BET+ has an exciting holiday slate.
The streaming service announced Monday it would launch 10 new movies, including family comedies, yuletide romances, and a little musical magic.
The flicks feature Jasmine Guy, Terrence Carson, and Dorien Wilson, Ne-Yo, Serayah, Romeo Miller, LeToya Luckett, and Lala Milan.
Get all the details on the movies below.
A Wesley Christmas - November 3
Adult siblings Chris, Todd, and Cydney Wesley travel to their childhood home to celebrate Christmas with their parents and the entire Wesley family.
With everyone together and all their physical and emotional baggage in tow, the annual Wesley family holiday promises to be a festive, hot-mess of a Christmas with life-changing impacts on the whole family.
Cast: Dorien Wilson, Jasmine Guy, Terrence Carson, Loren Lott, Terayle Hill, Mike Merrill
Director: Patricia Cuffie Jones
Writer: Bree West
Produced by: Octet Productions
The First Noelle - November 10
After twenty years of friendship, Terrance and...
The streaming service announced Monday it would launch 10 new movies, including family comedies, yuletide romances, and a little musical magic.
The flicks feature Jasmine Guy, Terrence Carson, and Dorien Wilson, Ne-Yo, Serayah, Romeo Miller, LeToya Luckett, and Lala Milan.
Get all the details on the movies below.
A Wesley Christmas - November 3
Adult siblings Chris, Todd, and Cydney Wesley travel to their childhood home to celebrate Christmas with their parents and the entire Wesley family.
With everyone together and all their physical and emotional baggage in tow, the annual Wesley family holiday promises to be a festive, hot-mess of a Christmas with life-changing impacts on the whole family.
Cast: Dorien Wilson, Jasmine Guy, Terrence Carson, Loren Lott, Terayle Hill, Mike Merrill
Director: Patricia Cuffie Jones
Writer: Bree West
Produced by: Octet Productions
The First Noelle - November 10
After twenty years of friendship, Terrance and...
- 10/10/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The Grant High School kids are back together again! Shailene Woodley, Francia Raisa, Megan Park, Ken Baumann, Allen Evangelista, Renee Olstead, Camille Winbush and Molly Ringwald from The Secret Life of the American Teenager reunited virtually via a JustJared-hosted video chat on Friday, Oct. 30. The event marked the first onscreen reunion for the cast since the ABC Family show ended its five-season run in 2013, and was aimed at encouraging fans to vote in the 2020 election. "We already we feel like we're actual high school friends," Park said. "Even if lots of time has passed, and you see whether it's kind of like no time has passed, because we just...
- 10/30/2020
- E! Online
Naya Rivera has been acting in television roles since the early 1990s, but she’s best known for the role of Santana Lopez on Fox’s musical series “Glee,” on which she starred from 2009 to 2015. Here is a list of 11 of Rivera’s most memorable roles throughout her career, from her beginnings as a child actress in the early up through her most recent role in “Step Up: High Water.”
“The Royal Family” – Hilary Winston
Rivera’s first television role was as Hilary Winston in the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family” when she was just four years old.
“Family Matters” – Gwendolyn
In 1992, she played another little girl named Gwendolyn in three episodes of “Family Matters.” In one scene in the episode “Heart Strings,” she asks Steve Urkel for love advice.
“Bay Watch” – Willa
She also appeared in one 1996 episode of “Baywatch” called “Scorcher” as a girl named Willa who gets lost on the beach.
“The Royal Family” – Hilary Winston
Rivera’s first television role was as Hilary Winston in the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family” when she was just four years old.
“Family Matters” – Gwendolyn
In 1992, she played another little girl named Gwendolyn in three episodes of “Family Matters.” In one scene in the episode “Heart Strings,” she asks Steve Urkel for love advice.
“Bay Watch” – Willa
She also appeared in one 1996 episode of “Baywatch” called “Scorcher” as a girl named Willa who gets lost on the beach.
- 7/9/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
On Sunday, March 8, the National Women’s History Museum (Nwhm) hosted its 8th Annual Women Making History Awards at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Andie MacDowell Honored at 8th Annual Women Making History Awards
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images for the National Women's History Museum
The event, which coincided with International Women’s Day, honored actresses and activists Andie MacDowell and Logan Browning, alongside Ecos President and CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and Dr. Nancy D. O’Reilly for their significant contributions to their fields and roles as inspirations to women everywhere.
During the inspiring ceremony, Nwhm President and CEO Holly Hotchner spoke about bringing the organization’s dream of a brick-and-mortar museum to life in Washington, D.C. Under her leadership, over the past year, the Museum began the critical work to help realize its mission: to build the first ever U.S. museum to show the full scope of the history of women.
Andie MacDowell Honored at 8th Annual Women Making History Awards
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images for the National Women's History Museum
The event, which coincided with International Women’s Day, honored actresses and activists Andie MacDowell and Logan Browning, alongside Ecos President and CEO Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks and Dr. Nancy D. O’Reilly for their significant contributions to their fields and roles as inspirations to women everywhere.
During the inspiring ceremony, Nwhm President and CEO Holly Hotchner spoke about bringing the organization’s dream of a brick-and-mortar museum to life in Washington, D.C. Under her leadership, over the past year, the Museum began the critical work to help realize its mission: to build the first ever U.S. museum to show the full scope of the history of women.
- 3/12/2020
- Look to the Stars
The National Women’s History Museum (Nwhm) will host its eighth Annual Women Making History Awards on International Women’s Day.
Each year, the event honors a select group of people who have made a significant contribution to their field and serve as an inspiration to women everywhere. The awards will be sponsored by American Airlines, Ecos, Morgan Stanley, Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, and L’Oréal.
Among those expected to attend are honorees Andie MacDowell, Logan Browning, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, and Dr. Nancy D. O’Reilly, Presenters Rainey Qualley and Camille Winbush, Special Guests Maria Bello, Brianna Brown, Yvette Nicole Brown, Laura Bell Bundy, Angelique Cabral, Gloria Calderon Kellett, Brenna D’Amico, India de Beaufort, Torrey DeVitto, Frances Fisher, Edy Ganem, Anna Hopkins, Sharon Lawrence, Mercedes Mason, Aj Michalka, Aly Michalka, Angel Parker, Sara Rue, Keala Settle, Jade Tailor, Anneliese Van der Pol, Shantel VanSanten, and many more!
Founded in 1996, the...
Each year, the event honors a select group of people who have made a significant contribution to their field and serve as an inspiration to women everywhere. The awards will be sponsored by American Airlines, Ecos, Morgan Stanley, Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, and L’Oréal.
Among those expected to attend are honorees Andie MacDowell, Logan Browning, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, and Dr. Nancy D. O’Reilly, Presenters Rainey Qualley and Camille Winbush, Special Guests Maria Bello, Brianna Brown, Yvette Nicole Brown, Laura Bell Bundy, Angelique Cabral, Gloria Calderon Kellett, Brenna D’Amico, India de Beaufort, Torrey DeVitto, Frances Fisher, Edy Ganem, Anna Hopkins, Sharon Lawrence, Mercedes Mason, Aj Michalka, Aly Michalka, Angel Parker, Sara Rue, Keala Settle, Jade Tailor, Anneliese Van der Pol, Shantel VanSanten, and many more!
Founded in 1996, the...
- 2/27/2020
- Look to the Stars
Dee Dee Davis is best known for playing the youngest trouble maker, Bryana "Baby Girl" Thomkins -- alongside her onscreen siblings, Jeremy Suarez and Camille Winbush -- in the hilarious family comedy, "The Bernie Mac Show." Guess what she looks like now!
- 1/16/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
"FraXtur" is an upcoming post-apocalyptic television series. This series was co-created by Zack Ward (Don't Blink) and Deinstitutionalized LLC's Christopher Douglas-Olen Ray. Filming on the series began this past Spring in and around Los Angeles, with cinematographer Alexander Yellen ("Z-nation"). Casting and story details have also been announced. "FraXtur" will find an audience soon as a group of teens must survive in a new, brutal world. From the synopsis, an experiment goes wrong at a science center. Here, a group of teenagers are pushed into another dimension. This new dimension exposes the characters to a world, 100 years after an apocalyptic war. Now, these teens must find a way to survive in this very different landscape as warring bands fight for any remaining resources. The "FraXtur" cast consists of many familiar names. The regular cast includes: Brittany Curran of The Magicians, Denise Richards (The Toybox), Karl Yune ("Arrow") Camille Winbush ("The Bernie Mac Show...
- 6/19/2018
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
In today’s roundup, “The Flash” promoted Hartley Sawyer and Jessica Parker Kennedy to series regulars, and the Toronto Screenwriting Conference named its 2018 guest speakers.
Casting
Recurring cast members Hartley Sawyer and Jessica Parker Kennedy have been upped to series regulars for Season 5 of the CW‘s “The Flash.” Sawyer will reprise his role as Ralph Dibny, or Elongated Man, while Kennedy will continue on as Barry and Iris’ future daughter, Nora West-Allen, since the Season 4 finale revealed her “Mystery Girl” identity.
Deinstitutionalized has announced the cast of the upcoming dystopian drama “FraXtur.” Series regulars include Brittany Curran, Denise Richards, Karl Yune, Leon Thomas III, Max Adler, Camille Winbush, Kristos Andrews, Cody Saintgnue, Eric Nelsen, Ciara Hanna and Chasty Ballesteros. Pro wrestler Diamond Dallas Page, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Jade Harlow are also set to guest star in the show, which follows a misfit bunch of teens who stumble into a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Casting
Recurring cast members Hartley Sawyer and Jessica Parker Kennedy have been upped to series regulars for Season 5 of the CW‘s “The Flash.” Sawyer will reprise his role as Ralph Dibny, or Elongated Man, while Kennedy will continue on as Barry and Iris’ future daughter, Nora West-Allen, since the Season 4 finale revealed her “Mystery Girl” identity.
Deinstitutionalized has announced the cast of the upcoming dystopian drama “FraXtur.” Series regulars include Brittany Curran, Denise Richards, Karl Yune, Leon Thomas III, Max Adler, Camille Winbush, Kristos Andrews, Cody Saintgnue, Eric Nelsen, Ciara Hanna and Chasty Ballesteros. Pro wrestler Diamond Dallas Page, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Jade Harlow are also set to guest star in the show, which follows a misfit bunch of teens who stumble into a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
- 6/18/2018
- by Christi Carras
- Variety Film + TV
Renee Olstead gives HollywoodLife.com the scoop on Madison's 'internal struggle' this season. On The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Madison (Renee Olstead) is learning the hard way that it doesn't pay to be slutty. Lauren (Camille Winbush) and Amy (Shailene Woodley) still haven't forgiven her for sleeping with Lauren's boyfriend Jesse (Austin Stowell) -- and it doesn't look like they're going to give in any time soon. "It's going to be a while before Amy and Lauren let her back in the friend circle," Renee tells HollywoodLife.com exclusively. "At her core, she's still a follower," Renee says of Madison. "By sleeping with her friend's boyfriend, she was just trying to validate herself. I think she validates herself through other people, and that's something she's never strayed too far from. By nature, she's someone who wants to get approval from other people." Renee says Madison will spend the...
- 4/16/2012
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
Plus, in a 'Secret Life' first, the entire episode went by without anyone saying the word 'sex!' Like, not even once! "Does everybody think I'm stupid?" That rhetorical question -- posed by Amy (Shailene Woodley) on the March 26 spring premiere of The Secret Life Of The American Teenager -- really could have been asked by anyone on the show. Because, on some level, they were all a little bit stupid. At least this week. Grace (Megan Park) was stupid for thinking she could successfully carry on a relationship with Daniel, while still harboring feelings for Jack (Greg Finley). Wait, not just harboring feelings -- acting on those feelings. Daniel wasted no time dumping Grace, prompting her to enroll in summer school with Adrian (Francia Raisa) for some reason. I'm not going to lie, I didn't follow the logic with that one. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang faced the consequences of their partner-swapping actions,...
- 3/27/2012
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
The Monogamy Experiment stars actress/director Amy Rider (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) and is a unique mockumentary/documentary hybrid that intertwines a scripted comedy with real interviews. The scripted action begins when Rider’s character and that character’s boyfriend Nigel (Brayden Pierce) visit a relationship counselor and - yadda yadda yadda - the couple then begins a 30-day open relationship (which, these days, is all the rage). “I thought it'd be interesting (and funny) to make a mockumentary where you take a committed monogamous couple and throw them in a situation where they have to test out 30 days of an open relationship,” Rider said over e-mail. “But while I wanted to do a mockumentary, I felt like there's a big social relevancy in the subject matter that I didn't want to get lost in the whole comedy and mockumentary aspect.” And in order to not get...
- 9/1/2011
- by Chris Landa
- Tubefilter.com
After listening to Ricky’s voicemails, Amy finds out she’s not the only one who has made that mistake; meanwhile Adrian goes on a date with Dante (Bow Wow) hoping to make Ricky jealous on The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, premiering on Monday, August 15 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Et/Pt).
In the one-hour episode, “4-1-1,” Ricky grows increasingly upset with Amy for going through his phone, and Amy feels guilty, only to later find out it seems that everyone does it.
Unable to trust each other, Ricky decides he needs a little space and time away from Amy, but finds a former foster “brother” at his door needing his help. Meanwhile, even though she believes her plan to get Ricky back is working, Adrian decides to go on a date with Dante (Bow Wow), who is a friend of Grace’s boyfriend. Although she wants to start dating again,...
In the one-hour episode, “4-1-1,” Ricky grows increasingly upset with Amy for going through his phone, and Amy feels guilty, only to later find out it seems that everyone does it.
Unable to trust each other, Ricky decides he needs a little space and time away from Amy, but finds a former foster “brother” at his door needing his help. Meanwhile, even though she believes her plan to get Ricky back is working, Adrian decides to go on a date with Dante (Bow Wow), who is a friend of Grace’s boyfriend. Although she wants to start dating again,...
- 8/15/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
The girls appear to be much more excited about going to the senior dance than the guys are, while Ben learns some upsetting news about his mother, on The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, premiering on Monday, August 1 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Et/Pt).
In the one-hour episode, “Dancing With the Stars,” Amy encourages a reluctant Ricky to take her to the senior dance while Adrian convinces Ben to take her as his date as well – but whom will Jack go with?
After Ben was witness to Nora’s relapse, Leo shares some news about his mother he would have never expected. Meanwhile, Amy discovers what Adrian is up to and begs Ricky to tell Ben before he lets temptation win and do something that could change their lives forever.
The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park, Francia Raisa...
In the one-hour episode, “Dancing With the Stars,” Amy encourages a reluctant Ricky to take her to the senior dance while Adrian convinces Ben to take her as his date as well – but whom will Jack go with?
After Ben was witness to Nora’s relapse, Leo shares some news about his mother he would have never expected. Meanwhile, Amy discovers what Adrian is up to and begs Ricky to tell Ben before he lets temptation win and do something that could change their lives forever.
The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park, Francia Raisa...
- 8/1/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
After Amy discovers why Ricky was denied acceptance into the nearby college, she makes it her mission to fix the matter, while Ben struggles with the idea of just being Adrian’s roommate, on The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, premiering on Monday, July 25 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Et/Pt).
In the one-hour episode, “Cute,” Ricky confides in Amy why he was denied entrance to his college of choice. This infuriates Amy, who is determined to try and make it right. She ignores Ricky’s pleas to leave it alone and takes matters into her own hands, but can she really help? Meanwhile, Ben is unaware of Adrian’s secret plan, and while Grace tries to tell him what she knows, her efforts lead Ben to believe Adrian’s seeing another man.
The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park,...
In the one-hour episode, “Cute,” Ricky confides in Amy why he was denied entrance to his college of choice. This infuriates Amy, who is determined to try and make it right. She ignores Ricky’s pleas to leave it alone and takes matters into her own hands, but can she really help? Meanwhile, Ben is unaware of Adrian’s secret plan, and while Grace tries to tell him what she knows, her efforts lead Ben to believe Adrian’s seeing another man.
The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park,...
- 7/25/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
Adrian and Ben experience a heart-breaking tragedy, on The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, premiering on Monday, June 6 (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Et/Pt).
In the one-hour episode, “Or Not to Be…,” Adrian and Ben prepare for the imminent arrival of their daughter. When Adrian experiences discomfort, the couple – believing she is about to go into labor – are instructed by their doctor to leave for the hospital. Ben and Adrian agree not to call anyone until they know more, but as word spreads she is in the hospital, family and friends gather there to share the joyous occasion. But the couple learn some devastating news that will change their lives forever and will need those closest to them for support.
The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park, Francia Raisa with Steve Schirripa and Molly Ringwald. In “…Or Not to Be,...
In the one-hour episode, “Or Not to Be…,” Adrian and Ben prepare for the imminent arrival of their daughter. When Adrian experiences discomfort, the couple – believing she is about to go into labor – are instructed by their doctor to leave for the hospital. Ben and Adrian agree not to call anyone until they know more, but as word spreads she is in the hospital, family and friends gather there to share the joyous occasion. But the couple learn some devastating news that will change their lives forever and will need those closest to them for support.
The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Mark Derwin, India Eisley, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park, Francia Raisa with Steve Schirripa and Molly Ringwald. In “…Or Not to Be,...
- 6/7/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
ABC Family's hit series, The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, returns with all-new episodes beginning Monday, March 28, (8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Et/Pt). The network will air a special Secret Life marathon (nine episodes) leading up to the premiere, Monday, March 28, from 11:00 Am Et/Pt – 8:00 Pm Et/Pt.
In the season opener, "Who Do You Trust," summer vacation is over and everyone is back at school and dealing with relationships that are becoming increasingly complicated. Amy has decided she would like to take her relationship to the next level with Ricky. Ricky, meanwhile, returns to his apartment after an anxious day at the clinic to find his birth mom out of prison and looking for a place to stay. And Adrian and Ben are excited and anxious to find out if they're having a boy or a girl. Beverley Mitchell (7th Heaven) guest stars as the new guidance counselor,...
In the season opener, "Who Do You Trust," summer vacation is over and everyone is back at school and dealing with relationships that are becoming increasingly complicated. Amy has decided she would like to take her relationship to the next level with Ricky. Ricky, meanwhile, returns to his apartment after an anxious day at the clinic to find his birth mom out of prison and looking for a place to stay. And Adrian and Ben are excited and anxious to find out if they're having a boy or a girl. Beverley Mitchell (7th Heaven) guest stars as the new guidance counselor,...
- 3/28/2011
- by We Love Soaps TV
- We Love Soaps
HolidayChristmas with the CelebsIt's hard to believe a whole year has passed, and we've arrived at another holiday season. The holidays for many are filled with food, family, festivities, gifts, and holiday traditions. It's no exception for celebrities who are always in the public eye. It should come as no surprise how similar the people who are afforded the opportunities to live the most lavish lives, really do the same things we regular Joes do around the holidays.Here's how our favorite celebs plan to spend the holidays.Kandi"Usually for Christmas I go to my Aunt Bertha house and eat dinner and play cards all day. And on New years I go to my Aunts house and eat collard greens and black eye peas. Last year was the first time I broke the tradition when I went to the Bahamas."-Kandi Burress, singer/songwriter/reality starletEstelle"We celebrate "Boxing Day" the day after Christmas,...
- 12/20/2010
- Essence
Nancy Lieberman attending the 2010 Hollywood Stuntwomen's Awards luncheon.Photo copyright by Koi Sojer / PR Photos. Natascha Hopkins attending the 2010 Hollywood Stuntwomen's Awards luncheon.Photo copyright by Koi Sojer / PR Photos. Camille Winbush, Nancy Lieberman, Pam Grier and Lindsay Wagner attending the 2010 Hollywood Stuntwomen's Awards luncheon.Photo copyright by Koi Sojer / PR Photos. Julie Ann Johnson and Lee Meriwether attending the 2010 Hollywood Stuntwomen's Awards luncheon.Photo copyright by Koi Sojer / PR Photos. Mechelle Epps attending the 2010 Hollywood Stuntwomen's Awards luncheon.Photo copyright by Koi Sojer / PR Photos. 10/17/2010 - Tanika Ray - 2010 Hollywood Stuntwomen's Awards Luncheon - Skirball Cultural Center - Los Angeles, CA, USA © Koi Sojer / PR...
- 10/20/2010
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
A killer for hire whose big clients are cartoon-watching Mafiosi who can't pay the rent on time, the deadly serious lead character in Jim Jarmusch's moderately successful competition entry is an enigma who doesn't have a line of dialogue until 45 minutes into the film. What is provided in the way of illuminating the character's mindset are excerpts from a book about Samurai warriors who possess an uncompromising sense of loyalty, and daily are so prepared to die they already consider themselves "dead."
Much funnier and less consequential than the Indie filmmaker's loved and loathed western "Dead Man", "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" has commercial promise. It is a satisfactorily provoking and offbeat take on the otherwise tired hitman genre until the violence starts escalating in the final act. Overall, the most glaring deficiency is the lack of a significant payoff in the peculiar destiny of the title character, played splendidly by Forest Whitaker.
Jarmusch is a strong director and adeptly steers clear of a conventional narrative in "Ghost Dog", but the results are somewhat mixed when it comes to the cast of characters, particularly the aforementioned gangsters led by Henry Silva. John Tormey stands out as Louie, the "master" who once saved the life of rooftop-dwelling Ghost Dog and communicates with him via messenger pigeons. Apart from Cliff Gorman's spirited turn, the rest of the thugs are shallow caricatures whose denseness grows tiresome.
The simple story finds Ghost Dog on the outs with his employers when they hire him to whack a "made man" and then seek in-house retribution. But the shadowy, nearly friendless assassin is not one to be caught unprepared. Although his vows forbid him to question or harm his master, when he knows he's a target, the efficient killer goes after the other mobsters. Unfortunately, Jarmusch includes a few too many jokey killings that sour the conclusion.
French-speaking Isaach De Bankole ("Night on Earth") is a welcome addition as an Ice Cream vendor who oddly communicates perfectly with the English-only Ghost Dog. Camille Winbush is also memorable as a little girl that the lead discusses books with and who seems destined also to adopt the "ancient ways" in a changing world.
GHOST DOG: THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI
JVC, BAC Films, Le Sudio Canal Plus present
In association with Pandora Film and ARD/Degeto Film
A Plywood production
Writer-director:Jim Jarmusch
Producer:Richard Guay, Jim Jarmusch
Director of photography:Robby Muller
Production designer:Ted Berner
Editor:Jay Rabinowitz
Music:RZA
Costume designer:John Dunn
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ghost Dog:Forest Whitaker
Louie:John Tormey
Ray Vargo:Henry Silva
Raymond:Isaach De Bankole
Pearline:Camille Winbush
Running time -- 116 minutes...
Much funnier and less consequential than the Indie filmmaker's loved and loathed western "Dead Man", "Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai" has commercial promise. It is a satisfactorily provoking and offbeat take on the otherwise tired hitman genre until the violence starts escalating in the final act. Overall, the most glaring deficiency is the lack of a significant payoff in the peculiar destiny of the title character, played splendidly by Forest Whitaker.
Jarmusch is a strong director and adeptly steers clear of a conventional narrative in "Ghost Dog", but the results are somewhat mixed when it comes to the cast of characters, particularly the aforementioned gangsters led by Henry Silva. John Tormey stands out as Louie, the "master" who once saved the life of rooftop-dwelling Ghost Dog and communicates with him via messenger pigeons. Apart from Cliff Gorman's spirited turn, the rest of the thugs are shallow caricatures whose denseness grows tiresome.
The simple story finds Ghost Dog on the outs with his employers when they hire him to whack a "made man" and then seek in-house retribution. But the shadowy, nearly friendless assassin is not one to be caught unprepared. Although his vows forbid him to question or harm his master, when he knows he's a target, the efficient killer goes after the other mobsters. Unfortunately, Jarmusch includes a few too many jokey killings that sour the conclusion.
French-speaking Isaach De Bankole ("Night on Earth") is a welcome addition as an Ice Cream vendor who oddly communicates perfectly with the English-only Ghost Dog. Camille Winbush is also memorable as a little girl that the lead discusses books with and who seems destined also to adopt the "ancient ways" in a changing world.
GHOST DOG: THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI
JVC, BAC Films, Le Sudio Canal Plus present
In association with Pandora Film and ARD/Degeto Film
A Plywood production
Writer-director:Jim Jarmusch
Producer:Richard Guay, Jim Jarmusch
Director of photography:Robby Muller
Production designer:Ted Berner
Editor:Jay Rabinowitz
Music:RZA
Costume designer:John Dunn
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ghost Dog:Forest Whitaker
Louie:John Tormey
Ray Vargo:Henry Silva
Raymond:Isaach De Bankole
Pearline:Camille Winbush
Running time -- 116 minutes...
- 5/20/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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