Karl Pruner Movies

A brilliant young man is tapped to join the elite branch of American intelligence, only to discover how complex and dangerous the job can really be in this suspense-drama. James Clayton (Colin Farrell) recently completed his studies at MIT, where he graduated at the top of his class and is pondering his next move while he works as a bartender at an upscale nightspot. One evening, Clayton is approached by Walter Burke (Al Pacino), a recruiter for the Central Intelligence Agency, who describes himself as "a scary judge of talent" and believes Clayton is just the sort of man the CIA is looking for. Clayton, who has little interest in an ordinary nine-to-five career and suspects his father (whom Burke claims to have known) worked for the Agency, accepts the offer and is soon sent to the CIA's secret training camp. It soon becomes obvious that Burke's intuition has not failed him; Clayton is smart, fast on his feet, a crack shot, and possesses a very agile mind. In training, Clayton notices a few things, most notably one of his fellow students, Layla (Bridget Moynahan), a beautiful woman whose skills equal his own. Clayton becomes quite infatuated with Layla, and after a fashion the attraction appears to be mutual, but Clayton has to keep in mind Burke's dictum that "nothing is as it seems," especially when Clayton is given a special assignment -- find the mole within the Agency's training program who is actually feeding information to America's enemies. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

In June of 2002, 13-year-old Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her own bedroom in Salt Lake City, a crime witnessed by her younger sister Mary Katherine. The desperate search for Elizabeth evolved into a gigantic media event, as her anguished parents combined forces with the authorities -- and a number of top-rated cable talk show hosts -- to follow any lead, big or small, that would help them find their daughter. Eight months into the girl's disappearance, hopes for her safety were growing dim -- until, miraculously, she was spotted only a short distance from her home, accompanied by a pair of bizarre and seriously disturbed personalities, Brian David "Emmanuel" Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. Originally telecast November 9, 2003, by CBS, the made-for-TV Elizabeth Smart: The Long Way Home is divided into two plains of action: the ordeal of the abducted Elizabeth and her uncanny ability to keep her wits and optimism intact despite the ever-growing possibility that she would never see her parents again; and the dogged determination of Elizabeth's parents Ed and Lois, who against all odds, never gave up hope that their daughter was still alive and well. The film was released shortly after Elizabeth's rescue. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Based on a true story, this made-for-cable drama focuses on the plight of 14-year-old Michael Crowe (Mark Rendall). When his younger sister is found murdered in her bed, Michael is accused of the crime and hauled into the local police station. After a grueling interrogation, the cops manage to coerce a confession out of the beleaguered boy. Michael's mother, Cheryl (Ally Sheedy), together with a small band of sympathizers, desperately takes on "the System" to fight for the boy's fundamental legal rights. The Interrogation of Michael Crowe debuted December 4, 2002, as one of several reality-based movies produced for the Court TV cable service. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

While on a location shoot, spoiled movie actress Sydney Clarke (Sela Ward) clashes with her equally temperamental director. Storming off the set in a snit, Sydney gets lost in the woods, then hitches a ride to a small New England steel town -- where, amazingly, no one seems to recognize her. Curiously enjoying her anonymity, she befriends bowling-alley waitress Joyce (Rebecca Jenkins), who helps her land a job as a nurse at the local steel mill, managed by a handsome, down-to-earth hunk named Ryan (Andrew Jackson). Upon learning that the mill is in danger of demolition at the hands of greedy corporate fat-cats, Sydney vows to save the community's only source of income -- but will the citizens rally behind her if they find out she's been posing as something she's not? Made for the CBS TV network, Catch a Falling Star premiered March 5, 2000. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In this romance, a lonely lady architect discovers that if only she would pay attention, true love is as close as the man next door. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Outraged by the actions of his new landlord John Taylor (Karl Pruner), Fraser (Paul Gross) organizes a tenants' protest--and succeeds only in getting practically everyone evicted. Refusing to give up the fight, Fraser takes his case all the way to the Chicago city council, whereupon Taylor takes violent revenge upon the remaining tenants. Fraser's climactic filibuster is reminiscent of the 1939 film classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, which may explain why this episode's alternate title is "Thank You Kindly, Mr. Capra." Katayoun Amini, real-life wife of series regular David Marciano (Ray), is here cast as Ray's ex-wife Angela. First broadcast on Canadian television, "One Good Man" made its US debut on February 9, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi