Max Grodenchik Movies
The title character, played by John Turturro, is a Broadway playwright, based on Clifford Odets, lured to Hollywood with the promise of untold riches by a boorish studio chieftain (played by Michael Lerner as a combination of Louis B. Mayer and Harry Cohn). Despising the film capital and everything it stands for, Barton Fink comes down with an acute case of writer's block. He is looked after by a secretary (Judy Davis) who has been acting as a ghost writer for an alcoholic screenwriter (John Mahoney, playing a character based on William Faulkner). Also keeping tabs on Fink is a garrulous traveling salesman (John Goodman), the most likeable, stable character in the picture. And then comes the plot twist to end all plot twists, plunging Barton Fink into a surreal nightmare that would make Hieronymus Bosch look like a house painter. Once more, Ethan and Joel Coen serve up a smorgasbord of quirkiness and kinkiness, where nothing is what it seems and nothing turns out as planned. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Turturro, John Goodman, (more)
After getting his start as a visual effects artist on the original Star Wars trilogy, Spielberg protege Joe Johnston found success as a director with his debut film, the blockbuster family adventure Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. For his sophomore outing, Johnston helmed this action-adventurer, set in 1930s Hollywood and in the spirit of old pulp comics and adventure serials, and co-adapted from the David Stevens graphic novel by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo. Bill Campbell stars as Cliff Secord, an eager young pilot who finds himself in possession of a secret jet-pack that gives him the ability to fly. Cliff soon learns that screen-star Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton) will stop at nothing to get his hands on the rocket pack so he can give it to the Nazis. As The Rocketeer and with a little help from his mechanic friend played by Alan Arkin, it's up to Cliff to elude Sinclair, defeat the Nazis, and save his girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Connelly). ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, (more)
- 1991
- Add The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw to QueueAdd The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw to top of Queue
The fourth of Kenny Rogers' Gambler TV movies, 1991's The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw is regarded by many Western diehards as the best. This time, gambler Brady Hawkes is en route to a high-stakes poker game in San Francisco. His travelling companions are a trouble-prone frontier Romeo (Rick Rossovich) and a feisty ex-saloon gal (Reba McEntire). Never mind that: The real attraction of Luck of the Draw is its enormous guest-star lineup of famous TV cowboy heroes of yore: Gene "Bat Masterson" Barry, Hugh "Wyatt Earp" O'Brien, Brian "The Westerner" Keith, Chuck "The Rifleman" Connors, Jack "Maverick" Kelly, Clint "Cheyenne" Walker, David "Kung Fu" Carradine, and "Virginian" co-stars James Drury and Doug McClure. The first portion of this two-part movie concentrates on setting up the plot; Part two is the card game itself, preceded by a boxing match refereed by Bat Masterson (Gene Barry). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, (more)
- 1992
Captain Picard tries to settle a centuries-old war between the Kriosians and the Voltans. As part of the treaty arrangements, the beautiful Kamala (Famke Janssen) is chosen by her people as a peace offering. Picard's diplomatic mission is sorely compromised when he falls in love with Kamala. Further complicating matters, the duplicitous Ferengi insinuate themselves into the negotiations. Written by Rene Echevarria, Gary Perconte, and Michael Piller, "The Perfect Mate" was first telecast May 2, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A sleeper hit that received a lukewarm reception from critics but was a success with audiences, Sister Act (1992) was star Whoopi Golberg's first bona fide smash after her Oscar victory for Ghost (1990). Goldberg stars as Deloris Van Cartier, a Reno lounge singer who accidentally witnesses a brutal murder carried out by her gangster boyfriend Vince (Harvey Keitel). Under the protection of a detective (Bill Nunn) who's trying to bring down Vince's criminal operation, Deloris is placed in protective custody at a San Francisco convent. Masquerading as a nun renamed Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris shakes up the established order of the sisters' lives, particularly enlivening their choral efforts. Although running constantly afoul of the Mother Superior (Maggie Smith), the new, jazzed-up musical act becomes a huge hit in the community, even drawing the attention of the Pope, but also alerting Vince to Deloris' whereabouts. Although credited to the pseudonymous Joseph Howard, Sister Act was actually written by Paul Rudnick and Carrie Fisher. The film was followed by a sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, (more)
When Michael Crichton wrote his best-selling thriller Rising Sun, he wrote the character of hero John Connor with Sean Connery in mind. For Philip Kaufman's film version of the novel, Sean Connery, needless to say, fits seamlessly into the role of a legendary police detective who is an expert in Japanese culture. The story takes place in the towering office building of the Japanese Nakamoto Corporation in Los Angeles, who are negotiating a deal with Microcon, an American electronics firm. During a gala held one night in the Nakamoto offices, the body of a woman, Cheryl Lynn Austin (Tatjana Patitz) is found murdered in the main conference room. Arriving quickly on the scene is high-amped police lieutenant Tom Graham (Harvey Keitel), who oozes hatred for anything Japanese from every pore. When he has trouble getting cooperation from the Nakatomo executives, Graham calls in Web Smith (Wesley Snipes), a Special Services liaison, and John Connor (Connery), a man well-versed in Japanese culture and traditions. Together they form a team as they investigate the crime. Connor questions computer video expert Jingo (Tia Carrere), who works on a security system computer disc that captures the killer's identity. The only problem is that the image of the killer on the disc has been altered to conceal the murderer's face. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sean Connery, Wesley Snipes, (more)
- 1993
For the second week in a row, the duplicitous Quark is the center of attention. This time out, the Grand Nagus Zek (Wallace Shawn) appoints Quark the leader of the Ferengi financial empire. His exultation over this lofty position is dampened somewhat when Quark finds that he has been targetted for assassination. Scripted by Ira Steven Behr from an original story by David Livingston (who also directed), "The Nagus" was originally telecast March 21, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Just when it seemed as if the first season of Deep Space Nine had degenerated into reruns, along came this first-run episode on April 17, 1993. The focus of the episode is Odo, the crew's resident shape shifter. Odo is tempted to forsake his responsibilities by alien criminal Croden (Cliff DeYoung). Hoping to bargain for his freedom, Croden tells Odo of a distant asteroid populated by shape shifters like himself. "Vortex" was written by Sam Rolfe, whose previous credits included such classic TV shows as Have Gun, Will Travel and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine began its seven-season run with this two hour episode. The episode harked back to the classic 1990 Next Generation season-ender "Best of Both Worlds," wherein the insidious Borg took over the mind and shape of Captain Jean-Luc Picard to launch an attack on the Federation. Three years later, Benjamin Sisko, survivor of the Borg attack, is assigned as commander of Deep Space Nine, a run-down former Cardassian space station in Bajoran territory. Sisko's first assignment is to oversee repairs of Deep Space Nine, but as the story progresses, he finds that he has been predestined to repair the tattered remnants of Bajor's ruined economy. Patrick Stewart guest stars in his familiar role of Captain Picard, who the embittered Sisko holds responsible for his own wife's death. Written by Rick Berman and Michael Piller, "Emissary" was originally telecast on January 2, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Odo angrily tries to evict an old Bajoran enemy (Stephen James Carver). When the man later turns up dead in the holosuite, Odo is assigned to investigate, only to fall under suspicion when his own testimony incriminates himself. Meanwhile, Keiko tries to set up a school on Deep Space Nine, but does she intend to preach the Bajorian party line? Written by Michael Piller and Gerald Sanford, "A Man Alone" was originally telecast January 16, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Deep Space Nine launched its second season with this episode, which originally aired on September 24, 1993. Richard Beymer guest stars as Li Nalas, a legendary Bajoran freedom fighter. Hoping to rescue Li Nalas from a prison colony, the hero-worshipping Kira risks sparking a war between the Cardassians and the newly reunited Bajoran radical factions. Another of the series' many "loyalty vs. duty" exercises, "The Homecoming" was written by Ira Steven Behr and Jeri Taylor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Sisko has his hands full when the Bajoran insurrectionist group The Circle mounts an invasion of DS9. Meanwhile, Dax and Kira race to Bajor with evidence (gleaned in the previous week's episode) that The Circle is being covertly assisted by the Cardassians. Frank Langella and Louise Fletcher reprise their roles as the ruthless Jaro and Bajoran spiritual leader Vedek Wynn, respectively. Scripted by Michael Piller from a story by John Whelpley, "The Siege" first aired October 9, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
After an assault on Quark, a long-unsolved murder case is reopened. As had been the case five years earlier, Odo is put in charge of the investigation, but he wishes that he wasn't. If the existing evidence proves to be reliable, it will be Odo's unenviable task to charge Kira with the murder. Marc Alaimo once again appears in the role of Gul Dukat. Originally telecast on November 13, 1993, "Necessary Evil" was written by Peter Allan Fields. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Despite his spotty previous record, Quark is recruited by Grand Nagus Zek (Wallace Shawn) for the next session of Gamma Quadrant Negotiations. This occurs just after Quark has himself recruited a new partner. Little does he realize that his male cohort is actually a disguised female Ferengi outlaw named Pel (Helene Udy). He also doesn't suspect that Pel has fallen in love with him, a fact that could prove ruinous for them both. Scripted by Ira Steven Behr from a story by Hilary J. Bader, "Rules of Acquistion" originally aired November 6, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Chris Sarandon guest stars as Martus, an adroit swindler who poses a threat to DS9's resident rogue Quark. Possessing two qualities that Quark lacks -- looks and charm -- Martus sets up a competing bar. As if the resulting drop in business wasn't bad enough, Quark is further incensed by Martus' seemingly endless streak of good luck, until the inevitably surprising denouement. First telecast January 1, 1994, "Rivals" was scripted by Joe Menosky from a story by Jim Trombetta and Michael Piller. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Quark's troubles begin when an inebriated Klingon accidentally dies in his bar. Hoping to improve his business and earn a little respect, Quark claims that he killed the man in combat. Unfortunately, Klingon law demands that Quark marry Grilka (Mary Kay Adams), the dead man's widow, a situation that catalpults Quark into a duel to the death to defend Grilka's honor and property. First telecast October 15, 1994, "House of Quark" was scripted by Ronald D. Moore, from a story by Tom Benko. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Officially released on February 11, 1995, this Deep Space Nine episode was seen as early as February 6 in several markets. While pursuing a Maquis vessel, Kira is trapped in a living crystal. Racing against time to rescue Kira, Odo is forced to confront his true feelings for her. Meanwhile, Nog seeks Sisko's help in his quest for admission to Starfleet Academy. "Heart of Stone" was written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This groan-inducing would-be camp from the director of Leprechaun boasts some good makeup by Kevin Yagher but is still easily the worst of the '90s crop of fairy-tale horrors. Kim Johnston Ulrich plays a widowed mother who buys a jade rock at an antique store. When she cries on it, she releases Rumpelstiltskin (Max Grodenchik), a soulless hunchbacked gnome who grants wishes, demanding newborn babies as his price. He also spews a lot of bogus Freddie Krueger wisecracks, dons sunglasses to ride a motorcycle, and pulls off his own head to bite a cop's neck. Most of the film follows Ulrich and an obnoxious talk-show host (Tommy Blaze) as they flee from the little goon with Ulrich's baby. There are chases by motorcycle, 18-wheeler, dune buggy, bulldozer, and police car, as well as several crowd-pleasing explosions. At one point, Ulrich runs over the gnome and his severed hand gives her the finger. That should give an indication of the level of entertainment contained herein. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kim Johnston-Ulrich, Tommy Blaze, (more)
- 1995
Sisko is kidnapped and transported to a parallel universe where everything is the mirror image of his "normal" existence. Here he is reunited with his late wife Jennifer (Felecia Bell), only to discover that she is danger of dying. . .again. Assuming the identity of his own deceased counterpart, he tries to persuade Jennifer to join the rebel forces which threaten them both. Written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, "Through the Looking Glass" made its American TV debut on April 17, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Wallace Shawn makes a return appearance in the role of Zek, the Ferengi Grand Nagus. While visiting DS9, Zek unexpectedly announces that he intends to abolish the Ferengi's greedy ways. This naturally arouses the suspicions of the station's resident Ferengi rogue Quark, who uncovers the facts behind Zek's uncharacteristic behavior. A subplot concerns Dr. Bashir's nomination for an important Federation award. Originally telecast on February 20, 1995, "Prophet Motive" was written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe, and directed by Rene Auberjonois. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
"Houston, we have a problem." Those words were immortalized during the tense days of the Apollo 13 lunar mission crisis, and the suspense, fear, and excitement of those days are captured in Ron Howard's epic recreation of the 1970 crisis. When the commander of the original mission Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise), bows out due to possible exposure to measles, astronaut Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) leads command module pilot Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) and lunar module driver Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) on what is slated as NASA's third lunar landing mission. All goes smoothly until the craft is halfway through its mission, when an exploding oxygen tank threatens the crew's oxygen and power supplies. As the courageous astronauts face the dilemma of either suffocating or freezing to death, Mattingly and Mission Control leader Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) struggle to find a way to bring the crew back home, all the while knowing that the spacemen face probable death once the battered ship reenters the Earth's atmosphere. Even though the outcome, in which all three astronauts miraculously survived, is historical fact, the film derives suspense from the situation itself and from the actions of the heroic astronauts and the men on the ground. Howard's taut direction, a solid ensemble of players, and eye-opening special effects all add to the overall impact of the film, which has been hailed as one of Hollywood's best historical dramas. In 2002, the movie was released in IMAX theaters as Apollo 13: The IMAX Experience, with a pared-down running time of 116 minutes in order to meet the technical requirements of the large-screen format. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, (more)
- 1995
Quark and his brother Rom (Max Grodenchik) return to their home planet, but their visit could hardly be termed a pleasurable one. Armed with what seems to be overwhelming evidence, Quark must accuse his own mother Ishka (Andrea Martin) of violating Ferengi law. On another family front, Jake Sisko introduces his father to a new friend. Originally broadcast May 15, 1995, "Family Business" was written by Ira Steven Behr and Robert Hewitt Wolfe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
At the behest of a Trill guardian (Jeffrey Alan Chandler), Jadzia Dax is obliged to participate in the "zhian'tara," the ancient Trill rite of closure. In the course of events, she is brought face to face with her previous hosts, including the outlaws Joran and Curzon Dax. Jadzia's deep-rooted feelings of inferiority are heightened when the spirit of Curzon takes possession of Odo. Written by Rene Echevarria, "Facets" made its broadcast debut on June 12, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Dr. Bashir sets up a holosuite program in which he recasts himself as a 1960s-style Earth secret agent. A malfunction causes Sisko, Worf, Dax, and O'Brien to be sucked into Bashir's computer-generated fantasy. Suddenly finding themselves in the middle of an old-fashioned spy melodrama, the foursome must rely upon the resourcefulness of the suave, tuxedoed Bashir to save their lives. Scripted by Ronald D. Moore from a story by Robert Gillan, "Our Man Bashir" made its American TV bow on November 27, 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
