Summer Bishil Movies
After small and generally unremarkable roles in such productions as the Disney Channel made-for-cable movie Return to Halloweentown (2006), actress Summer Bishil revealed the extent of her abilities via a complex, demanding, and multifaceted lead portrayal in screenwriter Alan Ball's contemporary drama Towelhead (2007). The film -- adapted from the controversial best-selling novel of the same name by Alicia Erian -- observes the tumultuous events that befall a young Arab-American teen on the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq (heading into the Gulf War) -- including confrontations with racism, hypocrisy, and mistrust. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, and Sean Penn star in Running Scared writer/director Wayne Kramer's harrowing look at life amongst illegal immigrants and the immigration enforcement agents whose job it is to ensure that the U.S. borders remain secure. Every day, a new batch of immigrants comes flooding into Los Angeles in search of the American dream -- and every day the price of that dream rises exponentially. As the desperation of these newcomers continually tests the humanity of Los Angeles immigration enforcement officers, the face of a 21st century L.A. gradually begins to take form. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd, (more)
Six Feet Under creator and American Beauty screenwriter Alan Ball makes his feature directorial debut with this screen adaptation of author Alicia Erian's controversial novel Towelhead. Jasira (Summer Bishil) is a 13-year-old Arab-American who's contending with the pains of adolescence when her life takes a sudden and unexpected turn. Sent to live with her stern Lebanese father, Rifat (Peter Macdissi), by her self-absorbed mother (Maria Bello), Jasira finds herself struggling to adjust to life in the suburbs while contending with racism and hypocrisy at every turn. Rifat lives in a modest, suburban Houston home next to racist reservist Mr. Vuoso (Aaron Eckhart) and meddling expectant mother Melina (Toni Collette). Adjusting to life in the suburbs isn't easy for young Jasira, though she tries her hardest to adapt to the unfamiliar environment by striking up casual conversations with her curious new neighbors. In the process, Jasira finds herself increasingly attracted to hormone-driven African-American teen Thomas (Eugene Jones). When Rifat finds out that his daughter's new boyfriend is black, he vehemently condemns the relationship. As America launches its initial invasion of Iraq, Jasira finds herself caught up in a potentially explosive situation that is only compounded by her raging hormones and the snooping of her pregnant, busybody neighbor. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Summer Bishil, Peter Macdissi, (more)
On the eve of Halloweetown's 1000th anniversary celebration, Witch University student Marnie Piper (Sara Paxton) must enlist the aid of two close friends in order to finally reveal a long-buried secret hidden in an ancient prophecy. Marnie has just won a full scholarship to the prestigious Witch University in Halloweentown, and she's eager to begin studying up on alchemy, amulets, and magic potions. While Marnie is all set to become Witch University's most popular coed, the new ban on magic at the school poses something of a problem for the young witch eager to realize her true powers. Later, Marnie discovers an ancient prophecy that holds the key to unlocking a legendary secret. Now, in order to ensure that Halloweentown's Millennial Celebration goes off without a hitch, Marnie will call on her old friends Ethan (Lucas Grabeel) and Benny the Skeleton in addition to seeking out the wisdom of new pals Professor Periwinkle and Aneesa the Genie. Will Marnie and her friends be able to fend off the evil that threatens to consume Halloweentown, or could it be that this strange and supernatural town has been marked for destruction since the day it was founded? ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sara Paxton, Judith Hoag, (more)
