Lars MacFarlane Movies
The sole survivor of a plane crash that killed his family, Paul Kane (Alec Baldwin) has trouble piecing together memories of his life before the tragedy. Gradually, he comes to accept the fact that he is a professional assassin, working out of London on behalf of the American government. Much to the displeasure of his superior, Kelton Reed (Powers Boothe), Kane finds that he is unable to perform to the best of his abilities until he can uncover the whole truth about his past life -- and to solve the mystery of the "Chilly Willy" tattoo on his inner lip. Before long, Kane the hunter becomes Kane the hunted, unable to determine his friends or his enemies -- or even if the people around him truly exist. An uncertain blend of The Bourne Identity and A Beautiful Mind, Second Nature was filmed in Europe and released there on video several months before its "official" June 22, 2003, debut over the TNT cable network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alec Baldwin, Powers Boothe, (more)
- 1998
The ninth feature-length episode in the British mystery series Dalziel and Pascoe, "Child's Play" is set, as usual, in Yorkshire, the home and workplace of weary, aging police detective Andy Dalziel (Warren Clarke) and his young, eager-beaver partner, Peter Pascoe (Colin Buchanan). The case at hand involves a middle-aged man who shows up uninvited at the funeral of a much-hated local dowager, claiming to be the dead woman's long-lost son (lost for fifty years, in fact) -- and the sole heir to her fortune. Meanwhile, Dalziel and Pascoe's colleague Sgt. Wield (David Royle),a closeted homosexual who keeps his preferences secret for fear of being dismissed, is plagued by a blackmailer. These two plot streams converge into one when murder rears its ugly head. Originally telecast as single, two-hour special in the U.K., Dalziel and Pascoe: Child's Play made its American debut as a two-part miniseres, shown on November 6 and 13, 1998, by the A&E cable network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Simon Moore directed this British musical drama. The story follows five friends over a 15-year span. In 1979, students Scott (Adrian Lester), Bryony (Amy Robbins), Angela (Clare Cathcart), Tim (Billy Carter) and Keith (Daniel Ryan), in their last year at the University of Hull form a vocal group directed by Scott. Climbing atop their shared house one day, they team for a greatest-hits medley, delivered a cappella. Heartbroken over Scott, Bryony moves in with her tutor Gavin (Robin Herford), while Scott makes plans for an ascent to fame as a pop star. Facing the uncertain future, the quintet vows to reassemble when they are "halfway through life" -- on July 1, 1994 at the Cote d'Azur villa of Tim's parents. Instead, they're back together in 1985 for Bryony's wedding to Gavin. Scott has failed as a pop performer, Keith runs a chain of gardening shops, Tim is a children's TV personality, and Angela is a waitress who sings professionally. As the years pass and more surprises surface, it becomes evident their lives can never harmonize in a manner as perfect as their music. South African locations substitute for the French Riviera. Music by Alan Parker, with a cappella arrangements by Tot Taylor. More than 20 tunes are featured. Shown at the 1997 London Film Festival, Up on the Roof did not do well in its London opening but bounced back with a highly positive reaction at the 1997 Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Billy Carter, Clare Cathcart, (more)
- 1996
One of several British crime series of the 1990s to enjoy popularity on both sides of the Atlantic, Silent Witness starred Amanda Burton as Professor Sam Ryan, a police pathologist based at London University. Disdaining the assistance of the Law, Sam preferred to solve perplexing murder cases all by herself, using the evidence at hand in her well-stocked forensic laboratory. Like the American series Law & Order, the characters were defined by their professional lives, with precious few glimpses into their off-hours activities. Sarah Leonard was heard during the opening credits singing the memorable title song. Created by Nigel McCrery, the series debuted over BBC1 on February 21, 1996, yielding 18 50-minute episodes (many of them two-parters) and one 95-minute TV movie. Silent Witness subsequently aired in the United States over the A&E cable network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
