The mission of The Department of Afro-American Research Arts and Culture to identify the global significance of the creative contributions pioneered by an international diaspora of Blackness
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Saturday, October 14, 2023

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

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.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Scary Movie (2000)



































"Scary Movie" (2000) is a slasher parody film directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and written by Marlon and Shawn Wayans alongside Buddy Johnson, Phil Beauman, Jason Friedberg, and Aaron Seltzer. Wayans Bros. Entertainment was one of the production companies to produce the film. The Wayans are specialists at making parody movies. For example, "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" and "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood" were cult classic comedies that aged gracefully. "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" spoof blaxploitation movies from the 70s and "Don't Be a Menace" parodied hood films from the 90s.

This time, the Wayans primarily spoofed "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer," popular slasher movies in the 90s. However, the film also featured classic scenes from "The Sixth Sense," "The Matrix," and "The Blair Witch Project" while mimicking high school teen movies. "Scary Movie" was a mainstream success for the Wayans, grossing over $275 million on a $19 million budget.

Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans
Writers: Marlon, Shawn Wayans, Buddy Johnson, Phil Beauman, Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer

Starring Anna Faris, Shawn Wayans, Dave Sheridan, Jon Abrahams, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, Shannon Elizabeth, Kurt Fuller, Carmen Electra, Frank B. Moore, Mark McConchie, Karen Kruper, Lloyd Berry, Cheri Oteri, Lochlyn Munro, Andrea Nemeth

Storyline
A year after disposing of the body of a man they accidentally killed, a serial killer stalks a group of teenagers.