Disappearing Acts (2000)

 

"Disappearing Acts" (2000) is a made-for-television romance film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and written by Lisa Jones, which she based on Terry McMillan's 1989 novel under the same title. McMillian was the executive producer, and the film originally aired on HBO. "Disappearing Acts" stars Wesley Snipes, Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall, Lisa Arrindell, and Q-Tip and has an excellent soundtrack of RnB and Neo-Soul.

"Disappearing Acts" was one of several black movies released by HBO during the 90s and 2000s. Over the years, the film's quality has aged well and is worth revisiting. It has a similar feeling to other classics such as "Nothing but A Man" (1964) and "Killer of Sheep" (1968). These are films that tell stories about ordinary people. There isn't anything extravagant or theatrical about the movies, but they are all driven by stellar acting. "Disappearing Acts" is a story that many can relate to, so it's easy to appreciate the nature of this film.

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Writers: Terry McMillan, Lisa Jones

Starring Sanaa Lathan, Wesley Snipes, Regina Hall, Lisa Arrindell, Q-Tip, Michael Imperioli, Clark Johnson, John Amos, CCH Pounder, John Beasley, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Storyline

When she moves into her renovated brownstone, construction worker Franklin Swift (Wesley Snipes) meets Zora Banks (Sanaa Lathan). She's an aspiring singer/songwriter who teaches at a public school. He works construction while dreaming of having his own business. It takes strength to build a life and strength to keep love alive. Sometimes you need help to do both. Franklin faces challenges at work, and Zora faces the challenges of her career and choosing to be with Franklin. Together, they will soon discover that it's easy to build a love affair...and hard to make it last.

Slam (1998)

Starring:

• Saul Williams
• Sonja Sohn
• Bonz Malone
• Lawrence Wilson

Storyline
Gifted lyricist, Ray Joshua (Williams), is arrested for possession of marijuana and is sent to jail.  While in jail, he is faced with a dilemma; plead guilty for a shorter 2-3 year sentence, go to trial which could land him in jail for 10 years, or rat out his supplier which will ensure his death. As fate would have it, he meets Lauren Bell (Sohn) who helps him channel his uncertainty and anger through expression of his poetry, but the reality of his situation challenges his relationship with Lauren and his own self awareness.