Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) is transformed into the hateful, charismatic leader of a local white power movement following his father's death. Seeking retribution and burning with rage, Derek commits a brutal murder and is sent to prison. Upon his release three years later, a changed Derek, who is ashamed of his former ultra-racist self, returns home to find that his younger brother (Edward Furlong) has followed in his footsteps. Directed by Tony Kaye. With Beverly D'Angelo, Avery Brooks, Fairuza Balk, Elliott Gould, William Russ and Ethan Suplee. Categories: Drama, Crime. Year: 1998.

Avery Brooks in American History X
Melvin Smiley (Mark Wahlberg) is a successful young hit man living a double life away from his fiancée, Pam (Christina Applegate). He and his three teammates, Cisco (Lou Diamond Phillips), Crunch (Bokeem Woodbine) and Vince (Antonio Sabato Jr.), work exclusively for a man named Paris (Avery Brooks). But, when the team tries to make a play on their own, they accidentally kidnap the daughter (China Chow) of a former millionaire who happens to be their boss's goddaughter. Directed by Sab Shimono. With Elliott Gould. Categories: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller. Year: 1998.

Avery Brooks in The Big Hit