Acting
An updated version of the 1979 game show of the same name. The object of the game was not to laugh at the comedians. Various comedians would have one minute each to make the contestant laugh. If the contestant were able to keep a straight face, he or she would win prize money and go on to face another comedian, and so on until at last they met a joke they couldn't resist.
Based on the best-selling novel by author Eric Jerome Dickey, this funny and insightful drama follows four African-Americans, detailing the relationship trials and tribulations they face. Stand-up comedian Leonard romances beautiful Debra -- but will her religious convictions cause their relationship to stall? Meanwhile, Debra's friend Shelby starts dating Leonard's buddy Tyrel.
Def Comedy Jam played host to some of the greatest comedians of the 1990s, many of whom went on to greater fame, due in part to the exposure they received on the program. Here, Mark Curry and Steve Harvey both show off some comic chops that that could never air on their respective network TV shows, though Harvey has shown this side of himself in Spike Lee's excellent THE ORIGINAL KINGS OF COMEDY. Rounding out the performers are Don "D.C." Curry (NEXT FRIDAY) and Arnez J. Contains two episodes.
Upscale male escort Malcolm Tremell wants a change in this drama based on Michael Baisden's best-selling novel. After years of living a fantasy life with expensive cars, hot women paying him for sex and enough money to buy whatever he wants, Malcolm begins to long for a more fulfilling existence. When he meets a beautiful dancer, he may have found what he needs -- if he's willing to change.
Two girls at a Historically Black College are strapped for cash to pay their senior year's tuition. In a pinch, they take their pool-hustling skills to Las Vegas to earn the money. But, winning at pool and love has it challenges.
Live-wire comedian Arnez J. totes his talent for impressions to the stage of Boston's Wilbur Theater for this one-hour comedy special that pokes fun -- lots of fun -- at racial stereotypes.
Shaquille O'Neal turns up the heat for the second edition of the All Star Comedy Jam, with the legendary D.L. Hughley playing emcee and stand-up sharpshooters Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, Melanie Comarcho and Arnez J. topping the bill. Filmed at the Fillmore Miami Beach as part of the 2009 American Black Film Festival, the no-limits sketch revue taps the Original Kings of Comedy vein and gets the funny on.
Rae Jones is a talented, edgy, street-forged sexy 20-something, desperate to become a working actress. After years of dead end auditions and exploitation in music videos, she finally gets the break of a lifetime. But can she maintain the balance between the greedy Hollywood demands of being a rising young star with the indebtedness she feels to her often-unscrupulous family and the seedy Atlanta strip club where she was discovered?
The first comedy special from Arnez J in over a decade.
