Dondre Whitfield
The proprietor of a beauty salon that serves as the one remaining thread that ties her community together finds her last bastion of unity threatened by eminent domain in Barbershop director Mark Brown's adaptation of Shelly Garrett's hit stage play Beauty Shop. Jenny (Vivica A. Fox) owns a modest neighborhood beauty parlor that is hugely popular with the folks who reside on her street, but mom-and-pop businesses are going belly-up all over the place and lately a corporate giant has been clamoring to set-up shop on the block. Despite formidable pressure from the Department of Water and Power, however, Jenny refuses to accept the offer made for her shop and decides to test her luck against the DWP in the local courthouse. Monica Calhoun, Kym Whitley, Darrin Henson, and Terrence Dashon Howard co-star in an underdog comedy that shows just how fierce some people are willing to fight in order to maintain their sense of community. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vivica A. Fox, Kym E. Whitley, (more)
Directed by Charles Stone III, Mr. 3000 revolves around over-the-hill baseball star Stan Ross (Bernie Mac), who retired after making what he thought was his 3,000th base hit for the Milwaukee Brewers (i.e. the exact amount of hits it takes to qualify for the Hall of Fame). Though he shocked his teammates by quitting in the middle of the game, certain that his Hall of Fame position was in the bag, complications arise when he discovers that three of his hits during his ten-year career had been disqualified. Known as Mr. 3000, the 47-year-old, out-of-shape ball player returns to the game intending to stay only as long as it takes to get the hits he needs, but something unexpected happens along the way -- he rediscovers his love for the game, and begins to serve as a mentor to one of the younger players. Mr. 3000 features Angela Bassett, Paul Sorvino, Michael Rispoli, and Evan Jones in supporting roles. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bernie Mac, Angela Bassett, (more)
- 2002
Dismissed by one critic as "John Updike for dummies," the NBC dramedy Hidden Hills was set in the real-life gated suburban Los Angeles community of the same name. Essentially, the series wondered aloud if it was possible for married couples and/or parents to maintain the "traditional" family unit while being bombarded from all sides by the laissez-faire sensitivities of the 21st century. Among the recurring characters was Doug Barber (Justin Louis), whose efforts to be a worthwhile husband to spouse Janine (Paula Marshall) were compromised by the arrival of Hidden Hills' sexy new softball coach Belinda Slypich (Kristin Bauer), who ran her own X-rated website. On several occasions, Doug's sexual fantasies "came to life" for the benefit of the viewer, giving the hero ample opportunity to lust in his heart. Other stories concerned the trials and tribulations of the Barbers' "Buppie" neighbors, Zack and Sarah Timmerman (Dondre T. Whitfield, Tamara Taylor). Hidden Hills premiered September 24, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kristin Bauer, Justin Louis, (more)
Love really is a battlefield in this war of the sexes comedy that marks the directorial debut of Def Jam's How to Be a Player (1997) screenwriter Mark Brown. Vivica A. Fox stars as Shante, a knowledgeable veteran of the dating game who thinks she's found the perfect mate in the handsome Keith (Morris Chestnut). When Keith is spotted stepping out with Shante's arch-rival Conny (Gabrielle Union), the spurned lover institutes what she labels the "ten-day plan," an all-out assault on Keith designed to make him come crawling back to her. Shante's scheme includes sexy lingerie, home cooking, aloofness, and other tactics intended to make Keith regret his errant ways, but Keith is receiving contradictory advice from his allegedly worldly wise buddy Tony (Anthony Anderson). Two Can Play That Game is produced by Doug McHenry, director of Jason's Lyric (1994) and Kingdom Come (2001). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vivica A. Fox, Lee Anthony, (more)
- 2001
Sort of a jock's version of the popular cable sitcom Dream On, Inside Schwartz stars Breckin Meyer as the title character, aspiring sportscaster Adam Schwartz. Obliged to work in his family's bar, Adam dreams of a big-time career on ESPN or some other sports outlet. On each half-hour episode, Adam's imagination spills over into reality, with real-life sports announcers Van Earl Wright and Kevin Frasier providing running commentary of our hero's triumphs and tribulations, and with a whole slew of guest stars (Mills Lane, Dick Butkus, etc.) parading through Adam's subconscious. The denizens of Adam's "real" world include his father Gene (Richard Kline), his best friend David (Bryan Callen), and his erstwhile girlfriend Julie (Miriam Shor). Created by Stephen Engel) of Just Shoot Me fame, Inside Schwartz was supposed to have made its NBC debut on September 20, 2001, but the network's ongoing coverage of the World Trade Center attack moved the series' premiere date up to September 27. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Breckin Meyer, Miriam Shor, (more)
- 2001
Investigating the claims of a fellow cop who insists he was moonlighting when shot during a carjacking, Andy (Dennis Franz) and Danny (Rick Schroder) quickly learn that the victim was carrying on a high-maintenance double life. A holdup in a bodega run by a friend of Greg Medavoy (Gordon Clapp) leads to a potential crisis for Greg when he tries to cover up the existence of an unregistered gun. Later, Andy has his first serious run-in with new precinct skipper, Rodriguez (Esai Morales). And Diane (Kim Delaney) makes a date with the doctor who treated her late husband, Bobby Simone. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Barry Sonnenfeld resurrects the retro hip '60s show Secret Agent Man and adapts it into a slick New World Order context. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Costas Mandylor, Dina Meyer, (more)
- 2000
A hoax becomes a dangerous reality in this made-for-cable sci-fi thriller. Bill Templer (Dale Midkiff) is an agent with a secret intelligence faction who, in an effort to attract attention away from his latest assignment, pulls a massive con on the American mass media -- he concocts realistic but phony evidence that shows a squadron of aliens from another world are poised to attack the Earth. The scheme not only fools most Americans, but even the President of the United States, who in retaliation schedules the launch of a satellite that can be used to launch nuclear missiles against invading spacecraft. Despite the skill of Templer's forgery, Kevin Anjenatte (Dondre T. Whitfield), a police investigator, discovers evidence that Templer's evidence is phony, and Templer and security chief Ava Zurich (Chyna) set out to silence the detective before his story gets out. But as Templer and Anjenatte play a deadly game of cat and mouse, Anjenatte learns that an armada of alien spacecraft really is poised to attack the Earth, and they have to be stopped (and the launch of the offensive satellite weapon must be scrapped) before it's too late. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chyna, Dondre Whitfield, (more)
- 1998
Asking the question, "Can't we all get along?," this TV sitcom attempts to shatter stereotypes with a satirical focus on upwardly mobile suburban couples in a gated, planned community. The arrival of black radio disc jockey Curtis Cook (Dondre T. Whitfield) and his pregnant wife Tamara (Kira Arne) elicit a variety of reactions, including one neighbor who accuses the Cooks of stealing his barbecue grill and another who believes Curtis is the gun-carrying punk who robbed him at an ATM. Various neighborz in the 'hood include Prozac-popping, blocked writer Will Marek (Matthew Letscher) and his wife, Jewish attorney Becca (Melinda McGraw); plus bigoted, gold-chained muffler king Carmine Santucci (Lenny Venito) and his trophy wife Lisa (Mia Cottet). Keeping Woodland Heights safe from intruders is beleaguered security guard Gordon (Terry Rhoads), teetering on a mental precipice. After the intro to these people in the pilot, subsequent episodes turn the spotlight from racism toward sexual insecurities and other areas ripe for social satire. This series has been compared to the '70s sitcom All in the Family, starring Carroll O'Conner as lovable bigot Archie Bunker. Filmed in L.A., Living in Captivity premiered September 11, 1998 on Fox. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dondre Whitfield, Kira Arne, (more)
- 1988
- R
Johnny Walker (Mickey Roarke) is a punch-drunk and alcoholic cowboy pugilist who gives boxing one last shot in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He meets Wesley Pendergrass (Christopher Walken), the smooth-talking hood who tries to talk Johnny into helping in the heist of a jewelry store. Johnny considers the offer but elects to enter the ring to help Ruby (Debra Feuer) and her financially troubled arcade with the prize money. He agrees to the bout despite the fact that a blow to his fractured temple bone could kill him. Plodding, pretentious, and cliche-ridden, Walken's performance is the highlight of this grim film. Roarke sued to stop the release of the feature, claiming that the money and creative control promised to him was never delivered. Music is provided by Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mickey Rourke, Christopher Walken, (more)
- 1987
Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) wants to wear a thin green summer dress to her friend's party, but Clair (Phylicia Rashad) says no. Now Rudy is upset that she's not allowed to choose her own clothes like her siblings, forcing Cliff (Bill Cosby)--despite his current problems with the city sanitation department--to take a hand in matters. Elsewhere, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) tries to help her former boyfriend Robert (Dondre T. Whitfield) with his social life, and to persuade him not to propose marriage to every girl he meets! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Cliff (Bill Cosby) takes his daughter Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and two of her friends to a vaudeville tribute featuring such vintage performers as "The Great Ballantine" (Carl Ballantine, reprising the comedy magic act which regaled decades of The Ed Sullivan Show) fans. Unfortunately, the kids are bored stiff by the sparsely attended show--until emcee Eddie Bartholomew (played by master mime Bill Irwin) goes into his eye-popping routine. Elsewhere, Vanessa's former boyfriend Robert (Dondre T. Whitfield) scares off yet another prospective date by impulsively proposing marriage. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Having arranged a blind date with a guy whom she's met over the phone, Denise (Lisa Bonet) nearly embarrasses herself when she mistake Cliff's young intern for her "mystery man." Later on, Vanessa's former boyfriend Robert (Dondre T. Whitfield) shows up to discuss his romantic tribulations with Cliff (Bill Cosby)--and refuses to leave the house until his problems are resolved. Rare indeed is the episode in which Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) bids fair to emerge as the sole "voice of reason." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
After a grueling nonstop week at the hospital, an exhausted Cliff (Bill Cosby) retreats to his home for a Saturday of complete rest and relaxation. Alas, our hero is unable to get a room all to himself, thanks to the various and sundry subplots involving the Huxtable children--to say nothing of the ubiquitous Robert (Dondre T. Whitfield) and Elvin (Geoffrey Owens). This episode won an Emmy Award for "outstanding editing." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) and her study partner Robert (Dondre T. Whitfield) are far more interested in each other than in their schoolwork--and as a result, both get D's on an important exam. Worried that this will prevent her from attending a school dance, Vanessa decides not to tell her parents about her bad grade, but the truth comes out during a knock-down, drag-out fight between Vanessa and her older sister Denise (Lisa Bonet) over a sweater. Elsewhere, Cliff (Bill Cosby) groggily explains to Clair (Phylicia Rashad) why he can't stay awake at the movies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Halloween proves to be a most eventful occasion for the Huxtable family. For starters, Cliff (Bill Cosby) reluctantly agrees to wear a costume to take Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam) trick-or-treating. And then, Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe) invites Robert Foreman (Dondre T. Whitfield in his series debut), the "coolest seventh-grader" in her school, to her Halloween party. Though Cliff manages to survive his ordeal, Vanessa is so overwhelmed by Robert's presence that she ends up embarrassing herself in front of all her friends (well, ALMOST all). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
