John DiResta Movies
- 2005
- PG13
- Add Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous to QueueAdd Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous to top of Queue
FBI agent-turned-reluctant beauty queen Gracie Hart (played by Sandra Bullock) is taking on both bad guys and high glamour again in this sequel to the comedy smash Miss Congeniality. After her undercover mission at the Miss United States pageant becomes public knowledge, Gracie becomes something of a celebrity, and the FBI uses her notoriety to generate positive PR for the bureau; however, Gracie would like to get back to some solid police work, especially after scuffling with fellow female agent "Sam" Fuller (Regina King), who isn't impressed with Gracie. Despite their differences, the two find themselves working side by side when two of Gracie's pals from the pageant -- contest winner Cheryl Frasier (Heather Burns) and master of ceremonies Stan Fields (William Shatner) -- fall victim to kidnappers. As she did on the first film, Sandra Bullock served as both producer and star for Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, while director John Pasquin's credits include several episodes of the situation comedy George Lopez, also produced by Bullock. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sandra Bullock, Regina King, (more)
- 2002
Upon discovering that the love of his life is set to marry another man, a determined twenty-something puts his life on hold in order to travel across California and stop the wedding. But how does one make such an all-important trip when they've got neither a car to carry them nor a dollar to buy a bus ticket? As he hits the open road alone and desperate, this lovelorn Californian encounters a life he's never known, a love he's only dreamt of, and a long-buried secret that could change everything. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Geoff Stults, Lori Heuring, (more)
An action drama centering on the media circus, 15 Minutes focuses on a New York homicide detective named Eddie Flemming (Robert De Niro), a famous figure known for his heroic on-the-job manner. A tabloid news anchor (Kelsey Grammer) attempts to get the scoop on Flemming's latest beat when a pair of Eastern European criminals (Karel Roden and Oleg Taktarov) find a way to manipulate the media by filming their exploits, which they believe they can sell to bloodthirsty journalists and make themselves rich. In the wake of a double murder, Flemming teams up with Jordy Warsaw (Edward Burns), an arson investigator assigned to help locate the murderous pair. Meanwhile, Flemming must contend with his news reporter girlfriend Nicolette (Melina Kanakaredes) as he and Jordy find themselves enveloped in a lurid series of events that threatens to jeopardize their safety. Kim Cattrall, Avery Brooks, and Vera Farmiga are also featured in the cast. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert De Niro, Edward Burns, (more)
Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) is an FBI agent with a reputation for being aggressive and hard-nosed, who has long wanted to duplicate the career of her deceased mother, also an FBI agent, who died in the line of duty. Her cantankerous nature, though, has made her few friends, excepting her trusting, sensitive partner Eric Matthews (Benjamin Bratt). However, her true abilities are put to the test when she is called upon to infiltrate a Miss United States pageant after a terrorist threatens to bomb it. Gracie, who prides herself on her toughness, must now feminize her behavior to effectively participate in the pageant with the aid of Victor Melling (Michael Caine), a pompous consultant who dreams of whisking away Gracie's past self and creating "Gracie Lou Freebush" for an appreciative, all-American audience. After her arduous conversion, Gracie must play the role of beauty queen and FBI agent, and try not to blow her undercover outfit. Miss Congeniality, which was produced by star Bullock, features television stalwarts William Shatner and Candice Bergen in supporting roles. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, (more)
- 1998
In this TV working-class sitcom, comedian John DiResta portrays himself. After 12 years as a NYC Transit cop, DiResta found fame with his 1997 one-man Off-Broadway show, Beat, A Subway Cop's Comedy, leading to this United Paramount Network series in which friendly Long Island Transit cop DiResta lives in a rented house with wife Kate (Leila Kenzle) and their two kids. Since he works his beat with his sister-in-law Liz (Sandra Pupuro), forget about any secrets outside the home. DiResta's boss (Joe Guzaldo) keeps a prize rooster in the squad room, and in the subway DiResta must contend with bag lady Grandma Woolyhat (Pat Crawford Brown) and other hapless homeless. Yes, in this wacky world, there's no rest for DiResta. Filmed in L.A., this series premiered October 5, 1998 on United Paramount Network. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John DiResta, Leila Kenzle, (more)
- 1997
The detectives and the lawyers again run up against the brick wall of military jurisprudence while investigating the death of a Navy pilot. McCoy finally narrows the suspects down to the dead man's lover, also a pilot. Unfortunately, the Navy and the Judge Advocate General form a united front to block further investigation -- and, perhaps, to prevent justice from prevailing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
