Alex Burns Movies
- 2005
When the disemembered head and arm of a female murder victim is found in a junkyard, the SVU team launches an extensive search for the killer. Several false leads later, a man comes forth with a confession--but this is not the end of the story, which involves a black-market ring specializing in illegal body parts. The plot takes a poignant turn when it is determined that the dead woman's missing kidney is about to be donated to an ailing youngster. This case is especially fascinating to Detective Munch (Richard Belzer), if for no other reason than it reunites him with attractive, hearing-impaired medical investigator Amy Solwey (Marlee Matlin). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In the wake of his success on the hit NBC sitcom Scrubs, actor Zach Braff made his debut behind the camera writing, directing, and starring in this bittersweet romantic comedy. Braff plays Andrew Largeman, a young man who has just received word of his mother's passing. With this news, Andrew returns to the town in which he grew up, where he is greeted by his father, Gideon (Ian Holm), a psychiatrist. In addition to mourning the loss of his mother, Andrew is also attempting to adjust to life without the emotionally numbing antidepressants that he has recently opted to discontinue using. Gradually, with the absence of the pills, his reconnection with his past, and the introduction of Sam (Natalie Portman), a woman who would seem to have little in common with him, into his life, Andrew is able to see the potential for some positive changes. Also starring Jean Smart and Peter Sarsgaard, Garden State was once titled Large's Ark and premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, (more)
The feature-film debut of filmmaker Rodney Evans, who wrote and produced in addition to taking on directing duties, Brother to Brother explores the life and struggles of black, gay artists in the present and past. Anthony Mackie stars as Perry Williams, a young man dealing with the strife involved with being both African-American and a homosexual in contemporary New York. He is shunned by his father for his sexual identity and wary of being viewed as a sell-out by black peers when his work gains a white audience. When Williams meets an aging poet who was involved in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s, he suddenly finds himself transported back in time and cavorting with the likes of Langston Hughes (Daniel Sunjata) and Zora Neale Hurston (Aunjanue Ellis). Among such legends, Williams is able to gain perspective about his own life. Also starring Roger Robinson and Larry Gilliard Jr., Brother to Brother screened in competition at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Mackie, Roger Robinson, (more)
- 2002
The first TV movie produced by the Comedy Central cable network, Porn 'n' Chicken was, believe it or not, based on a true story. In 1996, five overworked Yale undergrads formed a club to watch porno films on weekends while ingesting mass quantities of fried chicken and Miller High Life. As the "Porn 'n' Chicken Club" gained members and notoriety, the hide-bound Yale Establishment ordered that the club be closed down. Defiantly, the original members scraped together enough money to produce their own X-rated movie -- and much to the dismay of the faculty and administration, the club became more popular and renowned than ever. In the film, all character names are changed, and even Yale is not mentioned by name (it was filmed on the campus of Columbia University). What remains constant is the youthful exuberance of the club members and the anal-retentive reaction of the authority figures, notably Kurt Fuller as the Dean. Real-life porn stars Ron Jeremy and Jenna Jameson make amusing cameo appearances. Co-produced by Robert De Niro's Tribeca company, Porn 'n' Chicken first aired on October 13, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
