B*A*P*S (1997)

Two tacky homegirls move to L.A. to become dancers; instead they scam a dying millionaire but eventually become B*A*P*S (Black American Princesses).

Director:

Robert Townsend

Writer:

Troy Byer

Stars:

Halle Berry, Martin Landau, Ian Richardson

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Halle Berry	...	Nisi
Martin Landau	...	Mr. Donald Blakemore
Ian Richardson	...	Manley
Natalie Desselle	...	Mickey
Troy Byer	...	Tracy Shaw (as Troy Beyer)
Luigi Amodeo	...	Antonio
Jonathan Fried	...	Isaac
Pierre Edwards	...	Ali (as Pierre)
Anthony Johnson	...	James (as A.J. Johnson)
Bernie Mac	...	Mr. Johnson
Darrel Heath	...	Terrance
Vince Cooke	...	Z.Z.
Faizon Love	...	Tiger J
Rudy Ray Moore	...	Nate
Darrow Igus	...	Bartender

Storyline

Nisi and Mickey are girlfriends who work as waitresses. To get the necessary money for opening their dream restaurant they fly to California to audition for a music video. There Nisi is asked by the nephew of Mr.Blakemore's (who is video director) to act for a week as granddaughter of Lily, Mr.Blakemores one true love, whom he lost long ago and couldn't pursue because she was his family's housekeeper. They revive Blakemore's interest for life, and he teaches them to be "Black American Princesses" in return.

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Plot Keywords:

millionaire | nephew | restaurant | guilt | entire title is capitalized acronym | 

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Taglines:

These Pretty Women... Are Clueless!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

28 March 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

B.A.P.S.

Filming Locations:

Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$2,742,679 (USA) (28 March 1997)

Gross:

$7,240,837 (USA) (30 May 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Island Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 92 min (Encore print)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Toilet seat position in bathroom

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Quotes

Mickey: Lead the way Alfred.
Manley: The name is Manly, Manly will do very nicely thank you!... Who's Alfred?
Mickey: You know, Batman's homeboy!
Nisi: Oh Mick, now I see what-chu was sayin'.
Mickey: You would be so good in the sequel.
Nisi: Snap! He'd be phat!
Mickey: He would! All you gotta say is, "Batman to da cave!" and everybody lose they job that day... and you get THAT job. *Heavy Chuckle* TO THA CAAAAAAAVE.
Nisi: Ask him to say it Mick!
Mickey: Nah, I already done called the man "Alfred."
Nisi: Oh come on.
[...]

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Connections

References Batman (1989)

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Soundtracks

"This Is for the Lover in You"
(1981)
Written by Howard Hewett (as Howard Hewitt) & Dana Meyers

User Reviews

Don't bash it, re-view it!!! Open your eyes AND your minds!

This movie, while not being a piece of cinematic masterpiece, is not nearly as bad as the rating suggests.... True, most of the characters in the film are completely predictable, but you need to look beyond the "tacky" veneer to see the true person inside. The same could be said for the movie, itself. Sure, on the surface, Nisi & Mickey are scammers from the git go, but, they've got lots of heart & soul.... And, Mr. Blakemore is not as naive or lost as you may think. He sees the beauty beneath the beauties in this film..... It's a growth experience for all involved... Learning to open up and accept people for who they are, not what they seem... Just like this movie! Shame on all of you for beating up on Townsend, Barry, Landau and the rest! Shame!!!! Give it a try.... What's the most it can cost? A few bucks?