James Avery Movies
- 1985
Jeff Bridges plays an LA sheriff who loses his job due to his inability to stay away from booze. While attending an AA meeting, Bridges is invited to attend a party, where he meets the beauteous Alexandra Paul. Also at the party is an old enemy of Bridges', druggie Randy Brooks. It doesn't take long for Bridges to figure out that Brooks is a pimp and Paul is one of his hookers. She begs Bridges to help her break away from Brooks. Not long afterward, Paul is killed, and Bridges crawls back into the bottle. Eventually sobering up, he vows to avenge Paul's death. Much blood is spilled before the killer is revealed (it isn't who you think); along the way, Bridges gets a new lease on life when he falls in love with ex-hooker Rosanna Arquette. An enormous flop, 8 Million Ways to Die is redeemed by Jeff Bridges' powerful performance. One hopes that the orignal Lawrence Block novel wasn't quite as confusing as the film. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeff Bridges, Rosanna Arquette, (more)
- 1989
Volunteering to teach dance classes at a community center, Whitley befriends a self-proclaimed poor child named Dion (Brandon Adams in his first regular series appearance)--an accomplished liar who specializes in playing on people's sympathies. Elsewhere, Col. Taylor fills in when Walter is unable to show up for his bowling team, whereupon the other bowlers begin planning a "mutiny" on the maladroit martinet. Appearing as team member "Norm" is former NBA star Norm Nixon, the husband of episode director Debbie Allen, while future Fresh Prince of Bel-Air costar James Avery is cast as the aptly named "Pin Punisher." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Director Ramzi Thomas had his name removed from this silly horror film from Halloween producer Moustapha Akkad, adopting the common no-fault pseudonym "Alan Smithee." One can hardly blame him. The plot has comatose Garrick Dowhen possessed by Attis, an Egyptian tree god, and stalking his babysitter and other teenagers by use of astral projection. Much the same plot had been used in 1974's Psychic Killer with somewhat better results. Michele Little is the damsel in distress and cartoon fans will recognize Dayton Allen (the voice of Deputy Dawg) in a small role. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michelle Little, Michael Wyle, (more)
- 1991
The most fascinating thing about Beastmaster 2 is how well the cartoonish sword-and-sorcery characters blend in to contemporary Los Angeles -- it may as well be documentary. Marc Singer plays Dar, a muscle-headed barbarian whose main claim to fame is his ability to communicate with a wide array of animal friends. Dar is informed that his evil brother Arklon (Wings Hauser) has nefarious designs on the universe. Arklon has teamed up with Lyranna (Sarah Douglas), a sexy witch who cracks wise in Valley Girl vernacular, a parlance picked up during her travels through the portal of time to a netherworld called L.A. Arklon has to find a quick way to decimate the universe, so Arklon and Lyranna travel through the portal to steal a neutron detonator from a military base close to Los Angeles. Dar and Southern California teen Jackie Trent (Kari Wuhrer) -- who had gotten stuck in the portal and ended up in Togaland -- pursue Arklon and Lyranna as they make their way through the time hole. Once in La-La land, Dra and his companion find themselves pursued by the LAPD, which considerably slows up their race to catch Arklon. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marc Singer, Kari Wuhrer, (more)
- 1987
When Robert Knight (Bernie White) is placed in a mental institution by his money-hungry relatives, he escapes and seeks vengeance. Hardly an innocent victim, Robert really is a crazed killer, so none of the characters evoke much sympathy. His main targets are his Uncle Charles (Dick Sargent) and Aunt Joanne (Marilyn Hassett).This dysfunctional bunch makes the Manson family look like Ozzie and Harriet as they resort to murder and cannibalism. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bernie White, Marilyn Hassett, (more)
- 2000
During a flight to Vegas, an obnoxious and obstreperous first-class passenger dies mysteriously. Everyone on board the plane has a slightly different version of the incident, and some of them appear to be hiding something. Grissom (William L. Petersen) comes across evidence that the victim was murdered, and intends to use all the resources of the CSI unit to verify his suspicions. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2004
In the opening episode of Charmed's seventh season, benevolent witch Piper (Holly Marie Combs) and her Whitelighter husband, Leo (Brian Krause), are grieving over the loss of their "future son" Chris. To forget their problems, the couple attends a Hindu wedding ceremony -- only to end up as vessels for the powers of two very nasty Hindu gods. It is now up to Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) and Paige (Rose McGowan) to prevent the possessed Piper and Leo from allowing the gods to consummate their love, thereby unleashing unimaginable horror upon the world. In other developments, Phoebe has second thoughts about taking a leave of absence from her gossip column when she meets her temporary replacement, Leslie St. Claire (Nick Lachey); and Paige struggles to keep the magic school from shutting its doors permanently. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brian Krause, Dorian Gregory, (more)
Reggie Rock Bythewood makes his directorial debut with this sharp comedy-drama about love, compromise, and TV. The film opens with the parallel childhoods of Tomasina "Tommy" Crawford (Nicole Ari Parker) and George Washington (Isaiah Washington). Both were utterly shaped by television -- watching Roots was one of the few times that Tommy's parents stopped fighting long enough to sit on the couch together, while George was traumatized by being banned from TV for a month after swiping some church donation cash. As adults, George is a programming executive at the WPX network where fledgling writer Tommy tries to pitch shows. On the strength of both her passion for her craft and her striking good looks, George decides to champion her show called "Just Us," a serio-comedy about a juvenile offender adopted by a judge. They shoot the pilot, the network greenlights the project, and eventually they fall in love. Even though Tommy longs to present her characters in an uncompromised, unvarnished manner, pressure from network execs and advertisers forces her to water down the plot. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicole Ari Parker, James Avery, (more)
A recently transferred high-school student finds herself walking a double-edged sword in her attempt to court friendship with the powerfully popular but frighteningly unpredictable head cheerleader in a disturbing look at the adolescent social hierarchy starring Tori Spelling and Kellie Martin. Angela Delvecchio (Kellie Martin) has just transferred to a new high school, and popularity is her highest priority. Her burgeoning friendship with beautiful cheerleader Stacy Lockwood (Spelling) a sure sign that she is fast making headway with the in crowd, Angela quickly discovers that it doesn't take much for her new best friend to become her new worst enemy. Now, as the vengeful Stacy unleashes a firestorm of cruelty and humiliation on the increasingly vulnerable transfer student, Angela grows unstable for fear of what horrors her venomous teen tormentor will inflict upon her next. But Angela isn't one to take Stacy's abuse in stride, and before the semester is over, the unrelenting tyranny of the cold-blooded cheerleader will lead the newest girl in school to commit an act so shocking that it will shake the entire community. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tori Spelling, Kellie Martin, (more)
When the traditionally minded pastor of a fundamentalist Baptist church suffers a debilitating stroke, the energetic young preacher brought in as a temporary replacement draws the ire of both his ailing predecessor and the jealous deacon who seeks to sabotage the stylish but sincere clergyman's career. Reverend Robert Gibbs has a decidedly unconventional means of preaching the gospel, so when he is recruited to stand-in for the debilitated Reverend Matthews during the latter's convalescence the congregation is at first somewhat taken aback. Eventually, however, the congregation warms to their new pastor, gradually embracing his hip style of preaching. As attendance at the California-based church begins to perk up, Reverend Gibbs makes the acquaintance of a pretty local teacher named Divine who lost her faith after losing her mother to cancer. Later, as Reverend Gibbs does his best to help restore the woman's faith, he discovers that she is in fact the daughter of the disapproving Reverend Matthews. When it begins to look as if Reverend Matthews may not be able to return to his post after all, the scheming Deacon Wells digs deep into Reverend Gibbs' past on a mission to prevent him from both becoming the permanent pastor and winning the heart of the lovely Divine. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wesley Jonathan, Jazsmin Lewis, (more)
Science must confront a power greater than our own in this unusual sci-fi-thriller. As seismic activities around the world begin going haywire, causing untold damages in major cities and claiming thousands of lives, the President of the United States orders Kasia Czaban, one of his top scientific advisers, and Mason Rand, a leading weapons expert, to investigate the phenomenon and see if it can be stopped. Kasia and Mason's investigation leads them to the Himalayas, where they discover a strange object of otherworldly origin that can generate its own power and water, spawn and support its own life forms, and either extend or extinguish human lives at will. What is this strange item? What is its role in the history of our universe? And can Mason and Kasia unlock its secrets without falling prey to its dangers? Epoch stars David Keith, Stephanie Niznik, Ryan O'Neal, and Shannon Lee. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Keith, Ryan O'Neal, (more)
Attacked by a masked assailant, Marjorie (Farrah Fawcett) lives in mortal fear that the unidentified man will strike again -- especially since he knows her address. Sure enough, Joe the attacker (James Russo) breaks into Marjorie's home and subjects her to a night of terror and sexual humiliation. But Marjorie manages to turns the tables on her attacker, knocking him unconscious and rendering him helpless. The remainder of the story charts Marjorie's battle with herself: should she turn Joe over to the authorities, who may very well set him free, or should she mete out her own punishment? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Farrah Fawcett, James Russo, (more)
Chevy Chase added a classic comic hero to the film landscape with Fletch, one of his few truly popular star vehicles in a famously misguided post-Saturday Night Live career. Chase plays Irwin M. Fletcher, known to everyone as Fletch, a Los Angeles Lakers-loving investigative reporter with a gleeful disdain for deadlines and a knack for pushing the buttons of his frustrated editor (Richard Libertini). He's also known for donning numerous disguises and assuming zany false identities to help gain information. While pursuing an ongoing story about a powerful drug dealer who operates from Venice Beach, he comes across an intriguing offshoot in which he becomes intimately involved. Aviation executive Alan Stanwyk (Tim Matheson) has an unusual proposition for Fletch: If Fletch agrees to an elaborate plan to kill him, for reasons Stanwyk refuses to divulge beyond explaining that he has bone cancer, Fletch will walk away with a healthy sum of money and a plane ticket to Brazil. Curious yet suspicious by profession, Fletch begins investigating Stanwyk's true motives, which leads him through numerous misadventures. Among them are a visit to a stuffy country club; a high-speed car chase with an unwitting passenger; repeat encounters with Stanwyk's wife (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson), although she may not be his only one; and a trip to Provo -- that's Utah, not Spain. Inspired by a novel of the same name by Gregory McDonald, Fletch went from thriller to comedy as it was adapted into a vehicle for Chase. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chevy Chase, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, (more)
- 1989
- Add Full Exposure: The Sex Tape Scandal to QueueAdd Full Exposure: The Sex Tape Scandal to top of Queue
Full Exposure: The Sex Tapes Scandal was advertised as being inspired by "today's headlines", though most of those headlines were generated by TV tabloid shows. In her first TV movie, dethroned Miss America Vanessa Williams plays a hooker who specializes in S & M. She videotapes her kinky sexual liaisons, then blackmails the participants. When a mystery killer begins bumping off some of Williams' female compatriots, assistant D.A. Lisa Hartman (we missed that election) is called in on the case. Full Exposure: The Sex Tapes Scandal was mercifully buried in the ratings by its powerhouse competition: the premiere telecast of Lonesome Dove. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
This episode of the popular PBS series travels to Bali, a tropical island within the confines of Indonesia. In the course of the tape, viewers visit an ancient temple, watch a religious ceremony atop an active volcano and visit famous beaches and forests. Like other episodes, this video is a perfect introduction for those thinking of traveling to the locale. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 1998
There are many different kinds destinations one can visit after arriving in Ireland, depending on whether an adventure is sought or if sampling the local cuisine and liquid refreshment is more on the agenda. In Going Places: Ireland, viewers can tour the Guinness Brewery, or visit local pubs where glasses of stout can be enjoyed along with traditional Irish music. For golf devotees, a visit to Ballbunion's golf course is a must. Digging in peat bogs can work up an appetite and Moran's in Galway is the place for fresh oysters. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Viewers are given the chance to watch a bullfight and see how the wild fans react to the action in the ring. Other colorful moments include a side trip to Seville for flamenco lessons and a journey to Segovia, where a number of beautiful castles are visited. Also visits the Reina Sofia Museum and see some of the many shops that tourists can't seem to resist. Learn more about the busy and exciting nightlife in Madrid and see where some of the wealthiest travelers stay when visiting this country. Discover what types of unique dishes and meals are likely to appear in various restaurants. Host James Avery follows a New York couple as they make their first trip to Madrid and many other scenic parts of Spain.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This installment in the PBS travel series, highlights Miami and the Florida Keys, pointing out sites of interest and places to sample the tastes of the Cuban-flavored area. By day, the beautiful beaches can be the main attraction, especially South Beach with its art deco-inspired structures. Visitors in Miami can see the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and meet his former sparring partner. Next, travelers can get a taste of key limes, which originated on the Florida Keys and are the main ingredient in the famous key lime pie. Finally, Going Places: Miami takes viewers to Little Havana, where salsa-laced food, stone crabs, and Cuban sandwiches are all featured on menus. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 2000
This edition of the PBS television series explores New York City -- "the city that never sleeps" -- to sample its cultural and ethnic diversity. It features the bright lights of Broadway with actor Joel Grey and an inspirational gospel service in Harlem, as well as bird watching, rollerblading and bicycling in Central Park, and a jolting ride on the Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island. This travel video also shows the vast variety of ethnic cuisine available, from Little Italy to Chinatown. A quick-moving tour of New York City, this video whets the appetite for more.
~ Linda J. Shriver, All Movie Guide
~ Linda J. Shriver, All Movie Guide
Host James Avery guides the viewer on a trip through San Francisco in Going Places: San Francisco, another installment in the PBS travel series. A bike trip across the Golden Gate Bridge is shown to be a good way to appreciate the vistas of California sunshine, sparkling waters of the bay, and cooling fog as the sun sets. There is a visit to Alcatraz, where some of the worst criminals were incarcerated. Food can be as simple as the bounty from the sea -- oysters, crabs, fresh shrimp, and fish -- or as exotic as the Chinese roast ducks seen hanging in the windows of Chinatown shops. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 2000
The diverse quilt known as the United States of America is explored in great detail with this trip to the New Mexico cities of Santa Fe and Taos. Santa Fe, one of North America's oldest cities, is rich with Indian culture, and dates back many hundreds of years. This travelogue mixes a few history lessons in with its panoramic view of these two fascinating cities. To help do this, it follows a Native American family's trip from Santa Fe to Taos in order to bring to light their unique ethnic perspective. Their journey includes a stop to collect sacred dirt -- which is believed to contain healing power -- as well as visits to Indian pueblos. ~ Dan Macintosh, All Movie Guide
South Africa is the destination as PBS presents another in its series of travel guides. Big game can be seen at a few of the private game preserves. Then there are diamonds and gold in the mines around Johannesburg. An ostrich ranch is visited, a bush barbeque is held, and the PBS crew members observe Zulu warriors in action. A trip to the Stellenbosch wine country offers an opportunity to sample the fruit of South African vineyards. Joseph Shabadala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, local musicians made famous by their collaborations with Paul Simon, also put in an appearance. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
During the Civil War, Federal and Confederate troops clashed in the furious Battle of Antietam, giving the field located near Hagerstown the dubious distinction of "The Bloodiest Field." In this installment of the PBS travel series, host James Avery focuses on a reenactment of the famous battle. Thousands participate in the costume drama as the mock battle brings to life the events of that fateful day. In addition, Avery leads the viewer through a look at medicine as practiced during the Civil War, and also gives a tour of other battle sites of the war. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Host James Avery takes viewers on a tour of various areas in Turkey during this PBS program. Many of these sights are often reserved for the tourists who flock to Turkey's numerous festivals and special cultural events each year. Different travelers in Turkey share their thoughts about the country, including a New Yorker who once lived and taught school there and a couple visiting from California. As the show progresses, it becomes clear that Turkey is an Islamic society that has allowed itself to be influenced by the West, while still holding firm to its own basic values. Unique sporting events, bellydancing, and a trip to see special spiritual dances all enliven this travel program. The Holy Blue Mosque is visited, as well as several ancient ruins left by Greek and Roman civilizations. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
