Jackie Samuda Movies
- 2000
In the made-for-TV First Target, Daryl Hannah stars as feisty and combative U.S. Secret Service agent Alex McGregor, a role created by Mariel Hemingway in the earlier TV movie First Daughter. This time around, Alex finds herself attempting to prevent the assassination of the President of the United States in a "wide open" Washington State national park. Offering assistance every step of the way is Alex's fiancé, Grant Carlson (Doug Savant), who might otherwise be neglected altogether by the understandably preoccupied heroine. Boasting gorgeous scenery (it was filmed in British Columbia) and a particularly cunning villain, First Target was originally telecast over TBS on October 15, 2000. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daryl Hannah
- 1999
The Earth and the Asgard enter into negotiations with the Goa'uld to formulate a nonaggression pact. These negotiations may be placed in jeopardy by SG-1 crew member Teal'c (Christopher Judge), who has sworn vengeance against the Goa'uld ambassador (Ron Halder) who murdered his father. As it turns out, however, the Goa'uld are their own worst enemies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
"In my films, you're always encouraged to remember that you're watching a collection of designed images." Thus spake Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan in describing his calculatedly non-realistic style. In keeping with his earlier works, Egoyan's Speaking Parts, though grounded in reality, could never be confused with the facts of life. Arsinee Khanjian plays a near-somnambulistic maid who carries a torch for aspiring actor Michael McManus. She obsesses on McManus by renting tapes of the films in which he's appeared as a non-speaking extra. As McManus ignores Khanjian while wooing would-be filmmaker Gabrielle Rose (he wants to star in a film based on Rose's life-saving organ donation), Khanjian develops a sort of rapport with video store manager Tony Nardi, who also harbors dreams of becoming a filmmaker. The most curious (and, to some, maddening) aspect of Speaking Parts is that all the characters physically resemble one another. What this has to do with Egoyan's "message"--if any--is unclear, but it sure works towards the director's goal of assuring that the viewers are constantly aware that they're watching a movie and not Real Life. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael McManus, Arsinée Khanjian, (more)
Director Jack Sholder followed his surprise sleeper hit The Hidden (1987) with this action drama that re-teamed Young Guns (1988) co-stars Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips. Sutherland stars as Buster McHenry, a Philadelphia cop working undercover as a thief in the gang of wealthy, sadistic Marino (Rob Knepper). When the gang's heist of some diamonds goes awry, a few innocents are shot, and a valuable Native American spear is stolen landing Buster in bureaucratic hot water. Along comes Hank Storm (Phillips), intent upon retrieving the relic of his Sioux tribesmen and avenge the death of his brother. Hank and Buster team up to take Marino down and expose police corruption in the process. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, (more)
- 1988
- PG13
After 20 years of marriage, Steve Giardino (Alan Alda) and his wife Jackie (Ann-Margret) agree to a divorce in this situation comedy. The focus is on both of them as they suffer through matchmaking, blind dates, and their new life as eligible singles. Donna (Mary Kay Place) is Jackie's friend, while Mel Arons (Hal Linden) is the confidante of the vain but likeable Steve. Steven worries that he will never find anyone decent to date until he meets the pretty Dr. Kay Hutton (Veronica Hamel). Jackie is enamored with a sculptor (John Shea) before his glaring faults become too much for her. While Jackie's new relationship is on the outs, Steve prepares for a new life with Kay. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alan Alda, Ann-Margret, (more)
- 1985
This film is comprised of three suspenseful vignettes. In the first, a young man finds a mysterious love potion. In the second a traveler enters a small town and never leaves, and in the final episodes two scheming brothers attempt an insurance scam and end up making a fatal mistake. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
