Phil Diskin Movies
- 1993
Based on a true story, Disney's made-for-television film Goodbye, Miss 4th of July is about the daughter of Greek immigrants in pre-World War II West Virginia. The girl and her family befriend an elderly, ailing former boxer, who happens to be African-American. The boxer and the family are forced to battle the racism of their community during the first half of the film, while the second half concerns an influenza epidemic. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
High school student Alan Boyce has it all: looks, charm, popularity, excellent grades, a promising future. So why does Boyce abruptly commit suicide? As the shock waves of the boy's death reverberate through the halls of his school, the other students--particularly Boyce's best friend Keanu Reeves--ask themselves if they, too, are capable of self-destruction. As for the adults, Boyce's suicide is one more of a myriad of mysteries concerning "Generation X" (though it was not yet so labelled in 1988). While the film offers no easy answers, either for the characters or the audience, Permanent Record ultimately demonstrates that there are ways to cope with the pressures of life other than taking one's own life. An added bonus: the teenagers in the film act like genuine teenagers, not like TV sitcom wisecrackers or oversexed cretins. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alan Boyce, Keanu Reeves, (more)
- 1983
Freshman economics student Tommy (Philip McKeon) dispenses some valuable marketing advice to diner owner Mel (Vic Tayback). Sure enough, Mel's business improves dramatically--at least until Tommy takes a close look at the statistics and realizes that the diner is actually on the fast track to bankruptcy. Will Mel have to make up for the losses by firing Tommy's own mother Alice (Linda Lavin)? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
