Jonathan Wolff Movies

Famed cartoonist Ub Iwerks's granddaughter Leslie turns the camera lens on the artists and storytellers behind some of the most widely hailed animated films of the modern era in the in-depth documentary The Pixar Story. Featuring such key members as John Lasseter, Steve Jobs, and George Lucas, the doc tells the story of the company's humble roots all the way to being one of the biggest power players in Hollywood. Featuring unseen footage of early output from the studio, as well as a full overview of its many box-office successes and technological breakthroughs, Iwerks's film celebrates the artistic spirit that has pushed the boundaries of what animation can deliver, while staying true to the ideals that its parent company Disney once held so dear. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Jimmy Zoole (Steve Guttenberg, also making his directing debut) has been having bad, bad day. Not only has his one-man version of Hamlet (performed with hand puppets) just tanked, his girlfriend has left him, his cat is gravely ill, and his unfinished novel has been stolen. Plus, it's New Year's Eve. So when Jimmy finds Eddie (Lombardo Boyar), a gay burglar, lurking in his apartment, he isn't exactly thrilled. On the verge of a major breakdown, he ties up Eddie and uses him as an outlet for his multitude of frustrations. Eddie, it turns out, has a few of his own, including an ex-wife who won't let him see his child. What follows is a New Year's celebration replete with party hats, rope, and some very, very deep emotional issues. Based on James Kirkwood's cult novel (Kirkwood also won a Pulitzer as the author of A Chorus Line), P.S. Your Cat is Dead was screened at the 2002 Philadelaphia Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi

Sadomasochism provides the backdrop for a very unusual employer/employee relationship in this very offbeat romantic drama from filmmaker Steven Shainberg. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a shy young woman, who, after a brief spell in a mental institution, is released in the care of her overprotective mother (Lesley Ann Warren) and hard-drinking father (Stephen McHattie). Hoping to make good on her own, Lee begins looking for a job, and in her free time indulges in her odd habit of inflicting pain upon herself in various ways. Lee is hired as a secretary by E. Edward Grey (James Spader), a grim and ruthlessly efficient attorney who warns her that her work will be both dull and demanding. Lee takes to the job with genuine enthusiasm, and while she's recently acquired a new boyfriend, Peter (Jeremy Davies), she's far more intrigued by Grey's coldly patrician demeanor. While Grey often criticizes Lee, she seems to thrive on his abuse, but one day he crosses a line when he insists upon spanking her after some minor mistake. Lee quite enjoys the treatment, and wants it to continue, but Grey can no longer take pleasure humiliating Lee when he knows that she likes it; he fires her, despite her pleas to be allowed to stay. Finally discovering the key to her sexual and emotional needs, Lee tries to persuade Peter to be rough with her, but he simply doesn't have the taste or talent for it, and Lee soon maps out a last-ditch effort to win back her position with Grey, whatever the cost. Secretary won a special award for "Originality" at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Originally titled The Dad, the half-hour ABC sitcom According to Jim starred Jim Belushi as the title character, a middle-aged husband and father who found himself literally surrounded by women. Having long ago learned to adopt the least line of resistance, Jim was eternally acquiescent to his wife, Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith), and an overgrown kid at heart to his sister-in-law, Dana (Kimberly Williams) and his three children -- Ruby (Taylor Atelian), Gracie (Billi Bruno) and Kyle (Conner Rayburn). The laughs arose whenever Jim tried to exercise some macho-man authority, only to be figuratively (and sometimes literally) shouted down by the feminist majority in his household. Slated to debut on September 26, 2001, According to Jim was moved to October 3 due to late-breaking news events. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Married lawyers join forces when he leaves his Wall Street firm for her private practice in decidedly less plush quarters. ~ Paul Droesch, Rovi

This TV sitcom is premised on the notion that men are inept at parenthood. The storyline focuses on upper-middle-class father Gordon Stiles (Jon Patrick Walker), left to take care of six-month-old Daniel after his wife runs off with another guy. His brother, actor Jimmy (Eddie McClintock) resides at the same address but is more interested in the pediatrician than the baby. With no nanny in sight, Gordon takes Daniel to his workplace, run by boss Stan Peterson (Ron Liebman). When Kelly (Jennifer Westfeldt) interviews for the firm's receptionist job, Gordon quickly realizes he's found his much-needed nanny. Taped in LA, this series premiered August 23, 1998 on Fox. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

This TV sitcom revolves around three divorced New Yorkers -- nutty Andy (Mitch Rouse), who manufactures artificial fruits and vegetables; charming nerd Phil (Peter Gallagher), who still yearns for his ex; and spiteful, misanthropic Phil (Brad Whitford), a business manager for athletes. These guys play a lot of golf and log long hours at the neighborhood restaurant, where they vacillate between cynicism and self-pity. Filmed in Los Angeles, this series premiered September 30, 1998 on ABC. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Taking a cue from My Best Friend's Wedding, this TV sitcom paired gay New York City lawyer Will Truman (Eric McCormack) with interior designer Grace Adler (Debra Messing). They're friends who become roommates. Grace's assistant is wealthy socialite Karen Walker (Megan Mullally). Stepping in to stir up the stereotypes is Will's gay friend, the outrageous and flamboyant Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes). Premiered September 21, 1998 on NBC. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi