Michael Spinks Movies
The title of this earnest anti-drug drama from distinguished black television journalist Tony Brown, the long-time host of the PBS show Tony Brown's Journal, has a double meaning: it refers to a slang term for cocaine, and also to the deeper problem of the lead character, a woman who has lost touch with her African-American heritage. Kim grew up in a middle-class neighborhood with plenty of love and material things, including a drop-dead gorgeous wardrobe. She was an exceptional high-school student and dreamed of becoming an attorney. She goes to college, discovers cocaine, and finds her life falling apart. Eventually she is convinced to become a member of the Black Student Union and there she meets good-hearted and handsome Bob, a pre-med student who helps her move away from drugs and back to her studies. He is the first African-American boyfriend Kim has ever had. Things look up, until the driven, conniving, drug-addicted Vanessa becomes Kim's dormmate. Vanessa desperately wants to become a TV anchor woman and will do anything, even sleep with studio execs, to get there. She has a terrible influence on the weak-willed Kim and gets her involved in a rapid downward spiral of humiliating sex and increased drug use that results in tragedy for both girls. Ultimately though, it leads to Kim's redemption. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Troy Beyer, Teresa Yvon Farley, (more)
This documentary features the memorable 1988 championship match between boxers Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks. The contest lasted only 91 seconds (making it the fourth shortest bout in boxing history) and Tyson retained his heavyweight title. Extensive pre- and post-fight analyses are included. The program also offers a look at other famous matches that ended with first-round knockouts. ~ Alice Duncan, All Movie Guide
A sheriff struggles vainly to keep the annual Cannonball Run cross-country race from taking place in this comedy. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Candy, Peter Boyle, (more)
The Jeffersonsmoved from its familiar Sunday-night time slot to a new Tuesday evening berth with this star-studded episode, which takes place in Atlantic City. Hoping to raise enough money to attend her godson's graduation, Florence (Marla Gibbs) heads straight to the gambling tables. Meanwhile, Florence's employer Louise (Isabel Sanford) scours the resort city in search of celebrities -- but when they begin to show up, she fails to recognize them (even Charo). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)










