Khalil Kain Movies
American character actor Khalil Kain built a varied and substantial resumé from the early '90s onward, in a dazzling combination of films and television series. Though he debuted as Raheem in director Ernest Dickerson's urban crime drama Juice, Kain quickly broke the mold of roles traditionally offered to young African-American males by branching off into some unusual and variegated arenas. He followed up his Dickerson work with a turn as Private Roosevelt Hobbs in the Penny Marshall-directed, Danny DeVito-headlined service comedy Renaissance Man (1994), then landed guest appearances in such sitcoms as Suddenly Susan and Friends, and a plum role as porno star Venus, in Dan Ireland's romantic triangle-themed erotic dramedy The Velocity of Gary (1998). Kain returned to urban material (albeit unconventional urban material) opposite rapper Snoop Dogg in Dickerson's gruesome haunted-house movie Bones (2001). He also played Gene in the mockumentary Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys (2005), headlined by columnist Barry, actor John Cleese and footballer Dan Marino, and played Darnell Wilkes in the sitcom Girlfriends. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 2005
- Add Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys to QueueAdd Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys to top of Queue
Pulitzer-prizewinning humorist Dave Barry's best-selling book detailing the curious habits of the male species comes to the screen in a fun-filled look at manhood throughout the ages starring Dan Marino, John Cleese, and author-turned-actor Barry. From the stone age to the modern age and everything in between, this revealing look into the mind of man looks into such deep-rooted male needs as the compelling need to memorize useless sports statistics and just how to handle that "quick" trip up to the hardware store. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
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
- 2002
Did middleweight boxing champ Laroi Steele die accidentally from the beating administered in the ring by his hated rival Javier Molina (Greg Serano)? Or was this accident actually premeditated murder? Grissom (William L. Petersen) leans decidedly toward the latter option. Meanwhile, Catherine (Marg Helgenberger) investigates the shooting of an L.A. gang member, while Nick (George Eads) looks into a violent jewelry-store heist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
When Merl the Parasite Demon (Matthew James) -- Angel's frequent, if unwilling, informant on the supernatural underworld -- turns up dead, it's just one of a string of puzzling demon murders. Wesley (Alexis Denisof), Angel (David Boreanaz) and the gang follow the killer's trail, hoping to learn why somebody is murdering harmless demons along with evil ones. Gunn (J. August Richards) figures it out first, though; it's the work of his old gang of street fighters, who view all demons as inhuman beasts fit only to be hunted for sport. As the confused and conflicted Gunn arrives at Caritas, his old crew shows up and starts shooting the assembled demons. Because they're human, they aren't bound by the enchantments that prevent demon violence in The Host's nightclub. The poor demons, however, are helpless to fight back. That puts a real damper on Cordy and Fred's evening; Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) has only just convinced Fred (Amy Acker) to overcome her agoraphobia and visit Caritas, but girls' night out turns into a hostage situation. As the standoff continues, Gunn tries to justify his allegiance to Angel to his old friends. He admits, however, that he's wary of growing too close to his vampire boss. With the help of Angel's friends the Furies, Cordy breaks the spell that's keeping Angel from kicking serious butt. Gunn's gang is vanquished, but the former street fighter's relationships with Angel and Wesley have been seriously compromised. Originally broadcast October 8, 2001, on the WB network, "That Old Gang of Mine" marked season three, episode three of the supernatural comedy drama. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
Cinematographer turned director Ernest Dickerson returns to the horror genre with this African-American, urban twist on haunted house stories. Rap star Snoop Doggy Dogg makes his debut as a leading man in the title role of Jimmy Bones, stylish protector of a thriving inner-city neighborhood in 1979. When he refuses to knuckle under to powerful interests bent on introducing crack cocaine into his turf, Bones is betrayed by some of his own people, murdered, and buried in the basement of his gothic home. More than two decades later, the neighborhood is a drug and crime-infested nightmare, and Bones' decrepit, allegedly haunted domicile is about to become a hip-hop dance club. Although Bones' one-time girlfriend, Pearl (Pam Grier), and his right-hand man, Shotgun (Ronald Selmour), have remained loyal to his memory, the children of his traitor, Jeremiah (Clifton Powell), are the principal owners of the new club. They become the primary targets when Bones' vengeful spirit rises up to exact bloody retribution for past misdeeds. Bones (2001) co-stars Michael T. Weiss, Bianca Lawson, and Khalil Kain. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Snoop Dogg, Pam Grier, (more)
Shown on the Fox network, this made-for-TV biopic stars David Ramsey as legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, whose story is told largely in flashbacks. Beginning with Ali's childhood, when he was known as Cassius Clay, Ali: An American Hero traces the boxer's career, love life, and eventual devotion to Islam. Joe Morton appears as Malcolm X, and the cast also features the talents of Vondie Curtis Hall and Clarence Williams III, the latter as Ali's father Marcellus Clay. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Ramsey, Clarence Williams III, (more)
- 1999
Based on a true story, this crime drama is adapted from Emily Mann's play about the murder of Harvey Milk (Peter Coyote), the first openly gay City Supervisor in San Francisco, who was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone (Stephen Young) in 1978. While city employee Dan White (Timothy Daly) was found guilty of the crime, the charge was reduced from murder in the first degree to voluntary manslaughter when his lawyers claimed that White became emotionally unstable after eating too much junk food; this controversial and much-derided legal tactic became known as the "Twinkie Defense." White served five years in prison for the double murder before committing suicide in 1985. Execution of Justice was produced for the Showtime premium cable network. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tim Daly, Stephen Young, (more)
A woman on the trail of a killer discovers love cluttering the path in this made-for-TV thriller. Journalist Reese Delaware (Monica Calhoun) is shocked when her brother, a gifted computer expert, is found murdered. Determined to track down his killer, Reese begins looking into the surprisingly cutthroat world of high-end computers and electronics, and she strikes up a friendship with software engineer Maxwell Knight (Khalil Kain), who runs the company which formerly employed Reese's brother. Before long, Reese finds herself romantically involved with Knight, but she also begins to realize he may know more about the murder than he's letting on. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Set in the institutionally segregated New Orleans of 1965, the made-for-cable Passing Glory is the story of black priest Father Joseph Verrett (Andre Braugher) and his efforts to arrange the first integrated high-school basketball game in the city's history. Against the wishes of trepid white parish leader Father Robert Grant (Rip Torn), Fr. Verrett encourages the team members of the all-black -- and undefeated -- St. Augustine High School basketball team to prepare to play the equally successful all-white team of Jesuit Prep. Throughout it all, Fr. Verrett must learn to curb his own impatience over the racial status quo, and to keep his own faith afloat. Although some of the scenes are drawn in broad, unsubtle strokes -- especially those involving the bigoted father of Jesuit Prep's best player -- the film is thoroughly credible, right down to the last-second winning basket. Earning extra points for having its heart in the right place, Passing Glory made its TNT cable network bow on February 21, 1999. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Andre Braugher, Rip Torn, (more)
- 1998
- PG13
The extraordinary private and professional life of the 1990's greatest young golfer Tiger Woods provides the subject for this biographical feature. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Khalil Kain, Keith David, (more)
Dan Ireland directed this romantic comedy-drama (adapted by James Still from his own play) about a romantic triangle. Doughnut shop waitress Mary Carmen (Salma Hayek) is the girlfriend of bisexual porn star Valentino (Vincent D'Onofrio), but she's frozen out after Valentino gets a look at Midwestern hunk Gary (Thomas Jane). Rivalries end, and the three become close after Valentino succumbs to the AIDS virus. Shown at the 1998 San Sebastian Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Salma Hayek, Vincent D'Onofrio, (more)
What do you do after love at first sight? That's the question posed in this romantic comedy-drama set in Chicago. Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate) is a novelist who is giving a reading at the Sanctuary, an upscale club presenting jazz and poetry to a bohemian clientele. Shortly before his set, he meets Nina Mosley (Nia Long), a woman who is a gifted photographer, despite the fact that she just lost her job. They exchange small talk, and Darius makes his interest clear when -- on the spot -- he retitles a love poem "A Blues For Nina." A mutual attraction is sparked between them; soon Darius finds Nina's address on a check and shows up unannounced at her apartment, a visit resulting in a photo session that turns seriously sexy. So far, so good, but neither Darius or Nina are sure where to go next after this promising start. She's just gotten out of a relationship and isn't sure if she still cares for her old boyfriend or not, while Darius' buddies read him the riot act for wanting to give up his freedom so early on in the game. Love Jones was the debut feature for African-American writer and director Theodore Witcher; Isaiah Washington, Bill Bellamy, and Lisa Nicole Carson lead the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Larenz Tate, Nia Long, (more)
- 1996
In the first episode of a two-part story, Monica (Courteney Cox) purchases a bed from "The Mattress King" (Mark Cohen) -- namely, Janice's (Maggie Wheeler) estranged husband -- resulting in a misdelivery. Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) can't seem to bring her father and Ross (David Schwimmer) closer together, but the problem may be Rachel herself. And former soap opera star Joey (Matt LeBlanc) lands a job training other daytime drama wannabes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Khalil Kain, Fatima Lowe and Lisa Carson star in this musical drama about a female singing group as they enjoy victories and suffer disappointments on the long road to success in the music business -- and in their personal lives as well. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Khalil Kain
A veteran New York City detective's world is turned upside down when his estranged brother is suspected of murdering a powerful mob boss in this thriller starring Michael Biehn, William Petersen, and Leo Rossi. Al Scarano (Nick Vallelonga) is a Big Apple detective living the good life, but when a mobster named Tony C (Petersen) calls him to Little Italy late one night, Scarano's cozy self-contained universe slowly begins to unravel. It appears that Scarano's estranged brother Rudy was seen fleeing the scene of a high profile mafia hit, and before Tony C. sends his henchmen to find out the truth the hard way, he offers Scarano one chance to seek out his brother and get to the bottom of the matter. As Scarano's wife pleads with her conflicted husband to leave the past behind and start a new life, the detective must weigh the value of his own life against that of his troublesome bloodline. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
In this tough but literate urban drama (based on a play by Charles Fuller), Zooman (Khalil Kain) is a petty criminal and gangbanger who in the midst of a shootout with other gangsters accidentally kills a nine-year-old girl. The girl's father, Rueben Tate (Louis Gossett Jr.), is distraught over his daughter's death, but becomes even more upset when no one in the neighborhood will step forward to identify the murderer, even though there were many witnesses to the crime. Rueben enlists the aid of the media and posts signs in the community, hoping to shame someone into naming the killer or forcing him into a confrontation. Charles Fuller adapted Zooman's script from his own stage play; he did the same for the film A Soldier's Story. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Gossett, Jr., Cynthia Martells, (more)
Penny Marshall's feel-good comedy, invoking parts of Dead Poet's Society, Sister Act, and Private Benjamin, features Danny DeVito as Bill Rago, a divorced advertising man who is fired from his job. During an appointment at the unemployment office, a counselor finds him a job as a civilian instructor at the local Army base. At the base, he is assigned a group of eight army hardcases. Rago is supposed to increase this group's "basic comprehension." Sweating it out and unable to interest his students in anything, he finally latches onto Shakespeare. He turns the lecture into a master class on Hamlet with the students converting the Shakespeare tragedy into a rap musical. Looking askance at all this is drill sergeant Cass (Gregory Hines), who feels that the whole class is a waste of time. Finally winning the respect of his students, Rago now has to win the hearts and minds of the contemptuous Cass and his staff. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines, (more)
Cinematographer Ernest R. Dickerson directed and co-wrote this crime drama about a group of friends who get involved in a robbery. Bishop (Tupac Shakur), Q (Omar Epps), Raheem (Khalil Kain), and Steel (Jermaine Hopkins) are four Harlem friends who spend their days skipping school, getting in fights, and casually shoplifting. The only member of the group who has plans for the future is Q, who dreams of becoming a deejay. But one day Bishop happens to see James Cagney in White Heat and the film inspires him to buy a gun. His plan is to rob a corner store and split the money. Everyone goes along with the plan except for Q, who is competing that night in a deejay contest. At the club, Q is a rousing success, but he spies the stern faces of his friends through the cheering crowd and realizes that he has to go along with the robbery, which goes completely wrong. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Omar Epps, Tupac Shakur, (more)
