Clifton Powell Movies
Few actors possess the range required to craft some of the most colorful villains ever committed to celluloid before turning around to portray such a benevolent and beloved leader as Martin Luther King Jr., and it's a testament to Clifton Powell's skills as a performer that he could be equally believable doing both.It was during the early '90s that Powell first began to rise to prominence in television and film, with standout roles in Bill Duke's Deep Cover and In the Heat of the Night preceding a pair of memorable supporting roles for the Hughes Brothers in Menace II Society and Dead Presidents. Though Powell would continue to appear in features, it was on the small screen that he gained most of his exposure in the early years. After gradually climbing the credits on such shows as Murder, She Wrote, The Jamie Foxx Show, and NYPD Blue, Powell would leave an indelible mark on viewers with his thoughtful portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in director Charles Burnett's Selma, Lord, Selma.
With versatile, everyman looks that were something of a blessing and a curse, Powell quickly established himself as an actor capable of truly disappearing into his characters -- sometimes to a fault. While a slew of roles on screens big and small kept Powell a considerably busy man in the mid-'90s, later roles in such efforts as Lockdown, Civil Brand, and Never Die Alone proved that his persistence, talent, and dedication were beginning to pay off. In 2004, Powell and the cast of the wildly popular biopic Ray would be honored with a Screen Actor's Guild nomination, and though they didn't take home the prize it was obvious Powell was finally on the verge of breaking big.
His dark turn in the T.D. Jakes screen-adaptation Woman Thou Art Loosed was followed by a series of small-screen appearances in House, M.D., CSI, and Day Break, and in 2007 alone Powell's name would be attached to no less than eight films being prepared for the big screen . ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
A naïve young professional is hoodwinked by her smooth-talking new boss in this musical comedy drama that proves just how easily we can fall prey to strangers. Starring Vivica A. Fox, Clifton Powell, and R&B singer Sam Salter. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
As the girls of Lambda sorority make their way towards the finals at this year's national stepping championships, dedicated team captain Destiny (Faune Chambers) attempts to keep her team focused on victory despite attempts by her scheming rival Pam (Angell Conwell) to prevent them from taking the top prize. Destiny is the kind of team captain whose enthusiasm is infectious, yet lately her spirits have been slightly dampened by her former friend and current nemesis Pam. Pam is intensely jealous of the Lambda girls' immense talent, and she's willing to do whatever it takes to undermine the team's confidence. As if keeping her team on the path to victory isn't job enough for the perpetually perky Destiny, she's also working overtime to win the heart of her longtime love interest Fabian (Bryce Wilson). Will Destiny endure and astound the judges at the national stepping championships while laying the groundwork for true romance, or will dark cloud Pam prove effective in preventing her old friend from dancing her way to greatness. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tamala Jones, Clifton Powell, (more)
Though they may spend many happy hours fantasizing about Mr. Right, actually finding him has a good chance of turning a woman's life upside down. Featuring Clifton Powell and Jackee Harry, this family drama explores the tears and joy that love can bring. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
A pimp in search of some serious payback prowls the streets in search of Memphis Slim in this gritty urban drama starring Mack 10, Clifton Powell, Michael Rapaport, and Kat Williams. Mack is a pimp of rare distinction: born the son of a certified hustler and a street-smart prostitute, he was honing his game from the moment he left the womb. As a child Mack learned to walk the fine line between life and death early on, a skill that made him virtually fearless when it came to working the streets. Now, as the summer heats up and his thirst for revenge grows, Mack prepares to confront the one player who isn't afraid to face him head on. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mack 10, Clifton Powell, (more)
This Christian-themed inspirational drama concerns Jordan (Craig Ellis), a young man at the very top of his game; a successful entrepreneur, he launched a business and developed it into a multimillion-dollar empire, thus providing himself, his best friend Myles (Earl Vernon) and his driver Spencer (Clifton Powell) with the most affluent of lifestyles. Then Jordan receives a shock involving an old haunt from his past, which forces him to look inside of himself and strive to be the man God wants him to be. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Clifton Powell, Craig Ellis, (more)
An aspiring R&B singer finds her priorities suddenly shifting after becoming the target of an attempted rape. Sterling (Christina Johnson) was an ambitious Mississippi vocalist who packed her bags for Los Angeles with little more than a hope and a prayer. Upon arriving in the big city Sterling simply scrapes by living in her car, though fate deals her a kind hand in the form of a change meeting with talented young record producer Nate (Dylan Mooney). Over the course of the next few months, Sterling and Nate form a formidable team in the studio as the talented singer befriends Nate's beautiful girlfriend Freesia (Yvette Saunders) and becomes the toast of the town. Eventually, Sterling marries a handsome R&B singer and lands the record deal that she always dreamed about. Just when it seems as if her life couldn't get any better, however, tragedy strikes. One night, as Sterling and Nate are working in the studio together, the obsessed producer attempts to sexually assault his longtime partner. In the aftermath of the violent attack, Sterling suddenly realizes that she has been given a precious gift, and that she should use that gift to sing the praises of the almighty lord. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christina Johnson, Dylan Mooney, (more)
DMX, Clifton Powell, and Vivica A. Foxx star in director Phenomenon's inspirational tale of a well-meaning religious leader whose questionable business decision ignites a shocking scandal. Bishop Calvin Jacobs (Powell) is the kind of pastor who is relied on by the community and trusted by his loyal congregation. When Bishop Jacobs realizes during a board meeting that the church's funds have apparently been plundered, he rightly discerns that the church is in very real danger of having to closing its doors. Desperate, Bishop Jacobs subsequently accepts a substantial loan from an international tycoon involved in some seriously shady dealings. When in "innocent" loan ignites an international scandal and a beloved church leader loses his life, the same religious leader who once turned to the dark side in hopes of keeping his ministry alive must now repent and seek the forgiveness of a higher power if he hopes to set things right. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- DMX, Clifton Powell, (more)
Inspired by the true-life tale of a dedicated elementary-school teacher who inspired his inner-city students by teaching them the game of chess, Allen Hughes' uplifting made for television feature marks a noted departure from such previous efforts as From Hell and Menace II Society. Richard Mason (Ted Danson) was middle-aged and unemployed when he decided to take up teaching inner-city students, and though most of the kids in his classroom couldn't have cared less about their education in the beginning, something curious happened as time went on. Realizing that he wasn't getting very far with his students through conventional means, Richard realized that he would have to innovate in order to encourage critical thinking among the impressionable youngsters. By breaking the curriculum and instead teaching his pupils the finer points of chess, the man who had once lost all motivation in life suddenly realizes just what a difference one teacher can make if they simply become more attuned to the needs of their students. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ted Danson, Malcolm David Kelley, (more)
- 2005
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R&B superstar Usher shows off his sexy and soulful style in this home-video release. Usher: Rhythm City, Vol. 1 -- Caught Up features a 30-minute short film which expands on Usher's video for the song "Caught Up," as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the movie. Also included is the original "Caught Up" video and clips for the songs "Yeah," "Confessions," "Caught Up," "Burn," and more. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Usher
This recording of a performance of David E. Talbert's The Fabric of a Man stars Tammy Townsend as Dominique Majors, a fashion designer torn between a rich stockbroker played by Clifton Powell and a poor tailor, played by Darrin Dewitt Henson, who understands her art. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 2005
After discovering that his mother was not killed by a drunken driver as he had always been led to believe, Princeton student Carnell Hall (Vicellous Shannon) begins suffering a variety of mysterious maladies. Though he wants nothing to do with Carnell, House (Hugh Laurie) is forced to take the boy's case because he owes Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) money. Almost immediately, House concludes that Carnell has begun taking drugs--but as usual, the real reason for the boy's troubles lies elsewhere. "Elsewhere", by the way, is where House would rather be when his hyperjudgmental parents (Diane Baker, R. Lee Ermey) pay a visit. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2004
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Sin, salvation, and song come together in this blend of comedy and drama from the pen of playwright David E. Talbert. Soul Theater Series: He Say...She Say...but What Does GOD Say? takes place in inner-city Detroit, where a small storefront church is located next to a nightclub that's a meeting place for local gangsters. Neither church member Deacon Witherspoon (Tommy Ford) nor mobster Satin Jones (Clifton Powell) is willing to give up their place in the neighborhood, and each leads their followers in an ongoing effort to drive their rivals away. Soul Theater Series: He Say She Say but What Does God Say? also features several songs from gospel vocalist Brent Jones. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
If you thought Kid and Play threw a mean party, wait until you see what happens when BJ (Troy Anders) decides to throw the ultimate party in this raucous hip-hop comedy from director Amir Valinia. Convinced that an unforgettable bash is the only way to truly preserve the memory of his deceased brother, BJ gathers the troops in hopes of throwing the biggest, baddest block party that the Big Easy has ever seen. His work certainly isn't cut out for him though, and as BJ attempts to escape the eye of a crooked cop bent on sabotaging the bash while avoiding the wrath of his jealous baby-momma, the odds seem stacked against him. Featuring appearances by such hip-hop superstars as Three Six Mafia and Juvenile, this is one party you don't want to miss! ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
One woman's odyssey through a hellish life of sexual abuse, drug addiction, and crime is resolved in faith in this tough but inspiring drama based on a true story documented by evangelist Bishop T.D. Jakes. Michelle Jordan (Kimberly Elise) was raised by a single mother, Cassie (Loretta Devine), who became involved with a cruel and opportunistic man named Reggie (Clifton Powell). Reggie began displaying an inappropriate interest in Michelle when she was only eight, and at 12 he began violating her on a regular basis. Stung by her mother's denials of Reggie's wrongdoings, Michelle ran away from home and ended up on a dead-end road of drug abuse and prostitution, which led to a stretch in prison for murder. While behind bars, Michelle hears of the teachings of Bishop T.D. Jakes and his work with abused women, and writes the noted preacher in hopes of someday meeting him. To her surprise, Jakes (who plays himself) pays her a visit, and as she shares with him the story of her blighted life, she takes the first steps on the road to emotional and spiritual recovery. Jakes arranges for Michelle to have a three-day furlough from prison so she can attend a revival he's hosting in the area; opting to stay in a half-way house rather than see Cassie and Reggie, Michelle reconnects with many of her old friends during her three days of freedom, including former stripper Nicole (Idalis de Leon), childhood friend and hairdresser Twana (Debbi Morgan), and former boyfriend Todd (Michael Boatman). ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, (more)
An incarcerated father is forced to stand by and watch as his two young sons struggle to survive on the streets in a gritty urban drama starring Clifton Powell and Sean Blakemore. Ali Dean is a failed father, and now he will bear witness as his failure threatens to turn into an endless cycle of violence and poor decision making. Though Ali's son Tariq shows much promise as an emerging pugilist, Cesar falls on the wrong side of the law after becoming involved with the local drug trade. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Clifton Powell, Dominic Daniel, (more)
- 2004
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Old friends Clyde and Roscoe have a serious problem: their attempt to repay a debt to the mafia was botched and now they need to come up with a lot of cash, very fast. Not wanting to have their legs broken, or worse, they two hatch a plan that is so crazy it just might work. They take a rundown restaurant and begin to set about making it into the most popular eatery in town. The boys' keen business strategy looks like it could work, but it might payoff too late to save them. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- A.J. Johnson
A woman who has confronted the sour side of success finds love and discovers herself in this made-for-TV drama. Nikka (Vanessa Bell Calloway) is a writer who enjoys unexpected success with her first novel, but her brush with fame and fortune has a serious downside when she's threatened with legal action by the Internal Revenue Service for non-payment of taxes. Turning to her family and friends for help, Nikka's new life begins to fall apart, but she begins to develop a greater sense of herself in the process, and she decides to take a trip to Africa in hopes of coming to terms with her heritage. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clifton Powell, (more)
Noted African-American independent filmmaker Charles Burnett directed this made-for-TV movie, based on the memoirs of Sheyann Webb-Christburg and Rachel West Nelson, in which 12-year-olds Sheyann (Jurnee Smollett and Rachel (Stephanie Zandra Peyton), with fellow volunteer Jonathan (Mackenzie Astin), a white seminary student, join Martin Luther King's march from Selma to Montgomery. Selma Lord Selma was originally aired as part of The Wonderful World of Disney on Jan. 17, 1999, one day prior to the national holiday commemorating Dr. King's birthday; the broadcast featured an introduction by Dr. King's widow, Coretta Scott King. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- MacKenzie Astin, Clifton Powell, (more)
- 1997
Monica (Roma Downey) is assigned to give away one (and ONLY one!) miracle to a stranger in a crowded bar. Trouble is, every single person in the establishment is in dire need of a miracle! Whom should Monica choose: Wheelchair-bound Noah (Eddie Jones), desperate pool shark Claude (Clive Revill), unhappily married Ernie (Fred Sanders) and Marie (Terri Hanauer), alcoholic salesman Buddy (Tim Reid), perennial loser Loafer (Edie McClurg), or the dangerously impulsive Amethyst (Tracy Middendorf)? Just when Andrew (John Dye) shows up to lend Monica a helping hand, yet another "person in need" strolls into the bar--changing the dynamics of the story completely! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
The fifth-season opener of NYPD Blue ties up several story ends left dangling at the climax of season four. With no one willing to back up his alibi for his relationship with murdered gangster Jimmy Salvo, Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) is still on suspension pending an Internal Affairs investigation. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) wants to extend Bobby a helping hand, but he too is under scrutiny from the IAB. Coming to the rescue (in a manner of speaking) is Detective Jill Kirkendall (Andrea Thompson, now promoted from recurring to regular status), who produces a source to back up Bobby's allegations. Elsewhere, the squad searches for a pimp suspected of killing several people. And on the domestic front, Gina Colon (Lourdes Benedicto) is pregnant, but hasn't yet informed the father, Det. James Martinez (Nicholas Turturro). Sharon Lawrence makes a token appearance as Sylvia Costas; the actress, busy with her own starring sitcom Fired Up, would be absent throughout most of season five. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
While researching a novel, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) pays a return visit to New Orleans. Before long, she is enmeshed in a murder investigation, this one stemming from the death of a local businessman. A tiny doll was left behind at the murder scene, indicating the presence of a strong voodoo influence--but what does the Supernatural have to do with the local turf war between rival supper-club owners which would have otherwise been the main motive for the killing? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
In this thriller, an assassin's threats cause a single mother, her son, and the G-man assigned to protect them to embark upon a desperate cross-country flight. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rosanna Arquette, Scott Bakula, (more)
- 1993
Having just wrapped up four seasons of Doogie Howser MD, Neil Patrick Harris appears in this episode as delivery boy Tommy Ramsen. Having been found kneeling at the body of a murdered woman, Tommy claims that he merely witnessed the crime--and that he himself was shot by the killer. The police don't buy this story and place Tommy in custody, but Jessica (Angela Lansbury), a friend of both Tommy and the dead woman, suspects that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
