Civil Brand

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Civil Brand ★★½ 2002 (R)

Minority inmates stage a bloody revolt against abuse and exploitation. Melodrama quickly boils over the top and doesn't lose its charge. Notable performances by rappers MC Lite, Da Brat, and Mos Def. Neema Barnette makes good use of her low budget but scrimps on attention to pertinent civil issues. 95m/C DVD . US LisaRaye, Mos Def, N'Bushe Wright, Monica Calhoun, Da Brat, M.C. Lyte, Clifton Powell, Lark Voorhies, Tichina Arnold, Reed McCants; D: Neema Barnette; W: Joyce Renee Lewis, Preston A. Whitmore II; C: Yuri Neyman; M: Mandrill.