Lucy Lawless

Adapted from the six-issue comic book series originally published in 2004, the animated adventure Justice League: The New Frontier follows the epic adventures of Superman and his fellow DC Comics superheroes from the end of World War II to the global tensions of the Cold War. In addition to detailing the ultimate fate of DC war comic squadron The Losers and showing how reluctant fighter pilot Hal Jordan made the stunning transformation into The Green Lantern, the film also follows Superman and Wonder Woman as they struggle with their involvement on the East Asia battle arena, finds the Martian Manhunter arriving on planet Earth, and showcases John Henry's valiant struggle against the evil Ku Klux Klan. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The horror film The Darkroom concerns an amnesia victim who has been in an asylum for years. One day he begins to remember flashes from his life, decides to escape from the hospital, and soon befriends a teenager. As he pieces together his former life, he begins to suspect he may be in terrible danger. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Having survived a traumatic encounter with hordes of dangerous locusts, Dr. Maddy Reardon (Lucy Lawless), a specialist in the behavior patterns of voracious insects, accepts what she thinks will be a stress-free job as a professor at Tate University in Louisiana. Unfortunately, Maddy is once again forced to put her knowledge to use--and her life on the line--when the body of a student is found, drained of blood. Assisted by her husband Dan (Dylan Neal) and by several of her more courageous (or should we say foolhardy?) students, Maddy endeavors to prove that the death of the student was caused by a flock of particularly vicious vampire bats, mutated into monstrosity by a recent toxic waste dump. Timothy Bottoms costars as Mayor Hank Poelker, who is covertly in cahoots with the chemical company that has caused this calamity. (Can it be that Bottoms was cast because of his resemblance to President George W. Bush, whom the actor has also played on several occasions?) Originally slated to be filmed in New Orleans, Vampire Bats shifted production to Canada to avoid the anticipated onslaught of Hurricane Katrina; the made-for-TV thriller debuted October 30, 2005 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The third live-action TV series based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' immortal "King of the Jungle" (there had also been a few cartoon series and innumerable theatrical features), the WB network's Tarzan offered a few new up-to-date spins on the classic canon. Orphaned in the jungle as an infant, John Clayton (played by male model Travis Fimmel) was raised by apes and came to maturity as the resourceful Tarzan. All this changed when John/Tarzan was captured by his uncle, billionaire industrialist Richard Clayton (Mitch Pileggi), and flown to New York City, there to take his rightful place as the heir apparent of the vast Greystoke business enterprises. As uncomfortable as Tarzan felt in his new civilized surroundings, it was nothing compared to the discomfiture expressed by Richard Clayton's sister, acid-tongued publisher Katherine Clayton (Lucy Lawless), who wished that Tarzan would return whence he came so that she could take over Greystoke. At last fed up by all the inter-family squabbling and backstabbing, Tarzan escaped to the concrete jungle known as Manhattan, where he befriended feisty female NYPD detective Jane Porter (Sarah Wayne Callies). Ultimately, Me-Tarzan teamed with You-Jane to track down elusive criminals, while Jane's detective boyfriend, Michael Foster (Johnny Messner), and her official partner, Sam Sullivan (Miguel Nunez Jr.), expressed dismay at the girl's newfound bravado -- and while Jane's younger sister, aspiring actress Nicki Porter (Leighton Meester), lolled around awaiting her next "damsel in distress" assignment. The new Tarzan swung into view on October 5, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Escaping from Hades, Julius Caesar (Karl Urban) waylays the Three Fates so that he may alter the Threads of Destiny. As a result, the events leading up to Caesar's death are radically altered, and apparently for the good. Xena (Lucy Lawless) is now Caesar's empress, and Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) has become Rome's most successful playwright. Alas, the evil shamaness Alti (Claire Stansfield), now the high priestess of Rome, fouls things up with her usual lust for power and wealth. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Still trying to make up for past misdeeds, Xena's daughter, Eve (Adrienne Wilkinson), has become a disciple of the messianic, peace-loving shaman Eli. For her troubles, Eve is captured and condemned to death by Amazon ruler Varia (Tsianina Joelson), whose judgment has been clouded by her lust for power. Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) must find a way to save Eve before it is too late. This episode closes with a traditional humorous disclaimer -- about the traditional humorous disclaimer! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The now-mortal Ares (Kevin Smith) has managed to incur the wrath of several powerful warlords. Xena (Lucy Lawless) takes Ares to the farm where she was raised, disguising him as a farmer and putting him to work on the daily chores. While being back on the farm triggers happy memories for Xena, Ares is not so thrilled by his new, back-breaking responsibilities. On the other hand, he is quite smitten by that attractive, widowed neighbor-lady Greba (Charmaine Guest).... ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the first episode of Xena: Warrior Princess' two-part finale, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) are summoned to Japan, there to save the city of Higushi. Upon arrival, the ladies find the city in the clutches of a group of savage samurai, headed by evil samurai ghost Yodoshi (Adrian Brown). In order to rescue the villagers and free some 40,000 enslaved dead souls, Xena must do battle against Yodoshi -- but she herself must be dead to do it. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

While returning the Helmet of Hermes to the King of Thebes, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) pause long enough to prevent a human sacrifice. The rescued victim is Genia (Katie Stuart), a virgin who was to have given up her life to protect her people from the wrath of a warlord. Determined to be sacrificed for the "greater good," Genia refuses to listen to the life-affirming words of Xena and Gabrielle -- and disaster ensues. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Determined to avenge his murdered father, Artemis, by destroying all Amazons, the half-god Bellerophon has captured Amazon queen Varia (Tsiana Joelson). Rushing to Varia's rescue, Xena (Lucy Lawless) and Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) venture into Bellerophon's stronghold, Helicon. With Xena in a weakened state, it is up to Gabrielle, an Amazon herself, to complete the mission and save the Queen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In this freewheeling spoof of the old radio and television series You Are There, modern-day tabloid reporter Nevil (Michael Hurst) literally goes to Hell and back to get the lowdown on Xena's (Lucy Lawless) latest mission. The muckraking Nevil is somehow convinced that Xena's efforts to get the golden apples of Valhalla, which when eaten bestow instant immortality, is merely a ploy to increase her own powers. In the course of his investigation, Nevil and his camera crew interview such Xena intimates as Ares (Kevin Smith) and Aphrodite (Alexandra Tydings), both of whom are more than willing to dish up the dirt in exchange for air time. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide