The Runaway (2000, TV Movie)

"The Runaway" (2000) is a made-for-television drama aired on CBS and was the 207th presentation of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. It was directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman and written by Ron Raley, who based the story on Terry Klay's 1997 novel under the same title as the film. The film stars an excellent cast, which includes Dean Cain, Debbie Morgan, Kathryn Erbe, Maya Angelou, Pat Hingle, Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, Robinne Lee, Cody Newton, and Duane McLaughlin.

This movie is excellent storytelling about the relationship of two boys from the 1940s South. One is black, and the other is white. They have a strong friendship that exists beyond racial color lines. They discover a human bone, which reopens the case of three black men murdered. Dean Cain leads the investigation of a sheriff trying to seek justice for a black family while the townspeople want their way of life to remain status quo. 

This movie has some admirable acting and storytelling. It's an honest take on the complications of race relationships in American society and the tribulations black people faced to get fair shots within the justice system. The film has no foul language or derogatory words, so it is suitable for multiple age ranges. I highly recommend it for viewing. I was pleasantly surprised how good it turned out to be.

Director: Arthur Allan Seidelman

Writers: Terry Klay, Ron Raley

Starring Dean Cain, Pat Hingle, Debbi Morgan, Kathryn Erbe, Cliff De Young, Roxanne Hart, Cody Newton, Duane McLaughlin, Maya Angelou, Robinne Lee, Kamali Minter, Afemo Omilami, Michael Harding, Robin O'Dell, Brett Rice, Mike Pniewski

Storyline

At the birth of a black and white baby, a mysterious and powerful Conjure Woman (Maya Angelou) prophesies, "You're going to make a difference and start the change." And indeed, they do. Luke Winter (Cody Newton) and Joshua "Sonny" Monroe (Duan McLaughlin) grow up as best friends in a rural Georgia town in the 1940s. On one of their youthful adventures, they uncover a humane bone. Their discovery leads the town's new sheriff, Frank Richards (Dean Cain), to reopen an investigation of the unsolved murders of three black men. As he doggedly pursues the case, he learns that most townspeople prefer the truth to stay hidden. With each new clue, disturbing facts surfaced, making the sheriff more determined to see justice prevail. As the case threatens to split the town apart, Sonny and Luke feel pressured to conform to the segregated ways of the past. Tensions rise, and Sonny discovers he has become the main suspect in yet one more murder.

Bones (2001)

"Bones" (2001) is a horror film directed by Ernest R. Dickerson and written by Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe. The movie stars Snoop Dogg as Jimmy Bones, a well-respected neighborhood protector betrayed and murdered by his associates and corrupt cop. "Bones" is an excellent cross of the blaxploitation genre and modern horror cinema featuring Pam Grier, an iconic actress from the era, and the direction of Dickerson, famed director of "Juice" and Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight." Additional cast members include Clifton Powell, Ricky Harris, Bianca Lawson, Khalil Kain, and Michael T. Weiss. 

The movie resembles the 1970s classic, "J.D.'s Revenge," starring Glynn Turman, but with a modified storyline. Jimmy Bones and J.D. Walker were both betrayed and murdered, and the motives for their return are revenge and reconnecting with their lady. While the movie bombed at the box office, it became a cult classic afterward. It's a dark film with some excellent cinematography. The soundtrack peaked at #39 on the Billboard 200, #14 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #4 on the Top Soundtracks chart. 

Director: Ernest R. Dickerson

Writers: Adam Simon, Tim Metcalfe

Starring Snoop Dogg, Pam Grier, Clifton Powell, Ricky Harris, Bianca Lawson, Khalil Kain, Michael T. Weiss, Merwin Mondesir, Sean Amsing, Katharine Isabelle, Ron Selmour, Deezer D, Garikayi Mutambirwa

Storyline

The time is 1979. Jimmy Bones (Snoop Dogg, Training Day) is respected and loved as the neighborhood protector. When he is betrayed and brutally murdered by a corrupt cop (Michael T. Weiss, The Pretender), Bones' elegant brownstone becomes his tomb. Twenty-two years later, the neighborhood has become a ghetto, and his home a Gothic ruin. Four teens renovate it as an after-hours nightclub, unknowingly releasing Jimmy's tortured spirit.