Twilight’s Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene re-team in this story of young love and the values that can be learned through a shared passion. Also starring Chord Overstreet of “Glee”.
“A feel-good film” – CBS News
Xenon Pictures
SUGGESTIONS FOR CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM
Feature Films
Kellan Lutz, Adam Beach, Gabrielle Anwar, Ashley Greene, Chord Overstreet
Twilight’s Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene re-team in this story of young love and the values that can be learned through a shared passion. Also starring Chord Overstreet of “Glee”.
“A feel-good film” – CBS News
‘Drama’
Content: Very Light
Sports Violence / Theme of Reform
Mark Harmon, Lola Glaudini, John Sandford (author)
Television superstar Mark Harmon stars as Lucas Davenport, hero/anti-hero of John Sandford’s bestselling “Prey” series. When a cop is shot after witnessing the murder of the wife of a local real estate lawyer, Lucas Davenport is called to the scene. The police quickly zero in on the husband as the prime suspect until a team of FBI agents descends on Minneapolis with evidence linking the crime to an elusive hit woman.
“Harmon knows how to deliver what many of the 19 million people who watch “NCIS” every week are looking for”
-The New York Times
‘Action’
Content: Moderate
About contract killers, but a pretty typical TV drama
Jasmine Guy, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Campbell, Carl Bradshaw
“The Mandalorian”, “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”‘s Giancarlo Esposito stars in this action-packed, Reggae-soaked noir film set in Jamaica about a world-weary photographer who falls into the clutches of a sexy dance hall girl and her world of crime, deceit and murder. Features a box-office heist at a major Reggae concert…and was filmed during the actual event.
“An explosive sun-drenched, rum-soaked thriller.”—Sundance Film Festival
‘Drama’
Content: Moderate
Nudity / Sex Scene / Criminal Violence
Restoration in Progress
Harry Baird, Nicole Berger, Christian Marin, Pierre Doris
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
An African American soldier stationed in Europe encounters racism from his superiors following his idyllic 3-day affair with a young French woman. Directed by Melvin Van Peebles, it is the first major film by a black director to be released in the U.S.
“The film is a moving and brutally honest achievement from Van Peebles…” -TV Guide
‘Romantic Drama’
Content: Mild
Race Conflict Issues / Tame Sex Scene
Shane Jacobson, Eve von Bibra, Chris Davis, Jesse Jacobson, Ronald Jacobson
This hilarious mockumentary film follows the numerous misadventures of a porta-john worker through both his personal and professional life, including an oddly glamorous excursion to the Pumper & Cleaner Expo in Nashville, TN.
“The funniest film I’ve seen all year”—Oscar winning filmmaker Michael Moore
‘Comedy’
Content: Mild
Poop Jokes
‘Comedy’
Content: Moderate
Language / Sexual Humor
Dian Bachar, Les Claypool, Martin Klebba, Diamond Dallas Paige, Josh Cribbs
A small town loser and ventriloquist finally finds the courage he’s lacked all his life when his dummy (voiced by Les Claypool of Primus), starts speaking up for him…with grave consequences for those that had pushed him around.
“The Murders of Brandywine Theater” is a complex, and very unique horror film that isn’t just eerie, but it’s also damn spooky to boot.” -Cinema-Crazed.com
‘Horror’
Content: Moderate
Mild Violence / Murder
Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Preston Lacy, Jason "Wee Man" Acuña, Sam Maccarone
“Jackassian” stunts combined with sketch comedy form the basis of this demented channel-surfing adventure for the unfocused youth of the world. From “Fear Factor” to “Wife Swap” to “The Apprentice” to “Girls Gone Wild”, nothing is off limits.
“A movie that dares you to watch it…Steve-O [is] the poster boy for a lack of foresight, getting thoroughly drunk and stoned”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
‘Comedy’
Content: HEAVY +
Raunchy humor / Nudity / Sexual humor / prison rape jokes
‘Horror’
Content: HEAVY
Violence
Dennis Hopper, Francoise Yip, Phillip Rhys, Bumper Robinson
For 4000 years an apocalyptic battle has been raging in an alternate timeline. In the year 2010 the battle lands in Hong Kong where two ancient foes have been reincarnated to fight to the death. This is the story of a private war between good and evil-and the fate of the entire planet is at stake.
Series 22 Episodes: 44 mins ea.
From the producer of “The Godfather” and “Billion Dollar Baby”.
‘Sci-Fi / Martial Arts’
Content: Moderate
Science Fiction Violence
Blaxploitation and other Cult Classics
Melvin Van Peebles, Hubert Scales
Melvin Van Peebles’ breakthrough film, in which an idealistic hustler becomes militant after witnessing police brutality and corruption.
“His work blows my mind.” —Huey P. Newton
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: HEAVY +
Language / Sex / Nudity / Violence, including against police
Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jerry Jones
The legendary classic…the pillar of the ‘blaxploitation’ genre….Rudy Ray Moore is DOLEMITE!
Dolemite and his beautiful All-Girl-Army of Kung Fu Killers take on the corrupt city in this groundbreaking film whose influence is still being felt today. The basis for Eddie Murphy’s “Dolemite is My Name”!
“The Citizen Kane of kung-fu pimpin’ films”—New York Times
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: HEAVY +
Drug Use / Violence / Sex
Joseph De Sue, Ivory Stone, Roosevelt Jackson, Liz Renay, Cardella Di Milo
Eddie, a Vietnam vet who has lost his arms and legs, is restored by DNA expert Dr. Stein. But the results turn monstrous when a rival for Eddie’s fiancée gives him the wrong medication.
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: Moderate
Monster related violence / Police shooting monster
Tobar Mayo, J. Walter Smith, Roxie Young, Gladys Lum, Tony Rumford
A black scientist moves his family into an affluent neighborhood, only to be greeted with threats and vandalism by their new white neighbors. When the bigotry turns murderous, the good doctor works to transform his militant bodyguard into a black superman with fantastic physical strength and mental powers that set the stage for a remarkable climax!
“Strike fear into the hearts of intolerant racists everywhere.” Rovi
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: Mild
Over-the-top racism
Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Ernie Hudson
In this sequel to the smash hit Dolemite, Dolemite is on the run from a redneck sheriff who has caught him with his woman. Dolemite and his posse (including a young Ernie Hudson) dodge the sheriff and his bullets in a high-speed chase that takes them to LA. Upon Dolemite’s arrival, he learns that Queen Bee (Lady Reed) and her Kung Fu Girls have been pushed out of the night-club business by a ruthless competitor who ... Read more
“The most essential Dolemite movie…”-ColeSmithey.com
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: HEAVY +
Language / Sex / Homosexual Sex Scene
Rudy Ray Moore, Jimmy Lynch, Leroy & Skillet, Eboni Wryte, Wildman Steve
One of the classic films from Dolemite himself – Rudy Ray Moore! Gunned down by the mob, a comedian is given a second chance at life if he will marry the Devil’s hideous daughter.
“…[Moore] delivers his particular brand of humor forcefully…” – Variety
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: HEAVY +
Language / Sexual Humor / Nudity / Violence
Rudy Ray Moore, Carol Speed, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Jerry Jones
Rudy Ray Moore’s fourth in a series of cult favorites finds him playing an ex-cop called back into action to stop an angel dust producer.
“Rudy Ray Moore is a comic genius.” –ColeSmithey.com
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: HEAVY
Drug Use and Sex
Rod Perry, Jimmy Witherspoon
A small-time numbers runner takes on the drug king pin that murdered his best friend.
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: Moderate
Crime / Language
Coming to HD
Esther Rolle, Mabel King, Avon Long, Joe Keyes Jr.
The film version of Melvin Van Peebles hit Broadway show. Two imps are sent by the devil to break up a house party in Harlem.
“A FIND….broadly, humorously and exuberantly acted by its cast, which includes Esther Rolle from ‘The Jeffersons’….those who think of Van Peebles only as an angry young man with a single message will be pleasantly surprised.” —The Onion
‘Musical’
Content: Very Light
Some Sexual Overtones
Jerri Hayes, Ernest Williams II
COMPTON 1976: Emma Mae, a young woman from rural Mississippi, goes to live with her aunt and cousins in Compton, CA, following the death of her mother. Green as grass and far from beautiful, Emma Mae still manages to earn the respect of her peers with her positive attitude and her remarkable ability to kick ass!
“Watching Emma Mae kick the s#!t out of Jesse is certainly worth the cost of admission.”—Darius James, That’s Blaxploitation
‘Blaxploitation’
Content: HEAVY +
Violence and Language
Urban
Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Steve Harvey, Keenan Wayans, Chris Rock, DL Hughley, Arsenio Hall, AJ Jamal, Happy Cole
With nothing more than a punchline and a dream, these struggling artists transformed themselves into comedy legends. Here is a rare opportunity to see some of today’s greatest stars perform the routines that would one day make them kings of comedy.
‘Stand Up Comedy’
Content: Mild +
Potentially Offensive Humor
Snoop Dogg, Ernie Hudson, Anson Mount, Danny Trejo, Jason Alexander, Lin Shaye
Welcome to the Hood of Horror, a place where your actions in this life determine your ultimate fate. Follow Snoop Dogg through three terrifying tales from this nefarious neighborhood, whose depraved denizens can all look forward to a very unpleasant eternity.
“GLEEFULLY DISGUSTING”—Variety
‘Horror’
Content: HEAVY +
Over-the-top Language / Sex / Violence
Mekhi Phifer, André Blake, Michele Morgan, Tangi Miller
Martin has spent his life being a good son, a good brother and a good friend, but his luck with women is all bad. Upon meeting Paula, the pretty young art professor who lives upstairs, Martin’s lack of experience is all too apparent. Enter brother Junnie, the quintessential “player.” He offers to teach Martin how to become a chick magnet, and Martin desperately agrees.
A FRESH, FUNNY FILM. Distinctly of Harlem, and absolutely universal…marks the emergence of a wonderfully assured new filmmaking voice.—Sedona International Film Festival
‘Dramedy’
Content: HEAVY +
Language / Sex / Nudity / Violence, including against police
Brian Hooks, Kelita Smith, Darryl Brunson
Cedrik (Brian Hooks- Soul Plane, UPN’s “Eve”) has been left in charge of his parents’ house with the promise of a new Jeep if he doesn’t have any wild parties or female “companionship” in their absence. But they never said anything about a barbecue…
‘Comedy’
Content: Moderate
Language / Sexual Humor
Daron "Southboy" Fordham, Kenny Flyy, Le Kisha Raine, Tonya Harris, Demetrius Warton
An All-American college football star takes a vacation only to find himself pursued by sports agents and gold diggers. Filmed on location in Daytona Beach during the 1997 Black Spring Break.
‘Comedy’
Content: Mild
Some physical violence
Brian Hooks, Stickey Fingaz, Kym Whitley, Traci Bingham, E-40, Kent Masters-King
Three friends head for the Boogie Beach Bash in Malibu, where they’re outnumbered 5 to 1 by some of the Golden State’s finest—and not so finest—female forms at the biggest party they’ve ever seen! Rated R Director’s Cut version.
“The classic ROAD MOVIE meets the classic BEACH PARTY film…with an URBAN EDGE!”
‘Comedy’
Content: Moderate
Language / Sexual Humor
Brian Hooks, Maia Campbell, Troy Winbush, Faizon Love
Cedric needs money fast—his dad is demanding rent and the neighborhood gangstress is demanding that he pay off his gambling debt—so he throws a luau for profit. A great idea if every freak in the neighborhood doesn’t show up…which they do!
‘Comedy’
Content: Moderate
Language / Sexual Humor
‘Comedy’
Content: Mild
Homosexual/Trans Jokes
Wood Harris, Roger Guenveur Smith, N'Bushe Wright, Obba Babatundé, Christian Mathis
A burned out lawyer looking for a new direction in life has to put his plans on hold when his sister asks him to defend her fiancé, a gang kingpin who is under arrest for a triple murder that he says he didn’t commit. Suddenly the feds and a shadowy corporation get involved, along with a private investigator who seems to be working all sides.
“Directed with gritty authenticity… an extraordinary script” -Sundance Film Festival
‘Drama’
Content: HEAVY +
Gang Violence / Fighting / Language
‘Drama’
Content: Light
Implied Gang Violence
Harrold Perrineau, Anthony DeSando, Francie Swift, Lonette McKee
Harold Perrineau and Anthony DeSando star as two friends who come together to write a speech about race problems. They talk, they sit, they argue – and what they put down on paper is both funny and insightful.
“Sincere, insightful, and sometimes flat-out hilarious….recalls vintage Spike Lee.”—Daily Variety
‘Drama’
Content: Very Light
Racially Charged / Mild Violence
Music Documentaries and Concerts
Justin Bieber, Usher
“Biebermania!” tells the story of the meteoric rise of singing sensation Justin Bieber. From his first YouTube video, where he was discovered by manager Scooter Braun, to his meeting with Usher, who launched Bieber into a career as a platinum-selling recording artist and concert phenomenon, this is a fascinating look at the making of a pop superstar and the fans who adore him.
‘Music Documentary’
Content: No Issues
Mahalia Jackson, Studs Terkel, Jessie Jackson, George Avakian, Brother John Sellers
Meet the gospel great who has influenced many of today’s pop superstars. This special edition DVD combines the outstanding documentary Mahalia Jackson: The Power & the Glory, with over two hours of vintage kinescope performances from the 1961 series, “Mahalia Jackson Sings”.
“An incredible film” – Paul McCartney
‘Music Documentary’
Content: No Issues
Jay Leno, Ray Combs, Fred Willard, Steve Oedekerk, Howie Gold
America’s best-known comedian hosts the 1984 LA Comedy Competition. The show includes 25 minutes of Leno’s world-famous nightclub act from that era. Fred Willard is hilarious as one of the celebrity judges.
‘Stand Up Comedy’
Content: Mild +
Language
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Suge Knight, Tupac Shakur, Kevin Powell, Eazy E
The true story of the rise and fall of Death Row Records. As told in the words of the people who lived it, Welcome to Death Row tells the story of this enigmatic enterprise, its shadowy origins, and how it forever changed American business.
“Riveting”—The San Francisco Chronicle
‘Music Documentary’
Content: Mild
Mild Language / Discussions of Violence
Marshall Mathers (a.k.a. Eminem), Treach, Debbie Mathers, Kim Mathers, Todd Nelson
The story of rap superstar Eminem and his rise to fame, as told through interviews with family and friends. Featuring extensive interviews with his mother (the notorious Debbie Mathers who sued her son for defamation of character), his grandmother and his late Uncle Todd, as well as music industry colleagues and others who knew him in his formative years, here at last is the real 8 Mile.
‘Music Documentary’
Content: Light
Mild Language
Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, Luny Tunes, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee
STRAIGHT OUTTA PUERTO RICO explores the burgeoning Reggaeton music scene, from its roots in Jamaican Reggae and Latin American Soca rhythms to its meteoric rise in popularity and the multitude of artists that are the driving force behind this scorching musical phenomenon. Features top Reggaeton stars Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, DJ Playero, The Luny Tunes and many more!
‘Music Documentary’
Content: Moderate
Discussions of Violence / Language
Al Green
Reverend Al Green, founder of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, has become one of the world’s best-loved and well-known Gospel singers. His numerous accomplishments include winning seven Grammy Awards for his Gospel recordings. This incredible concert contains many of his greatest and award-winning hits.
‘Gospel Concert’
Content: No Issues
‘Gospel Concert’
Content: No Issues
Donny Harper, New Jersey Mass Choir, Allen T.D. Wiggins
‘Gospel Concert’
Content: No Issues
L.A. Mass Choir, Higher Dimension
The L.A. Mass Choir performs at the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, California, along with a special guest appearance by Higher Dimension. Includes the songs “Take up Your Cross”, “Give Him the Glory”, “Grace”, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and many more.
‘Gospel Concert’
Content: No Issues
Mahalia Jackson
Includes: “Silent Night”, “A Child of the King”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, “Evening Prayer”, “A Star Stood Still”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and many more!
“A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium.”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
‘Gospel Concert’
Content: No Issues
Rudy Ray Moore, Leroy & Skillet
Rudy Ray Moore brings his infamous original rap-comedy to the screen, featuring the routines that earned him the title “The Godfather of Rap”.
‘Stand Up Comedy’
Content: HEAVY
Language / Sexual Humor
Rudy Ray Moore
Rudy Ray Moore returns to his R&B roots in this incredible September, 2000 live performance at Wetlands, N.Y.C. The man who taught America how to rap is back to show us how to sing the Blues.
“…he wisecracked his way through a world of uncontrollable lusts and endless battles: men challenging men for dominance, and women demanding that men perform.”—The New York Times
‘Stand Up Comedy’
Content: HEAVY
Language / Sexual Humor
‘Stand Up Comedy’
Content: HEAVY
Language / Sexual Humor
The Winans, The Commissioned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong
This powerful live concert performance by The Winans, The Commissioned (with their original line up), and Vanessa Bell Armstrong was lost for over 13 years.
“The most important group of the last 30 years in pushing the crossover of gospel into both soul and pop radio”- SoulTracks.com
‘Stand Up Comedy’
Content: HEAVY
Language / Sexual Humor
Black History Features
Cicely Tyson, Will Geer, Orson Welles, Lorne Greene, John Getz
This sprawling miniseries tells the true story of Harriet Tubman, a founder of the underground railroad, who led hundreds of slaves to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
“One of the most moving evocations of the Black Experience”-Newsweek
‘Black History’
Content: Very Light
Slavery
Third Party Approval Required
Angela Bassett, Peter Francis James, Cicely Tyson
Rosa Parks creates the spark that ignites the modern Civil Rights Movement when she refuses to surrender her seat on a commuter bus to a White woman. The resulting uproar throws her into the KKK’s ring of hatred, but also into the NAACP’s limelight.
‘Black History’
Content: Very Light
Racially Charged
Djimon Hounsou, Akousia Busia, Eartha Kitt
Djimon Hounsou (Gladiator, Blood Diamonds, and Guy Richie’s upcoming King Arthur) stars in this gripping tale of twenty-four Africans held captive in a slave ship after slavery is outlawed. Spurred on by a specter that lives in the ship, the captives are moved to a tragic and bloody uprising.
“White-hot with outrage”—The Village Voice
‘Drama’
Content: Moderate
Violence / Slave Uprising
Huey P. Newton, The Black Panther Party
Filmmaker John Evans’ never-before-seen interview with jailed revolutionary and founder of the Black Panther Party, Huey P. Newton.
You see bullet riddled walls, ransacked family dwellings and shattered windows. This is the very terrorism that Huey and the Black Panther Party were standing up against.”—activist Assata Shakur
‘Black History’
Content: Light
Prison Interview / Talk of Revolution
Documentaries/History
Authorized by the King Foundation
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Narrated by Arthur Burghardt
This comprehensive and fully authorized documentary traces King’s life and the development of his philosophies, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement.
“This outstanding production deserves a place in all collections”-School Library Journal
‘Black History’
Content: No Issues+
‘Historical Documentary’
Content: Mild
Violence Related to WW2
Ice-T (narrator), Gabriel Gonzaga, Lyoto Machida, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Jose Aldo
An inside look at the violent world of Brazilian MMA Jungle Fights, where founder/promoter Wallid Ismail stages events in the wilds of the country looking for the next stars that will fight in the UFC in the United States. Narrated by Ice-T and featuring current UFC stars Gabriel Gonzaga, Lyoto Machida, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Jose Aldo, Renan Barao, John Lineker and Bethe Correia.
‘Sports Documentary’
Content: Heavy
MMA Violence
Rudy Ray Moore, Mike D. (Beastie Boys), Ice T, Eddie Griffin, LaWanda Paige
Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as “King of the Party Records,” Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries.
‘Black History / Comedy’
Content: Moderate
Language / Sexual Humor
Pope John Paul II
The late Pope John Paul II was one of the world’s greatest proponents of religious freedom and human rights. Based on George Weigel’s book of the same name, this is a complete and intimate portrait of an extraordinary leader.
“This thoughtful, well-made film is a timely reminder of an important, influential, profoundly affecting individual”—Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
‘Religion’
Content: No Issues
Spanish Language Features
Marco Leonardo, Julieta Díaz, Juan Leyrado, Emiliano Kaczka, Luis Machín
The story of Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona, considered the greatest player in the history of the sport. The film explores his impoverished childhood, his rise from teenage celebrity to international idol, his drug abuse problems and frequent run-ins with the law, and his controversial “hand of God” goal.
“Convincing and intense”—Il Messagero
‘Drama’
Content: Moderate
Drug Use / Mild Sex
Eduardo Arroyuelo, Martha Higareda, Jaime Camil, Sofia Vergara, Roberto D'Amico
An unlikely friendship develops between a small-time concert promoter and a mobster who work together against all odds to bring the band U2 to Monterrey, Mexico. (U2 performs in the film)
“Engaging and heartfelt”— Leonard Maltin
‘Drama’
Content: Mild
Mob Violence
Angelica Aragon, Jose Carlos Ruiz, Eric del Castillo, Pedro Armendáriz, Jr., Ivana Miño
The story of the 16th century native Mexican, St. Juan Diego, and his encounters with the Virgin of Guadalupe, is interwoven with the present-day story of a pair of Spanish archaeologists who travel to Mexico to investigate new information on the miracle.
“Recreates the beauty and cultural richness of which we all form a part.”—HispanicPRWire.com
‘Drama’
Content: Light
Thematically Intense
Emilio Rivera, Clancy Brown, Roger Guenveur Smith, Nicholas Gonzalez, Enrique Muricano
Edward James Olmos presents the story of two brothers whose rise to power in their respective areas of politics and law enforcement has left them entangled in LA’s notorious corruption. Told in the classic noir style with a Chicano twist.
Stars Emilio Rivera of “Sons of Anarchy” and this season’s “MAYANS M.C”
“Homeboy Highbrow” – Latina
‘Drama’
Content: HEAVY
Gun Violence / Homosexual Overtones
Miguel Castro, Richard Azurdia, Christine Carlo, Jordi Caballero, Gerald Brodin
A pair of Mexican brothers cross the border illegally to experience the great “American Dream”, only to find that life north of the border can be more like a nightmare.
“A top draw”—Carl Hanni, Tucson Weekly
‘Comedy’
Content: Mild
Sexual Humor