Michael Holden Movies
The hard-partying son of L.A.'s most powerful media magnate realizes his true calling as a crime-fighting vigilante after his father perishes under suspicious circumstances in this big-screen adaptation of the popular radio serial, comic book, film, and television series originated by Lone Ranger creators Fran Striker and George W. Trendle. James Reid (Tom Wilkinson) single-handedly built a media empire, but unfortunately his industrious genes weren't passed down to his son, Britt (Seth Rogen). Irresponsible, slovenly, and frequently inebriated, Britt is shaken out of his drunken stupor upon receiving word that his father has died. Shortly after Britt learns that he has inherited the family business, he forges an unlikely alliance with Kato (Jay Chou), one of his father's star employees, and together the pair hatch a plan to pose as villains in order to get close to the city's most high-powered criminals. Outfitting their indestructible custom-made car, The Black Beauty, with the absolute latest in technology and high-tech weaponry -- and arming themselves to the teeth with an array of gadgets that would make Batman blush -- the masked duo hit the streets as The Green Hornet and Kato. As the public's fascination with the mysterious crime fighters hits an all-time high, Britt's resourceful secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), helps them to gather intelligence on notorious underworld kingpin Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz), a criminal who holds the entire city in the palm of his hand, and represents everything that Britt's father fought against. Little do the Green Hornet and Kato realize that Chudnofsky is already on to them, and that he's not about to go down without a fight. Rogen and frequent writing partner Evan Goldberg provide the screenplay, with visionary Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) handling directing duties. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, (more)
Directed by Paul Abascal, Paparazzi chronicles the aftermath of four paparazzi photographers whose search for the all-important "perfect shot" ends in a tragic car accident. Movie star Bo Laramie (Cole Hauser) is understandably furious when, thanks to the notorious celebrity-chasers, his wife, Abby (Robin Tunney), is seriously injured, and his eight-year-old son is paralyzed. After the accident, Bo dedicates his life to putting a stop to a paparazzo's deadly overzealousness. Chris Rock, Matthew McConaughey, Mel Gibson, and Vince Vaughn are reported to be featured in cameo appearances. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Starring:
- Cole Hauser, Robin Tunney, (more)
- 2002
The 15th precinct investigates the death of a young boy, who was murdered for his bicycle. Eventually a suspect is arrested, only to embarrass the cops by escaping out of the interview-room window. Meanwhile, Frank Colohan (Nicholas Lea), the abusive brother-in-law of detective Connie McDowell (Charlotte Ross), manages to post bail, whereupon his wife, Michelle (Katherine La Nasa), forgives him and takes him back -- an act of kindness that has tragic and surprising consequences. The premature birth of Michelle's baby launches a story arc that will come to fruition at the end of NYPD Blue's tenth season. This episode was dedicated to Bruce Paltrow, the late father of director Jake Paltrow. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Henry Simmons
A reporter discovers both his writing and his sexual appetites can have deadly consequences in the thriller No Strings Attached. Vincent Spano plays Mark Demetrius, a journalist who is pressuring his editor, Elliot (Michael McKean), to run an investigative piece he's written on a psychiatrist with some very nasty habits. It seems one Dr. Singer (David Ackroyd) has a history of getting female patients addicted to drugs and then abusing them sexually. Elliot is reluctant to run the story, fearing legal reprisals, but agrees under the condition that Mark help him out by writing a puff piece on women's sexual fantasies. The magazine has set up a phone line for women to call in and discuss their desires, and one day Mark takes a call from Nicole (Cheryl Pollak). Mark becomes fascinated with Nicole, and is obsessed with meeting her, despite a happy, long-term relationship with his fiancée Sarah (Traci Lind). Mark eventually meets Nicole and she seduces him (not that he minds), but Mark soon discovers Nicole is not all she seems to be as his life and career are both placed in grave danger. Displaying a bit more style and smarts than the average erotic thriller, No Strings Attached was directed by Josef Rusnak, who later went on to make The Thirteenth Floor. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Vincent Spano, Cheryl Pollak, (more)
- 1992
Hoping to raise the spirits of his "low self-esteem" therapy group, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) brings his patients to Cheers. It doesn't take long for the group to fall under the spell of the jocular "Mr. X" and "Mr. Y." -- alias Norm (George Wendt) and Cliff (John Ratzenberger). Meanwhile, with his regular barber under the weather, Sam (Ted Danson) allows Woody (Woody Harrelson) to trim his locks...and what a trim it is. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1990
Cliff (John Ratzenberger) suffers from a deflated ego when it turns out that Cheers' new cocktail napkins dispense even more useless trivia than he does. Meanwhile, Woody (Woody Harrelson) lands a lucrative acting job as spokesperson for a new vegetable drink. Alas, though the money is good, the drink itself is terrible -- or at least Woody thinks it is. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1990
Against all odds, the widows of two-timing Eddie LeBec, Carla (Rhea Perlman) and Gloria (Anne DeSalvo), are now the best of friends. In fact, the two ladies get along so well that Carla agrees to split her inheritance from Eddie 50-50 with Gloria. This, however, is before Carla discovers that she could have had 50,000 dollars if she hadn't been so blasted generous. Meanwhile, Woody (Woody Harrelson), cast in a revival of the rock-musical Hair, agonizes over appearing in the play's notorious nude scene. And where in the world is Cliff Clavin? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) hopes to make a corporate farewell party a lot more exciting than the dullard who is retiring. Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and the guys reluctantly attend the bris of baby Frederick, with at least one of the guests making his own cut-out a bit early. Meanwhile, Carla (Rhea Perlman) waxes sentimental over her late husband's hockey jersey. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
Norm (George Wendt) is unable to convince his adoring secretary Doris (Cynthia Stevenson) that he isn't interested in her -- not even when he fires the woman. Hoping to take advantage of Doris' passion, Cliff (John Ratzenberger) manages to get himself in deep doo-doo. Elsewhere, Woody's (Woody Harrelson) lucky streak continues -- and what's the "surprise" hidden in the executive desk that Robin gave Rebecca (Kirstie Alley)? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
The pregnant Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) becomes obsessed with the notion of sparing her child the horrors of big-city civilization. Thus, she coerces Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) to "become one with nature" by moving into a rustic cabin in the deep, deep woods. Back at Cheers, workaholic Woody (Woody Harrelson) is forced to take his annual vacation. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1988
- PG13
When a shady businessman (Alex Cord) attempts to dodge the law by sailing off to a remote island paradise, he brings along a bunch of young spring break revelers. However, when a cat escapes from a dangerous scientific experiment and makes its way on to the boat, the passengers soon discover that it is harboring a deadly secret. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi
- Starring:
- George Kennedy, Alex Cord, (more)
- 1964
This rock'n roll drama featuring British pop band Gerry and the Pacemakers, is a quick knock-off of The Beatles' A Hard Day's Night. The film features a situation in which the band loses their instruments. It also chronicles the history of the band via flashback. The band members are seen meeting each other in art school and forming a band. They barely manage to eke out a living playing at The Cavern. There they meet a useful young woman who helps them find a manager. After the band wins the European Beat competition, their rise is assured. Also appearing on the film are a couple of other Liverpool bands. Songs include: "Ferry Across the Mersey" and "It's Gonna Be All Right." ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Gerry Marsden
Tony Richardson's adaptation of Henry Fielding's classic novel was one of the most critically acclaimed and popular comedies of its time, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film follows Tom Jones (Albert Finney), a country boy who becomes one of the wildest playboys in 18th century England, developing a ravenous taste for women, food, and rowdy adventures. Over the course of the film, Jones tries to amass his own fortune and win the heart of Sophie (Susannah York). Not only does John Osborne's Oscar-winning screenplay stay true to the tone of the novel, but the cast -- including Lynn Redgrave in her first screen role -- tears into the story with spirited abandon, making the movie a wildly entertaining and witty experience. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
- Starring:
- Albert Finney, Susannah York, (more)
