A Thin Line Between Love And Hate (1996)

"A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" (1996) is a comedy-drama written, produced, directed, and starring Martin Lawrence. New Line Cinema distributed the film, which features a stellar cast including Lynn Whitfield, Regina King, Della Reese, Roger E. Mosley, and Bobby Brown. Lawerence used his company, 'You Go Boy! Productions' to produce the movie.

By 1996, Martin Lawrence was in his prime. His hit T.V. show, "Martin," was in its fourth season, and he was a year removed from starring in the blockbuster film, "Bad Boys," with Will Smith. In 1994, he performed an exceptional standup comedy special, "You So Crazy," and previously starred in notable movies such as "Boomerang," "House Party," and " Do the Right Thing."

"A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" had an $8 million budget and grossed over $30 million despite receiving many negative reviews. Lynn Whitfield performed stellar as the career-successful but scorned woman betrayed by lies due to Darnell (Martin's character), while Regina King played the 'girl-next-door' type of character. Whitfield, Mosley, and Reese had the most acting experience in the film. The movie had actors that people could relate to across generations.

The soundtrack peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200 and five on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It consisted of a blend of hip-hop and R&B music. It's one of the most respected soundtracks for a black movie in the 90s.

Directed: Martin Lawrence

Writers: Martin Lawrence (story), Bentley Kyle Evans (screenplay), Kenny Buford (screenplay), Kim Bass (screenplay)

Starring Martin Lawrence, Lynn Whitfield, Regina King, Bobby Brown, Della Reese, Malinda Williams, Daryl Mitchel, Roger E. Mosley, Simbi Kali, Tangie Ambrose, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Stacii Jae Johnson, Miguel A. Núñez Jr., Faizon Love, Michael Bell, Dartanyan Edmonds

Storyline

Ladies' man Darnell Wright (Martin Lawrence) is used to getting his way with women. So although he is committed to his longtime love, Mia (Regina King), he can't help himself when he meets the beautiful and standoffish Brandi (Lynn Whitfield). After bedding and then trying to ditch Brandi, Darnell is in for an unpleasant surprise: the unhinged Brandi is not about to let Darnell dump her, and she will do anything to exact revenge on him for tossing her aside.