John Gavigan Movies
Barry Levinson directed this comedy in which success has a rather surprising effect on two old buddies. Nick Vanderpark (Jack Black) and Tim Dingman (Ben Stiller) are best friends and next-door neighbors who work together at a sandpaper factory. Nick and Tim often find themselves wishing for something more from life, and Nick has a habit of dreaming up harebrained get-rich-quick schemes that usually end in disaster. Tim is particularly appalled by Nick's latest idea, "Vapoorizer," a cleaning product which will make pet feces magically disappear, but to their shock, it turns out to be an incredible success, and before long Nick is wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. Tim, however, is still the same guy getting by in suburbia he's always been, and soon Tim finds himself bitterly resentful of his old friend. As Nick gets richer, Tim gets angrier, and he develops a drinking problem. One night, in a bar, Tim meets an eccentric drifter (Christopher Walken) who offers him some not-so-friendly advice on getting even with his old friend. Envy also stars Rachel Weisz and Amy Poehler as Tim and Nick's much-put-upon spouses. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ben Stiller, Jack Black, (more)
- 1999
- Add Hearst Castle: Building the Dream to QueueAdd Hearst Castle: Building the Dream to top of Queue
William Randolph Hearst built a fortune in the newspaper industry. He then invested a great deal of that fortune to create his dream estate on the California coast. Hearst Castle: Building the Dream explores the ins and outs of what many consider the most luxurious estate ever built. Director Bruce Neibaur has compiled 51 minutes of film detailing Hearst's personal history and the influences that caused him to build such a place. Borrowing heavily from the great castles of Europe, Hearst employed many classic motifs in the design of his masterpiece. Narrator John Gavigan leads this virtual tour (which was converted from 70mm film to DVD and VHS by Slingshot Entertainment) and is aptly accompanied by music scored by Sam Cardon. The DVD version of Hearst Castle: Building the Dream includes several unique menu options (Internet links for further exploration and research, multiple language options, chapter like settings that allow viewers easy access to favorite sections) that make the viewing experience all the more enjoyable. Hearst was a unique and rich man and the 127 acre estate he forged is now a testament to what wealth and ambition can create. ~ Ed Atkinson, All Movie Guide
Michael Apted (Gorillas in the Mist) directed this Walter Mosley script adaptation of Mosley's short story collection, Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned. Ex-con Socrates Fortlow (Laurence Fishburne) returns to L.A., looks for work, becomes friends with Right Burke (Bill Cobbs), is told he's too old for a construction job, helps youngster Darryl (Daniel Williams), and romances cafe-owner Iula Brown (Natalie Cole). Socrates provides a moral uplift to the neighborhood, while Burke's voiceover narration has a Sunset Boulevard twist. The TV movie premiered March 21, 1998 on HBO. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Laurence Fishburne, Bill Cobbs, (more)
