Dave Johnson Movies

An immigrant trying to make a new life for herself in America discovers her old life is following close behind in this independent drama. Ah Na (Amy Ting) was born and raised in a Chinese village where her desire to challenge the norms led to ugliness and violence, so she decides to emigrate to the United States in hopes of starting over. Ah Na finds a job at Buddha's Happiness, a Chinese restaurant run and staffed by fellow Chinese expatriates, but her tiny shared apartment and long working hours do not afford her much more freedom than she knew in China. One day, Ah Na stumbles upon "the Golden Palace," a section of Grand Central Station where other women from China hang out to talk, share gossip, and try to catch the eye of American men. In time, Ah Na strikes up a relationship with one such man (James Burns) who, unfortunately, turns out to be married; her new relationship is looked upon with scorn by her co-workers, and when Ah Na's mother decides to come to the United States, she must scramble to come up with a likely cover for the lie that she lives in a fine home in the suburbs. Miss Wonton was the debut feature from writer and director Meng Ong; the film was screened in competition at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

A transit engineer and his family must face the gargantuan task of moving from New Jersey to Boise, Idaho in this lively comedy starring Richard Pryor. It all begins after he gets a really great job out West. Unfortunately, his family is less than thrilled with the prospect. The furniture movers, who prove to be crooks, and their crazy neighbors conspire to make matters all the worse. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Phar Lap, the legendary New Zealand-bred racing horse, is as well-known today for his mysterious death as for his fabulous accomplishments in life. Beginning at the end, the film flashes back to the day that Phar Lap, despite his lack of pedigree, is purchased on impulse by trainer Harry Telford (Martin Vaughan). Phar Lap loses his first races, but Telford's faith in the animal is unshakable. Suddenly the horse becomes a winner, thanks to the love and diligence of stableboy Tommy Woodcock (Tom Burlinson). American-promoter Dave Davis (Ron Leibman) arranges for Phar Lap to be entered in several top races, where his "long shot" status results in heavy losses for the professional gamblers. Just after winning an important race in Mexico, Phar Lap collapse and dies; though the film never comes out and says as much, it is assumed that the horse was "murdered" by the gambling interests. The film is based on a book by Michael Wilkinson. The real-life Tommy Woodcock appears in the film as an elderly trainer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This non-narrative film has a theme: the unity of mankind. Young men from all nations are gathered for a play by a priest in Rome. They gather in the city, play and philosophize. Later, they go to the seaside, play and philosophize. The film has a generous supply of images of the bare backsides of the disporting youths. The movie's narration is similarly philosophical. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide