Lift (2001)

"Lift" (2001) is an independent drama written and directed by DeMane Davis and Khari Streeter. The film stars Kerry Washington, Lonette McKee, Eugene Byrd, and Barbara Montgomery. The film appeared at the Sundance Film Festival 2001 but never earned a theatrical release. Instead, Showtime aired the movie until they released it on DVD. 

The late 90s and early 2000s saw an explosion of black films, but many didn't receive theatrical treatment. However, several were well-put-together movies that deserve a second run. "Lift" is a decent movie and an excellent role for Washington before her superstardom. Also, the film is a nostalgic reminder of what the early 2000s looked like.

Directors: DeMane Davis, Khari Streeter

Writers: DeMane Davis, Khari Streeter

Starring Kerry Washington, Lonette McKee, Eugene Byrd, Barbara Montgomery, Samantha Brown, Sticky Fingaz, Todd Williams, Jacqui Parker, Naheem Allah, Susan Alger, Annette Miller, Pooch Hall, Braun Philip, Daniel Laurent, John Fiore, Crystal Tyson, 

Storyline

Niecy (Kerry Washington) works at an expensive Boston department store, using her knowledge of fashion and security to steal clothing from other stores. In her inner-city neighborhood, she resells her wares to friends and family while struggling to connect with her mother, Elaine (Lonette McKee), and worrying about her relationship with her drug dealer boyfriend, Angelo (Eugene Byrd). To steal a necklace for her mother, Niecy agrees to help gangster Christian (Todd Williams) with a large heist.

Bones (2001)

"Bones" (2001) is a horror film directed by Ernest R. Dickerson and written by Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe. The movie stars Snoop Dogg as Jimmy Bones, a well-respected neighborhood protector betrayed and murdered by his associates and corrupt cop. "Bones" is an excellent cross of the blaxploitation genre and modern horror cinema featuring Pam Grier, an iconic actress from the era, and the direction of Dickerson, famed director of "Juice" and Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight." Additional cast members include Clifton Powell, Ricky Harris, Bianca Lawson, Khalil Kain, and Michael T. Weiss. 

The movie resembles the 1970s classic, "J.D.'s Revenge," starring Glynn Turman, but with a modified storyline. Jimmy Bones and J.D. Walker were both betrayed and murdered, and the motives for their return are revenge and reconnecting with their lady. While the movie bombed at the box office, it became a cult classic afterward. It's a dark film with some excellent cinematography. The soundtrack peaked at #39 on the Billboard 200, #14 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #4 on the Top Soundtracks chart. 

Director: Ernest R. Dickerson

Writers: Adam Simon, Tim Metcalfe

Starring Snoop Dogg, Pam Grier, Clifton Powell, Ricky Harris, Bianca Lawson, Khalil Kain, Michael T. Weiss, Merwin Mondesir, Sean Amsing, Katharine Isabelle, Ron Selmour, Deezer D, Garikayi Mutambirwa

Storyline

The time is 1979. Jimmy Bones (Snoop Dogg, Training Day) is respected and loved as the neighborhood protector. When he is betrayed and brutally murdered by a corrupt cop (Michael T. Weiss, The Pretender), Bones' elegant brownstone becomes his tomb. Twenty-two years later, the neighborhood has become a ghetto, and his home a Gothic ruin. Four teens renovate it as an after-hours nightclub, unknowingly releasing Jimmy's tortured spirit.