Barbara O. Jones Movies
- 2001
A doctor finds herself torn between science and spirituality in this atmospheric drama. Samehe (Amandina Lihamba) is a middle-aged woman who had been admitted to a psychiatric facility for women in East Africa; no one seems to know what's wrong with her, and no one is in a hurry to change that, especially Dr. Moshi (Thecla Mjatta), the self-centered head of the hospital known for his sexually aggressive attitude toward his patients. Second in command Dr. Odhiambo (Waigwa Wachira) is more compassionate, but can only do so much. Dr. Asira (Barbara O) is a doctor who was close friends with Odhiambo when they were both medical students; Asira has signed on as a member of the hospital's volunteer staff, and she develops a keen interest in Samehe's case. Samehe, who has been silent and under sedation since she was admitted, suddenly opens up to Asira, declaring that the new doctor was brought to her by Maangamizi (Mwanajuma Ali Hassan), a shaman and spiritual teacher only Samehe can see or hear. At first, Asira is certain that Samehe is delusional and can be successfully treated through psychotherapy, but in time the doctor wonders if there might be a kernel of truth in Samehe's story -- and if she might be ignoring her own spiritual dilemmas which conflict with the Western medical disciplines she has embraced. Maangamizi: The Ancient One features a score composed and compiled by Cyril Neville of the popular rhythm and blues group the Neville Brothers. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Amandina Lihamba, Barbara O. Jones, (more)
- 1999
The strong bonds of family are put to the test in this drama. Mavis (Nicole Ari Parker) is a twentysomething woman who has kicked a dangerous heroin habit, only to discover that she's contracted the AIDS virus. With nowhere else to turn, Mavis asks her mother (Barbara O. Jones) to take her in. Mama agrees, and Mavis' younger sister Lisa (Teja Frank) observes as Mama cares for her increasingly frail adult daughter. Mute Love was the debut feature film for director Patrice Mallard. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Nicole Ari Parker, Barbara O. Jones, (more)
- 1977
While picking up a few things at a department store, Laverne (Penny Marshall) is falsely accused of shoplifting. Rushing to jail to free her friend, an outraged Shirley (Cindy Williams) is determined to prove Laverne's innocence--and nearly ends up in the clink herself. Veteran comic actor Louis Nye appears as the officious store manager, while Bo Kaprall returns in the role of "hunky" Officer Norman Hughes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Adapted from a lesser-known novel from SF/Horror author Dean R. Koontz, this claustrophobic thriller presents a computerized nemesis incorporating the murderous elements of 2001's HAL with the world-domination goal of the title villain in Colossus: The Forbin Project. Brilliant cybernetics expert Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver) develops a revolutionary new supercomputer dubbed Proteus IV (voice of Robert Vaughn, uncredited) which is capable of almost human self-awareness and capacity for intellectual growth. Unfortunately for Alex and his wife Susan (Julie Christie), Proteus is also imbued with a very human desire to grow beyond the limitations of his own knowledge -- as well as to escape the isolation of the laboratory -- and taps into the home terminals of the Harris' high-tech dream house, in which he makes Susan a virtual prisoner. As she is put through a tortuous series of physical and mental tests, the Proteus mainframe takes severe steps to prevent any interference -- even resorting to the murder of Harris' assistant (Gerrit Graham). Susan's confusion eventually turns to dread when she begins to realize Proteus' true intentions... to evolve beyond mere circuitry and assume a human form by impregnating her with his "seed." Despite the lurid premise, this is probably the most conventional effort from controversial director Donald Cammell (Performance, Wild Side), and the film's theme of the computer's ominously pervasive role in human affairs -- in this case forcing its way into our bodies as well as our lives -- seems oddly prescient today. Christie's convincing performance makes the most of a role which has her shouting at the walls and ceiling for two-thirds of the movie. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Starring:
- Julie Christie, Fritz Weaver, (more)
- 1976
- R
You'll have to see Bush Mama to learn the significance of the title. For one thing, the film isn't set in Australia or Africa. It takes place in the black ghetto of LA, where a welfare mother struggles to raise her daughter. The mother has a checkered past, as we learn during several unsettling flashback sequences. Throughout Bush Mama, graphic violence rubs shoulders with flights of fantasy; the contrast is fascinating, even when it doesn't quite work dramatically. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
This independently-made black crime film was financed by writer-director Robert L. Goodwin with money raised door-to-door in the black community. Bernie Casey stars as an idealistic militant who joins an activist group modeled on the Black Panthers. When one of the members betrays the organization, its members seek revenge. Part of the movie was shot on videotape and transferred to film. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
Rating Systems
Blockbuster
BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. 2013 Rovi Corporation.