A Tough Winter (1930)

"A Tough Winter" (1930) is a comedy short part of the "Our Gang Comedies [a.k.a. The Little Rascals]" by Hal Roach and is the 99th episode of the series. The film stars Stepin Fetchit, Allen 'Farina' Hoskins, Jackie Cooper, Mary Ann Jackson, Bobby 'Wheezer' Hutchins, and Pete the Dog.

Lincoln Theodore Perry [a.k.a. Stepin Fetchit] became famous in Hollywood in 1929 and starred in nine films. However, his fame was due to his negative stereotypical depiction of Black people in movies. Most of his portrayals were shiftless, slow-talking, tap-dancing, and dim-wittedness. He was a comedic relief, making him the first black actor to earn $1 million. 

Allen 'Farina' Hoskins started acting in 1922 as an original cast member of the "Our Gang Comedies." He had a total of 118 credits, with his last in 1936. He branched away from the "Our Gang Comedies" in the 1930s and appeared in a few films, such as "The Mayor of Hell" (1933) and "Reckless" (1935). 

Unfortunately, many Hollywood films that feature Black actors in the 20s and 30s suffered from racist stereotypes. The early years of "Our Gang Comedies" were a product of the era, so Farina and Stepin Fetchit are examples of Hollywood's depiction of Black people. It may be challenging for some to see this film and not feel offended, which is understandable. But we must be critical and truthful about history, even if it makes us uncomfortable. Pretending it didn't happen helps nobody.

Director: Robert F. McGowan

Writers: Robert A. McGowan, H.M. Walker

Starring Stepin Fetchit, Farina' Hoskins, Jackie Cooper, Mary Ann Jackson, Bobby 'Wheezer' Hutchins, Pete the Dog, Thomas Atkins, Walter Weidler, Warner Weidler

Storyline

Stepin Fetchit allows the gang to come in from the cold and later attempts to help Mary Ann clean up after a "taffy pull" goes wrong.

High Freakquency (1998)

"High Freakquency" (1998) is a comedy film directed by Tony Singletary and written by Rob Gomes. The movie stars John Witherspoon, Marcus Chong, A.J. Johnson, Paul Mooney, Michael Colyar, and Deon Richmond. It was released in theaters in 1998 and was mostly on television in '99. The late '90s saw an influx of Black movies that went largely unnoticed. Many were low-budget but had relevant cast members who were familiar faces in Black entertainment. B.E.T. picked up many of these films for their movie slots, but over time, they faded out of circulation.

Director: Tony Singletary

Writer: Rob Gomes

Starring John Witherspoon, Marcus Chong, A.J. Johnson, Deon Richmond, Ajai Sanders, Cory Tyler, Michael Colyar, Paul Mooney, Iona Morris, Joe Clair, Roxanne Reese, Willard E. Pugh, Aonika Laurent, David Labiosa, Kimberly Brooks, Adina Howard, Freez Luv

Storyline

FM 24/7 is the top R&B station in L.A. and the most outrageous! Program Director Wes Thomas (John Witherspoon) keeps the money rolling in. At the same time, he works at being white and presides over personalities like Nubian Princess (Iona Morris), Warm Daddy (Michael Colyar), and the Love Doctor (Paul Mooney). However, the real brain is Jordan (Marcus Chong), who knows what the public wants.

Leprechaun 5: In the Hood (2000)

"Leprechaun in the Hood" (2000) is a cult classic comedy horror film directed by Rob Spera and stars Warwick Davis, Ice-T, Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, and Red Grant. This movie was the fifth installment of the "Leprechaun" series about people taking the Leprechaun's gold and hunting them down to reclaim it by any means necessary. "Leprechaun in the Hood" takes place in Compton, where some up-and-coming rap artists face off with the creature.

Without being overly critical, which is easy to do, the film is a comedic gem not meant to be taken seriously. The film has a blaxploitation aura as it intended to cater to a black audience using characteristic racial stereotypes. Yet, these types of comedy movies were typical during the late 90s and early 2000s when the landscape of black actors in film was evolving as culture changed. The hip-hop theme of the movie was a welcoming layer to the film's premises, as some of the tracks were decent. However, no official soundtrack was released, so some songs are unavailable.

If you're looking for mindless stoner fun from a horror film, then this is nonsense you can watch. If you take movies seriously, there are other horror movies for you. But for many, it's a nostalgic classic. 

Director: Rob Spera

Writers: Mark Jones, William Wells, Alan Reynolds, Rob Spera, Jon Huffman, Doug Hall

Starring Warwick Davis, Ice-T, Anthony Montgomery, Rashaan Nall, Red Grant, Dan Martin, Lobo Sebastian, Ivory Ocean, Jack Ong, Barima McKnight, Bebe Drake, Donna M. Perkins, Daya Vaidya, Chloe Hunter, Lori J. Jones, Eric Mansker, Steven M. Porter

Storyline

When aspiring hip-hop performers Butch (Red Grant), Postmaster P. (Anthony Montgomery), and Stray Bullet (Rashaan Nall) cross the notorious record producer Mack Daddy (Ice-T), their grudge against him leads to their peril. After they break into Mack Daddy's home and swipe an ancient medallion from a grotesque statue, the evil Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) is freed from his magical prison. Soon, the sinister little man is on the trail of Butch, Postmaster P., Stray Bullet, and Mack Daddy himself to retrieve his stole items.