Exile in Direct-To-Video Land

Times have changed for Wesley Snipes; since 2004's Blade: Trinity, none of his films have played in theaters. Still, he's remained prolific, releasing no less than seven direct-to-video actioners in the last three years. Of course, we know what else he's been up to in that time. Convicted in April 2008 on three misdemeanor tax fraud charges, Snipes was sentenced to serve three years in prison. He needs those direct-to-video dollars, people -- legal fees don't pay themselves!

His latest release, The Art of War 2: Betrayal, hits shelves this week. But another action-thriller -- the 2009 zombie Western Gallowwalker, which Snipes was filming in Namibia when he was indicted on his 2006 tax charges -- could be his first theatrically released film since his exile in direct-to-video land. Another long-gestating project, the Asian drug thriller Chasing the Dragon, is slated to begin filming this month. Could things be looking up for Wesley Snipes, at least until jail time commences?

In closing, we'd like to see the Wesley Snipes we know and love -- the dynamic actor from films like Mo' Better Blues, Jungle Fever, White Men Can't Jump, New Jack City, and yes, Blade -- return to form as one of the biggest stars of his generation. He's been as high as 92 percent (The Waterdance) and as low as 12 percent (Wildcats). He's got the dramatic chops of a leading man, and the karate chops of an action hero. Perhaps it's as simple as picking better projects. Filling Steven Seagal's direct-to-video shoes is a fate Wesley Snipes doesn't deserve. There is a way to be fresh again.