Gerald Levert Movies
Gerald Levert, son of the O'Jays vocalist Eddie Levert and an immensely talented rhythm and blues singer in his own right, first launched himself onto the charts in the mid-'80s, as a member (alongside his brother, Sean Levert, and a childhood buddy, Marc Gordon) of the R&B trio LeVert. That ensemble signed with the indie Tempre label around 1986, and issued the single "I'm Still," which encouraged Atlantic Records to sign the men as a group the following year. Levert went solo on the East West label in 1991, promoting a hot, raw, and suggestive style, and a number of critically acclaimed LPs followed, including Private Line (1991), Father and Son (1995), Groove On (1995), Love and Consequences (1998), The G Spot (2002), and Do I Speak for the World (2004).Levert made a scant few contributions to film soundtracks, including Coming to America (1988) and New Jack City (1991). He also appears in a documentary about the Funk Brothers, Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002). Gerald Levert died of unspecified causes, in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, on November 10, 2006. He was only 40 years old. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 2007
- PG13
- Add Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? to QueueAdd Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? to top of Queue
A couple (Tyler Perry and Janet Jackson) that goes on a therapeutic annual winter vacation designed to help couples work through their marital problems in a group setting finds the usual routine thrown into chaos when one of the wives arrives with a sexy young temptress in tow. Now, as the Colorado snow falls gently outside of their window, one couple will experience a bout with infidelity that will cause the entire group to question the validity of their own respective marriages. Diary of a Mad Black Woman mastermind Tyler Perry writes, produces, directs, and stars in this comedy drama that explores the complexities of modern marriage. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, (more)
Laugh along with Tyler Perry as the award-winning playwright examines the love, joy, faith, and trials of marriage in a hilarious and touching examination of the powerful bond shared between husband and wife. A marriage has been threatened by the advancements of a sexy and alluring young temptress, but just when it seems as if the familial bond may have finally withered so much that it can't withstand a little external pressure, the once close-knit family pulls together once again to re-examine their relationships and explore just what it means to devote your life to the one you love most. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tyler Perry, Cheryl "Pepsii" Riley, (more)
- 2002
- PG
- Add Standing in the Shadows of Motown to QueueAdd Standing in the Shadows of Motown to top of Queue
Based on the book of the same name by Allan Slutsky, Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a historical tribute to the unsung heroes responsible for some of the greatest hits of pop music. Part documentary and part concert performance, this film is an introduction to the intriguing personas of the Hitsville studio band originally assembled by Berry Gordy in 1959. Over 40 years later, the remaining members reunited in their home base of Detroit, MI, to tell their stories, remember their departed bandmates, and put on a concert. The creation of the Motown sound is told through in-depth interviews, archival footage, and reenactments. Personal stories are intercut with live tracks from the concert performance featuring the Funk Brothers live on-stage along with popular vocalists interpreting some of their biggest hits. Some of the guest singers stick around for conversation with the musicians and offer a contemporary perspective, including Joan Osborne, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, and Ben Harper. The film follows the group's contributions through the '60s up until Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles in 1972. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard "Pistol" Allen, Jack "Black Jack" Ashford, (more)
The ruthless leader of a New York City drug syndicate battles to maintain his power and avoid imprisonment in this fast-moving action drama. While the film's heroes are Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), a pair of tough, streetwise cops, the main focus is their target, drug lord Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). A criminal businessman with no room for pity or emotion, the flashy but severe Brown has built an empire and transformed an abandoned Harlem apartment building into a well-defended fortress. He begins to consider himself invincible, but his lust for power and the unpredictable actions of a former client turned police informer threaten to bring about his potential downfall. First-time director Mario Van Peebles keeps the traditional plot moving at an appropriately rapid pace, with stylish action sequences and energetic performances. The film's violence was somewhat controversial on its initial release, especially after shooting incidents marred showings in several theaters. However, the film's moral message is clearly anti-drug and anti-crime, its main intent to provide a high-powered, modern take on the gangster movie. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, (more)
Coming to America casts comedian Eddie Murphy as pampered African prince Akeem, who rebels against an arranged marriage and heads to America to find a new bride. Murphy's regal father (James Earl Jones) agrees to allow the prince 40 days to roam the U.S., sending the prince's faithful retainer Semmi (Arsenio Hall) along to make sure nothing untoward happens. To avoid fortune hunters, Prince Akeem conceals his true identity and gets a "Joe job" at a fast-food restaurant. Murphy and Hall play multiple roles, and there are innumerable celebrity cameos peppered throughout the proceedings -- including the Duke Brothers (Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy) from Trading Places. Coming to America made further headlines when humorist Art Buchwald sued the film's producers for plagiarizing one of his works. Buchwald carried the case to trial, where he won a sizeable judgement against the film's producers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, (more)
