Vanessa Bell Calloway
Also Known As: Vanessa Bell
Biography: Vanessa Bell Calloway is an American actress and dancer. She is known for her film roles as Princess Imani Izzi in the 1988 comedy Coming to America, as well as for her roles in What's Love Got to Do with It, The Inkwell, Crimson Tide, and Daylight. She is a nine-time NAACP Image Award nominee. She began her acting career in the ABC daytime soap opera, All My Children in 1985. After moving to Los Angeles in 1986, she began appearing in episodes of prime time shows such as The Colbys, Falcon Crest, 227, China Beach, A Different World, and L.A. Law. She made her film debut on Number One with a Bullet (1987), before supporting role of Eddie Murphy's character's arranged wife in the 1988 comedy Coming to America. In 1990, she co-starred alongside Joe Morton in the ABC drama series, Equal Justice. During the 1990s, she had a number of supporting roles in films, including What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) opposite Angela Bassett, The Inkwell (1994), and Crimson Tide (1995) as Denzel Washington's character wife. She also voiced main role in the 1992 animated comedy, Bébé's Kids. She had a number of leading and supporting roles in made for television movies. In 1995, she co-starred opposite James Earl Jones and Joe Morton in the short-lived CBS prime time soap opera, Under One Roof, the first drama series that featured African-American lead characters. For her role on the series, Calloway was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. She had leading roles on the short-lived NBC sitcom Rhythm & Blues (1992–93), and starred alongside Larry Hagman as his girlfriend in the CBS drama Orleans (1997). In the 2000s, she had recurring roles on Boston Public and The District. She co-starred in films including The Brothers, All About You, Dawg, Biker Boyz, Love Don't Cost a Thing, and Cheaper by the Dozen. She has guest starred on The Division, Strong Medicine, The Closer, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Dexter, Rizzoli & Isles, Castle, and Grey's Anatomy. From 2010 to 2011, she had the recurring role in the TNT medical drama, Hawthorne. In 2011, she began appearing in the Showtime comedy-drama, Shameless. In 2016, she was cast as lead character in the Bounce TV first prime time soap opera, Saints & Sinners. Also in 2016, she co-starred as president Obama's future mother-in-law, Marian Shields Robinson, and in the comedy-drama film Southside with You. In 2018, she appeared in the Christian drama film Unbroken: Path to Redemption and the crime thriller Dragged Across Concrete. In 2019, she played abolitionist Harriet Tubman's mother in the biographical drama film Harriet. She reprised her role as Imani Izzi in the 2021 sequel Coming 2 America.
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Adult: No
Popularity:
Known For:
Daylight
Overview: A group of armed robbers fleeing the police head for the New Jersey Tunnel and run right into trucks transporting toxic waste. The spectacular explosion that follows results in both ends of the tunnel collapsing and the handful of people who survived the explosion are now in peril. Kit Latura is the only man with the skill and knowledge to lead the band of survivors out of the tunnel before the structure collapses.
Genres: Action Adventure Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-12-06
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Good Hair
Overview: An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, GOOD HAIR visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community.
Genres: Documentary Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-10-09
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Love Don't Co$t a Thing
Overview: A high school outcast pays a cheerleader to pose as his girlfriend so he can be considered cool.
Genres: Comedy Drama Family Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-12-12
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Biker Boyz
Overview: A mythic motorcycle tale of father and son", this is the story of Manuel Galloway, also known as "the King of Cali", the president of a motorcycle club whose members are all African-American men, mostly white-collar workers who exchange their suits and ties at night and on weekends for leather outfits and motorcycle helmets.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-01-31
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Lakeview Terrace
Overview: A young interracial couple has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their relationship. A tightly wound LAPD officer has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighborhood. His nightly foot patrols and overly watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly aggressive to the newlyweds. These persistent intrusions into their lives cause the couple to fight back.
Genres: Drama Crime Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-09-19
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Death Spa
Overview: Michael's health club is beseiged with a series of terrible murders involving killer saunas and other grisly devices. Michael's wife killed herself a while before and her brother holds Michael responsible. Michael needs to stop the bloodshed before he loses all of his clients.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-07-29
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Saints & Sinners: Judgment Day
Overview: Some say blood is thicker than water, but in our fictional small town of Cypress, vengeance is bigger than family loyalty when Mayor Ella Johnson is arrested for killing Malik Thompson, whose body is found in her empty pool. Things get worse when her mother Leona sweeps in for a power grab and undermines her daughter's chance at freedom as she plots to take over the city of Cypress and New Hope church.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-02-14
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Bebe's Kids
Overview: When Robin meets the lovely Jamika he thinks he's in heaven. But when he meets her friend Bebe's children, whom she is looking after, he knows he's in hell.
Genres: Animation Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-07-31
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A Holiday Chance
Overview: The family of the founder of a multi-million-dollar film company experiences some tragic events during the holidays and two sisters must set aside a life-long rivalry and come together to turn the company around and keep the family intact.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-11-24
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What's Love Got to Do with It
Overview: Singer Tina Turner rises to stardom while mustering the courage to break free from her abusive husband Ike.
Genres: Drama Music History
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-06-09
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Polly
Overview: An musical adaptation of the book "Pollyanna" set in the 1950's in which an orphan tries to use gladness to unite the people in a small southern town.
Genres: Family Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-11-12
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The Inkwell
Overview: The Inkwell is about a 16-year-old boy coming of age on Martha's Vineyard in the summer of 1976.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-04-22
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To Hell and Back
Overview: Joe Patterson (Ernie Hudson), a wealthy land developer, learns as God and the Devil take a wager on his blessed life that results in a series of tragedies that test his faith. With a happy wife (Vanessa Bell Calloway) and six beautiful kids, Joe struggles to endure murder, fatal accidents and illness all while doing his best to remain truthful to the God he believes has given him everything.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-04-04
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A Beautiful Soul
Overview: An R&B singer snagged by the trappings of superstardom loses his way and turns his back on his church and faith-filled beginnings. Tragedy strikes, leaving a chance for redemption in its wake. But with rebirth, first comes death.
Genres: Music Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-05-04
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Stompin'
Overview: The coming of age story about two brothers who struggle to mend their estranged relationship as their college campus gears up for a major Stepshow competition.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-06-10
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Starkeisha
Overview: A woman, stressed before an import job interview, goes on a journey of self-discovery through her own subconscious.
Genres: Adventure Action Fantasy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-03-07
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The Devil You Know
Overview: Once-incarcerated Marcus Cowans is trying to turn over a new leaf with the support of his loving family. Upon discovering that one of his brothers may have been involved in a horrific crime, Marcus grapples with the limits of brotherhood and loyalty. He and his family, increasingly weary of the justice system’s failings, end up in the crosshairs of a seasoned but jaded detective.
Genres: Thriller Drama Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-04-01
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The Red Sneakers
Overview:
Genres: Drama Family Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-02-10
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The Obama Effect
Overview: A serious health scare ignites John Thomas, an insurance salesman in his 50s, to take a closer look at his life. Motivated by a misguided obsession with getting Barack Obama elected, John takes an overwhelming involvement in the Presidential campaign. While John becomes obsessed with the ideal of change that Obama represents for Americans, he has in turn neglected to create positive change in his own life, particularly with regard to his health and familial relationships. John hides his health problems from his strong, yet supportive wife, Molly, creating a strain on their marriage. John seeks the support of a Republican relative, MLK, who initially starkly resists supporting a Democratic candidate. John's son, Kalil, rebels against his father's avid support of Obama by supporting the Republican candidate as well. John neglects to support his daughter, Tamika, at a crucial moment in her life...
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-07-13
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All About You
Overview: Two people run from the pain of their broken past. When they discover each other, they find themselves at a crossroad where the only thing that stands between them and a second chance is each other.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-08-04
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Black Girl, Erupted
Overview: After a series of setbacks, high-achieving lawyer Reina must learn how to handle her mental health before her emotional outbursts destroy her career and her relationships.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-07-08
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Archibald the Rainbow Painter
Overview: Vietnam veteran Archibald Wright is a house painter hired to work on a Beverly Hills mansion where he becomes involved in the life of the resident family. The owner Elaine left her husband J.P. while he was serving in Vietnam, causing him to become an alcoholic hobo living in downtown Los Angeles. Archibald tries to help their daughter Tory to continue her relationship with her father, even though Elaine is strongly against it.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-08-07
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Love Song
Overview: A privileged, black college student with a fiance falls in love with a white musician she meets on her 21st birthday.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-12-01
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Holla 2
Overview: On the eve of her wedding, Monica invites her friends to spend the night at Douglas Plantation, unaware that the estate is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of thirteen murdered slaves. Now, someone or something is stalking Monica and her guests, and terror awaits them at every turn...
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-04-19
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Under the Boardwalk
Overview: Two crabs embark on an epic journey to get home after a storm sweeps them away. Their courage soon unites their families, paving the way for great summers to come.
Genres: Animation Comedy Family Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-10-27
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Polly: Comin' Home!
Overview: Broadway style songs are used to tell this interesting story of an ingenious orphan who gets involved in matchmaking and striving for inter-racial understanding in 1956 Alabama.
Genres: Family Music TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-11-18
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Between Sisters
Overview: Aneesa wants to give her baby sister, Serena, the best wedding present ever. So, when they discover that they have two long-lost sisters, the search is on to find them before Serena’s big day. But if they do, will these two women be able to forgive their estranged mother and come together for a sister they never knew existed?
Genres: TV Movie Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-03-23
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The Last Fall
Overview: An NFL journeyman struggles to deal with life's complexities after his professional career is over.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-03-09
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Memphis
Overview: Two men and a woman in the deep south of the 1950s plot to kidnap a child from a wealthy black family, mistakenly believing that no one will try to stop them.
Genres: Crime Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-01-27
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Southside with You
Overview: Chronicles a single day in the summer of 1989 when the future president of the United States, Barack Obama, wooed his future First Lady on an epic first date across Chicago's South Side.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-08-26
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Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Overview: The comedic play tells the story of a Black preacher’s scheme to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church from a plantation owner.
Genres: Comedy TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2024-05-24
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The Cherokee Kid
Overview: Isaih Turner didn’t want to be a hero-all he wanted was revenge. Orphaned when both his parents were cruelly murdered by the wealthy and powerful Cyrus Bloomington, the young Isaiah grew up with one air in mind: to find the man who killed his folks and take him down.
Genres: Western Action Comedy Family TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-12-14
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The Bounce Back
Overview: Father, author and relationship expert, Matthew Taylor is on a whirlwind book tour promoting his new best seller, The Bounce Back. He's got it all figured out until he meets the acerbic Kristin Peralta, a talk show circuit therapist who's convinced he's nothing but a charlatan. Matthew's life is turned upside down when he inadvertently falls for Kristin and has to face painful truth of his past relationship.
Genres: Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-02-26
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The Return of Desperado
Overview: Duell McCall is in New Mexico running afoul of local land baron. McCall pauses long enough in his escape flight to come to the aid of black homesteader who is being victimized by the diabolical Foxworth.
Genres: Western TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-02-15
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Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story
Overview: Story of Miki Howard, an American R&B and Jazz singer, whose hits include "Ain't Nobody Like You" and "Ain't Nuthin' in the World."
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-06-12
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America's Dream
Overview: Made especially for the HBO cable network, this well-wrought feature is comprised of three short stories by three noted black American authors, each of which is directed by a respected black director.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-02-17
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One of Them Days
Overview: Best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2025-01-16
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Number One with a Bullet
Overview: Number One with a Bullet is a 1987 American police detective film directed by Jack Smight. A pair of detectives is assigned to investigate a murder, and discover a trail of corruption and criminal activity that leads right back to their own police department.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-02-27
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The Preacher's Son
Overview: When the romantic secrets of his family members become public, the career and community standing of a respected bishop are threatened.
Genres: Romance Drama Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-01-09
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A Private Affair
Overview: A woman who has confronted the sour side of success finds love and discovers herself in this made-for-TV drama. Nikka (Vanessa Bell Calloway) is a writer who enjoys unexpected success with her first novel, but her brush with fame and fortune has a serious downside when she's threatened with legal action by the Internal Revenue Service for non-payment of taxes. Turning to her family and friends for help, Nikka's new life begins to fall apart, but she begins to develop a greater sense of herself in the process, and she decides to take a trip to Africa in hopes of coming to terms with her heritage.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-08-26
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Love, Once and Always
Overview: When Lucy’s childhood sweetheart plans to tear down the Gilded Age estate and replace it with a golf course, Lucy fights to preserve the historic mansion at all costs. As Lucy and Duncan set out to find a compromise, they learn that embracing the past may be the key to protecting the future.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-03-10
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Unbroken: Path to Redemption
Overview: Zamperini returns to California where he wound up marrying Cynthia Applewhite while wrestling with untreated PTSD, suffering constant nightmares, angry, bitter and deeply depressed, his wife convinces Zamperini to attend the 1949 Billy Graham Crusade.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-09-14
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Coming to America
Overview: An African prince decides it’s time for him to find a princess... and his mission leads him and his most loyal friend to Queens, New York. In disguise as an impoverished immigrant, the pampered prince quickly finds himself a new job, new friends, new digs, new enemies and lots of trouble.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-06-29
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Mosquito
Overview: A tale of sacrifice and showmanship told through rival doctors in the old west.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-05-07
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Thriller
Overview: Years after a childhood prank goes horribly wrong, a clique of South Central LA teens find themselves terrorized during Homecoming weekend by a killer hell-bent on revenge.
Genres: Horror Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-09-23
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Why Colors?
Overview: An rainbow color comedy.
Genres: Music Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-01-01
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Throwback Holiday
Overview: Jacqueline is living an unfulfilled life in a doomed marriage. After a chance encounter with a former classmate, she rethinks her life's choices and wishes she could go back to high school for a do-over. Like a Christmas miracle, Jacqueline awakens to find herself as a high school senior again with the ability to change everything.
Genres: Drama Comedy Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-12-15
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Her Only Choice
Overview: A woman is faced with a choice to fight for her life or sacrifice it for another. After years of infertility, a newly-expectant mother is diagnosed with a life-altering disease.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-10-06
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Dragged Across Concrete
Overview: Two policemen, one an old-timer, the other his volatile younger partner, find themselves suspended when a video of their strong-arm tactics becomes the media's cause du jour. Low on cash and with no other options, these two embittered soldiers descend into the criminal underworld to gain their just due, but instead find far more than they wanted awaiting them in the shadows.
Genres: Crime Action Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-02-21
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The Brothers
Overview: This is the story of four African-American "yuppies" (a banker, a doctor, a lawyer, and a "playboy") who call themselves "The Brothers". When the playboy gets engaged, the other three friends find themselves having to come to terms with their own issues of commitment and honesty...
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-03-23
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Coming 2 America
Overview: Prince Akeem Joffer is set to become King of Zamunda when he discovers he has a son he never knew about in America – a street savvy Queens native named Lavelle. Honoring his royal father's dying wish to groom this son as the crown prince, Akeem and Semmi set off to America once again.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-03-04
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Harriet
Overview: The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-11-01
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Stompin' at the Savoy
Overview: As the Harlem Renaissance flourishes in jazzy New York City, Pauline, Esther and Alice struggle to survive. By day, they toil at dreary jobs, dreaming of stardom, riches and happiness. By night, they dance their troubles away at the famous Savoy Ballroom. But when World War II appears on the horizon, the girls find their fortunes unfolding too unevenly to reconcile, and they inevitably begin to drift apart.
Genres: Drama Music TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-04-19
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Cheaper by the Dozen
Overview: The Baker brood moves to Chicago after patriarch Tom gets a job coaching football at Northwestern University, forcing his writer wife, Mary, and the couple's 12 children to make a major adjustment. The transition works well until work demands pull the parents away from home, leaving the kids bored -- and increasingly mischievous.
Genres: Comedy Family Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-12-24
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Crimson Tide
Overview: After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. When Ramsay insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him.
Genres: Thriller Action Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1995-05-12
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Baby
Overview: A young Black father must learn to navigate parenthood after his girlfriend mysteriously abandons him and their five-year-old daughter.
Genres: Drama Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-12-31
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Message From a Mistress
Overview: Longtime best friends Renee, Aria, Jaime and Jessa have shared just about everything. All hell breaks loose when Jessa sends them a message via DVD with a shocking message!
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-05-01
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The Divorce
Overview: Successful TV anchorwoman, Yolanda Massey, is celebrating her recent divorce by throwing herself a divorce party with her closest sorority girlfriends. Coming along for the ride is her hilariously funny, no nonsense BFF, Eva, her younger sister, CeCe, and her new-found friend, Victoria. For good measure, throw in her self-absorbed mother, a sexy, younger beau and a handsome ex-husband and you are in for an evening of raucous laughter, heartache and the ultimate surprise.
Genres: Comedy TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-02-04
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American Skin
Overview: A Marine veteran working as a school janitor tries to mend his relationship with his son after a divorce. When his son is killed by a police officer found innocent without standing trial, he takes matters into his own hands.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-09-01
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The Undershepherd
Overview: Best friends LC and Roland are two young ministers, climbing the ranks at the First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Ezekial Canon.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-02-15
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Queens of Christmas
Overview: Doris and Julia, life-long friends and feuding neighbors, learn the true meaning of “sisterhood” and Christmas while hilariously competing for the annual title of “Queen of Christmas.”
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2024-12-19
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Dawg
Overview: To inherit a million dollars, an egotistical womanizer must find the women he's betrayed and convince them to forgive him.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-02-21
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