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.

Romeo Must Die (2000)

"Romeo Must Die" (2000) is an action film starring Jet Li and Aaliyah in her film debut and the only film she appeared in while she was still living. The film also stars Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, Russell Wong, D.B. Woodside, Anthony Anderson, and DMX. Andrzej Bartkowiak was the director, and Mitchell Kapner, Eric Bernt, and John Jarrell were the writers. The soundtrack to the film consisted primarily of hip-hop and RnB debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200.

This film was a mixture of modern Chinese and Black culture. Jet Li recently saw incredible success in the US when he starred in "Lethal Weapon 4." As a result, "Romeo Must Die" was another mainstream introduction for the martial arts star. So Jet Li teaming up with the popularity of DMX and Aaliyah during the late 90s and early 2000s gained him more exposure. In addition, martial arts have been popular among black culture since the 70s in action movies. Martial arts also influenced one of the most significant hip-hop groups ever, so integrating the two cultures was familiar.

"Romeo Must Die" was a blockbuster film distributed by Warner Bros. It was a box office success grossing over $90 million on a $25 million budget. It's a fun action film with some talented actors. There could be more scenes with Li fighting, but overall it's an enjoyable movie. Seeing some of these familiar faces from over 20 years ago is nostalgic.

Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak

Writers: Mitchell Kapner, Eric Bernt, John Jarrell

Starring Jet Li, Aaliyah, Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, Russell Wong, D.B. Woodside, Anthony Anderson, Henry O, Jon Kit Lee, Edoardo Ballerini, Matthew Harrison, Terry Chen, Derek Lowe,

Storyline

In this martial arts take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy, an ex-policeman is jailed for a crime he didn't commit, and he breaks out to avenge his brother's death in America. He meets Trish O'Day there, and as they fall in love, she helps him in his search. Her father knows more about Li's brother's death than he should, and he and Li are at war soon.