Dennis Erdman Movies
- 2001
Acting upon advice that she stop being a "loner" and start socializing more, Rory (Alexis Bledel) is readily accepted into "The Puffs," a secret Chilton sorority which Paris (Liza Weil) has been dying to join -- but has never been asked. What follows is a somewhat sadistic "initation" which nearly gets both Rory and Paris kicked out of school. Meanwhile, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) embarks upon some socializing of her own by joining the Boosters Club -- only to discover that she is expected to be a fashion model at an upcoming fundraiser at Independence Inn. Somehow this culminates in a moment of truth between Lorelai and Luke (Scott Patterson). ~ All Movie Guide
- 1996
Drew (Drew Carey) is promised a promotion if he will agree to train Mr. Bell's lazy, duplicitious nephew Blaine (Michael Landes) for an executive position. Alas, not only does Blaine slough off his responsibilities to an overworked Mimi (Kathy Kinney), but he also gets Kate (Christa Miller) in trouble by blabbing that she accidentally sold a $2000 bottle of perfume for only $150, and that Drew tried to cover up the gaffe. Thus it is that mortal enemies Mimi and Drew must temporarily band to together to rid themselves of "the greater evil". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Eager to whip herself into shape, Francine (Kathryn Harrold) purchases an exercise device endorsed by none other than Larry's (Garry Shandling) sidekick, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor). An injury suffered while using the devise however, leaves Hank afraid that Francine will go public with her injury. Guest stars include Charlotte Booker and Richard Israel. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1992
This episode marks the first appearance of the Buchmans' veddy British next-door neighbors (Apartment 11-C), Maggie and Hal Conway (Judy Geeson, Paxton Whitehead). Carefully rehearsing their efforts to get in good with the Conways, Paul (Paul Reiser) and Jamie (Helen Hunt) succeed only in making a royal mess of things. Thereafter, conditions go from bad to worse -- or, in this case, from "wonky" to "icky." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This lightweight and slightly ribald comedy marks the feature film debut of Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), a buxom seductress best known for hosting a popular syndicated television show that features wonderfully bad old horror movies. After losing her latest job for refusing to sleep with her new boss, Elvira tries to launch a Vegas career. Just before that scheme falls flat, she finds salvation when an aunt dies and leaves her a huge old New England mansion. When the black-clad and sexy Elvira, with her flamboyant make-up and acres of cleavage hit the town, she creates an instant scandal amongst the old folks and inspires lusty dreams in the minds of the young. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cassandra Peterson, Edie McClurg, (more)
- 1979
The Emmy-winning TV movie Friendly Fire was adapted by Fay Kanin from the fact-based book by C.D.B. Bryan. Carol Burnett and Ned Beatty play Peg and Gene Mullen, the parents of a young soldier who is killed in Vietnam. Dissatisfied with the "official" version of their son's death, Peg and Gene conduct a soul-wrenching investigation of their own. Only after months of military stonewalling does the truth come out: their son was accidentally killed by "friendly fire" from American artillery. This revelation leads to Peg Mullen's full-scale embracing of the anti-war movement. Even allowing for the grimness of the story, Carol Burnett's taciturn performance wears on the viewer after a while (one wonders if Peg Mullen ever smiled before her son died). Far better within the framework of the film is the superbly detailed performance of Ned Beatty as Gene. Friendly Fire was originally offered on April 22, 1979, as an ABC Theatre presentation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carol Burnett, Ned Beatty, (more)
Bette Midler stars as Rose in this somber drama loosely based on the life of the late Janis Joplin. She plays an ill-fated singer who succumbs to the pressures of performing by indulging in drugs and alcohol. Her sweetheart Dyer (Frederic Forrest) is the former chauffeur who naively tries to save her from self destruction, while her British manager Rudge (Alan Bates) is ultimately blamed for not preventing her inevitable fall. The story mirrors any one of a number of popular singers who have fallen victim to the excess of success. Midler and Forrest were nominated for Oscars for their performances, with Best Editing laurels given to Timothy O'Meara and Robert Wolf. The Rose was a box office smash and was the plum role that elevated Midler to star status in the eyes of the public and Hollywood. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bette Midler, Alan Bates, (more)
