (Susan Sarandon) in on his plans. Unaware that dance may be, in fact, saving her marriage, John's wife becomes suspicious of all the time he spends away from home and hires a private investigator to find out whether or not her husband is having an affair. Ultimately, John is forced to examine how his old dreams fit in to his new life. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Starring:
- Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, (more)
Join up-and-coming comic "Shawty Whatmynameis" as he and three gorgeous ladies travel from Atlanta to Miami in hopes of making it to The Source Awards in this hip-hop reality movie that captures all of the energy and hype of the music industry's most happening awards show. From the inner-workings of the Source headquarters in New York to red carpet, this release offers viewers a backstage pass to hip hip paradise. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
A young man is torn by divided loyalty in this hard-edged urban drama. Reggie (Ja Rule) was raised by his father (Giancarlo Esposito) after a violent incident in the neighborhood where he lived with his mother (Pam Grier). While Reggie has been encouraged to take up a life of crime by his older friend and street mentor J-Bone (Ving Rhames), his father thinks Reggie has a good head for business and urges him to use his smarts rather than his gun. When Reggie's father is murdered, J-Bone takes the young man under his wing, but as a consequence of their friendship, Reggie is linked to the killing of a local preacher -- whose daughter (Tatyana Ali) is Reggie's girlfriend. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ja Rule, Ving Rhames, (more)
While star Anna Faris returns for the third film in the Scary Movie series, the power behind the camera has shifted from the Wayans brothers to one of the Zucker brothers. The Zucker in question is David Zucker, and he's brought along his partner in movie-parody crime, Leslie Nielsen. This time around, aim is taken at such horror blockbusters as Signs and The Ring, while films of other genres, including Independence Day, 8 Mile, and The Matrix, are also lampooned. The plot finds Cindy (Faris) trying to help the president (Nielsen) thwart an alien attack while also facing crop circles and a mysterious video tape. In the spirit of the two Matrix sequels, Scary Movie 3 was shot back-to-back with Scary Movie 4. Queen Latifah, Charlie Sheen, and Eddie Griffin also star. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- Starring:
- Anna Faris, Anthony Anderson, (more)
- 2002
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Hip-hop label Slip 'n' Slide Records has thrown one of the wildest beach parties to ever hit South Beach, and this video is your invitation to join in on the good times. Slip 'N' Slide: All Star Weekend features Trick Daddy and Trina playing host as they visit comedy shows, all-night beach parties, concert performances, basketball games, and women showing off the latest in beach attire as a parade of rap stars stop by to check out the action. Guest stars include Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Tre +6, Lost Tribe, Deuce Poppi, and members of the Ruff Ryders posse. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Action hero Steven Seagal goes behind bars -- though don't worry, he isn't really a bad guy -- in this action thriller. Sascha Petrosevitch (Seagal) is an FBI agent working undercover to infiltrate a gangland kingpin's operations. While Petrosevitch is able to gain the trust of one of the gangster's lieutenants, Nick Frazier (Ja Rule), things go haywire during an FBI raid, and Petrosevitch takes several slugs in the back as he struggles to maintain his cover. Eight months later, Petrosevitch and Frazier are serving time together in the newly refurbished Alcatraz Penitentiary, as Petrosevitch secretly continues his investigation. Prison warden Hubbard (Stephen J. Cannell) is arranging for the execution of convicted killer and thief Lester (Bruce Weitz), and U.S. Supreme Court justice Jane McPherson (Linda Thorson) has announced she will attend as a witness. But Hubbard's assistant Donny (Morris Chestnut) has devised a secret plan -- it seems Lester stole and stashed away 200 million dollars in gold before he was arrested, and Donny, along with an underground SWAT team, takes control of the prison and takes Hubbard, McPherson, and the other assembled dignitaries hostage, demanding to be told where Lester has hidden his fortune. Now Petrosevitch must drop his cover and persuade his allies within the prison -- including Frazier and Little Joe (Michael "Bear" Taliferro) -- to join him in a desperate bid to foil Donny and free the hostages. Half Past Dead also features Nia Peeples, Kurupt, Tony Plana, and Claudia Christian. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steven Seagal, Morris Chestnut, (more)
Hip-Hop VIPs contains performances and interviews with 19 hip-hop artists. Filmed entirely in New York City, this video includes interviews with Dr. Dre, Ja Rule, Method Man, and a little-seen segment with Aaliyah. Others featured include Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Eve. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
A magazine article about real-life car racing gangs for Vibe becomes this fast-paced automotive thriller from director Rob Cohen. Paul Walker stars as Brian O'Conner, a youthful FBI agent investigating a series of hijackings by going undercover with a street gang led by charismatic Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). Caught up in Toretto's world of gang conflict that is resolved in late-night car races, Spindler starts to sympathize with his chief suspect and falls in love with Toretto's younger sister Mia (Jordana Brewster). In the meantime, Spindler initially suspects the wrong gang of complicity in the crimes he's probing, while Toretto remains involved in a forbidden romance, à la Romeo and Juliet, with his girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). The Fast and the Furious co-stars Ted Levine, Rick Yune, and Matt Schulze. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, (more)
- 2001
This 2001 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by John Goodman and features musical guest Ja Rule. ~ Skyler Miller, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Goodman, Ja Rule, (more)
Hip hop stars Ice T, Snoop Dogg, and Ja Rule appear in this gritty drama about two young men working on the lowest rungs of a criminal syndicate. Billy and Jackie imagine that crime ought to be paying better than it has been, and they're eager to move on to bigger and better things. When the two are approached by the leader of another crime syndicate to perform a high-level assassination, they agree, but they soon bring chaos to their neighborhood and a world of danger upon themselves. Crime Partners was the debut feature from director J. Jesses Smith; the film was based on a novel by Al C. Clark, a pen name for the controversial African-American author Donald Goines. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tyrin Turner, John "B.J." Bryant, (more)
Rap musicians find something new to be afraid of in this hip-hop-themed parody of The Blair Witch Project. A supernatural being known as "The Black Witch in the Project" is terrorizing some of the biggest names in rap music, and a number of performers fear for their lives -- so much so that The Street Don, an underground music tycoon, is offering a reward of $10 million to whoever can find and capture the witch. As The Street Don presents daily television reports on the witch's latest victims, everyone who can scare up the courage (and needs the money badly enough) hits the streets looking for the she-demon, while a number of rappers discuss their own horrifying encounters with the Black Witch. Da Hip Hop Witch features appearances by top-selling recording artists Eminem, Mobb Deep, Pras, Ja Rule, Vitamin C, Killah Priest, Spliff Star, and Vanilla Ice. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
In 1998, rapper Jay-Z's third album, Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life made him one of hip-hop's biggest crossover acts, with the single "Hard Knock Life" becoming a major hit on radio and the sales charts. In 1999, Jay-Z, who also runs the hip-hop oriented Rock-A-Fella Records label, launched a major concert tour, in which he joined forces with fellow rappers Method Man, DMX, and Redman for a road trip that packed halls at 54 shows in two months, earning $18 million at the turnstiles. This documentary takes a close look at the music Jay-Z and his friends created onstage, as well as their adventures -- both positive and negative -- as they take one of rap's biggest shows on the road. Hard Knock Life Tour also features new music from The Lox, Memphis Bleek, and T-Boz from the R&B group TLC. Incidentally, if the title sounds a bit familiar to non-rap fans, it may be because it was sampled from a song featured in the musical Annie. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Prakazrel Michel, better known as Pras from the top-selling R&B group The Fugees, stars in this urban drama based on both his solo album Ghetto Superstar and his novel of the same name. Diamond (Pras) is an up-and-coming musician who is trying to use his creative gifts to work his way out of the ghetto after the traumatic death of his mother. But he soon discovers that the music industry is nearly as corrupt and dangerous as the streets he's trying to leave behind, and Diamond is guided into a life of crime by his shady friend Gage (Ja Rule). In addition, Diamond must content with the unexpected pregnancy of his girlfriend Tamara (Tamala Jones), and attempts by his father Cliff (Vondie Curtis-Hall) to mend their contentious relationship. Turn It Up, which was produced under the title Ghetto Superstar, also features Eugene Clark and Patricia Velasquez. Madonna helped to produce the film through her production company, Madguy Films. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
The entrepreneurs of hip-hop offer a an informative crash course in making money in this release designed to offer helpful advice to young urban Americans looking to get ahead in the game of life. As a whole host of behind-the-scenes players, athletes, singers, and hip-hop artists including 50 Cent, Game, and Russell Simmons share their stories of fame and success, viewers are treated to an insider's look at some of the hottest hip-hop happenings across the country, and what lies in store for those who strive to overcome life's obstacles and live out their dreams. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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