Anne Tait Movies

The six-part made-for-television Artists' Specials Series is an entertaining and educational collection of children's films. Programs focus on a significant segment of an artist's life. Biographical information is mixed with fiction to create compelling stories reflecting turning points in the lives of revered art world figures. In Degas and the Dancer, children are introduced to one of the undisputed masters of the late 19th century, the Parisian realist/impressionist, painter, and sculptor Edgar Degas. Born into an aristocratic family in 1834, Degas became best-known for his paintings featuring ballet dancers. In this program, the artist becomes acquainted with a young ballerina Marie von Goetham and is inspired by her deep commitment to her art form. Through this relationship, the two make important discoveries true to all artists. Other videos in the series include Mary Cassatt: American Impressionist, Rembrandt: Fathers and Sons, and Monet: Shadow and Light. The highly acclaimed series is suitable for youngsters age eight and older. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide

In this final film in the Death Wish series, Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) returns to New York City, where he attempts to resume a normal life by proposing to his girlfriend Olivia (Lesley-Anne Down), a fashion designer. However, Olivia runs afoul of her ex-husband Tommy O'Shea (Michael Thomas Parks), a ruthless gangster, and she's killed by his henchmen. If history has taught us anything, it's that Paul Kersey does not take the death of his loved ones lying down, and soon Paul is heavily armed and ready to take out O'Shea and his goons, while the police politely ask Kersey if he has revenge on his mind (a question not unlike asking if there was a Tuesday last week). ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

This low-key Canadian thriller stars Rod Steiger as Myron Hatch, a deranged gynecologist who has an unhealthy obsession with his late mother's memory. After Hatch puts his family home up for sale and moves into the adjacent house, a yuppie couple, Mary and John Westhill (Linda Kozlowski and Ron Lea), set their sights on the property. Hatch's latent mania is unleashed the moment he sees Mary -- a dead ringer for his late mother -- and his obsession with her begins. His less-than-subtle attempts to maneuver himself into her life are nearly thwarted by John's fears of losing his job, and Hatch resorts to murder to keep Mary near him. Despite slick production values and some clever Hitchcockian touches, there is little to distinguish The Neighbor from formulaic made-for-TV fare. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

A young man with ESP is alarmed to discover that his girlfriend is slated to become a serial killer's next victim. When no one believes him, he attempts to stop the killer himself and made-for-cable terror ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Canadian filmmaker Kevin Sullivan once more graces the small screen with a warm, deeply personal effort, this one titled Looking for Miracles. Set in 1935, the film details a sometimes painful family reunion. Two brothers, separated by the exigencies of the Depression, meet once more to compare life experiences and revitalize their relationship. Comic actor Joe Flaherty, a Second City TV veteran, scores in an unexpectedly touching supporting role. Looking for Miracles was first seen in the US over the Disney pay cable service. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This slick throwback to the giant-mutant-insect movies of the 1950's has built a small reputation solely on its irrelevant title -- the film contains no monkeys, blue or otherwise -- which confused both reviewers and viewers alike. (This dilemma was solved in its second video incarnation, under the more honest title Insect.) The story begins when a gardener becomes infected with a plant-borne insect larva, which he disgorges upon his arrival at the County Memorial Hospital. When the bug-baby ingests a large dose of growth hormone called NAC-5 (hospitals are always leaving that stuff around where bugs can get at it), it immediately bulks up to the size of a bulldozer. The plot quickly shifts into Alien mode, as scientists, police (namely wild-eyed cop Steve Railsback) and hospital personnel creep down the hospital's labyrinthine corridors in search of the insectoid monster, which they hope to destroy with conveniently-provided experimental laser equipment before it can test the capacity of the maternity ward with a few million larvae. Despite the lurid promotional materials (showing pretty nurses SCREAMING IN HORROR!!), the story is played quite straight -- more of an homage to films like Them! than a parody of same -- and benefits from good performances (John Vernon is great as the hospital director), a tight script and a strong emphasis on suspense and action from director William Fruet. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

An Emmy-winning adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel by the same name, this is a Canadian TV production which follows the life of a feisty young girl who is adopted by a bachelor farmer and his sister who have decided to adopt a boy and have several surprises due them when Anne arrives. Part of a series that goes through her winning a place in their hearts and home, it continues on through her youth and the blossoming of young love. This particular episodes deals with her first tentative encroachments into social functions and dealing with the loss of a loved one. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide

In the third sequel to the hit comedy Police Academy, Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes) decides that the police force is overworked and understaffed, and he comes up with the idea of recruiting civilian volunteers to work side-by-side with his officers. Of course, with the hapless Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg) in charge of training the new Neighborhood Watch groups, one might reasonably expect things will not go smoothly; meanwhile, the duplicitous Capt. Harris (G.W. Bailey) sets his sights on Lassard's job, and he schemes to get his aging boss out of the way. Series regulars Bubba Smith, Michael Winslow, Bob Goldthwait, and Tim Kazurinsky are on board, as is Sharon Stone, who moved on to bigger and better things a few years later. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide