Motives (2004 Video) User Reviews

African-American soap erotic thriller

[dromasca · 4/10 · 25 September 2004]

This film tries to combine several genres, in a quite a strange mix. The plot happens in Atlanta, and involves a businessman and restaurant owner married un-happily apparently with a charity organization leader, involved in all type of dubious activities, including stock market fraud, murder, and a steamy extra-marital affair. The pace and the moral approach is of a 70s TV soap opera, combined with a 90s erotic thriller. Nothing too bad, but nothing original or really interesting either. Characters are one-dimensional, their physical appearance is all that counts. The plot twist towards the end works quite well, or it worked for me in any case.

The odd thing is that all main characters, without any exception are Afro-American. This does not work in my opinion - the American society as I know it is multi-racial, and reversed segregation does not work, not on life, and not on screen. Why? Is this meant to be a revenge to the all segregated approach of film making in the 40s or 50s? Well, it does not succeed to be more than a DVD rental minor film, and the reason is probably that it never tries to be more.

Not to be mis-understood, Afro-American film-making can be great (mentioning just Spike Lee is kind of trivial) but only when it approaches life and minority causes in a realistic and good taste manner. This is not the case here. 4 out of 10 on my personal scale.

motives

[nthnybayon · 6/10 · 21 April 2006]

I think this movie was OK, not superb but not bad either. Everyone seems to be so attractive in this film and it reminds me of the Bold and the Beautiful. i was most amazed by Shemar Moore in this film because he proved that he is more than a pretty face. I think he is the sexiest guy on this planet for real, i wish he had a younger brother that looked exactly like him. The acting from everyone was great. It was good seeing Keisha Knight Pulliam after such a long time. she has grown up into a Beautiful Black Women and i hope i see her in more movies. Joe Torry was the comedian of the film, he was great. vivica Fox is one talented Beautiful Black women so i wasn't really surprised by her excellent performance. I just hope there will be a part 2. One thing i didn't understand was if vivica was plotting against her husband the whole time or not.

Pride comes before a fall

[krachtm · 5/10 · 13 March 2013]

The plot: An arrogant businessman tries to hold on to his charmed life after an ill-advised affair threatens to bring down everything.

Motives is a low budget, direct-to-video erotic thriller. Erotic thrillers often end up being half gritty noir and half soft-core porn, and Motives isn't any different. The noir element was fairly straightforward if a bit derivative, with a pretty decent twist at the end. However, the sex scenes were so unconvincing and amateurish that I almost laughed. I've seen better sex scenes in made-for-cable movies back in the 1980s when there was nothing else to watch after midnight.

Motives has an all Black cast, which could be either viewed as a gimmick or an attempt to break out of the stereotypical "Black" movie. I think it's a bit of both, really. It's also got a soundtrack chock full of R&B ballads, which really didn't do anything for me. I prefer heavy metal or classical music. Given the movie's demographics, however, this is probably a better choice than Iron Maiden or Judas Priest.

Though it sometimes degenerates into soap opera melodrama, it always comes back to thriller territory eventually. If you're looking for an original, slick, and sexy thriller, Motives might not be the best choice. If you just want something to pass the time, it'll do.

My thoughts on the movie Motives

[doreatha_mae · 17 October 2004]

I thought that the movie was good. I feel that the story line could have been more developed, in some ways but overall it was a good and well written movie. It has some very interesting twists and turns that are very surprising, but make the movie that much better. Its full of suspense. Its a good mystery thriller.

I believe that is was beautiful to see African American people in a movie like this. Instead of seeing the typical, gangster movie or comedy or a movie showing the black struggle. It was just good to see a mystery, a smart film that was just about how life can be, not so much about race. I hope to see many more movies like this.

What was the MOTIVE for making this mess?

[crmycoco-31720 · 2/10 · 4 February 2017]

Unlike some reviewers who didn't like this movie because it has an all black cast, I liked it BECAUSE it had an all black cast that wasn't singing, dancing or rapping, or being portrayed as drug addled ghetto trash. I like seeing black ppl in "normal" stories about lust, murder, money and revenge. However, this is where my praise ends.

THIS MOVIE SUCKED THE HOT AIR OUT OF ALL BALLOONS EVERYWHERE!!!!!

I'm not sure if it was the plot, the sophomoric acting or the lazy direction, but this film sunk to the bottom of cinematic trash and all the king's horses and all the king's men could not save it.

Personally, I think Vivica A. Fox is above this kind of straight to video crap, but if it pays the bills...whatever. Do you boo!

The scenery was beautiful and should be nominated for an Oscar, however.

If you've nothing better to do on a lazy Saturday afternoon...maybe you want to get your taxes done to some background noise...then this might be the film for you. Otherwise, you'd be better off checking out L.A. Confidential or The Devil in the Blue Dress for any kind of cinematic satisfaction.

Cheesy sexy

[mracheklin · 3/10 · 7 May 2020]

Thin script, average acting, dumb plot but l liked looking at Shemar Moore. For the male viewers beautiful women added spice to an amateur B movie production. Kinda like a porn movie without the porn....watch and you will see what I mean.

Tacky, shabby and foolish

[mimiybyazphil · 2/10 · 8 June 2022]

This sad attempt at a murder mystery is yet another "Set in Atlanta Black Movie" A bunch of old sitcom actors, acting Badly!

Another note Atlanta Police DO NOT place the criminals in the DEKALB County Jail!

The writers need to do better research!

Entire talented cast!

[dskuku · 7/10 · 12 January 2006]

One of the outcomes of the struggle Black actors in Hollywood obviously face (judging from their relative absence on the screen) is that one can afford to have an entire cast of actors who can actually act. Much that comes out of the mainstream film industry is that a star or two leads of relatively unseasoned, mediocre cast of pretty faces. Films such as this, with a notably soap-operaish plot, brighten the screen and captivate out interests because of the talent of so many talented actors on one screen, in one film. It's was an experience to see seasoned actors play off one another, feeding viewers desire to see what would happen next. And Vivica Fox is just fierce. Shemar Moore and most of the others are fine, too!

Okay movie

[plasssaskia · 3/10 · 31 May 2020]

I understand revenge and everything but damn. Vivica was no better and it kinda showed that his friend and her been having a fair and she waited for the opportunity for him to slip up to have him gone for good. It was a okay movie acting wasn't that good.

I thought this was really good!

[writingunicorn · 7/10 · 20 May 2020]

This movie was a lot better than I thought it would be. A surprise ending I didn't see coming. I thought all the intimate scenes weren't necessary--but I guess a "relationship" needed to be established. Otherwise, I liked being pulled into their world.

Great Movie!

[knights7894 · 9/10 · 7 April 2006]

I thought this was a well thought out screenplay not at all the run of the mill black film. I was totally surprised at the end. The only hint was the hug scene between the wife and the lawyer friend while Emery was coming from the police station, other than that there was very little foreshadowing. There were a lot of heavy hitters in this one. Vivica did an excellent job.The love scenes were a little corny especially since sexy sexy Shemar was the lover I would have loved to see the love scenes be little more natural. I was also surprised that there was not a love scene between Shemar and Vivica. There was an abundance of mystery in this. I recommend everyone see this movie.

Good, but not Great, Sexy Urban Suspense Thriller.

[notdefpoetryjam · 7/10 · 1 March 2006]

This film is the product of a group of talented African American writers and Film makers based out of Atlanta who have collaborated on films such as Trois, Trois : Pandora's Box, The Gospel and Trois : The Escort. The Movie while high on sex appeal with great cinematography and Rain Forest films patented threesome scene, was a bit overdone in its plot there was a bit more intrigue than was necessary for the film. Without giving away too much in the first scene of the film Shemar Moore's character, Emery Simms, our protagonist murders someone, in a poorly shot, cheesy fight scene, which honestly lowered the quality of the of an otherwise well made film. Although they try to integrate this into the rest of the film, the movie could have been executed well without it. Especially since Emery Simms' unabated womanizing draws the viewer in and drives the plot for much of the movie, until it seems to backlash against him

A Black Bold and the Beautiful Soap Opera

[JJohns · 19 March 2004]

Motives is a souped up soap opera with a restricted rating due to graphic sexual content, more sex with a little violence thrown in . Everyone looked so pretty and the life these fine people lived definately makes you want to covet. It was an interesting film just easily one read like a Soap Opera hyped up in its own melodrama.

Emery Sims played by pretty boy Shamar Moore, is just that, a pretty boy who owns a restaurant business who's very wealthy and respected in the community. When a consensual affair goes wrong along with a murder investigation pending, Sims world begans to spiral down. But as the events unfold Sims begins to question the ones closest to him including his most trusted wife played by Vivica Fox. I thought her perfomance was bland in this movie as they made her into the attractive yet subdued nagging wife.

So yes its been done before and its all acting. Need I say two of Young and the Restless' (Moore and Rowell) were plucked from this sitcom. I also found the beginning subplot unnecessarily used for this story. I do however support the rise of more all star casts of African Americans in films whether their backed independently or not. I just wished that the storylines weren't so confined to stereotypes and overdone material. There's no slighting of the actors because I'm a fan of Fox and Rowell. And let's not forget the knockout performance from Mr. Joe Torrey himself. Just lose the material. You have a potential fan waiting.

Not a Horror

[helenadair32 · 7/10 · 23 July 2021]

I was on Hulu and its labeled as a Horror. This movie is definetly not a horror, I agree with some of the reviews, it was pretty good but not great, a twist in the plot, one of my favorite tv actor's Shemar Moore.

Motives-where has it been??

[trina1979 · 9/10 · 8 October 2006]

This movie was absolutely superb!! The plot line was very interesting and kept you guessing the whole time. The acting was very well done, I can't believe we hadn't heard about this film before. The end was great and of course, completely a surprise. As I said before, it kept you guessing the whole time. By surprise, I found this film at my local video rental store, never heard of it and decided to give it a try. Boy, did I luck out!! I can't believe that this wasn't in theaters, and if it was, only for a short time with little or no publicity. Give this film a try, it would be well worth your rental fee! My husband did not get to see it all the way through and we plan to watch it again so he can see the whole thing! It would be well worth a look, I would strongly recommend this movie!

the soundtrack is missing!!!

[perfect10sm · 30 May 2004]

i enjoyed the film motives. it lulled a bit in the middle but picked up towards the end when shamar moore's character got deep in it. boy, was it hard to see such a good-looking man in prison garb. i must say i almost lost it.

but on to the matter at hand. WHERE, OH, WHERE IS THE SOUNDTRACK? i own the film and NEED to own the soundtrack. WHERE IS IT? the music is so good.

it's 2004. this film just came out. grant it, it could have been on the big screen. why wasn't it? nevertheless, a soundtrack SHOULD be created for its fans like me. we own the film and would like the wonderful music to accompany it. someone please email me and let me know WHEN the soundtrack will come out. SOMEONE HELP ME, PLEASE. THE SOUNDTRACK THAT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IS BANGIN'!!! if it doesn't exist, then create it!

tanya

We need to have a part II to this great movie.

[boxterbabe1960 · 10/10 · 9 July 2007]

This was one movie that kept me glued to my seat. I would recommend this as a must see to any movie buff. As a photographer, I loved the use of the lighting,how well it looked against the Atlanta skyline;that included one of the many famous red Georgia sunsets was breathtakingly beautiful. The one scene outside of the jail location shot in the parking garage was dark, mysterious and sinister. That was the turning point in the movie. There were some minor things that were not true to life. However, they did not take away from the quality of the movie.There must be a sequel to this awesome thriller. The cast of actors was an excellent choice.

Held Up for 17 years

[latashaqh-1 · 8/10 · 2 October 2021]

I saw it back in '04 and liked it, which is why I chose to watch it in 2021 on Amazon Prime.

Shemar Moore plays successful (with some shady side dealings) businessman Emory, married to Connie, played by Vivica Fox -- equally successful philanthropist.

The movie moves quickly through all of Emory's problems and ends with him being imprisoned for the murder of his mistress, Allanah (played by Golden Brooks).

There is a twist at the end that I didn't see coming, so kudos to the writers and actors for a well-written story and acting that kept this viewer engaged from start to finish. Special props to the actor who pulled off the twist.

I would recommend this movie, still, in 2021.

Sexy, Suspense Thriller Motivates

[cohco2001 · 9/10 · 1 April 2004]

MOTIVES is mysterious, suspenseful, exciting and very sexy!!! No one is who or what they appear to be on the outside and the one character that is exactly what he appears to be...the very attractive, very wealthy, very confident, very self-absorbed, very greedy, main character Emery Simms played by Shemar Moore, carries you through his world of mindless acts of greed,excess and violence performed without the slightest care as to who will be affected by his actions, knowing fully well that money will always ensure his flaws never come to the light and that he will never have to face the consequences of his actions. However, his loving wife Constance, played by Vivica A. Fox, is made to smile and bare it as her efforts to help community children is hampered by the long shadow that Emery's unsavory business dealings casts. Not to mention the shame of finding out about his extra-marital exploits with the alluring Allanah, who brings a whole new dynamic to the idea of a love "triangle".

But everything comes to a head when all of the areas of Emery's life start to come apart one by one as all of his skeleton's are exposed and he stands the chance of losing his wife, his fortune and his freedom.

But how much of this mayhem is of his own doing? Check it out for yourself and see if you can figure out who is friend and who is foe. If you like: Wild Things (Neve Campbell & Matt Dillon), Pandora's Box ( Michael Jai White & Monica Calhoun), Disclosure (Michael Douglas & Demi Moore)then you will love this film. Just make sure that you put the kiddies to bed...this one is definitely for the grown ups.

A most delectable movie full of trials and desperate motives - motives that can kill

[circlelink · 10/10 · 8 January 2006]

Wait! Let me catch my breath! Honey Chile! Here I am in 2006 just finding out about this movie? This movie was not nominated for a Golden Globe? Oscar? NO ONE from this movie was nominated? Well now I am really angered by that! I am of the firm persuasion that this movie should have been acknowledged in some way. I see so many good films that are not nominated that I don't even watch the Oscars any more. Well as I say "let me tell you what I saw while you were sleeping." My goodness! The breathtaking acting, the smoother than smooth love scenes (never seen the way the editor fixed this movie scene) -- it was sooo soo juicy to say the least. I do not know the actor who was the mistress but I say this -- wooo weee can she act sensuously -- her and her girlfriend and how they just ravished this man so much sexually -- they had a mat truck up that man's nose. Just the like the president C -- he did it because he could and when he did -- the consequences had devastating effects -- it brought his lovely world down -- one thing that did anger me to no end - he could have given more than 5% to his wife's charities!

The wonderful city of Atlanta was the backdrop for this movie and the city was shown in all of it's loveliness. The restaurant scenes were good as well - all the opulence of high society were displayed in this movie. I would have liked to have known a bit more background into the characters as it would have given a bit of light to Mr. Moore's personality in the film. A jovial, happy-go-lucky guy with dark corners all around. The entire town of Atlanta was in the palm of his hands. Yeah right. Dirty hands that is - who would have thought he was so dirty. His wife knew about it and asked him to quit whatever it was he was doing. He did not do it for he was the boss of it all. He thought he had it all. Yes, but he did not appreciate it. In a movie this intense I hardly had time to eat my popcorn as I was ever on the edge of my seat.

I enjoyed great acting by the all Black cast. Additionally, the actors showed they could grok their parts. You know, I really enjoy good deep acting (Like in Crash and Hotel Rwanda). Speaking of acting - I knew Vivica Fox could act - I never knew Shamar Moore could act as well. Well forgive me! I - let's face it - I never have seen him in a movie - just young and the restless! So give me a break -- I am a bit late -- I been working and have just retired -- when ya work sometimes ya don't see all the movies -- know what I mean? Again I digress - so sorry. Vivica - what can I say? She was outstanding and held the movie up along with Moore. I wish they could pair again - the entire cast would do well to perform in a Motives II -- I could do with a sequel. After you see this - you will also. I want to know what happened next? Will we ever know?

I tell you everything in this movie was so - so clean and tight and moved so flawless. The rhythm of the movie was so magical and believable. I loved the way they showed the human side of black people. I saw how black people really are - not animated - no black faced acting here. Real raw energy acting and it puts to rest that Black people can;'t act. This movie taught me how to revision an old theme of betrayal and it kept me in suspense and anger and, as I mentioned earlier - on the edge of my seat! The movie evoked lots of emotions as I cried for the main character as never I have (but then again - I am always crying about something!). Emotionally, it was a roller coaster of emotions -- sooooo delicious one moment then suspense the next and then sooo sad -- cause where he ended up -- he will have lots of time -- time think. I don't know if the movie was real or not - based on someone's life I mean. If so -- that man needs to be released today. The body of circumstances that surrounded the story was crucial to the story such that the sex scenes had to be intense in order to understand what drove the man to do what he did. He was getting truly laid in a very unorthodox way. Kudos to the director who kept the vision true and crisp.

On another level -- this movie was about ego and not taking care of self. How the character did not value his friends, wife, nor his life - his lovely life. Yeah right. A life of smoke and mirror held together by tattered threads of jealousy, envy, greed and lust -- honey too much lust is not good for the loins. The one thing missing from this movie was comedy -- there was not a comedic scene in the show and it was not needed for this character was a on a speedboat to a crash.

Remember, once when a person thinks he or she is invincible -- life comes and puts some obstacles in the way to test us all - and then the everlasting fall. This character fell and hit rock bottom. From heaven to hell is quite a fall - a deep fall of motives, betrayals, and the everlasting question: just who do you trust? In this movie, it certainly was not Spirit.