News

So many major stars are in attendance at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards and we have the best photos from the red carpet!

The annual event is taking place on Saturday night (February 22) at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif.

The theme of this year’s show is “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence,” with the event celebrating Black excellence.

The nominees for Entertainer of the Year this year are Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, and Shannon Sharpe. The Piano Lesson leads the motion picture categories with 14 nominations while Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist leads the television categories with nine nominations.

Celebs like Cynthia, Zoe Saldana, Kerry Washington, and Gabrielle Union have all hit the red carpet. We have a recap of the biggest stars at the event!

Head inside to see all of the celebs who attended the show…

Keep scrolling to see all of the celebs on the carpet…...

Get ready for an intense episode of “The Black Hamptons” with Season 2 Episode 8 titled “Keep the Black Hamptons Black,” airing at 9:00 Pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, on BET. In this installment, tensions rise as Jesse takes charge of the town’s youth to protest against Eli’s new development plans, sparking a clash of ideals and values.

Meanwhile, Carolyn and Moses find themselves at odds in the boardroom, engaging in a fierce battle for control and influence. As they navigate the complexities of power dynamics, viewers will witness high-stakes negotiations and strategic maneuvering that could shape the future of the community.

Adding to the drama, Sydney confronts Anthony after catching him in a compromising position, leading to a confrontation that could have far-reaching consequences for their relationship and the tight-knit community.

With themes of activism, corporate intrigue, and personal drama, “Keep the Black Hamptons Black” promises to deliver an hour...

Get ready for a gripping new episode of “The Black Hamptons,” airing this Wednesday, May 1st, at 9:00 Pm on BET. In Season 2, Episode 7, titled “Gentrification,” the residents of the Black Hamptons face significant challenges as their community undergoes major changes.

Sgt. Lane, a beloved member of the neighborhood, finds himself in a dire situation when his home is unexpectedly taken away from him. The shocking turn of events sends ripples through the community, prompting them to come together in support of their friend.

Meanwhile, Eli’s relentless mission to gentrify the Black Hamptons only serves to strengthen the resolve of its residents. As tensions rise, the community unites to resist the forces threatening to change their way of life.

Additionally, Bobby takes bold action in his pursuit to win over Peter, setting the stage for potential drama and romance within the neighborhood.

Don’t miss the drama, intrigue, and...

Gear up for another intense episode of “The Black Hamptons” on BET, airing this Wednesday at 9:00 Pm. In Season 2 Episode 6, titled “Pay the Cost,” tensions rise as Christopher’s strategic maneuver in court pushes Moses to consider a riskier and more expensive route to securing his freedom. As the legal battle intensifies, viewers will be on the edge of their seats, eager to see how far Moses will go to fight for justice.

Meanwhile, Anthony receives unsettling news about his dealings with Alexander Cora, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. With its gripping storyline and dynamic characters, “The Black Hamptons” continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of power, ambition, and morality in the world of high-stakes law and politics.

Don’t miss out on the twists and turns in “Pay the Cost,” airing this Wednesday at 9:00 Pm on BET. It’s a must-watch for fans of drama and suspense!

Get ready for an intense episode of “The Black Hamptons” as Season 2 Episode 5, titled “Hot and Heavy,” hits the screens on BET this Wednesday at 9:00 Pm. In this gripping installment, tensions rise as Moses seeks allies in his quest for an early release from prison, while formidable adversaries conspire to ensure he remains incarcerated.

Meanwhile, Eli takes bold steps to infiltrate the inner workings of the Black Hamptons, setting the stage for potential conflicts and revelations that could shake the community to its core. As the stakes escalate, viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions and suspenseful twists that will keep them glued to their seats.

With its compelling storyline and dynamic characters, “The Black Hamptons” continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of power, ambition, and the complexities of urban life. Don’t miss out on the drama and intrigue unfolding in this latest episode, airing Wednesday at 9:00 Pm on BET.

Get ready for an evening of high-stakes drama on this week’s episode of “The Black Hamptons” titled “Summer Soiree,” airing Wednesday at 9:00 Pm on BET.

In this installment, Malcolm and Vanessa host a lavish post-nuptial summer soirée aboard their family yacht. However, what was supposed to be a joyous celebration quickly takes a sharp turn as secrets, lies, and simmering tensions come to the forefront.

As the night unfolds, viewers can expect a whirlwind of emotions as the characters navigate through a web of deceit and intrigue. From unexpected revelations to explosive confrontations, the summer soirée proves to be anything but serene for the affluent elite of the Hamptons.

With the picturesque backdrop of the Hamptons setting the stage, “The Black Hamptons” promises an evening of riveting television, filled with twists and turns that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Don’t miss “Summer Soiree” as the drama unfolds,...

Hey, folks! Are you ready for another thrilling episode of “The Black Hamptons”? Well, mark your calendars because Season 2 Episode 3, titled “Life’s a Beach,” is set to air on BET at 9:00 Pm this Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024.

In this gripping installment, tensions rise as Bobby makes a bold move to recruit Peter to his boxing promotional team. Meanwhile, Carolyn stumbles upon Eli’s controversial plan to gentrify the Black Hamptons, sparking a fierce debate about the future of their beloved community.

But that’s not all! Anthony finds himself grappling with a tough business decision that he must confide in Vanessa, adding even more drama to the mix.

Get ready for an evening filled with twists, turns, and intense drama as “The Black Hamptons” takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Tune in to BET at 9:00 Pm this Wednesday to catch all the action in “Life’s a Beach.

Get ready for another gripping episode of “The Black Hamptons” titled “Trouble in Paradise,” airing this Wednesday at 9:00 Pm on BET. In Season 2, Episode 2, viewers will be drawn deeper into the complex world of Sgt. Lane and the residents of the Black Hamptons.

As tensions rise, Sgt. Lane finds himself visited by Bobby “the Beast” Boyd and a top boxing promoter, setting the stage for potential conflicts and power struggles. Meanwhile, Sydney takes matters into her own hands as she confronts Vanessa, leading to a showdown of emotions and revelations.

Elsewhere, Anthony and Michael face a warning about the dangers of doing business with Alexander Cora, forcing them to reconsider their alliances and strategies in the cutthroat world of the Black Hamptons.

With twists, turns, and high-stakes drama, “Trouble in Paradise” promises to deliver an exhilarating viewing experience for fans of the series. Tune in this Wednesday at 9:...

My Wife and Kids had a strong debut on Netflix, ranking 7th in Top 10 TV shows in the U.S. The sitcom aired on ABC from 2001 to 2005. In 2005, the show was likely cancelled due to declining ratings as ABC officials felt it had "played itself out."

After premiering over two decades ago, My Wife and Kids has been climbing the charts on Netflix. Airing on ABC from 2001 to 2005, by co-creators Damon Wayans and Don Reo, My Wife and Kids focuses on the quest of Michael Kyle (Wayans) for the perfect traditional family — though his wife and kids have other ideas. The sitcom ran for 5 seasons and 123 episodes, with the My Wife and Kids cast that also included Tisha Campbell-Martin, George O. Gore II, Jazz Raycole, Parker McKenna Posey, Jennifer Nicole Freeman, Noah Gray-Cabey, and Brooklyn Sudano.

Though it's been off the air for almost twenty years, My Wife and Kids...

Some of Hollywood’s best and brightest stars walked the red carpet at the world premiere of The Color Purple on Wednesday night (December 6) in Los Angeles.

The movie’s stars – including Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Ciara and H.E.R. -arrived at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures dressed in their chicest outfits.

They were joined by so many other celebrities, who showed support at the big event. The guestlist included Oprah Winfrey (who acted as a producer for the movie), Ariana DeBose, Chloe Bailey, Quinta Brunson and so many others.

Since it was such a star-studded night, we pulled together a complete guestlist and photos of everyone on the red carpet. That way you can easily see who attended and what they were wearing!

Head inside to see photos of every star who attended the premiere of The Color Purple…

Keep scrolling to see photos of everyone who...

Carl Weber’s The Black Hamptons is returning. BET+ has ordered a second season of the drama. The four-episode first season debuted on the streaming service in late August 2022.

Starring Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, Karon Riley, Mike Merrill, Blac Chyna, Aaron Spears, Daya Vaidya, Cameo Sherrell, Franklin Ojeda Smith, Jordan Smith, Jennifer Freeman, and David Andrews, the series follows two prominent Black families living in Sag Harbor in Long Island.

Viewers will see several new faces join the series for season two -- Richard Lawson, Steven Williams, RonReaco Lee, Blue Kimble, Niki Taylor, and Thomas Calabro.

Read More…...

The Black Hamptons has a season 2 return date. The series based on the novel by The New York Times best-selling author Carl Weber will be back on BET+ Dec. 7.

The family drama set in Sag Harbor will welcome several new cast members including Richard Lawson, Steven Williams, RonReaco Lee, Blue Kimble, Niki Taylor, and Thomas Calabro, among others.

The Black Hamptons highlights the glitz and gloss of the Black elite while following the lives of the Brittons and the Johnsons and exposing the secrets of wealth and prestige. With a mix of legacy families, their friends, wannabes and thirsty developers, the drama in Sag Harbor is never too far behind. Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, KaRon Riley, Mike Merrill, Angela ‘Blac Chyna’ White, Aaron Spears, Daya Vaidya, Cameo Sherrell and Jennifer Freeman will all reprise their roles from season one.

Weber also serves as an executive...

Marques Houston is being criticised for saying that women his age often come with “baggage or kids”.

The 41-year-old singer and actor, who is married to 22-year-old Miya Dickey, was attempting to explain why he preferred to date women who were younger than him.

“A red flag to me [was] always with a woman that had a kid,” he told Page Six. “Nothing against single women, but single mothers with children are a red flag for me.

“I tip my hat and respect women that are raising children on their own,” he added. “But when I grew up, I never really wanted to have kids.

“I would talk to my dad a lot, and he would always tell me to have your own kids because you never know what the baby daddy’s are about. So if you’re gonna have kids, make sure it is with a woman that never had kids.

The Circle season 5 cast members gave tough competition to each other, and there are many who could've been the potential winners of the show. Netflix recently released the newest season of the reality competition series. It featured single contestants playing by either fabricating their identity, or appearing as their original selves. The cast members interacted with each other through a social media app called The Circle. These social connections helped them to become an influencer, and the influencer had a higher chance of winning the show.

On The Circle season 5, every cast member tried their best by using different tactics to climb up the rankings. Contestants who got ranked in the top three had the chance of becoming the winner and securing 150,000 prize money. Contestants who connect through social media had the upper hand in the competition, but it wasn't necessary, as The Circle season 1 runner-up Shubham Goel was a socially-awkward nerd.

Once again, The Circle season 5 is ruffling feathers with its fans, this time over the fact that Jennifer Freeman was not blocked from the game ahead of the highly anticipated finale. Jennifer is a catfish on the show, played by Xanthi Perdikomatis and Brett Robinson, the first players eliminated from The Circle season 5. Jennifer was really playing quite a convincing game, having an alliance with Tom Houghton, a fellow fan favorite. When Shubham Goel was blocked from the game, he was given the power to make one of the players the Hacker, and he chose Jennifer.

Fan favor turned toward Jennifer for a moment, even though Xanthi and Brett started as insufferable contestants. Unfortunately, Jennifer’s time as the Hacker was very brief, with The Circle revealing there was a Hacker before a ranking could even take place. As such, the players simply recapped their conversations with each other, so...

Carl Weber is bringing another series to BET this summer -- The Black Hamptons. The cable channel announced that production on the new drama has begun and that it will star Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, Karon Riley, Mike Merrill, Blac Chyna, Aaron Spears, Daya Vaidya, Cameo Sherrell, Franklin Ojeda Smith, Jordan Smith, Jennifer Freeman, and David Andrews. Carl Weber's The Black Hamptons will follow two Black affluent families living in Sag Harbor on Long Island. A specific premiere date will be announced later.

Read More…...

BET has set a new four-part original limited series, Carl Weber’s The Black Hamptons, from The New York Times best-selling author of the same name and the executive producers of the popular BET+ original drama, The Family Business.

The show is a new family drama set in the quaint town of Sag Harbor, known as “The Black Hamptons,” in Long Island, NY. From luxury communities to historic beachfront enclaves, the story will follow the brewing feud between the ‘Brittons’ and the ‘Johnsons,’ where the difference between old and new money is very apparent.

The cast includes Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Brian White, Karon Riley, Mike Merrill, Blac Chyna, Aaron Spears, Daya Vaidya, Cameo Sherrell, Franklin Ojeda Smith, Jordan Smith, Jennifer Freeman, and David Andrews. The series will make its BET debut in Summer 2022.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Tri Destined Studios and Urban Books Media...

Exclusive: BET+ is gearing up for the holiday season with the release of eight new original films that’ll begin rolling out in November. The slate includes a variety of genres including family comedies, yuletide romances, and a little musical magic featuring Amber Riley, Bill Bellamy, Loretta Devine, among others.

The full breakdown of the 2021 BET+ holiday films is below.

A Christmas Wish

Roz McKenzie, a single mother, is calling upon a miracle so she and her daughter can survive Christmas.

Starring: Noree Victoria, Nadia Simms, Blue Kimble, Javon Johnson

Written and Directed by: Christopher Nolen

A Rich Christmas

A spoiled and ungrateful socialite learns a valuable lesson one Christmas after her mega-rich father forces her to work at the first property he ever owned – a family homeless center.

Starring: Bill Bellamy, Vanessa A Williams, Tyler Abron, Brandee Evans, Denise Boutte

Directed by: Victoria Rowell

Written by: Shateka “Sj” Johnson...

In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix released the trailer for Jerry Seinfeld’s new comedy special, and ABC announced its new game show “Don’t.”

Renewals

HBO, Rai and Fremantle have announced the renewal of drama series “My Brilliant Friend” for a third season, titled “My Brilliant Friend: Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay.” Just like the previous two seasons were inspired by the first two books in Elena Ferrante‘s four-part book series of the same name, Season 3 will be based on the third book in it. Filmed in Italian, “My Brilliant Friend” follows Elena Greco, played by Margherita Mazzucco and her friend Lila Cerullo, played by Gaia Girace, throughout the 60 years of their complicated and mysterious friendship. Season 2 of “My Brilliant Friend” is airing now on HBO, with its season finale set for May 4 at 10 p.m. “My Brilliant Friend: Those Who Leave and Those Who...

"There's nothing that he has that we can't take." Imani Motion Pictures has debuted a trailer for a crime drama titled True to the Game, based on the novel of the same name written by Teri Woods. The film is about a charismatic drug lord, played by Columbus Short, who falls for a young girl from Philadelphia. He begins planning a way out of the crime world with his love for her, but tragedy strikes just as he is about to start his new life. The entire cast includes Vivica A. Fox, Andra Fuller, Nelson Ellis, Draya Michele, Jennifer Freeman, and Starletta DuPois, plus introducing Erica Peeples as Gena Hollins. This trailer looks solid, with some promise in the performances more than anything else. Might be worth a quick look. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Preston A. Whitmore's True to the Game, from YouTube: Based on the Teri Woods best selling novel,...

Are you a hip hop fan? Recently, Bet released a new teaser for their upcoming TV series Tales.From Irv Gotti, the scripted anthology drama weaves "classic and current hip-hop songs into captivating visual narratives from the lyrics of some of hip-hop's greatest hits. The ensemble cast includes Woody McClain, Keith Powers, Jennifer Freeman, Elise Neal, Mc Lyte, Boris Kodjoe (Real Husbands of Hollywood), Lance Gross, Matthew Noszka, Chet Hanks, Clifton Powell, and Christian Robinson.Read More…...

Former NBA player Earl Watson is pulling a Rodney Dangerfield ... going back to school -- there's only one problem, being a student Sucks when it comes to your bank account.  Watson -- who spent 13 seasons in the NBA -- revealed his college status in new legal docs filed in his custody war with his ex, actress Jennifer Freeman ... who famously starred as Claire Kyle on "My Wife and Kids." Long story short ... Watson claims Freeman...

Ex-nba player Earl Watson claims he shouldn't have to pay up just because his estranged wife's acting career Fell Off A Cliff after her days of starring on a hit TV show ... and wants a judge to protect his wallet in their nasty child support war.  Watson has gone to battle with Jennifer Freeman -- who starred as Claire Kyle on "My Wife and Kids" back in the early 2000s. They have a 5-year-old daughter together.

Director Roger Melvin’s family movies, ‘In Sickness and In Health’ and ‘To Love and To Cherish,’ are set to be released as a double feature on DVD. One Village Entertainment is set to release the two television family films, which both debuted last year, on home entertainment on January 7, 2014. The double feature, which stars Chico Benymon, Denise Boutte, Golden Brooks, Jennifer Freeman, Mel Jackson and Tommy Ford, will be available for $14.98. One Village Entertainment has released the following synopses for Melvin’s two films: ‘In Sickness and In Health’ tells the story of the young and gorgeous Faith who seems to have it all, including a fiancé who [ Read More ]

The post Director Roger Melvin’s Family Film Double Feature to Debut on DVD appeared first on Shockya.com.

Merry Christmas from Jennifer Freeman and 2-year-old daughter Isabella Amour!

“During the holiday season, my sisters and I love to cook yummy dishes and bake desserts. Now that Isabella is two, we will have her join in on the fun!” the My Wife & Kids star, 26, tells People of their plans.

“Isabella has been asking for a puppy since she could talk. Every time we’ve seen Santa she has asked him for a puppy. So needless to say, I look forward to seeing her face light up when Santa brings her that little puppy!”

Courtesy Jennifer Freeman

Related: Jennifer Freeman...

Happy birthday Isabella Amour Watson! Jennifer Freeman‘s daughter turned two with a party at The Coop, held Saturday in Studio City, Calif. The My Wife and Kids star, 26, planned a princesses and pirate theme for the bash, which featured a ball pit with slide, bouncer, dance floor, as well as an appearance by Cinderella, who painted the children’s faces.

Guests — including Lauren London, Khadijah McCray, Cara Mia Wayans, Brooklyn Sudano and Melanie Hervey – nibbled on salads from Charlie’s Pantry while the kids enjoyed pizza. Capping off the party, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” before Isabella blew out the...

Year:  2008Director:  Bryce OlsonCast:  Andrew St. John, Diego J. Torres, Kira Verrastro, Jennifer Freeman, Jennifer Tilly

Instead of attending their Homecoming Dance as originally planned, two high school jocks decide to scare their dates with a Halloween prank by taking them to an abandoned house in the middle of a grapefruit orchard miles from town.  According to legend, the owner of the house murdered his wife and her family and still roams the orchard in search of victims.  Unfortunately for the teens, the story is anything but a legend.

The premise of The Caretaker is ideal slasher film fodder, as there is an urban legend, a group of naive teens, an isolated location, and a mad killer armed with a unique weapon of choice.  Moreover, the film is competently directed with some impressive set pieces and a cast that is more than capable of carrying the film.  However, it becomes...

Wife And Kids' Jennifer Freeman attacked NBA star with iron & biting. According to TMZ, former Wife and Kids actress Jennifer Freeman allegedly attacked her NBA star husband Earl Watson with an iron and also bit him like a pitbull or something. They say that Earl filed divorce from her because Vanessa attacked him in a late night rage,and savagely bit him on the chest until he bled. Earl claims things got bad on August 1st when Jennifer received a suspicious text message at 11pm,prompting Earl to check her phone. Then Vanessa got furious over him taking the phone and reacted by hitting him very hard in the face with her right open hand. Then she grabbed his right wrist and bit it until it started bleeding. After that she started biting his chest area until it started bleeding.

NBA Player Accuses Wife of Vicious Attack

NBA veteran Earl Watson has filed for divorce from his wife Jennifer Freeman -- claiming the "My Wife and Kids" actress attacked him in a late night rage ... and savagely bit him on the chest until he bled.

According to legal papers filed last week in L.A. County Superior Court, Watson claims things got bad on August 1st ... when Jennifer received a suspicious text message at 11Pm and Earl decided to check her phone.

Watson -- who played with the Indiana Pacers last season -- claims his wife was furious that he took the phone and reacted by hitting him "forcefully twice in the face with her right open hand."

Watson claims Jennifer then "grabbed my right wrist and bit ... breaking the skin, leaving teeth marks and drawing blood."  Once she let go of the wrist, Watson claims she then chomped down...

NBA veteran Earl Watson filed for divorce from his wife Jennifer Freeman -- claiming the " My Wife and Kids " actress attacked him in a late night rage ... and savagely bit him on the chest until he bled. According to legal papers filed last week in L.A. County Superior Court, Watson claims things got bad on August 1st ... when Jennifer received a suspicious text message at 11Pm and Earl decided to check her phone. Watson...

'Class of 2010' issue is the answer to Vanity Fair's controversial 'New Hollywood' picks.

By Shaheem Reid

<i>Fearless Magazine</i>

Photo: Arian Simone Enterprises

The new magazine Fearless launches this month by answering Vanity Fair's "New Hollywood" issue with its "Fearless Class of 2010."

While Vanity Fair was criticized for featuring only white actresses on the cover, Fearless showcases women of color. Getting the front-page stamp for the mag's maiden voyage are Tia Mowry, Naturi Naughton, Monique Coleman, Jennifer Freeman, Kyla Pratt, Tiffany Hines, Chyna Layne and Lauren London.

London, who has a child with Lil Wayne, revealed that she will star in the VH1 movie "Single Ladies," which Queen Latifah is spearheading, and she also explained her spirituality. "I'm always a fighter. With God, no person can stop you," she told the mag.

Meanwhile, Mowry, who stars in the "The Game," said she lives her life like the name of the magazine.

New York, June 14 – Rihanna and Matt Kemp couldn’t keep their hands off each other at Industry Nightclub in West Hollywood the other night.

The couple are seemingly very much in love and going strong as ever.

The pair sizzled as they captured the dance floor, leaving everyone agape, and some probably drooling.

“They took to the dance floor for most of the night, causing quite a scene sexy dancing,” The New York Post quoted a spy as saying.

Many celebs-including Christina Milian, Amber Rose, actress Jennifer Freeman, NFLer Terrell Owens and NBA players Earl Watson and Dahntay Jones-were left watching open-mouthed. (Ani)...

Rihanna is still keeping her romance with new man Matt Kemp on fire. The Barbadian beauty and her Los Angeles Dodgers star boyfriend, according to The New York Post, "couldn't keep their hands off each other" when the twosome were spotted at Industry Nightclub in West Hollywood recently.

"They took to the dance floor for most of the night, causing quite a scene sexy dancing," a spy further revealed to the publication. It is claimed that the couple performed their sexy dance in front of several other celebrities, including Christina Milian, Amber Rose, Jennifer Freeman, NFL star Terrell Owens as well as NBA players Earl Watson and Dahntay Jones.

Rihanna previously confessed having Matt in her life keeps her sane. "I have a boyfriend. I'm so happy. I feel really comfortable, and it's so easy. I have such a chaotic life, but at the end of the day, that is just my peace.

I’m a sucker for a comfy sitcom – the kind of comfort food familiarity that used to be WB’s bread and butter. I grew up on WB’s afternoon cartoon block, which was inevitably followed by Family Matters and the sitcom ilk. My Wife & Kids is content to meet similar expectations as a non-threatening, barely edgy comedy clocking in at twenty and change per episode. This is not meant as a criticism, but rather a genuine assessment of what to expect coming in. If you’re looking for an easy sitcom to settle into, My Wife & Kids succeeds with a couple of well-earned belly laughs and a cast that is easy to watch and watch some more.

Damon Wayans continues to lead the cast as househusband Michael Kyle, a smart-mouthed father and husband who never lets an opportunity to school his kids pass him by. George O. Gore II...

I’m a sucker for a comfy sitcom – the kind of comfort food familiarity that used to be WB’s bread and butter. I grew up on WB’s afternoon cartoon block, which was inevitably followed by Family Matters and the sitcom ilk. My Wife & Kids is content to meet similar expectations as a non-threatening, barely edgy comedy clocking in at twenty and change per episode. This is not meant as a criticism, but rather a genuine assessment of what to expect coming in. If you’re looking for an easy sitcom to settle into, My Wife & Kids succeeds with a couple of well-earned belly laughs and a cast that is easy to watch and watch some more.

Damon Wayans continues to lead the cast as househusband Michael Kyle, a smart-mouthed father and husband who never lets an opportunity to school his kids pass him by. George O. Gore II...

Mti Home Video finally released the trailer for The Caretaker starring Jennifer Tilly (Bound), Judd Nelson (The Breakfast Club), Jennifer Freeman (You Got Served), and Jonathan Breck (Jeepers Creepers). The DVD will be available on February 23, 2010. A group of teenage boys out to give their girlfriends a good scare on Homecoming night, which also happens to be Halloween, head to an abandoned house in an out-of-the-way fruit orchard where they uncover the story of a real life urban legend.

Opens

Friday, Jan. 30

Assembling this vehicle for his young clients, music producer/manager/video director Christopher B. Stokes has attached an anemic plot to a series of dynamic hip-hop dance sequences. The target audience of young MTV watchers, in particular fans of R&B acts B2K and IMx, might overlook the dramatic weaknesses of You Got Served and buy into the protagonists' dreams of fame, fortune and showbiz salvation. Moderate boxoffice returns are in store before the dance-off to home video.

Writer-director Stokes wastes no time getting down to business, with a rousing credits-sequence dance battle between two crews. Cheered on by kids packed to the rafters in a Los Angeles warehouse, the troupes vying for the $600 prize display outstanding athleticism in their aggressive, witty style of street dancing. Refereeing the competitions is Mr. Rad (Steve Harvey), who dispenses prize money and fatherly advice.

The leaders of the winning crew, best friends Elgin (Marques Houston of IMx) and David (Omari Grandberry, aka Omarion, formerly of hip-hop group B2K), have their sights on the big time. So when they receive a $5,000 challenge from Orange County, Calif., rich boy Wade (Christopher Jones), they go for it, even if they and their crew (played by Jarell Houston, DeMario Thornton and Dreux Frederic, the remaining members of B2K) have to pool everything they have.

After withstanding betrayals and threats from outside, the two friends come to blows when David starts dating Elgin's younger sister, Liyah (Jennifer Freeman of ABCs My Wife and Kids). The brooding, protective Elgin, who considers David a player, stops speaking to both of them, and as the plot rounds a few melodramatic turns, the two friends form separate crews for a high-stakes MTV contest, the Big Bounce, which carries a prize of $50,000 and the chance to dance in a Lil' Kim video.

For all its upbeat aphorisms about self-respect, perseverance and loyalty, Stokes' script has a curiously neutral take on the shady dealings of Emerald (Michael Bear Taliferro), who operates an unspecified business from a smoky bar, with David and Elgin freelancing for him as couriers. It's clear that the backpacks they transport aren't full of Girl Scout cookies. Their reluctance to continue working for Emerald, counterbalanced by their ambitions and their families' needs, is presented in a refreshing matter-of-fact way, although the plot strand is tied up far too neatly.

Though the film is filled with supporting roles straight out of central casting -- the mouthy best girlfriend (Meagan Good), the feisty grandmother (Esther Scott), the eager young mascot Malcolm David Kelley) -- the cast generally drives home the cliche-ridden themes with heart. Real-life brothers Houston and Grandberry are especially charismatic, playing off their characters' contrasting intensity and playfulness.

With its competitive edge, Served offers a more hardcore look at hip-hop dance than the recent Honey. And though its dance battles become repetitive, Stokes and choreographers Dave Scott and Shane Sparks, supported by DP David Hennings, editor Earl Watson, an able design team and a pounding soundtrack, fashion a suitably climactic five-minute showdown to close the story.

YOU GOT SERVED

Screen Gems

The Ultimate Group Films in association with Melee Entertainment

Credits:

Director-writer: Christopher B. Stokes

Producers: Marcus Morton, Cassius Vernon Weathersby, Billy Pollina

Executive producers: Ketrina "Taz" Askew, Max Gousse

Director of photography: David Hennings

Production designer: Maxine Shepard

Music: Tyler Bates

Costume designer: Ca-Trece Mas'sey

Editor: Earl Watson

Choreographers: Dave Scott, Shane Sparks

Cast:

Elgin: Marques Houston

David: Omari Grandberry

Rico: Jarell Houston

Vick: DeMario Thornton

Rashaan: Dreux Frederic

Liyah: Jennifer Freeman

Lil' Kim: Herself

Emerald: Michael Bear Taliferro

Beautifull: Meagan Good

Mr. Rad: Steve Harvey

Wade: Christopher Jones

Alani La La Vasquez: Herself

Lil' Saint: Malcolm David Kelley

Grandma: Esther Scott

Running time -- 94 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13...