Nicholas R. Oleson Movies
Tony Kaye made his feature directorial debut with this dramatic exploration into the roots of race hatred in America. In a shocking opening scene, teen Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) races to tell his older brother, neo-Nazi Derek (Edward Norton), about the young blacks breaking into his car in front of the house, whereupon Derek gets his gun and with no forethought shoots the youths in their tracks. Tried and convicted, Derek is sent away for three years in prison, where he acquires a different outlook as he contrasts white-power prisoners with black Lamont (Guy Torry), his prison laundry co-worker and eventual pal. Meanwhile, Danny, with a shaved head and a rebellious attitude, seems destined to follow in his big brother's footsteps. After Danny writes a favorable review of Hitler's Mein Kampf, black high-school principal Sweeney (Avery Brooks) puts Danny in his private "American History X" course and assigns him to do a paper about his older brother, who was a former student of Sweeney's. This serves to introduce flashbacks, with the film backtracking to illustrate Danny's account of Derek's life prior to the night of the shooting. Monochrome sequences of Derek leading a Venice, California gang are intercut with color footage of the mature Derek ending his past neo-Nazi associations and attempting to detour Danny away from the group led by white supremacist, Cameron (Stacy Keach), who once influenced Derek. Director Tony Kaye, with a background in TV commercials and music videos, filmed in L.A. beach communities. Rated R "for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality and nudity." ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, (more)
- 1996
Having finally figured out the Shadows' strategy, Sheridan launches a pre-emptive strike against the enemy forces. Dr. Franklin has an epiphany and tries to do a good deed -- nearly losing his life in the process. And Delenn gains a valuable ally on behalf of the Rangers. Melissa Gilbert makes a significant guest appearance. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Shadow Dancing" first aired in America during the week of October 21, 1996, some six weeks after its British TV bow on September 15. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1993
The Cheers gang waxes nostalgic over the closing of the Twi-Lite Drive-In, a favorite local rendezvous for everyone in his or her younger days. Packing the guys in the car to see the Drive-In's final show, Sam (Ted Danson) leaves Cheers' former owner Gus O'Malley (Pat Hingle) in charge. Before the night is over, Gus has driven Rebecca (Kirstie Alley) and Carla (Rhea Perlman) to the edge of insanity. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Birthday girl Kelly (Christina Applegate) breaks a date with current boyfriend Frank (David Boreanaz) when her parents offer to treat her to the movies. As the lights in the theater dim, Kelly spots Frank--arm in arm with another woman! This is the episode in which the cast pokes derisive fun at the closing credits...with the biggest volley of vitriol reserved for the Columbia Pictures "Torch Lady". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
