its all reel

Ready to more add spice to his film once again, Sofia Vergara has been cast in Tyler Perry's 'Madea Goes To Jail'.

Vergara, who recently appeared in 'Tyler Perry's Meet The Browns' opposite Angela Bassett, will be playing a different character this time around. She will play TT, Madea's cell mate.

Also added to the film are Ion Overman, Ronreaco Lee, and Aisha Hinds.

Overman, who appeared on Showtime's The L Word, and in the telefilm 'The Little Richard Story', will play Linda, Derek Luke's fiance.

It's been a long time since Tatyana Ali played little Ashley Banks with Will Smith in 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', and now she's all grown up playing a mom and reprising her role in 'Nora's Hair Salon 2', which is out on DVD.

Also featured in the film are Stacey Dash, Mekhi Phifer, and yes, singer/actor Bobby Brown.

When Simone (Dash) inherits the neighborhood hair salon from her Aunt Nora, she soon discovers that the hair dryer isn't the only thing she'll need to keep an eye on – her cousin Lilliana (Ali), a stylist, has her own plans for the shop's future, and now the two girls can't agree on whether to sell the business and cash in or continue to cater to their loyal client base. Lilliana is tired of trying to raise a son while constantly playing the role of peacekeeper between feuding stylists Delicious and Xenobia, but the salon holds a special place in her heart that she isn't quite ready to give up. But Simone has decided to sell the shop and make a pretty penny, leaving the conflicted Lilliana to choose between taking the quick payout and using all of her energy to keep the salon in business.. Static won't be the only thing causing friction as the salon regulars are at the edge of their seats to see if Simone can weave the magic back into her aunt's shop.

Academy Award winner Diane Keaton (Something's Gotta Give), Oscar nominee Queen Latifah (Chicago) and Katie Holmes (Thank You for Smoking) star in 'Mad Money', a comedy about three ordinary women who form an unlikely friendship and decide to do something extraordinary- rob one of the most secure banks in the world. Mad Money is directed by Academy Award winner Callie Khouri (screenwriter of Thelma and Louise, director of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood), from a script by Khouri and Glen Gers (Fracture).

'Iceberg Slim has been one of the most influential people in black culture,' the rapper said. 'Few people know the story behind the man and it's time that story is told.' Slim, who churned out such urban classics as 'Trick Baby' and 'Mama Black Widow,' drew on his 35-year involvement in prostitution and crime to turn himself around in middle age and become a world-renowned writer.

Ice-T, who has played Detective Odafin 'Fin' Tutuola, hasn't had a prominent role on the big screen since he did 'New Jack City' with Wesley Snipes.

On May 13th, 'A Raisin in the Sun' comes out on DVD and here's your chance to catch award-winning performances if you happened to miss it when it aired on TV back in February.

Recreating their roles for the television adaptation are Sean Combs, Emmy and Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, Tony Award nominee Sanaa Lathan, and John Stamos (TV's 'ER'). A Raisin in the Sun was also the very first broadcast network television film to screen at the Sundance Film Festival.

Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway. It premiered in 1959 with a cast that included Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands, Ruby Dee and Louis Gossett, Jr. A Columbia Pictures feature film with the same cast followed in 1961. Hansberry helped pave the way for playwrights like Amiri Baraka, Ed Bullins, and August Wilson, who have since come to represent the high-water marks of African-American drama.

With the cancellation of CW's Girlfriends, it's a pretty good assumption that the girls are in need of some employment and what better way to jumpstart a film career by doing a film based on a hit play. That's what Golden Brooks is doing so far.

Brooks stars in the DVD released film, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' , which is the story of three women who each undergo romantic crises that challenge their personal and spiritual relationships. Each must overcome personal demons, resist temptations and withstand bad decisions so they can learn how to find and hold on to... a good man.

The film is based on the stage play of the same name written by Rev. David Payton. Directed by Leslie Small, also featured in the film are Darrin Dewitt Henson, Hill Harper, Darius McCrary, Melissa De Soussa, Mel Jackson, Rachel Nicks, Brandi Coleman, and Deborah Cox.

Produced by Codeblack Entertainment, this is their first project under its deal with 20th Century Fox's faith-based label, FoxFaith.

One of the breakout stars of 2007 was Nate Parker. Not only was he was one of three individuals chosen by Denzel Washington, along with Jurnee Smollett and Denzel Whitaker, to play the leads in his film, 'The Great Debaters', but Parker was also featured opposite Terrence Howard in another film based on a true story, 'Pride'.

Since then, many offers have come his way, and the one that piqued his interest has him starring opposite a bevy of female talent in 'The Secret Life of Bees'. Joining him in that film will be Queen Latifah, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okenedo, Dakota Fanning, and Alicia Keys.

In speaking with Parker recently, he talks about his role as Henry Lowe and about the release of 'The Great Debaters' DVD, which comes out on May 13th, and working with Alicia Keys on 'The Secret Life of Bees'.

Curtiss Cook, whose voice is featured in the game 'Grand Theft Auto IV' will be getting a bigger profile when he next appears on the big screen.

Variety states that Cook has been cast in Martin Scorsese's 'Shutter Island,' starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Michelle Williams. He appears on Fox's 'New Amsterdam' and he'll next be seen in 'Order of Redemption,' starring Tom Berenger, Busta Rhymes and Armand Assante.

With so many blockbuster films expected to come this summer, including last week's #1 film, 'Iron Man', one of the most anticipated films for 2009 will be the release of 'G.I Joe'. Here's a first look at Marlon Wayans hopefully in a non-comedic role as 'Ripcord' and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as 'Heavy Duty'.

The movie will be a modern telling of the "G.I. Joe vs. Cobra" storyline and its compelling characters that Hasbro created 25 years ago. The premise of this fantasy is the story of the G.I. Joe team, led by Duke, and their "fight for freedom wherever there is trouble" against the evil Cobra Commander and his Cobra force. This storyline was an instant hit with kids in the early 1980s, spawning a highly popular 3-3/4-inch action figure line, comic book collection and animated series. The G.I. Joe team will not be based in Brussels. Instead, they will be based out of the "Pit" as they were throughout the 1980s comic book series. And, in keeping with the G.I. Joe vs. Cobra fantasy, the movie will feature characters and locations from around the world. Duke, the lead character and head of the G.I. Joe team, will embody the values of bravery and heroism that the first generation of G.I. Joe figures established.

For his feature directorial debut, 'Pastor Brown', Soul Food's Rockmond Dunbar has assembled quite an impressive cast. Already attached to the film are Nicole Ari Parker, Keith David, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Beach. Tisha Campbell-Martin, Tasha Smith, Dondre T. Whitfield and Ernie Hudson. The film also features guest appearances by R&B singers Monica, Angie Stone and India.Arie as well as former Olympic track star Carl Lewis and Oakley.

Joining the cast most recently are Mari Morrow and Pastor Creflo Dollar.

'Pastor Brown' is a twist on the prodigal son story. It follows a wayward pastor's daughter, Jesse Brown, as she returns from a life as an exotic dancer to make amends with her family and teen son and eventually lead her father's parish, becoming Pastor Brown.

Although she had a starring role earlier this year with Katie Holmes and Diane Keaton in 'Mad Money', Queen Latifah will take on smaller parts if the role is right. In this particular case, it's not really supporting, but a cameo appearance.

In 'What Happens in Vegas', two strangers (Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher) awaken together to discover they've gotten married following a night of debauchery in Sin City, and one of them has won a huge jackpot after playing the other's quarter. The newlyweds devise ever-escalating schemes to undermine each other and get their hands on the money – only to find themselves falling in love amid the mutual backstabbing.

Latifah plays a therapist who does not buy the story that the newlyweds tell her.

Long known for his role as the original 'Shaft' and practically the face of Blaxploitation films, Richard Roundtree is still working today getting some supporting role in high profiled films.

Coming up next for Roundtree is a role in 'Speed Racer', which opens on May 9th.

Speed Racer centers on young race car driver Speed (Emile Hirsch) and his quest for glory in his thundering, gadget-laden Mach 5. Roundtree will play Ben Burns, a racer-turned-commentator who is an icon to the fans and a hero to Speed.

Rapper Common, who started out in last year's Smokin' Aces, and is currently on the big screen in 'Street Kings' opposite Forest Whitaker, Keanu Reeves, and The Game, has just signed to co-star in another action packed film.

Variety states that Common will co-star with Christian Bale in 'Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins' for Halcyon Pictures.

Story centers on John Connor (Bale), now in his 30s, who leads what is left of the human race in a battle against the machines. Common will play a freedom fighter and member of Connor's inner circle.

McG will direct from a script by John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris and Paul Haggis.

With the summer ready to show plenty of superhero and romantic, you may be asking yourself, where are all the comedies?

If you can't find them on the big screen, try the small screen.

The slapstick urban comedy 'First Sunday' is now available on DVD.

Directed by David E. Talbert, the film stars Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan, Katt Williams, Melinda Williams, Regina Hall, Chi McBride, Michael Beach, Clifton Powell, and Nicholas Turturro.

Durell (Ice Cube) and LeeJohn (Tracy Morgan) are best friends and bumbling petty criminals. When told they have one week to pay a $17,000 debt or Durell will lose his son, they come up with a desperate scheme to rob their neighborhood church.

Instead, they end up spending the night in the presence of the Lord and are forced to deal with much more than they bargained for.

One thing about Tyler Perry's films is you can count on at least four or more actresses in prominent roles and that's a big thing considering most films usually have one or two at the most.

Judge Mablean Ephriam, Salli Richardson, and Viola Davis have been added to Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail. Already cast in the film are Tyler Perry, Keisha Knight Pulliam, Derek Luke and David and Tamela Mann.

The Lionsgate comedy centers on Madea (Perry), whose penchant for trouble-making lands her behind bars. She comes to the rescue of Candy (Pulliam), a fellow inmate preyed upon by a large woman named Big Sal. Luke is on track to play Joshua, an attorney who has a past with Candy.