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.

Spirit Lost (1996)

"Spirit Lost" (1996) was an erotic horror directed by Neema Barnette. BET Films and United Image Entertainment (Tim Reid's production company) produced the movie, a straight-to-home video release by Artisan Entertainment (formerly Live Entertainment). The movie stars Leon, Regina Taylor, Cynda Williams, Tamara Tunie, and Juanita Jennings.

Reid filmed the movie in Virginia, one of many movies he made under his production company. Other films include "Out-of-Sync," "Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored," and "Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad." Reid and Neema Barnette worked together in previous films and television shows as far as 1987 when she directed a couple of episodes of "Frank's Place," which starred Reid.

The "Spirit Lost" storyline was unique for black cinema but straightforward—a married couple movies into their new seaside home, where a ghost resides. However, this ghost (Cynda Williams) is seductive and jealous and intends to run off the pregnant wife (Regina Taylor) so that she can have John (Leon) to herself. This film has an artistic nature, even with its B-movie atmosphere. 

In hindsight, Reid had something going for black cinema. He wasn't just producing movies. He was employing black filmmakers while simultaneously worth with T.V. networks. His movies had substance, were thoughtful, and diverse in genre. "Spirit Lost" is an adult movie with sexual nature, but there isn't any blood, gore, or obscene language.

Director: Neema Barnette

Writers: Joyce Renee Lewis, Nancy Thayer, Shirley Pierce

Starring Leon, Regina Taylor, Cynda Williams, Tamara Tunie, Juanita Jennings, Frank Hoyt Taylor, James Avery, Reed R. McCants, Yvonne Erickson, Chris Northup

Storyline

An artist, John (Leon), and his wife, Willy (Regina Taylor), move to a seaside home that is haunted by a jealous and seductive ghost (Cyndia Williams). As the couple starts to settle in, John begins this supernatural affair that strains the couple's marriage. However, only John can see the ghost, and his behavior grows concerning for his pregnant wife, who hires a nurse (Juanita Jennings) to help around the house as her husband is now unreliable. With John becoming increasingly unhinged, how will the couple survive this terrifying ordeal?