Mädchen Amick Movies
A student of dance, music and art as a child in Reno, Nevada, Madchen Amick decided to focus on acting as a teenager, and shortly thereafter, she got her major break in David Lynch's innovative TV series Twin Peaks (1990). After moving to L.A. at 16, Amick appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Baywatch, and mounted a small role in The Borrower (1991), John McNaughton's ill-fated gorefest about a roving alien of ere-shifting appearance who rips heads from his victims and uses them as his own. Amick became famous, however, as waitress Shelly Johnson, one of several beautiful young small-town women harboring terrible secrets, on the much-praised and memorably-eccentric Twin Peaks. More a succès d'estime than a long-running hit, Twin Peaks still seemed poised to jump-start the careers of the principal actors, including Amick. Alas, this expectation failed to materialize. Her performance in Lynch's feature/prequel Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992), however, became a de facto cameo. Although Amick followed Twin Peaks with starring roles in the Stephen King horror fest Sleepwalkers (1992), and as the femme fatale in the neo-noir Dream Lover (1994), she worked more consistently in B-films, including the romantic comedy French Exit (1995), sci-fi thriller Bombshell (1996) and TV movies such as Love, Cheat and Steal (1993). Amick returned to 1990s series TV twice in two high-profile failures, CBS' Central Park West (1995) and ABC's 1998 edition of Fantasy Island - not exactly high-prestige assignments.Nevertheless, by the early 2000s, the actress began her ascension to greater prestige and recognition with a few guest appearances on the prime-time dramedy The Gilmore Girls (as Sherry Tinsdale). Circa fall 2007, Amick also landed second billing in the prime-time series drama Viva Laughlin. In that program, the actress plays Natalie Holden, the wife of a young entrepreneur (Lloyd Owen) trying to realize his dream of opening up a casino in Laughlin, Nevada. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide
The division between a suburban father and his superspy alter ego breaks down after an implant in his brain begins to malfunction, leaving his two identities fighting for dominance. ~ Brie Hearn, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christian Slater, Yara Martinez, (more)
- 2007
Heaviliy promoted by CBS before its "preview" unveiling on October 18, 2007--and its subsequent "official" debut on October 21--Viva Laughlin was based on the British series Viva Blackpool. The nominal hero was Ripley Holden (Lloyd Owen), a minor-league casino owner who hoped to hit it big with a lavish new gambling emporium in Laughlin, Nevada, the celebrated "mini-Las Vegas" located some 20 miles south of Sin City along the Colorado river. Alas, no sooner had Ripley arrived at his still-under-construction hotel-casino than he learned that his biggest investor had pulled out all his money. Shortly afterward, the investor turned up dead, placing Ripley under the close scrutiny of two somewhat shady characters: casino mogul Nick Fontana (Hugh Jackman, also one of the series' executive producers), who dearly coveted our hero's property; and detective Peter Carlyle (Eric Winter), who suspected Ripley of murder. Peter in fact was so determined to get the goods on Mr. Holden that he pretended to fall in love with Ripley's vacillating wife Natalie (Madchen Amick). Ever lurking in the background was Bunny (Melanie Griffith), the sexy widow of the dead investor, who dropped subtle hints that she knew more than anyone else of what was really going on. Perhaps because the CBS ad campaign misleadingly suggested that Hugh Jackman and Melanie Griffith were the stars of the show instead of secondary characters, or perhaps because viewers were confused by the series' heady blend of mystery, comedy, sexual intrigue, fantasy and out-of-left-field musical numbers, Viva Laughlin failed to win its timeslot. Truth to tell, it didn't even place or show, and was the first big casualty of the 2007-2008 season, cancelled after a scant three episodes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lloyd Owen, Mädchen Amick, (more)
- 2004
Five years ago, the husband of Jean Brooks (Mädchen Amick) purportedly committed suicide. Thus, Jean is startled when ex-cop-turned-private eye Eddie Fate (Andrew Walker) shows up with the news that her husband has been alive all these years -- and has only recently been murdered. A trip to Chicago opens Jean's eyes to her husband's motives for his deception (which didn't start out as sinister, but sure ended up that way) -- and places her own life in peril, courtesy of an insane sister-in-law and some slimy-looking drug dealers. Filmed in 2004 under the title Jean's Fate, Lies and Deception was first seen on Canadian TV a few weeks before its April 25, 2005, American cable debut on the Lifetime channel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mädchen Amick, Andrew Walker, (more)
- 2003
This remarkable episode drifts back in forth in time as Lorelai (Lauren Graham) awaits the birth of Sherry's baby while recalling her own pregnancy with Rory (Alexis Bledel) -- and the events leading up to her initial break with Rory's dad (and Sherry's ex) Christopher (David Sutcliffe). Meanwhile, Luke (Scott Patterson) goes on his first date with sexy lawyer Nicole (Tricia O'Kelley), and Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) and Dean (Jared Padalecki) have another verbal set-to; and Paris (Liza Weil) makes an editorial decision at the "Chilton Franklin" which is guaranteed to infuriate Rory. Chelsea Brummet and Philip Van Dyke are seen as the younger Lorelai and Christopher. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
An eco-terrorist (Joel West) and his band of trigger-happy hoodlums kidnap scientist Sara Levitt (Mädchen Amick) to secure her assistance in deploying a devastating virus that could kill everyone on Earth should it fall into the wrong hands. Whoops, it just did. But soldier-for-hire Marcus Poynt (Daniel Bernhardt) and his gun-toting mercenaries are on the way to the jungle to save Dr. Levitt and the world, if they can only get past the violent diamond smugglers who are in their way. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joel West, Mädchen Amick, (more)
- 2002
Much against her better judgment, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) accompanies Rory (Alexis Bledel) to the baby shower being held in Boston for Christopher's insufferable "ex" Sherry (Mädchen Amick). Meanwhile, back in Stars Hollow, everyone is abuzz over Miss Patty's (Liz Torres) new boyfriend, whom she met at a funeral. The Town Loner demands the right to hold a protest demonstration downtown, even though no one knows exactly what he's protesting. And Luke's (Scott Patterson) suspicions are aroused when Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) suddenly comes up with enough money to buy a car. (By the way, the episode's title refers to a highly cathartic experience for both Lorelai and Rory). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Three guys from New Jersey decide they need some male bonding with their fathers -- whether their fathers like it or not -- in this independent comedy. When his grandfather dies, Richie Gallo (Scott Baio) finds himself thinking about his relationship with his family, and realizes that he barely knows his aging father Jimmy (Dean Stockwell). Richie discusses his emotionally distant relationship with his dad with his pals Al (Carlo Imperato) and Philly (Thomas Calabro), and they confess they aren't much closer to their own fathers -- and their fractured family lives have had an impact on their less-than-stable relationships with women. Richie decides they should get closer to their dads before it's too late, so Richie, Al, and Philly fast-talk their fathers Jimmy, Charlie (Joe Viterelli), and Phil (Alex Rocco) into joining them for a long weekend getaway of family bonding, though the older men are hardly enthusiastic about the idea. Star Scott Baio co-wrote the screenplay for Face to Face, which was based on a story he wrote with Adam Ferrara and fellow cast member Carlo Imperato. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Stockwell, Alex Rocco, (more)
In this thriller, Judge Richard Miller (Ryan O'Neal) is put in a highly precarious position when he is assigned to preside over the trial of Gabrielle Mitchell (Madchen Amick), a high-priced call girl with an exclusive clientele. Gabrielle, who has arranged her own arrest in order to blackmail her better-known customers, presents Miller a list of her regular clients -- as well as an incriminating videotape. Miller is put in the difficult position of either making the information public and destroying the careers of trusted colleagues, or risking his own prosecution by keeping it a secret. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ryan O'Neal, Mädchen Amick, (more)
In this thriller, a serial killer with a difference meets the law in an unexpected way. A murderer is on the loose whose deadly obsession is dismembering women who attend law school; a beautiful female lawyer decides something must be done, and offers herself as bait to lure the criminal into a trap. But it turns out that the fiend is more clever than anyone expected, and he seems to have friends in high places who don't want him to be caught. Psychopath stars Madchen Amick as the attorney in danger and also features Bruce Dinsmore and Chris Mulkey. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1998
In this suspenseful outdoor thriller, a killer flees into the Canadian wilds hotly pursued by a determined insurance claims adjuster. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harry Hamlin, Mädchen Amick, (more)
- 1997
This sci-fi thriller is set in Los Angeles. The year is 2010 and the mega-corporation Nanolabs is feverishly preparing to market its latest medical marvel: a microscopic "engine" that can regenerate organic tissue at a cellular level and thereby provide the first real cure for cancer. Unfortunately, back in the lab, young scientist Buck Hogan (Henry Thomas) becomes increasingly concerned, as animal subjects implanted with the machines begin dying at an alarming rate. He voices his worries to the company CEO, but he is too interested in reaping the product's profits and decides to release the unsafe substance anyway. Later, Buck is captured and knocked out. When he awakens, he discovers himself sans one kidney. In its place is a biodegradable sack filled with acid that will kill him if he doesn't get the antidote. The one who performed this ghastly deed, has even more evil plans for poor Buck who, before the story ends, will end up a human time bomb with very few seconds left on his life clock. If Buck cannot stop it, he will not only die, but the deadly new cancer cure will be released, thereby endangering the entire city. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Henry Thomas, Mädchen Amick, (more)
- 1997
Timid Annie O'Keefe (Mädchen Amick) undergoes a successful heart transplant operation. While recovering, Annie undergoes a curious change in personality. The reason? It seems that the heart donor, outgoing socialite Suzanne Hawks (Monique Parent), had been murdered, and her killer is still at large. Gradually taking over Annie's brain and body, the down-but-not-out Suzanne is determined to bring her murderer to justice. Essentially a tour de force for the versatile Mädchen Amick, the made-for-cable Heartless was initially telecast by the USA network on November 5, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mädchen Amick, David Packer, (more)
- 1995
In this old-fashioned screwball comedy, two Hollywood screenwriters have numerous disastrous, heated encounters before they realize the obvious and find romance. It all begins in catastrophe-ridden LA after yet another earthquake. Zina is driving her car on the freeway when she runs into Davis while trying get out from under a cracked overpass. They start out civil enough but soon find themselves fighting tooth and nail over who is at fault. Later the two instant enemies find that they run into each other wherever they go, be it a trendy restaurant or a major party. When they both begin vying for the opportunity to write the same script, the fireworks begin in earnest. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
A woman's greed wreaks havoc on those in her life in this made-for-cable movie. Madchen Amick stars as Lauren Harrington, the seemingly perfect and beautiful wife of Paul (John Lithgow). What Paul doesn't know is that Lauren set up a former boyfriend (Eric Roberts) and sent him to jail as part of a million-dollar scheme -- and he's ready for some payback. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Lithgow, Eric Roberts, (more)
- 1991
The "first time" usually refers to romance in TV movies of this nature. Corin Nemic is an impressionable young Jewish kid who falls hard for girl next door Cheryl Pollak. Ah, but this is San Antonio in the early 1960s, and Pollak is Catholic. Before you can say "Bridget Loves Bernie" (or even "Abie's Irish Rose") the two young spooners are stymied by parental pressure. It is the girl who takes the initiative in quelling the fears and doubts of the grown-ups, while shy Corin stands by in moonstruck admiration. For the Very First Time is nearly stolen by Donovan Leach (son of rock singer Donovan and sister of actress Ione Skye), who plays a beatnik artist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
A made-for-TV effort from horror director Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), this supernatural thriller is ostensibly based on the novella of the same name by Cornell Woolrich -- but the title is pretty much where the similarity ends. The plot involves a possessed Aztec ceremonial cloak (once used to line a sacred burial chamber) which poisons the soul of anyone who wears it. An improbable string of events sees the cloak turned into a little slip of a dress -- donned by several different women, but worn to evil perfection by Madchen Amick (Twin Peaks's Shelly). I'm Dangerous Tonight features colorful supporting performances from Anthony Perkins and R. Lee Ermey. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Originally broadcast on April 26, 1990, episode three of Twin Peaks, "Rest in Pain," takes place the day of Laura Palmer's funeral. After having breakfast with Audrey (Sherilyn Fenn), Agent Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) explains his dream to Sheriff Harry Truman (Michael Ontkean), claiming it is a code that reveals the identity of Laura's killer. At the morgue, Albert Rosenfield (Miguel Ferrer) wants to continue the autopsy while Doctor Hayward (Warren Frost) wants to release the body for the funeral. Albert doles out insults and Harry punches him out. The autopsy report reveals that Laura had been tied up and cut on the night of her death, and that she was addicted to cocaine. Laura's cousin, Madeline (also played by Sheryl Lee), arrives for the funeral, where Bobby (Dana Ashbrook) and James (James Marshall) get into a fight and Leland Palmer (Ray Wise) loses control. That evening is a full moon, and Cooper gets introduced to the Bookhouse Boys, a secret society formed to get rid of the evil presence in the woods. They find out somebody is running drugs across the Canadian border into Twin Peaks and they capture Bernard Renault (Clay Wilcox). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Originally broadcast on April 19, 1990, the memorable and pivotal second episode of Twin Peaks, "Zen, or the Skill of Catching a Killer," contains the infamous surreal dream sequence with the Little Man From Another Place (Michael J. Anderson). On Saturday night, sleazy businessman Benjamin Horne (Richard Beymer) and his immature brother, Jerry Horne (David Patrick Kelly), visit the brothel One-Eyed Jacks for a night of debauchery. Meanwhile, Bobby (Dana Ashbrook) and Mike (Gary Hershberger) meet Leo (Eric Da Re) in the woods for a drug deal. The next morning, Agent Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) decides to teach Sheriff Truman (Michael Ontkean) and his crew about Tibet. In order to gain perspective on the identity of the "J" name referred to in Laura Palmer's diary, Cooper reads "J" names aloud along with their connection to Laura, then throws a rock at a bottle. The bottle breaks after the name Leo Johnson is read. Also that morning, Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle) and Audrey (Sherilyn Fenn) run into each other at the Double R diner. At the morgue, the angry pathologist Albert Rosenfield (Miguel Ferrer) has arrived to inspect the body, and he wastes no time insulting the residents of Twin Peaks, especially Sheriff Truman. That night, Pete Martell (Jack Nance) complicates Catherine's plans to burn the mill when he sneaks a key to Josie Packard (Joan Chen). Finally, in an unforgettable montage, Cooper has a dream involving the One-Armed Man, the Little Man From Another Place, and Killer Bob in a red-curtained room. He wakes up believing he knows who killed Laura Palmer. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The first official episode of Twin Peaks, entitled "Traces to Nowhere," originally aired on April 12, 1990. Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) of the FBI continues to investigate the mysterious death of Laura Palmer. He interrogates James Hurley (James Marshall), Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook), and Mike Nelson (Gary Hershberger), and James is released from jail. Meanwhile, Bobby's secret girlfriend, Shelley Johnson (Madchen Amick), finds blood on the shirt of her abusive husband, Leo Johnson (Eric Da Re). Big Ed Hurley (Everett McGill) tells Sheriff Truman (Michael Ontkean) that his drink was drugged the previous night at the Roadhouse, and he believes Jacques Renault was tending bar. At the Great Northern Hotel, Audrey Horne (Sherilyn Fenn) begins her pattern of flirting with Agent Cooper. Also at the Great Northern, Catherine Martell (Piper Laurie) and secret lover Benjamin Horne (Richard Beymer) reveal their scheme to take over Packard Sawmill. After being released from their cell, Bobby and Mike swear to get revenge on James. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The final cliffhanger episode of the first season of Twin Peaks, entitled "The Last Evening," originally aired on May 24, 1990, and was written and directed by series co-creator Mark Frost. James (James Marshall) and Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle) search for clues and find the missing tape, while Dr. Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn) gets assaulted and ends up in the hospital. Agent Cooper's (Kyle MacLachlan) undercover operation at One-Eyed Jacks is successful in setting up and arresting Jacques Renault (Walter Olkewicz), who confesses details about the night of Laura's murder. Also at One-Eyed Jacks, Audrey's secret investigation is almost discovered when her father, Ben Horne, unwittingly goes to visit "the new girl." The end is near for the Packard Sawmill, as Leo Johnson (Eric Da Re) prepares to burn it down with Shelley and Catherine inside. Hank Jennings (Chris Mulkey) reveals details of his criminal history, as well as his secret connection to Josie Packard. With several characters meeting their fate in this episode, including the two main suspects (Jacques and Leo), the mystery of Laura Palmer's murder is even more puzzling. The season finale ends with Agent Cooper receiving a gun shot in his room at the Great Northern Hotel. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Episode six in the first season of Twin Peaks, "Realization Time," originally aired May 17, 1990, and was directed by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Caleb Deschanel. The wounded suspect Leo Johnson (Eric Da Re), shot by Shelly (Madchen Amick) in self-defense, tries to kill Bobby Briggs (Dana Ashbrook), but instead runs off in an attempt to silence the mynah bird Waldo. Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle) and James (James Marshall) listen to the audio tapes Maddy (Sheryl Lee) found of Laura's confessions to Dr. Lawrence Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn). Meanwhile, Josie (Joan Chen) confesses to Sheriff Truman (Michael Ontkean) that she knows Catherine is planning to burn the mill. That evening, most of the action happens at One-Eyed Jacks, just over the Canadian border, where suspect Jacques Renault (Walter Olkewicz) is working as a blackjack dealer. Agent Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) and Ed Hurley (Everett McGill) go undercover as "Fred" and "Barney" and head for the casino. After eavesdropping at the perfume counter, Audrey Horne (Sherilyn Fenn) also goes undercover, getting hired at One-Eyed Jacks by impressing madam Blackie O'Reilly (Victoria Catlin) with her cherry stem trick. Also that evening, Donna and James disguise Maddy as Laura Palmer in a plot to lure Dr. Jacoby out of his house. Once inside, they search for Laura's missing audio tapes, but their plan is threatened by sabotage. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Episode five of the first season of Twin Peaks, "Cooper's Dreams," originally aired on May 10, 1990, and was directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. Trying to start her own investigation, Audrey goes to a job interview at her father's department store. She manipulates the manager, Emory Battis (Don Amendolia), into a job at the perfume counter and learns some secret connections between Horne's and One-Eyed Jacks. Hank Jennings (Chris Mulkey) returns from prison to work at the Double R Diner, so Norma tells Ed Hurley (Everett McGill) that they can't continue their affair. Dr. Lawrence Jacoby (Russ Tamblyn) has a counseling session with the Briggs family, and Bobby reveals details about Laura's connection to drugs. Agent Cooper, Hawk, Sheriff Truman, and Doctor Hayward go hiking in the woods and have tea with Margaret Lanterman (Catherine Coulson), also known as the Log Lady, who tells them about her visions on the night of Laura's murder. While out in the woods, they find Jacques Renault's cabin full of clues, along with a possible witness -- a mynah bird named Waldo. That night, the Icelanders have a reception at the Great Northern, where Audrey spies on Catherine and Ben, and Leland dances out of control. James and Donna continue their own investigation with the help of Madeline, who shares clues that she found in Laura's bedroom. The main suspect, Leo Johnson, is assaulted by both Hank and Shelly. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The fourth episode of Twin Peaks' first season, "The One-Armed Man," was originally broadcast on May 3, 1990, and directed by Tim Hunter (River's Edge). Deputy Andy Brennan sketches Sarah Palmer's visions of Killer Bob, resembling the Bob in Agent Cooper's dream from episode two. Another of Cooper's visions appears at a nearby motel, where Deputy Hawk (Michael Horse) finds the One-Armed Man (Al Strobel). Ben Horne and Catherine are also at the same hotel, making plans to burn the mill, while Josie spies on them. Agent Cooper questions the One-Armed Man, who claims to be named Philip Michael Gerard, about his connection to BOB. At the Double R Diner, Norma Jennings (Peggy Lipton) gets word that her husband, Hank Jennings (Chris Mulkey), is up for parole, and he is granted release after she defends him in court. Audrey Horne begs her father for a job at his department store, where Laura Palmer once worked. She plans to conduct her own secret investigation with the additional help of Donna Hayward. Leo Johnson's bloody shirt is found in Jacques Renault's apartment, while Leo and Ben make plans concerning the mill. Later that evening, Donna and James Hurley look for the other half of the gold heart necklace that they had buried. This episode features the voice of series creator David Lynch as Cooper's hard-of-hearing supervisor, Gordon Cole. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Good thing they told us this Jury Duty: The Comedy; we might have thought it was Jury Duty: The Term Paper. This comedy salad features a whole slew of TV luminaries--Alan Thicke, Bill Kirchenbauer, Lynn Redgrave, Heather Locklear, Tracy Scoggin, Reginald VelJohnson etc.--playing judge, jury, defenders and prosecutors in an embezzlement case. The clue as to the film's sobriety level is the fact that Bronson Pinchot plays four roles: Sanford, Arthur Lloyd, Jorge Jimenez, and Magda. Highlights include a mid-trial pizza delivery, a faulty oxygen tank, and a kid holding up a "Hi Mom" sign for the benefit of the courtroom cameras. This dumb-but-lovable TV movie first aired January 15, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
