Mary J. Blige Movies

A hard-living nightclub singer discovers the importance of family with the help of a handsome Mexican immigrant in this inspirational comedy drama from writer/director Tyler Perry. When pistol-packing granny Madea (Perry) awakens to the sound of her home being ransacked by wayward teen Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her two younger brothers, she promptly marches the troubled kids over their aunt April's house. But despite being the only relative the kids can turn to, April (Taraji P. Henson) is hardly a role model; a self-destructive songbird with a serious drinking problem, she spends her nights at the club and relies on her married boyfriend, Raymond, to pay the bills. Suddenly, into April's life wanders Sandino (Adam Rodriguez), a hard-luck immigrant in search of some honest work. Before long, Sandino has moved into April's basement room, and formed a solid connection with the kids. The closer April and Sandino grow, the more April begins to recognize the importance of faith and family. When the time comes to say goodbye to her old ways and start a new life, the wounded chanteuse realizes that she may have finally found the true love that's always eluded her. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Twenty-two people become unwitting participants in a tragic and defining moment of the 1960's in this period drama from actor and director Emilio Estevez. It's early June in 1968, and the California presidential primary elections are occupying the minds of many in the Golden State, with Robert F. Kennedy in a close race against Eugene McCarthy and Hubert Humphrey. The Kennedy campaign staff has set up camp at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, while the staff and guests become observers as the brother of fallen president John F. Kennedy sets out to pick up where his sibling left off. Paul (William H. Macy) is the manager of the Ambassador, and his wife Miriam (Sharon Stone) is a hairdresser who runs's the hotel's beauty salon. Angela (Heather Graham) is a receptionist working the hotel's switchboard who has been sleeping with Paul behind Miriam's back. Timmons (Christian Slater) is in charge of the hotel's restaurant and catering department, and makes no secret of his dislike of the African-Americans and Latinos under his employ. Miguel (Jacob Vargas) and Jose (Freddy Rodriguez) are two young Chicanos on the kitchen staff who have it in for Timmons, while Robinson (Laurence Fishburne) is an older black man who counsels them on dealing with their rage. Virginia Fallon (Demi Moore) sings in the hotel's cocktail lounge and has a serious problem with alcohol; her husband Tim (Emilio Estevez) is a Kennedy supporter and also her manager, and he's nearing the end of his rope in dealing with her problem. William (Elijah Wood) is a young man desperate to avoid being drafted and sent to Vietnam; Diane (Lindsay Lohan) is a pretty young woman dating William's brother who agrees to marry him so William can avoid being drafted, though William is clearly infatuated with her while she considers this a marriage in name only. John Casey (Anthony Hopkins) is one of the owners of the Ambassador, and Nelson (Harry Belafonte) is an old friend who works at the hotel. And Jack (Martin Sheen) is a wealthy Kennedy campaign financier who is married to Samantha (Helen Hunt), an attractive but much younger woman. Bobby also features Joshua Jackson, Nick Cannon and Shia LaBeouf as young Kennedy campaign volunteers, while Ashton Kutcher, Joy Bryant, Kip Pardue and Mary Elizabeth Winstead also highlight the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

This 2006 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Antonio Banderas and features musical guest Mary J. Blige. ~ Skyler Miller, All Movie Guide

R&B songbird Mary J. Blige, whose style blends the edgy power of hip-hop with the resonance of classic soul, offers her fans a chance to hear her perform in front of a small audience in a club environment in this performance video recorded during a special appearance at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. Mary J. Blige: An Intimate Evening With Mary J. Blige includes performances of the songs "It's A Wrap," "Love No Limit," "Children of the Ghetto," "Whenever I Say Your Name," and many more. The show also include special guest appearances from Elton John and Sting. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

This concert film captures R&B singer Mary J. Blige performing nearly two-dozen songs. Included on the set list are such favorites as "You Remind Me," "Real Love," "Be Happy," "My Love," a cover of "Children of the Ghetto," "Not Gon' Cry," and "Everything." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

This concert documentary, originally shown in the big-definition, giant-screen IMAX process, offers a glimpse of some of pop music's biggest stars working their magic on stage and discussing their craft behind the scenes. The Dave Matthews Band teams up with soul music legend Al Green for a version of Green's classic "Take Me to the River". George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic roar through a medley of their ground-breaking funk hits "Flashlight" and "One Nation Under a Groove", with hip-hop diva Mary J. Blige sitting in on vocals. Blues legend B.B. King and jam-rock kingpin Trey Anastasio (of the group Phish) bring their guitars together as they join up with the Roots for a unique version of "Rock Me Baby". Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty and veteran guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana take their Grammy-award winning number "Smooth" to the stage. Sting and Algerian superstar Cheb Mami sing together on "Desert Moon". Sheryl Crow turns in a stripped-down acoustic performance of "If It Makes You Happy". And Macy Gray, Kid Rock, and Moby also turn in performances of their hits. All Access: Front Row. Backstage. Live! was directed by famed rock photographer Martyn Atkins. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Gangstresses, a documentary by Harry Davis, tells the story of violence, poverty, and survival in the streets from a female perspective. Over a two-year period, Davis interviews female hustlers, drug dealers, rappers, porn stars, prostitutes, mothers, and daughters. Among them are Champagne, a well-known African American porn star who has a small child; Mama Mayhem, a street hustler; Uneek, a rapper from the Bronx; and Vanessa Del Rio, a famous porn actress. Musicians Lil' Kim, Mary J. Blige, Ice T, and Tupac Shakur also share personal stories of survival. The documentary conducts follow-up research on the women's complicated lives, offering glimpses of both tragic reality and hopeful recovery. ~ Betsy Boyd, All Movie Guide

"Reminisce," "Real Love," "Sweet Thing," and "Love No Limits" are included in this selection from the artist's debut album. ~ All Movie Guide

Each episode of MTV Unplugged features artists of the pop or rock world laying down their amplifiers to present their songs acoustically, without the technological adornments associated with modern music. Many artists take the opportunity to present their songs in unfamiliar arrangements or to perform versions of songs that influenced their careers. In this particular program, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, Heavy D, and others perform hits from the world of R&B. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide