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.

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.