David Alan Grier
Comedy vet and former In Living Color star David Alan Grier hosts this nightly dose of brutal, hot-button satire, tackling racially charged issues in a Daily Show style "fake news" format. Delivering every headline/punchline with the deadpan seriousness of a stately, buttoned-up news anchor, Grier addresses any topic dealing with race, prejudice, and the black community, unapologetically going for the laughs no matter how taboo the issue at hand. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
A successful 80s music producer turned wealthy stockbroker is drawn out of is longtime funk by a classically trained dancer who reignites his passion in life in director Fred Williamson's gritty psychological drama. Ricardo French (Richard Brooks) has long fallen out of the limelight. His days as a flashy musical producer are but a distant memory, and these days recovering alcoholic Ricardo directs most of his energy into staying sober. Richard has grown detached, but that all starts to change when he meets Lexie (Cindy Herron Braggs). Lexie is a classically trained dancer who has been forced into servitude for shady nightclub owner Rashid (Ice-T). The moment Richard sees Lexie take the stage, he's inspired again. Not only does he go back to writing music, but he makes it his mission to prove that he can still pen an undisputed hit. Yet as Richard makes his way back to the top, Lexie is being pulled beneath the undertow by the abusive ex-husband who's threatening to take her daughter away. Will these two lost souls be able to meet on a common ground, or are they destined to remain two passing ships in the night? ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Brooks, Ice-T, (more)

- 2008
- PG13
- AddAn American Carolto Queue
Ebenezer Scrooge gets the parody treatment from veteran writer/director David Zucker (Airplane!, Scary Movie 4) with this comedy starring Kevin Farley as a derisive documentarian (à la Michael Moore) who's visited by three ghosts intent on instilling the American spirit in the disillusioned filmmaker. Kelsey Grammer, Jon Voight, Leslie Nielsen, James Woods, and Dennis Hopper co-star in the Vivendi Entertainment production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Farley, Kelsey Grammer, (more)
The NBC comedy-"reality" series Thank God You're Here originated as an Australian series of the same name, hosted by Shane Bourne. The American version, hosted by David Allan Grier, followed the format of the original virtually to the letter. In each hour-long episode, four celebrities were thrust into the middle of four different, unscripted comedy sketches. The celebrities would know nothing about the plotline of the sketch, why they were there, or even what character they were supposed to be playing! All anyone could be sure of was that, once the celebrity walked through the door, he or she would be greeted with the cue line "Thank God you're here!" The ensuing improvisations--which ranged from hilarious to desperate--would be reviewed by judge Dave Foley. Among the series' guest performers were Jennifer Coolidge, Kevin Nealon, Kurtwood Smith, Jason Alexander, Tom Green, Fran Drescher, Fred Willard, Mo'nique, and Nicole Sullivan. The NBC version of Thank God You're Here premiered April 9, 2007. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Alan Grier, Dave Foley, (more)
Actress-turned-director Lori Petty makes her feature directorial debut with this period drama set in 1976 and exploring a typical day in the life of a decidedly atypical teen named Agnes. Some folks have the luxury of living each day to the fullest, but for Agnes every day is a grueling struggle for survival; her mother is strung-out on drugs, her home has been overrun by degenerates, and her only father figure is a pimp. For Agnes and her two younger sisters this particular day will be marked by both tragedy and triumph, but which will resonate most in the days and weeks to follow? Selma Blair, Bookeem Woodbine, and David Allan Grier star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Selma Blair, Jennifer Lawrence, (more)
Fate brings a childless couple a bundle of joy -- who happens to have a criminal record -- in this comedy directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans. Calvin Simms (Marlon Wayans) is a master criminal who with the help of his friend and sidekick, Percy (Tracy Morgan), plans a daring robbery of a museum where one of the world's largest diamonds is on display. One of reasons Calvin is able to get inside secure areas is his size -- Calvin is dwarf who stands less than two feet tall, and can slip in unnoticed where more conventionally sized people would not. While Calvin is able to get the diamond, he's nearly caught by the police while making his getaway, and stashes the jewel in a bag carried by a passerby. Eager to recover the diamond from the unwitting accomplice, Calvin and Percy figure out a way to get into his house -- they dress Calvin up as a baby, and leave him on the doorstep of the passerby's home. As it happens, the couple who live there (Shawn Wayans and Kerry Washington) have been wanting to have a baby, and they eagerly take the new arrival under their wing, embracing the joys of parenthood while ignoring some of the toddler's unusual behavior. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, (more)
Nora Ephron directed and co-wrote this updated adaptation of a classic situation comedy that also casts a satirical eye on the entertainment industry. Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is a movie star whose career has been going into a slow and steady decline. Desperate for a project that will give his reputation a jump start, Jack agrees to star in a film version of the once-popular television series Bewitched as hapless hubby Darrin Stephens, under the condition that an unknown actress be cast as the female lead so he won't be upstaged. After auditioning dozens of women who fail to make the grade, Jack meets lovely and charming Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman), and is immediately certain she's the perfect choice to play witch-turned-housewife Samantha. However, there's one thing neither Jack nor the producers of the film know -- Isabel really is a witch, and while she's been trying to get along without her powers to better fit in among mortals, she will use her special talents when need be. The film also stars Michael Caine as Isabel's father, Nigel, Shirley MacLaine as Iris Smythson (the actress hired to play Endora), and Jason Schwartzman as Jack's agent. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, (more)
L. Frank Baum's enduring fantasy story gets a new and very funny spin in this made-for-TV comedy. Dorothy (Ashanti) is a young woman who works in a diner in Kansas owned by her Aunt Em (Queen Latifah) and dreams of one day making it big as a singer. When a tornado makes its way through the trailer park Dorothy and Em call home, the young woman is spirited off to a magical land known as Oz, where she accidentally kills the most wicked witch in the land. Dorothy, however, isn't so sure she wants to stay, and sets off to find a wizard who might be able to help her. As Dorothy searches for the wizard's castle, she makes some friends along the way -- a scarecrow (Kermit the Frog, voiced by Steve Whitmire), a cowardly lion (Fozzie Bear, voiced by Eric Jacobson), a combination robot and computer made of tin (The Great Gonzo, voiced by Dave Goelz) -- but she also has to fend off The Wicked Witch of the West (Miss Piggy, voiced by Eric Jacobson), whose sister fell victim to Dorothy upon her arrival in the strange new land. Featuring most of the best-known Muppet Show characters, The Muppets' Wizard of Oz also features guest appearances by Jeffrey Tambor, David Alan Grier, and Quentin Tarantino. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ashanti, Queen Latifah, (more)
- Starring:
- The Rock
Writer/director Nicole Kassell makes her feature film debut with the drama The Woodsman. Co-written by Steven Fechter, the original script won first place at the Slamdance Screenplay Competition in 2001. Kevin Bacon plays Walter, a child molester who gets out of prison after serving a 12-year sentence. He returns to his old town and tries to start over by working at a woodyard. Fortunately, his brother-in-law (Benjamin Bratt) helps him get a place to live. He even strikes up a relationship with local gal Vickie (Bacon's real-life wife, Kyra Sedgwick). However, Walter still struggles with his past and the suspicions of co-worker Mary-Kay (Eve) and Detective Lucas (Mos Def). The Woodsman premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004 as part of the dramatic competition. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, (more)

- 2003
- PG13
- AddBlue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movieto QueueAddBlue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movieto top of Queue
This performance video is a collection of highlights from standup comedy routines made during a tour across America during the summer of 2002. Directed by C.B. Harding (The Osbournes), The Blue Collar Comedy Tour Movie also incorporates behind-the-scenes segments with the individual comedians. Along the same lines as The Original Kings of Comedy, but marketed toward a radically different crowd, this comedy concert headlines the top names in so-called "redneck" humor: Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Ron White, and Larry the Cable Guy. This film arrives after the four performers spent two years on the road and released the best-selling comedy record Blue Collar Comedy Tour Live. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, (more)
In 1971, filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles released his third film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which he wrote, directed, and scored. Despite boasting an all-black cast, an X rating, a low budget, and a decidedly non-Hollywood approach to moviemaking, the ground-breaking independent film went on to gross over ten million dollars while inspiring countless other films of the genre that would come to be called blaxploitation. Mario Van Peebles, the director's son, was 13 at the time and got his first taste of show business with a small role in the film. Over three decades later, the younger Van Peebles directed and co-wrote this film, in which he stars as his father. BAADASSSSS! chronicles the director's struggles to get the film made by highlighting the social roadblocks and production pitfalls Van Peebles faced, as well as the personal sacrifices he was forced to make. Also starring T.K. Carter, Ossie Davis, and Nia Long, BAADASSSSS! premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mario Van Peebles

- 2003
- AddDavid Alan Grier: The Book of David - The Cult Figure's Manifestoto QueueAddDavid Alan Grier: The Book of David - The Cult Figure's Manifestoto top of Queue
Crank Yankers caller and cult comedy figure David Alan Grier offers his own unique take on tales of growing up and owning up to life's big challenges in a stand up performance featuring all of the blunt honesty and physical humor that has come to define his enduring career. With views on growing up in Detroit, running his first ever New York City marathon, and attempting to maintain his sanity at family holiday gatherings, fans can rest assured that there will be no shortage of laughs when Grier takes the stage. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Alan Grier
In her third attempt to launch a successful starring sitcom, comedienne Bonnie Hunt starred as Bonnie Molloy, host of the low-rated TV chat show "Morning Chicago." The basic humor arose from Bonnie's efforts to juggle her career with her home life as the wife of doctor John Molloy (played by Lance Kerwin in the unaired pilot episode, and by Mark Derwin in the series proper) and the mother of three rambunctious kids. The domestic scenes admirably avoided the usual "setup-punch line" formula, with Bonnie making jokes almost as an afterthought as she tried to cope with her hectic lifestyle, while the scenes allegedly taking place during the telecast of "Morning Chicago" were largely improvised. The supporting cast included Samantha Browne-Walters and Charlie Stewart as Bonnie's kids Cathleen and Tommy (youngest child Connor was played by an uncredited infant), Marianne Muellerleile as autocratic live-in maid Gloria, David Alan Grier as Bonnie's TV producer David Bellows, Holly Wortell as studio makeup artist Holly, Anthony Russell as Bonnie's on-air piano player Tony Russo, and Chris Barnes as Marv, the cue-card guy. Life With Bonnie debuted September 17, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bonnie Hunt, Mark Derwin, (more)

- 2002
- AddArt City, Vol. 3: A Ruling Passionto QueueAddArt City, Vol. 3: A Ruling Passionto top of Queue
The makers of Art City, Vol. 3: A Ruling Passion features interviews with modern artists talking about their inspirations and the motifs present throughout their bodies of work. The filmmakers sit down with artists as diverse as Ed Ruscha, Louise Bourgeois, and Michael Ray Charles. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dave Hickey, Marcia Tucker, (more)
An action drama centering on the media circus, 15 Minutes focuses on a New York homicide detective named Eddie Flemming (Robert De Niro), a famous figure known for his heroic on-the-job manner. A tabloid news anchor (Kelsey Grammer) attempts to get the scoop on Flemming's latest beat when a pair of Eastern European criminals (Karel Roden and Oleg Taktarov) find a way to manipulate the media by filming their exploits, which they believe they can sell to bloodthirsty journalists and make themselves rich. In the wake of a double murder, Flemming teams up with Jordy Warsaw (Edward Burns), an arson investigator assigned to help locate the murderous pair. Meanwhile, Flemming must contend with his news reporter girlfriend Nicolette (Melina Kanakaredes) as he and Jordy find themselves enveloped in a lurid series of events that threatens to jeopardize their safety. Kim Cattrall, Avery Brooks, and Vera Farmiga are also featured in the cast. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert De Niro, Edward Burns, (more)
In this romantic comedy, a man loses the love of his life, only to find her heart beating in the body of someone new. Architect Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) is happily married until his wife Elizabeth (Joely Richardson), a zoologist, dies in an auto accident. A year later, Bob is still dealing with his loss when he meets Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver), a shy woman who waits tables in an Irish/Italian restaurant run by her grandfather Marty (Carroll O'Connor). Bob falls for Grace at first sight, and she's attracted to him as well, but what he doesn't know is that a year ago Grace was the recipient of a heart transplant -- and that Elizabeth was the donor. Return to Me was directed and co-written by actress Bonnie Hunt, who also appears in a supporting role as Grace's best friend Megan; the cast also includes Robert Loggia, James Belushi, and David Alan Grier. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, (more)
Amy Goldstein directs this hip, indie look at the ups and downs of a trio of New York roommates from 1985 to 1995. The film opens as Peter (Patrick Breen), Reggie (Nadine Van Der Velde), and Chart (Scott Kraft) take out a 10-year lease on a musty warehouse loft on Manhattan's gritty A street. Their landlord is also Reggie's beau, Hiro (Glen Chin). Set against such historic events as the 1986 Reds-Mets World Series and the Stock Market Crash of 1987, the roommates lives change as Reggie dumps Hiro for Peter -- only to marry Sylvester (Adam Arkin), Chart struggles with heroin addiction, and Peter cares for AIDS-infected children. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Adam Arkin, Patrick Breen, (more)
Noted hip-hop producer DJ Pooh, who co-wrote the urban comedy Friday, makes his directorial debut with this comedy-drama. A young African-American man is enjoying his freedom after his second stretch in prison. Under the "three strikes and you're out" law, another brush with the police could mean life behind bars, so he's determined to stay out of trouble. He quickly learns, however, that trouble has a way of finding him, no matter where he goes. DJ Pooh also stars in 3 Strikes, alongside N'Bushe Wright and Brian Hooks. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brian Hooks, N'Bushe Wright, (more)
Intended primarily for African-American audiences, this animated retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears uses modern hip-hop and jazz references to spice up an otherwise timeless children's story. The HBO series was known for its celebrity voices; vocal talents in this episode include the likes of Ben Vereen, David Alan Grier, Alfre Woodard, and Lou Rawls. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

- 2000
- PG
- AddThe Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkleto QueueAddThe Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkleto top of Queue
The pride of Frostbite Falls and Whatsamatta U's most famous alumni find their way onto the big screen (and the real world) in this comedy inspired by the popular cartoon series. Years after their TV show is cancelled, Rocky the Flying Squirrel (voice of June Foray) and Bullwinkle J. Moose (voice of Keith Scott) are barely getting by on residual checks; they're wondering what to do next when Fearless Leader (Robert De Niro), the evil genius of Pottsylvania, transforms himself from a cartoon into a living, breathing, nasty human being, thanks to the assistance of television executive Minnie Mogul (Janeane Garofalo). With the help of his newly flesh-and-blood henchmen Boris Badenov (Jason Alexander) and Natasha Fatale (Rene Russo), Fearless Leader plots to take over the world by using television to zombify people and then persuading the masses to elect him president. Can the daring flying squirrel and the well-meaning but not especially bright moose stop them? Unlike the TV show, which made a virtue of its unsophisticated animation, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle employs a technically sophisticated blend of computer-generated animated characters (Rocky and Bullwinkle) and live actors (Fearless Leader, Boris, and Natasha). Human beings making guest appearances include Randy Quaid, John Goodman, and Jonathan Winters. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rene Russo, Jason Alexander, (more)
The title of this NBC sitcom refers to its protagonist, Secret Service agent Jerome "Dag" Daggett (by an amazing coincidence, the letters in the title also form the initials of the series' star, David Allen Grier). During an assassination attempt on the president of the United States (David Rasche), Dag's efforts to protect his charge, though eminently successful, serve to make him look like a fool (he dodges right instead of left ). Quickly reassigned to a detail where he won't be able to do any harm, Dag is placed in charge of protecting Hillary-like first lady Judith Whitman (elta Burke) and her troublesome teenage daughter Camilla (Lea Moreno Young). As Dag dreams of restoring his former prestige in the Service, he is forced to content himself with walking the First Lady's dog and purchasing her groceries. Gradually, Dag realizes that he will never escape his exile: Despite their initial protestations, Judith and Camilla decide that they enjoy his company and, funnily enough, he enjoys theirs. Originally scheduled for an October 31, 2000, debut, DAG was delayed until November 14 due to some last-minute format-tinkering. The series' production staff included Andrew Gordon, Eileen Conn, and Jack Burdett, all veterans of the popular sitcom Just Shoot Me. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Alan Grier, Delta Burke, (more)
A baseball player stuck in a losing streak gets some heavenly help in the second sequel to Disney's 1994 hit Angels in the Outfield. Eddie Everett (Patrick Warburton) is a pitcher with the Anaheim Angels who has been in a slump ever since a bungled play helped his team lose the pennant a year ago. Depressed, Eddie has lost confidence in his abilities; his marriage to Claire (Rebecca Jenkins) is on the rocks, and when Claire decides to move on, she leaves it to Eddie to watch over their 13-year-old daughter Laurel (Brittney Irvin). Laurel loves her father, but they're all but strangers to each other, and she isn't sure what she can do to help him. One night, Laurel prays for help for her dad, and her prayer is answered in the form of a guardian angel, Bob "Bungler" Bugler (David Alan Grier). Bob was a singularly unimpressive ball player who died ten years earlier, and has been trying to earn his wings ever since; Bob hopes that by helping Laurel, he can prove his worth to St. Peter, and by helping Eddie, he might get one last change to play in the big leagues. Angels in the Infield also features Kurt Fuller as Simon, Eddie's agent, and Colin Fox as The Devil, who has plans of his own regarding Eddie's career. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Warburton, Brittney Irvin, (more)
E.B. White's classic children's story is brought to the screen in this fantasy, which combines computer-animated characters with a cast of live actors. Mrs. Little (Geena Davis), Mr. Little (Hugh Laurie), and their son George (Jonathan Lipnicki) live in a brownstone near New York's Central Park. The Littles have decided to adopt a younger brother for George, and while they're meeting the children at an orphanage, they are greeted by a mouse named Stuart (voice of Michael J. Fox), who can talk, walk upright, wear clothes, and do nearly anything a human child can do. The Littles are so taken with Stuart that they decide to adopt him, and soon the rest of the family is just as charmed by Stuart -- with the possible exception of Snowbell (voice of Nathan Lane), their house cat. The cast of humans includes Jennifer Tilly, Bruno Kirby, and Dabney Coleman; animal voices are contributed by Chazz Palminteri and Steve Zahn, Jim Doughan, and David Alan Grier. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael J. Fox, Geena Davis, (more)
Originally aired as a two-part miniseries on NBC, The 60's follows two families whose lives mirror much of the political and social tumult of that decade. The Herlihys are a working class family from Chicago whose three children take wildly divergent paths: Brian (Jerry O'Connell) joins the Marines right out of High School and goes to Vietnam, Michael (Josh Hamilton) becomes involved in the civil rights movement and after campaigning for Bobby Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy becomes involved in radical politics, and Katie (Julia Stiles) gets pregnant, moves to San Francisco and joins a hippie commune. Meanwhile, the Taylors are an African-American family living in the deep South. When Willie Taylor (Charles S. Dutton), a minister and civil rights organizer, is shot to death, his son Emmet (Leonard Roberts) moves to the city and eventually joins the Black Panthers, serving as a bodyguard for Fred Hampton (David Alan Grier). The 60's incorporates much newsreel footage from the era in an attempt to give the proceedings a greater realism, as well as a soundtrack of many popular songs of the era, including a new recording of Bob Dylan's Chimes Of Freedom by Dylan and Joan Osborne. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Josh Hamilton, Julia Stiles, (more)






















