The Runaway (2000, TV Movie)

"The Runaway" (2000) is a made-for-television drama aired on CBS and was the 207th presentation of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. It was directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman and written by Ron Raley, who based the story on Terry Klay's 1997 novel under the same title as the film. The film stars an excellent cast, which includes Dean Cain, Debbie Morgan, Kathryn Erbe, Maya Angelou, Pat Hingle, Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, Robinne Lee, Cody Newton, and Duane McLaughlin.

This movie is excellent storytelling about the relationship of two boys from the 1940s South. One is black, and the other is white. They have a strong friendship that exists beyond racial color lines. They discover a human bone, which reopens the case of three black men murdered. Dean Cain leads the investigation of a sheriff trying to seek justice for a black family while the townspeople want their way of life to remain status quo. 

This movie has some admirable acting and storytelling. It's an honest take on the complications of race relationships in American society and the tribulations black people faced to get fair shots within the justice system. The film has no foul language or derogatory words, so it is suitable for multiple age ranges. I highly recommend it for viewing. I was pleasantly surprised how good it turned out to be.

Director: Arthur Allan Seidelman

Writers: Terry Klay, Ron Raley

Starring Dean Cain, Pat Hingle, Debbi Morgan, Kathryn Erbe, Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, Cody Newton, Duane McLaughlin, Maya Angelou, Robinne Lee, Kamali Minter, Afemo Omilami, Michael Harding, Robin O'Dell, Brett Rice, Mike Pniewski

Storyline

At the birth of a black and white baby, a mysterious and powerful Conjure Woman (Maya Angelou) prophesies, "You're going to make a difference and start the change." And indeed, they do. Luke Winter (Cody Newton) and Joshua "Sonny" Monroe (Duan McLaughlin) grow up as best friends in a rural Georgia town in the 1940s. On one of their youthful adventures, they uncover a humane bone. Their discovery leads the town's new sheriff, Frank Richards (Dean Cain), to reopen an investigation of the unsolved murders of three black men. As he doggedly pursues the case, he learns that most townspeople prefer the truth to stay hidden. With each new clue, disturbing facts surfaced, making the sheriff more determined to see justice prevail. As the case threatens to split the town apart, Sonny and Luke feel pressured to conform to the segregated ways of the past. Tensions rise, and Sonny discovers he has become the main suspect in yet one more murder.

Leprechaun 5: In the Hood (2000)

"Leprechaun in the Hood" (2000) is a cult classic comedy horror film directed by Rob Spera and stars Warwick Davis, Ice-T, Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, and Red Grant. This movie was the fifth installment of the "Leprechaun" series about people taking the Leprechaun's gold and hunting them down to reclaim it by any means necessary. "Leprechaun in the Hood" takes place in Compton, where some up-and-coming rap artists face off with the creature.

Without being overly critical, which is easy to do, the film is a comedic gem not meant to be taken seriously. The film has a blaxploitation aura as it intended to cater to a black audience using characteristic racial stereotypes. Yet, these types of comedy movies were typical during the late 90s and early 2000s when the landscape of black actors in film was evolving as culture changed. The hip-hop theme of the movie was a welcoming layer to the film's premises, as some of the tracks were decent. However, no official soundtrack was released, so some songs are unavailable.

If you're looking for mindless stoner fun from a horror film, then this is nonsense you can watch. If you take movies seriously, there are other horror movies for you. But for many, it's a nostalgic classic. 

Director: Rob Spera

Writers: Mark Jones, William Wells, Alan Reynolds, Rob Spera, Jon Huffman, Doug Hall

Starring Warwick Davis, Ice-T, Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, Red Grant, Dan Martin, Lobo Sebastian, Ivory Ocean, Jack Ong, Barima McKnight, Bebe Drake, Donna M. Perkins, Daya Vaidya, Chloe Hunter, Lori J. Jones, Eric Mansker, Steven M. Porter

Storyline

When aspiring hip-hop performers Butch (Red Grant), Postmaster P. (Anthony Montgomery), and Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nall) cross the notorious record producer Mack Daddy (Ice-T), their grudge against him leads to their peril. After they break into Mack Daddy's home and swipe an ancient medallion from a grotesque statue, the evil Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) is freed from his magical prison. Soon, the sinister little man is on the trail of Butch, Postmaster P., Stray Bullet, and Mack Daddy himself to retrieve his stole items.