Laurence Fishburne Movies
Dramatic actor Laurence Fishburne gained widespread acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his gripping performance as the Svengali-like Ike Turner in the Tina Turner biopic What's Love Got to Do With It (1993) and went on to rack up an impressive string of credits playing leads and supporting roles on stage, screen, and television.Born in Augusta, GA, the sole child of a corrections officer and an educator, Fishburne was raised in Brooklyn following his parents' divorce. An unusually sensitive child with a natural gift for acting, he was taken to various New York stage auditions before landing his first professional role at the age of ten. Two years later, he made his feature film debut with a major role in Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975). A turning point in the young actor's career came when he lied about his age and won the role of a young Navy gunner in Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now. On location in the Philippines, the teenage actor effectively bade farewell to childhood as he endured the many legendary problems that befell Coppola's production over the next two years. In between shooting days, Fishburne hung out with the adult actors, often exposing himself to their offscreen drinking and drugging antics.
Back in Hollywood by the late '70s, he continued playing small supporting roles in features and on television. Like many black actors, he was frequently relegated to playing thugs and young hoodlums. He would continue to appear in Coppola productions like Rumble Fish (1983) and The Cotton Club (1984) throughout the 1980s. Wanting a change from playing heavies, he accepted a recurring role as friendly Cowboy Curtis opposite Paul Reubens on the loopy CBS children's series Pee-Wee's Playhouse. By the early '90s, Fishburne had begun to escape the stereotypical roles of his early career. In 1990, he played a psychotic hit man opposite Christopher Walken in Abel Ferrara's King of New York and a chess-playing hustler in Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993). Following his great success in the Tina Turner biopic, he became one of Hollywood's most prolific actors, appearing in films such as John Singleton's Higher Learning (1995). Fishburne, who had known Singleton when the latter was a security guard on the Pee-Wee's Playhouse set, had previously appeared in the director's debut film Boyz 'N the Hood (1991). After Higher Learning came Othello (1995) and Always Outnumbered, which he also produced. Fishburne had previously produced Hoodlum (1997), in which he also starred. In 1999, he stepped into blockbuster territory with his starring role in the stylish sci-fi action film The Matrix. Increasingly geared towards action films, Fishburne could be seen in the fast and furious motorcycle flick Biker Boyz as fans prepared for the release of the upcoming Matrix sequels.
In addition to his work in cinema, Fishburne has established a distinguished stage career, winning a Tony Award in 1992, for his role in August Wilson's Two Trains Running. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
The gritty underbelly of New York's complex, ethnically divided criminal world is exposed in this dark drama from director Abel Ferrara. Christopher Walken stars as Frank White, a drug lord who's just been released from a long stint in prison. Aware that feeding off of society's depravity has made him a wealthy man, Frank has become determined to give something back to the city, and he hatches a scheme to build a multimillion-dollar public hospital in one of Brooklyn's worst ghetto neighborhoods. Needing the assistance of his fellow criminals to pull it off, Frank and his adjutant Jimmy Jump (Laurence Fishburne) encounter a wall of resistance from every faction, including drug-trade partner Lance Wong (Joey Chin) and temperamental cop Dennis Gilley (David Caruso). Frank's do-gooder efforts ultimately result in a Mob war and in a bloody showdown between the city's various ethnic criminal actions. Ferrara followed King of New York with a similarly themed film that many critics considered his masterpiece, Bad Lieutenant (1992). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Walken, David Caruso, (more)
When a young Caucasian military man is thrown into an all African-American barracks for punishment, he slowly earns the respect of his peers while they all are forced to contend with the prejudicial acts of a racist sergeant. Charlie Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Martin Sheen (who also directed) and others appear in this well-intentioned drama. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen, (more)
Originally airing on the Hallmark Hall of Fame, this made-for-television adaptation of a novel by John William Corrington tells the story of a retired judge who decides to find out why his old pal is refusing to accept the Medal of Honor he should have been awarded years before. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1989
It's time to redecorate the Playhouse, and it promises to be a noisy event inasmuch as today's secret word is "House." (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) Borrowing a page from Tom Sawyer, Pee-wee tricks his friends Cowboy Curtis, Ricardo, and Miss Yvonne into doing all the work. When Reba the Mail Lady arrives to deliver Clocky, the gang unexpectedly meets two new friends: Floory and Mrs. Rene (Suzanne Kent). And to top it off, Miss Yvonne stages an impromptu tea party. William Marshall makes his debut as the King of Cartoons, bringing a vintage TV to the festivities. "Open House" was released on video in tandem with "Pee-wee Catches a Cold" in Volume 1 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
It's a sleepover when Pee-wee and Miss Yvonne plan a pajama party. Cowboy Curtis despairs because he hasn't any PJs, until Jambi comes to the rescue. And when Pee-wee declares that he loves his fruit salad, Roger the Monster quips "Then why don't you marry it?" -- whereupon our hero replies "All right, I will" (and he does!). P.S.: The secret word is "Watch." "Pajama Party" was first released on video in tandem with "To Tell the Tooth" in Volume 4 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Hopping into the Magic Screen, Pee-wee and Cowboy Curtis have a high old time with a railroad handcart -- at least until a speeding train chases them back to reality. Today's secret word, "More", inspires Curtis to perform the celebrated "The More Song". And when Curtis and Miss Yvonne go shopping at Pee-wee's imaginary department store, Chairry is the center of attention. "Store" was released on video with "Playhouse in Outer Space" in Volume 3 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Today's secret word is "Cool," and cool it is when Pee-wee (who's largely absent from this episode) declares that everybody must have fun. Cowboy Curtis responds by singing a ballad to the talking flowers, while Miss Yvonne performs an energetic clog dance and Pee-wee himself lyp-synchs to Bob Hope's recording of "That Certain Feeling". The only crisis: Which ice-cream dessert should everyone eat? "Tons of Fun" was released on video in tandem with "School" in Volume 15 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
The discovery of Cowboy Curtis' magic lasso sparks pleasant memories of Pee-wee's rope-spinning buddy. Through the magic of flashbacks, we are treated to such previous series highlights as Curtis' rendition of "The More Song" (from "Store") and his very special date with Miss Yvonne (from "The Cowboy and the Countess"). This episode is a real showcase for the young Lawrence Fishburne (was he ever really that young?). "I Remember Curtis" was released on video in tandem with "Conky's Breakdown" in Volume 2 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
"Let's play office!" shouts Pee-wee, whereupon he and Miss Yvonne alternate between "boss" and "secretary" for seveal thrilling minutes. Before long, their ersatz office is visited by Cowboy Curtis, who has brought along a new pal: A talking cactus. And as if this wasn't enough excitement for one day, the secret word is "That." "Let's Play Office" was released on video in tandem with "Mystery" in Volume 10 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a taciturn law-enforcement officer from Russia. James Belushi co-stars as a wise-lipped Chicago cop. Though they go together like caviar and White Castles, they are forced to team up to collar the Soviet Union's most notorious drug lord. Thus does director Walter Hill recycle his 48 Hours formula for another unlikely star team. Unfortunately, Red Heat isn't half as enjoyable as the earlier film, owing to a lack of rapport between the two leading men and an overall lack of inspiration infecting the whole project. The one notable aspect of Red Heat is that it was the first commercial American film to stage scenes in Moscow's Red Square. Watch for Laurence Fishburne (still billed as "Larry") in a secondary role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Belushi, (more)
Fraternity and sorority members clash with the other students at a historically black university in this politically charged musical, which marked the sophomore feature from director Spike Lee. Dap (Laurence Fishburne) is a politically conscious brother who leads anti-apartheid demonstrations and eschews the social climbing of the Greek system. But Half-Pint (Lee), his craven young cousin, is willing to endure any humiliation to join the manly Gamma fraternity. As Half-Pint tries unsuccessfully to impress the Gammas with his inept womanizing, Dap engages in philosophical debates with Rachel (Kyme), his girlfriend. Meanwhile, the light-skinned, straight-haired sisters of the Gamma Ray sorority battle it out in a beauty parlor with their darker-skinned, Afro-headed fellow co-eds. Eventually, Half-Pint gets the chance to join the frat, but only after a degrading episode with Jane (Tisha Campbell), the soon-to-be ex-girlfriend of his house president, causes Dap to lose all respect for him. Based in part on the director's experiences at Atlanta's Morehouse College, School Daze was also written and produced by Lee. Despite production numbers that included "Straight and Nappy", a dis-fest between the "wannabes" and "jigaboos" on campus, the biggest hit on the film's soundtrack was the go-go anthem "Da Butt", E.U.'s ode to shaking one's backside. Supporting players Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy also co-starred on the TV comedy A Different World, another look at life on a primarily African-American campus. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, (more)
- 1988
Poor Pee-wee has no one to play with: all his friends are working. What to do? Make "Playhouse Day" a legal holiday, allowing everyone a 24-hour vacation -- even the King of Cartoons, who never gets a day off. And there are an abundance of screams thanks to today's secret word, "Thing." "Playhouse Day" was released on video in tandem with "Accidental Playhouse" in Volume 12 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1988
Season three of Pee-Wee's Playhouse finds the irrepressible Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) and the whole Playhouse gang (human and otherwise) back for even more hilarious adventures -- though not as many adventures as in previous seasons, inasmuch as only a handful new episodes were produced. In "I Remember Curtis," Pee-Wee reminisces about his old pal Cowboy Curtis (yes, that's a young Laurence Fishburne) with the help of clips from previous episodes. Future Law & Order co-star S. Epatha Merkerson is prominently featured as Reba the Mail Lady in "Reba Eats, Pterri Runs." Jimmy Smits guest stars as a muscular computer repairman in "Conky's Breakdown." In "To Tell the Tooth," Pee-wee must practice what he preaches after admonishing his friends not to be scared by the dentist. A frantic search is conducted for several of Pee-Wee's favorite playthings in "Mystery." A popular singing trio is spotlighted in "Dr. Pee-Wee and the Del Rubios" "Front Page Pee-Wee" finds our hero transforming the playhouse into a newspaper office. And rascally Randy accidentally causes a"Fire in the Playhouse," though Fireman Frank (Stephen Parry) prevents things from getting out of hand. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens, Lynne Stewart, (more)
- 1987
In this provocative made-for-television drama, an African American Chicago priest takes on the Catholic church during his fight to adopt a troubled teen and save him from life on the streets. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Gossett, Jr.
- 1987
Pee-wee is confused when Conky produces today's magic word: "Zyzzybalubah." But sure enough, the magic word is spoken, whereupon the entire Playhouse gang is whisked into Outer Space, including visitor Reba the Mail Lady. Landing on a mysterious red planet, our friends confront a squeaky-voiced alien who bears a startling resemblance to Miss Yvonne --- and an omnipotent ruler whose name happens to be Zyzzybalubah! "Playhouse in Outer Space" was released on video in tandem with "Pee-wee's Store" in Volume 3 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
Set in Washington D.C. during the Vietnam War era, Gardens of Stone concentrates on the trials and tribulations of the Arlington National Cemetery home guard. James Caan plays career soldier Sgt. Clell Hazard, who has come to the sad conclusion that Vietnam is unwinnable and that America should withdraw as soon as possible. His attitude is contrasted to that held by Private Jackie Willow (D.B. Sweeney), who wants nothing more in life than to go into battle for his country. Though Hazard cannot officially dissuade Willow from this yearning, he pulls a few surreptitious strings to change the lad's mind, including encouraging a renewed romance between Jackie and his former girlfriend Rachel (Mary Stuart Masterton). After so many big-budgeters, Coppola determined that Gardens would be a deliberately "small" picture, concentrating on personalities rather than opulence; the director's father, Carmine Coppola, supplied the music, while Peter Masterton and Carlyn Glynn, the real-life parents of Mary Stuart Masterton, play Mary's on-screen dad and mom. Gardens of Stone was adapted by Ronald Bass from the novel by Nicholas Proffitt. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Caan, Anjelica Huston, (more)
The best of the Elm Street sequels, this creepy, surreal fantasy features terrific effects, a fine young cast, and an air of grim fatalism that sets it apart from its giggly successors. Patricia Arquette stars as Kristen, whose nightmare leads to a slashed wrist which looks suspiciously like a suicide attempt. She is placed in a hospital psychiatric ward with a group of six other troubled teens who all dream about the same horribly burned man (Robert Englund) trying to kill them. Perhaps the most unusual thing about this picture, however, is the unexpected depth of sadness running through it. There are some achingly sweet moments in this otherwise frightening film which, though not disruptive, are impossible to analyze. The first and most bizarre of these is Heather Langenkamp's entrance, which inexplicably causes most viewers to get misty-eyed, and there are several similar scenes throughout the film. One answer can be found in the sensitive direction of Chuck Russell, who emphasizes the tragedy and utter hopelessness in these kids' lives and manages to wring some unexpectedly perceptive turns from his cast. This is a film in which a great deal of care was obviously lavished on individual scenes (the sets are outstanding) and performances. The results are well worth repeated viewings, and prove that sequels don't necessarily have to be inferior films. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Heather Langenkamp, Patricia Arquette, (more)
- 1987
The very first episode of Pee-Wee's Playhouse, "Ice Cream Soup," was seen on September 13, 1986. Here we meet all the gang: Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, Conky, Jambi, and the King of Cartoons (here played by Gilbert Lewis). Courtesy of Conky, we're given the first-ever secret word: "Door." Forced to vacate the Playhouse pool because of inclement weather, Pee-wee and his friends snuggle up in the kitchen to make ice cream soup (hence the title). As a bonus, Captain Carl is rescued from the Sandwich Islands. "Ice Cream Soup" was released on video in tandem with "Puppy in the Playhouse" in Volume 13 of Pee-Wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1987
Today's secret word is "Fun." But it's no fun for Pee-wee when, after correctly answering a call-in quiz, he wins a dinner for two at a fancy Hawaiian restaurant. Oh, he likes Hawaiian food, but how can he choose a single dining companion amongst all his friends (even Countess the Cow is lobbying to go!) The answer: Throw a luau at the Playhouse, complete with tiki torches and limbo bar. Oh, what fun! (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) First telecast September 20, 1986, "Luau for Two" was released on video in tandem with "Now You See Me, Now You Don't" in Volume 6 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1987
The big news for season two of Pee-Wee's Playhouse is the selfsame Playhouse's "new look"--which extends to redesigning several puppet characters, notably Globey. Though Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens), Miss Yvonne (Lynne Stewart), Cowboy Curtis (Laurence Fishburne), and many other regulars are still in attendance, there are also several new faces including Suzanne Kent as neighbor lady Mrs. Rene and William Marshall as the King of Cartoons, replacing the previous season's Gilbert Lewis. The season's ten half-hour episodes include "Open House," in which Pee-wee supervises the Playhouse's makeover; "Puppy in the Playhouse," wherein our hero tries to adopt a doggy that already belongs to one of his best friends, Reba the Mail Lady (S. Epatha Merkerson); "Store," wherein Miss Yvonne goes shopping at Pee-Wee's imaginary convenience shop; "Pee-Wee Catches a Cold," an object lesson in how anything can be cured with a good dose of chicken soup; "Why Wasn't I Invited," in which a misunderstanding almost causes Pee-Wee to miss the Countess' big party; "Tons of Fun," highlighted by a lip-synched performance "That Certain Feeling" (original artist: Bob Hope); "School," which brings Christopher Columbus briefly back to the land of the living; "Spring," a study in disconsolation as Pee-Wee fails to make the baseball team; "Playhouse in Outer Space," which proves that even a secret word like "Zyzzybalubah" can crop up in casual conversation; and "Pajama Party," which delivers just what the title promises (and it's co-ed, too!) For its second season, Pee-Wee's Playhouse earned still another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Children's Series. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
In this arch sci-fi sex comedy-cum-action extravaganza, a hard-nosed female mercenary helps a hapless yuppie find a new body for his robot girlfriend in the post-industrial wasteland of the American Southwest. In the year 2017, what little remains of civilization feeds off the scrap heap of 20th century waste, while even casual sex has become a matter of regulations and contracts. Like many other members of the L.A. white-collar elite, Sam Treatwell (David Andrews) takes refuge in a quasi-marriage with his beloved sex robot, Cherry (Pamela Gidley). After a soft-focus, bubbly sexcapade short circuits Cherry's body, Sam considers replacing her, but the shoddy production values of modern robots make it obvious that the vintage appliance is irreplaceable. To put it simply, the guy's in love. The wistful romantic therefore heads out to The Zone, a forbidding no man's land, where he hopes to find a new "chassis" in which to insert Cherry's unique personality chip. To do so, he needs the help of a "tracker," and E. Johnson (Melanie Griffith) is just the woman for the job. The gun-toting, red-headed road warrior leads Sam through a dystopian desert landscape full of psychopaths and opportunists toward their final destination: an abandoned warehouse full of antique androids. Along the way, Sam learns what it's like to interact with a woman who has brains and a heart instead of a microchip. Filmed in 1986, Cherry 2000 didn't receive its limited theatrical release until 1988, the same year star Griffith received an Oscar nomination for her role in Working Girl. Griffith and director Steven de Jarnatt previously worked together on the pilot for the 1980s revival of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Ben Johnson, veteran of many a Hollywood Western, appears as E. Johnson's mentor, Six Finger Jake. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melanie Griffith, David Andrews, (more)
Former Starsky and Hutch star Paul Michael Glaser warmed the director's chair for Band of the Hand. The film zeroes in on five juvenile delinquents who are plucked from their various detention facilities and unceremoniously dumped in the wilds of the Everglades. The boys begin to panic until hardcase Vietnam veteran Stephen Lang arrives. Lang explains that they've been paroled in his custody, and that it is his task to teach them how to work as a team in order to survive. The logic of this plan is to whip the boys into an elite vigilante unit, then sic them on the various drug dealers of America. The film features early performances by Lauren Holly and Larry Fishburne and Bob Dylan can be heard singing the title song. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Stephen Lang, Michael Carmine, (more)
- 1986
Pee-wee's magic show comes to an abrupt end when he disappears for real! He has some fun using his invisibility to play tricks on his friends --- but the fun is over when he's unable to rematerialize. Can Jambi come to the rescue? By the way, today's secret word is "Little", so you know what to do for the rest of the day. And as an extra added attraction, Pee-wee makes a salad! "Now You See Me, Now You Don't" was released on video in tandem with "Luau for Two" in Volume 6 of Pee-wee's Playhouse, and also on a triple bill with "Rainy Day" and "Cowboy Fun" in an earlier Pee-wee collection. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
In this underscripted and not wholly convincing drama, Kevin Bacon plays Jack Casey, an up-and-coming broker who crashes on the stock market one day and cashes in whatever he has left to become a bicycle messenger in San Francisco. Although not exactly a logical alternative, bicycling the hilly streets of S.F. turns out to be dangerous after Casey runs into Gypsy (Rudy Ramos), the street pusher who has the messengers run drugs for him. A series of characters and events drop in and out of the conflict between Gypsy and Casey, including love interest Terri (Jami Gertz) and Casey's friend Hector (Paul Rodriguez). Music dominates throughout the film which includes scenes of breakdancing on bikes. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Bacon, Jami Gertz, (more)
- 1986
The secret word is "This" on this (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) episode. Pee-wee throws a party and invites all the gang, including Cowboy Curtis, Captain Carl, Miss Yvonne and Reba the Mail Lady. They do the hokey-pokey (and turn it all around), then wrap things up with a quick game of "Pin the Tail on Globey." This (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) is loads of fun. "Party" was released on video in tandem with "The Gang's All Here" in Volume 5 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
