Ride (1998 film)
| Ride | |
|---|---|
|
File:Ride DVD.jpg Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Millicent Shelton |
| Produced by |
Bob Weinstein Cary Granat Ernest Johnson Harvey Weinstein Reginald Hudlin S. Bryan Hickox Warrington Hudlin |
| Written by | Millicent Shelton |
| Narrated by | Melissa De Sousa |
| Starring |
Malik Yoba Melissa De Sousa John Witherspoon Fredro Starr Cedric the Entertainer Kellie Shanygne Williams Sticky Fingaz Idalis DeLeón Julia Garrison Guy Torry Rueben Asher The Lady of Rage |
| Music by | Dunn E. Pearson |
| Cinematography |
Alan Degen Frank Byers |
| Editing by | Earl Watson |
| Distributed by | Dimension Films |
| Release date(s) | March 27, 1998 (U.S.) |
| Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $5,485,295[1] |
Ride (1998) is an American comedy film, written and directed by Millicent Shelton. The film stars Fredro Starr, Malik Yoba, and Melissa De Sousa. The film is sometimes confused with The Ride, another film released in 1998.
Plot
NYC film school graduate Leta Evans (De Sousa) has just become the assistant to hot music video director Bleau Kelly (Downtown Julie Brown). She almost loses the job before her first day's barely even started when Bleau decides budget cuts must be made for her next project. When Leta offers to do the assignment for a smaller fee, Bleau decides to have her escort a group of rappers, singers, and showbiz wanna-be's to Miami for a video shoot. The gang, which is kept in line by Poppa (Yoba), gets acquainted on a decaying bus as they travel down the East Coast, encountering barroom fights and other problems en route to the video gig.
Tagline: This party makes no stops.
Cast
- Melissa De Sousa as Leta Evans
- Fredro Starr as Geronimo
- Kellie Shanygne Williams as Tuesday
- Malik Yoba as Poppa
- Sticky Fingaz as Brotha X
- Cedric the Entertainer as Bo
- Dartanyan Edmonds as Byrd
- Downtown Julie Brown as Bleau Kelly
- Guy Torry as Indigo
- Idalis DeLeón as Charity
- John Witherspoon as Roscoe
- Julia Garrison as Blacke
- The Lady of Rage as Peaches
- Luther Campbell as Freddy B
- Rueben Asher as Casper
- Snoop Dogg as Mente
Music
A soundtrack containing hip hop music was released on January 27, 1998 by Tommy Boy Records. It contained five charting singles, "The Worst", "Mourn You Til I Join You", "Callin'", "Jam on It" and "The Weekend".
- One scene in the film parodied the music video for the Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 hit single "Mo Money Mo Problems."
Casting
- Chris Rock was offered a role in the film but turned it down.
- Def Squad, Doctor Dré & Ed Lover, Fred Williamson, and Snoop Dogg all make guest appearances. Producer Reginald Hudlin makes an uncredited cameo as well.
- The film marks Cedric the Entertainer's feature film debut.
- Stuart Bicknell was offered to be an electrician, but declined. Nonetheless, he is still credited.
Reception
Lael Loewenstein of Variety magazine describes the film as having "a few genuinely funny bits of dialogue and some earnest performances" that offset the predictable storyline. The review predicts the film will be popular with the target young urban audience, but with only slight chances of a crossover or international audience. Loewenstein notes that the script treads familiar road-movie territory, but the film itself is "technically well above average" noting the effective costume, production design, and lensing. The acting is also judged to be "adequate all around" with a notable cameo from Snoop Dogg.[2]
Entertainment Weekly gives the film a grade of D+, calling it a mess, and saying any serious issues raised in the film are immediately undercut by toilet humor, and whenever the road trip story gains momentum it is interrupted by cameo appearances.[3] The New York Times calls Ride "a weak, unenergetic vehicle for character, comedy, romance, adventure or music."[4]
References
External links
- AllRovi
- Internet Movie Database