James Holmes Movies
My Brilliant Career and Oscar and Lucinda director Gillian Armstrong explores the final feat of the greatest illusionist ever to deceive a live audience in this docudrama concerning Harry Houdini's obsessive quest to find proof of an afterlife. The year is 1926, and Houdini (Guy Pearce) is an international superstar. Not only does the illusionist's otherworldly ability to bend reality hold audiences completely enthralled, but his easy charm finds him winning the hearts of his growing legion of fans as well. Yet behind Houdini's winning smile resides the restless heart of a tortured soul. Isolated by fame and drowning in regret over having not been present to hear his mother's last words, Houdini sets out in tour of Scotland and announces that he will pay 10,000 dollars to anyone who can prove spiritual contact with his deceased mother. But in his determination to prove that there is life after death, Houdini also becomes the target of countless charlatans, scam artists, and self-proclaimed spiritualists. Of course, stunning psychic Mary McGregor (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and her daughter/sidekick, Benji (Saoirse Ronan), seem remarkably sincere in their supernatural talents, yet that doesn't mean that the pair doesn't have their own ulterior motives for making a connection with the world-famous magic man. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, (more)
- 2006
The Lives of the Saints embodies the first cinematic collaboration between the acclaimed, London-based still photographer-turned-director Rankin, co-helmer Chris Cottam, and veteran scenarist Tony Grisoni (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas). This parable, heavily laden with doses of magic realism and dark humor, unfurls on the gritty streets of North London, where kingpin Mr. Karva (James Cosmo) runs a series of rackets with the assistance of a lightning-paced courier known as Roadrunner (Daon Broni). In time, Karva is due for replacement, and either his stepson, Othello (David Leon), or his not-too-bright partner, Emilio (Bronson Webb), will usurp the throne. Meanwhile, Roadrunner happens upon a Wild Child-like character in the park (Sam MacLintock) who somehow wills him to stop moving for the first occasion in his life. This animal-like boy manages to actualize the wishes of everyone he encounters, but some object to his innate magical abilities, and eventually, tragedy materializes -- which unveils the potential casualties inherent in receiving everything we ask for. Gillian Kearney and Marc Warren co-star. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Cosmo, David Leon, (more)
- 2002
A cinematic showcase for British newcomer Joe Tucker, this frenetic crime comedy concerns a loud-mouthed thug who offers to take out the guy who landed his best pal's brother in the hospital. A supermarket worker who has long awaited the day his brother's attacker Darrel (Grahame Fox) is released from the slammer, Philip (James Holmes) enlists the aid of lodger Smiggy (Tucker) in assisting him in revenge, making their way Darrel's flat after acquiring a questionably useful pistol. Undeterred by the fact that Darrel isn't home upon their arrival, the duo is mistaken for cocaine buyers by his girlfriend, Julie (Nicola Stapleton), and invited in to wait. Soon discovering that Julie has stolen a stash of cocaine from some dangerous Jamaicans, things heat up in the Notting Hill apartment as the body count rises and Smiggy slowly reveals his inner psychotic. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joe Tucker, James Holmes, (more)
