Michelle Thomas Movies
- 1999
Nanci Rossov directs this cross-cultural drama about captured Native Americans enrolled in a turn of the century "Negro" college. The film opens with Richard (Chuma Hunter-Gault) and Cleola (Tembi Locke) announcing their engagement. Though the college prides itself on its integrationist philosophy, the sharp-witted Cleola soon chafes under Richard's and the school's patronizing attitudes toward women. Meanwhile, three Lakota braves are accepted into the school at the behest of a U.S. Army officer who wants to prove that Indians can function in mainstream culture. The trio's reluctance to participate is more and more pronounced as their upwardly mobile Black classmates antagonize them with racial asides. Unbowed won Best Feature at the 1999 American Indian Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tembe Locke, Jay Tavare, (more)
Hangin' with the Homeboys follows four young men--two Black, two Puerto Rican--over the course of one night in the Bronx. During the night, they have several misadventures as they talk, argue, play and get into accidents. This coming-of-age film was directed by the late Joseph B. Vasquez and features an early performance by John Leguizamo. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Doug E. Doug, Mario Joyner, (more)
- 1990
B.B. King guest stars as legendary blues singer Riley Jackson, the lifelong idol of Theo Huxtable (Malcolm-Jamal Warner). Thrilled to discover that Jackson is an old friend of his grandparents Russell and Anna, Theo ends up seeking advice from Riley on an affair of the heart. This leads to a snowballing series of misinterpreted singals, wherein everybody concludes that Theo is primed to pop the question to his girlfriend Justine (Michelle Thomas). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Finding a pair of female undergarments in Theo's laundry, Cliff (Bill Cosby) and Clair (Phylicia Rashad) arrive at the conclusion that their son has moved in with his girlfriend Justine (Michelle Thomas). Admitting to this, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) insists that he has done so merely to save on rent, but his parents are outraged, and tell him that he and Justine must separate immediately, else they will cut off all financial support. In desperate need of a sympathetic ear, Theo turns to Justine's parents, with surprising results. Meanwhile, another story arc is introduced as Denise (Lisa Bonet) decides to become a special-ed teacher. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
In this pivotal episode, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) continues to be frustrated that he can't score any better than a "C" in his college subjects, no matter how hard he studies. Cliff (Bill Cosby) tries to help out by suggesting that Theo try just a bit harder, but succeeds only in making the situation worse. It is up to Mrs. Roscoe (Alva Chinn), the head of a local learning center, to zero in on the real problem: Theo may be dyslexic. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Vanessa Williams guest stars as a college drama student named Jade, who inveigles Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) into helping her rehearse a love scene. Accused of lacking the proper emotions, Theo responds by passionately kissing Jade--just as his girlfriend Justine (Michelle Thomas) enters the scene! Refusing to believe Theo's protestations of innocence, Justine walks out on him, whereupon our hero turns to his dad Cliff (Bill Cosby) for advice on winning her back. Cliff responds with one simple command: "Beg!" ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Even though it was his idea that he and Justine (Michelle Thomas) should start dating other people, Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is riled when he sees Justine in the company of a guy named Scott (Harold Perrineau Jr.)--so much so that he makes a fool of himself in public. Seeking a paranormal method of getting rid of Scott, Theo solicits the aid of a "spiritual scientist" named Dr. Lotus (Moses Gunn). The good doctor is more than willing to place a hex on the troublesome Scott--provided that Theo can come up with an 800-dollar fee! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Now free to date the gorgeous Julia (Naomi Campbell), Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) is nervous about talking to the girl. His pal Denny generously offers to act as intermediary--and guess, just GUESS who winds up with Julia. On the rebound, Theo goes back to former girlfriend Justine (Michelle Thomas), but she's not interested anymore. Meanwhile, Cliff (Bill Cosby) proves to be a stern and exacting taskmaster as Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) performs numerous household chores to repay a loan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
In the first episode of a two-part story (originally networkcast as an hour-long special), Elvin (Geoffrey Jones has trouble believing that Sondra (Sabrina LeBeau) is going into labor after three false alarms. However, Sondra's dad Cliff (Bill Cosby)--who's had a certain amount of experience in these matters--declares that it's the "real thing" this time. As Elvin goes into full panic mode, Cliff frets over the fact that someone other than himself will be helping Sondra deliver. Meanwhile, Theo's girlfriend Justine (Michelle Thomas) doesn't accept the premise that Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) can remain "just friends" with drop-dead-gorgeous Julia (played by supermodel Naomi Campbell). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Hoping to impress their prom dates--and to one-up their friend who has rented a limo for the occasion--Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), Denny (Troy Winbush) and Smitty (Adam Sandler) pool their resources and engage the services of a helicopter! Alas, the "big night" flight proves to be a disaster; in fact, the boys and their dates don't even make it to the prom. In his efforts to help his son save face--and to make up for not escorting his wife Clair (Phylicia Rashad) to HIS prom way back when--Cliff (Bill Cosby) ends up hosting an impromptu dance party in the Huxtable living room. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1988
In the conclusion of a two-part story (originally networkcast as an hour-long special), Sondra (Sabrina LeBeau) gives birth to twins, a boy and a girl, whom she names Nelson and Winnie (as in "Mandela"). Grandfather Cliff (Bill Cosby) is of course elated, but he's also worried that Sondra's husband Elvin will not be able to shoulder his new financial responsibilities--but Elvin has a surprise for all concerned. Meanwhile, Clarice (Phylicia Rashad) and Mrs. Tibedeaux (Marcella Lowry) adjust (sort of) to being grandmothers; and Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) continues to be attracted to his pal Howard's girlfriend Julia (played by supermodel Naomi Campbell), which doesn't bother Howard (Roy Wilson) but certainly annoys Theo's girl Justine (Michelle Thomas). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
