Barry L. Hankerson Movies

A fiftysomething insurance salesman takes an intense interest in Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign after experiencing a health scare that prompts him to reassess his priorities in life. Concerned that he doesn't have much time left and convinced that Obama's inspirational message of change is genuine, John Thomas (director/co-writer Charles S. Dutton) hides his recent heart attack from his loving wife Molly (Vanessa Bell Calloway) and reconnects with his staunchly Republican relative MLK (Katt Williams). Meanwhile, John's three children have their own issues to contend with: His rebellious son Kalil (Wesley Jonathan) lashes out by joining the Republican Party; his engaged daughter Tamika (Meagan Good) pleads for her father's support as her wedding approaches; and his other son Jamel (Zab Judah) -- a promising pugilist -- finds his career hindered by a shady manager (Glynn Turman). In addition, John's brother (C.J. Mack) seeks to turn over a new leaf after making parole, and upon learning about her husband's failing health Molly urges John to focus on the things that really matter in life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

William Shakespeare's streak as the hottest storyteller in Hollywood continues with this modern-dress variation on Romeo and Juliet. In this loose adaptation, Hang Sing (Jet Li) is a former police officer from Hong Kong who comes to the United States following the death of his brother, the leader of an Asian crime ring. Hang Sing discovers that his brother had become involved in a turf battle with an African-American gang, led by Isaak (Delroy Lindo). But his blood lust begins to subside when he falls in love with Isaak's daughter Trish (Aaliyah) and finds himself torn between his affection for her and his desire for justice against the men who killed his brother. Romeo Must Die was the directorial debut of noted cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak; the supporting cast includes Russell Wong and Isaiah Washington. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

The rugged world of those who built the Alaskan pipeline provides the backdrop for this drama featuring the non-singing film debut of soul-singer Gladys Knight (she and her Pips do sing on the soundtrack though). The story centers on her attempts to regain the love of her estranged husband who works up there. She goes to the wild, wooly town where he is based. There women are hard to find, and those who are there make big bucks selling themselves to lonely workers. Knight is a pretty woman so it doesn't take long for the man who runs the town to try and convince her into becoming a high--priced whore. She refuses and eventually achieves her original goal. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi