Michael Newland Movies
- 1998
This independent film, written, produced, directed, and edited by Sharon Powers, follows the downhill slide and attempted revitalization of a former beauty pageant queen. Darlene (Darlene Reynolds) was Miss Mississippi in 1970, but more than 25 years later, her dreams of becoming a fashion model are long gone. Her pageant title didn't win her fame or fortune, and she's still stuck in a backwoods Southern town. It's one of the few places where the old tradition of taxi dancing still exists. Men -- mostly forlorn, old men -- pay 75 cents per dance to hold onto and dance with Darlene, and she is often subject to unwanted advances. Darlene retains her dignity and her naiveté, and she is shielded from harm by her tough friend, Gloria (Bel Hernandez), who has been around the block a few times. When a gentlemanly dancer named Ned (Robert Nelson) asks her out on a date, Darlene accepts. When he proposes marriage on the first date, she also accepts, with unexpected results. The debut film for Powers, Taxi Dancer garnered some attention at film festivals. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Darlene Reynolds, Bel Hernandez, (more)
- 1995
This socially conscious drama chronicles one extraordinary day in the life of an Asian-American woman, Girl. She lives in LA, and on the beginning of this day, she is evicted from her apartment because she hasn't paid rent. She then goes on to a film audition and encounters a horny producer who humiliates her. Later that day, a white motorcycle cop tries to rape her. She escapes and ends up handcuffing him to a tree, putting on his uniform (which naturally fits her to a tee), and stealing his bike. She then goes on to have a number of adventures with different people. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
An unsuccessful actress learns what it's like to be on the other side of power when, after a policeman tries to rape her, she steals his gun, clothes, and motorcycle. She then dons his uniform and spends a few hours as an L.A.P.D. motorcycle cop, discovering how people feel about her in her new identity -- and how she feels about herself. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Darling Narita, Michael Newland, (more)
