Kirk Shaw Movies
- 2009
A woman suffering from amnesia discovers that the man she believes to be her fiancée may be the man she should fear most in this made for television thriller starring Elisabeth Rohm and Michael Shanks. Brooke was running from a mysterious threat when she somehow ended up aboard a small boat. Set adrift at sea, Brooke was later taken to the hospital and diagnosed with memory loss. Hoping to speed up the recovery process, Brooke's fiancée Brett takes her to the couple's vacation villa, where patiently cares for her while gently reminding her about the details of their former life together. But when Brooke's instincts tell her to start seeking out the answers for herself, Brett inexplicably intervenes. Now, the more Brooke discovers about her own past, the more she begins to fear the man who claims to care for her most. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
In this creature feature from the SyFy Channel, Nick Chinlund (The Chronicles of Riddick stars as the resident of a small Alaska town that finds itself under attack by a flying dragon -- known in medieval mythology as a wyvern -- that has thawed from its ancient slumber by melting icecaps caused by global warming. Bolstered by impressive special effects, the fantasy-horror film also boasts a strong supporting cast that includes Northern Exposure alums Barry Corbin and Elaine Miles, as well as Don S. Davis (Stargate SG-1) in one of his final roles. ~ Sandra Bencic, All Movie Guide
Mythic creatures from the darkest depths of the ocean emerge from the sea to feast on the residents of a sleepy bay village in this low-budget shocker starring Corin Nemec. A storm has blown into town, and now the sub-aquatic demons that once fed exclusively on sea creatures have developed a taste for humans. As the entire community is devoured screaming, it's up to a handful of survivors to destroy the creatures before they inherit the earth. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2008
Mostly Martha's Sandra Nettelbeck directs Ashley Judd from her own script in this drama concerning a teacher and student who bond over their experiences of severe depression. ER's Goran Visnjic co-stars in this Little Film Co. production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ashley Judd, Goran Visnjic, (more)
- 2008
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Degrassi: The Next Generation headliner Miriam McDonald takes the lead for this installment of the Poison Ivy series concerning a college freshman who joins a secret society of ambitious, ruthless temptresses. Danielle "Daisy" Brooks hasn't even been at Berkshire college for a week, and she's already making a big impression; not only has the dean's son taken notice of the beautiful college freshman, but she's also managed to land a lucrative scholarship in addition to receiving an invitation to join an exclusive campus society known as The Ivies. At first the former country girl assumes that The Ivies are something akin to a sorority, though it isn't long before she starts to get wind of their true nature. The Ivies are a power-hungry group of sirens who aren't above using blackmail and seduction to get what they want - and they aren't above turning on one of their own. Once you've joined their ranks, getting out of The Ivies can really be murder. Daisy thought she was coming to college to learn, and her first lesson is a crash course in survival that few who came before have managed to pass. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Miriam McDonald
- 2008
A suburban housewife heads out for a quick trip to the local mall, only to find herself trapped in the forest and forced to fend for herself against four murderous hooligans. Kim Basinger and Lukas Haas star in a thriller produced by Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo Del Toro and directed by Susan Montford. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
A stressed-out mother makes a Christmas wish for a different life, only to realize that the sweet life doesn't come without its fair share of cavities in this uplifting holiday fantasy starring Lea Thompson. Between maintaining her career as a high-powered lawyer, tending to her three kids, and maintaining her relationship with her loving husband, Sophie Kelly (Thompson) never has a spare minute to herself. When Sophie takes her kids to the mall and Santa asks her what she wants for Christmas, she impulsively wishes for a new life. Subsequently transformed into a successful, single attorney who heads up her own firm, Sophie discovers that not even the advances of a handsome young bachelor can make her forget the time she shared with her beloved family. And come Christmas Day, Sophie will never be able to go back to her old life. With time running out and the snow starting to fall, Sophie learns that no life is as perfect as it seems from afar, and the only way she'll ever be truly happy is by going back to the people who love her most. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lea Thompson
Upon realizing that an incoming MegaMart and a charming stranger (Tobias Mehler) may bring about the downfall of the small town Christmas ornament company she works at, a dedicated employee (Monica Keena) attempts to save the company and bring her town together before Christmas Day. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Monica Keena, Tobias Mehler, (more)
Family Portraits: A Trilogy of America director Douglas Buck follows that gruesome collection of three short films with this feature-length reimaging of cinema auteur Brian De Palma's 1973 horror film concerning a pair of mysterious siblings and the curious reporter who stumbles upon their deadly secret. Grace (Chloë Sevigny) is an ambitious young journalist conducting an investigation of a controversial psychiatrist (Stephen Rea) who is currently maintaining a questionable relationship with disturbed patient Angelique (Lou Doillon). As the investigation continues, Grace soon stumbles into an ongoing conspiracy populated by human experimentation, strange deaths, and a controversial operation. As the probing reporter delves ever deeper into the profoundly unsettling details and witnesses a brutal murder thanks to the unintended assistance of Angelique's latest love interest, Dr. Dylan Wallace, her fragile mental state is quickly shattered by the spiraling violence and unspeakable revelations to which she is now inextricably bound. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lou Doillon, Stephen Rea, (more)
Three friends are reunited as their lives become increasingly desperate and dysfunctional in this independent drama. Bill (Dylan Baker) is a lonely middle-aged man who works as a night janitor in a large office building; he keeps himself company at work by listening to opera, and as he tries to sleep through the day he obsessively listens to a self-help tape that teaches "lucid dreaming." One of the men working Bill's building is Gary (Timothy Hutton), who has a habit of falling asleep at his desk rather than go home to deal with his loveless marriage to Karen (Sharon Stone), who is convinced she's losing her looks and turns to shoplifting for comfort. Even though Gary bullied Bill when they were in high school together, when they meet by chance at the office one night Gary is thrilled to see him, and suggests they get together with another fellow classmate, Travis (Pruitt Taylor Vince). However, as they spend time together, the three men are only reminded of their emotional isolation, and how their lives have not turned out as they dreamed. When A Man Falls In The Forest was produced in part by co-star Sharon Stone; the film received its American premiere at the 2007 South By Southwest Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dylan Baker, Stacie Bono, (more)
An teenage orphan and an intergalactic warrior join forces to prevent the world from being taken over by a ruthless race of aliens plotting to enslave mankind in this sci-fi action movie starring Mark Dacascos and Billy Zane. Rykker (Dacascos) is a benevolent alien who has become trapped on planet Earth. He's made it his mission to protect the human race from the evil Syndicate - an alien fifth column that is determined to claim Earth as their own. In the aftermath of a fierce highway battle between Rykker and a particularly troublesome gang of Syndicate agents, top Syndicate leader Saylon (Zane) arrives on Earth to construct the wormhole that will allow his warriors to launch a full-scale invasion. But in order to make that happen, ruthless Syndicate heavy Isis (Amelia Cook) must first gather the parts needed to assemble the portal. Upon hijacking a truck that is transporting the parts she needs, Isis makes the fatal mistake of murdering Julie (Emma Lahana)'s entire family. Now suddenly left alone in the world and determined to make Isis pay for her transgression, Julie teams with Rykker to take out the Syndicate at the highest level. But while Rykker doesn't believe that a human can help in the fight against such powerful otherworldly forces, Julie ultimately proves her worth by saving his life. Later, after a hair-raising cross country battle against Syndicate assassins, Rykker and Julie face off against Saylon and Isis in the volatile nuclear reactor where Saylon is constructing his interplanetary wormhole. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mark Dacascos, Billy Zane, (more)
A man who is suddenly without feelings is motivated by a love he isn't quite sure is there in this offbeat independent comedy. Hudson (Matthew Perry) is a screenwriter who has enjoyed a modest success in Hollywood, but one day he suddenly and inexplicably sinks into a strange funk -- he feels strangely removed from the world around him, as if reality has slipped away and he can't physically or emotionally feel his surroundings. Hudson's writing partner Tom (Kevin Pollock) is more than a bit disturbed by the sudden change in Hudson's demeanor, and on his advice he begins seeing the first of several psychiatrists, most of whom prescribe a dizzying variety of drugs, except for Dr. Blaine (Mary Steenburgen), who is turned on by Hudson's condition and ends up having an affair with him. As Hudson seems to be running out of ways to reconnect with himself, he meets Sarah (Lynn Collins), a beautiful woman who is quite taken with him and decides to introduce him to as many positive and compelling experiences as possible. The first feature-length directorial project for screenwriter Harris Goldberg, Numb received its North American premiere at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Matthew Perry
Everyone loves a good, two-fanged fright flick, and from the silent screen to the 21st Century, vampire films have drawn moviegoers to theaters in droves. Much like the immortal monsters that stalk the night in search of precious blood, it seems that our fascination with these strange and seductive creatures will never die. In this ocumentary, interviews with a wide array of filmmakers, actors, special-effects artists, writers, and critics combine with a hearty collection of memorable film clips to explore the evil and eroticism that abounds in vampiric cinema. Vampires director John Carpenter, Underworld director Len Wiseman, and The Lost Boys director Joel Schumacher all weigh in on what inspired them to craft films featuring vampires, while Kristanna Loken and Stuart Townsend reveal what it was like to assume the persona of a creature that so many viewers fear, yet embrace at the same time. Additional interviews with Stan Winston and Greg Nicotero highlight how creative vampires can be tons of ghoulish fun, while writers Marv Wolfman and David Goyer discuss understanding their motivations and critics Leonard Maltin and Harry Knowls explain just why these monsters are so compelling to watch up on the big screen. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Carpenter, Len Wiseman, (more)
Max Havoc: Ring of Fire stars Mickey Hardt as the title character, a former professional kickboxer now working as a photographer. While at a stylish resort in order to snap pictures of a sporting event, Max discovers that the owner of the resort has connections to some very bad men. Soon he must fall back on his lethal skills in order to survive. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mickey Hardt
- 2005
No sooner has entrepreneur Devon Major (Sebastian Spence) emerged from a messy divorce than he is accused of murdering his ex-wife. Astonishingly, Devon requests that his wife's divorce attorney Susan Grace (Vanessa Angel) represent him at his trial. Despite Susan's avowed hatred of Devon, she agrees to take the case, conferring with District Attorney Kirsten Sorenson (Linda Purl) to get additional information on her client, who is simultaneously being investigated on a money-laundering charge by US treasury agent Mark Fairfield (David Palffy). It turns out that some extraordinary clever person has cooked up an elaborate hoax in order to literally get away with murder and robbery--but who is it, and how do Kirsten and Mark figure into the Hitchcock-like denoument? Made for cable, Criminal Intent was first telecast July 8, 2005, on the Lifetime network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
When a keen-eyed scientist discovers that a large asteroid is currently on a deadly collision course with the planet Earth, she must seek the help of a military outcast to jump into action and save humanity from annihilation in a tense, end-of-the-world thriller starring Rae Dawn Chong, Antonio Sabato, Jr., and Michael Moriarty. Dr. Madison Kelsey (Chong) has made a terrifying discovery, but time isn't on her side and in order to prevent the largest disaster ever known to man she is going to have to act fast. Though ex-military scientist Richard Donovan (Sabato, Jr) may be able to help, he is still reeling after being ejected from the armed forces due to his homosexuality. There's little time for old grudges in these final days, however, and when Dr. Kelsey and Donovan agree to work together for the good of mankind, the rest of the world waits with baited breath to receive word of their ultimate fate. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Antonio Sabato, Jr., Rae Dawn Chong, (more)
- 2005
Tracey Gold stars in this made-for-TV suspenser as Elizabeth Sorenson, the wife of corporate executive Larry Sorenson (Tobias Mehler). Alas, Larry hardly has time to start his new job in Seattle before he is kidnapped at gunpoint in broad daylight. Shortly afterward, the kidnappers contact the distraught Elizabeth, informing her that unless their demands are met within 12 hours, Larry is toast. Working in concert with Seattle detective Jimmy Kelsoe (Chris Kramer) and FBI agent Jade Marlo (Robin Givens), Elizabeth does everything in her power to save her husband's life--and in the course of events, it becomes obvious that the abduction was but a smokescreen for a more insidious scheme to manipulate stock prices and take over her husband's multinational corporation. Even more disturbing in a different way is the fact that Elizabeth and Detective Kelso are falling in love with one another. Filmed in Canada, Captive Hearts debuted in the US over the Lifetime cable channel on August 15, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Suspecting that her husband Russell (David Millbern) is cheating on her, Jessica Landers (Erika Eleniak) concludes that his indiscretions are her fault: She just isn't exciting enough to please Russell. Hoping to inject some spice in her life--and to find a shoulder to cry on--Jessica makes contact with Marcus Declan (Michael Bergin), a former classmate on whom she'd once had a major crush. What Jessica doesn't know is that Marcus has a history of stalking and terrorizing innocent women. As it turns out, whether or not Jessica will survive her reunion with Marcus rests in the hand of an intense young woman named Lisa (played by Juliet Landau, daughter of Martin Landau and Barbara Bain). First telecast on February 10, 2005, the US-Canadian coproduction Fatal Reunion was seen on the Lifetime cable network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Erika Eleniak, Michael Bergin, (more)
- 2005
This US-Canadian cable thriller stars Jamie Luner as Sara Hansen, who in an effort to escape from an abusive marriage fakes her own death, assumes a new identity, and starts life anew in a faraway town. But the effort proves futile when her brutish husband Ryan (Chris Kramer) catches up with her, terrorizing her with the standard "If I can't have you, no one can". But Sara is determined to stop being a victim--even if it means killing her husband before he can kill her. In America, Stranger in My Bed was first telecast on cable's Lifetime channel, premiering August 29, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2005
Art professor Jill Thompson (Daphne Zuniga) receives the shock of her life when the police inform her that her husband has just been murdered. You see, up to that moment, Jill had been convinced that her hubby had died ten years earlier! Investigating this phenomenon on her own, our heroine diligently digs into her husband's past and uncovers a virtual labyrinth of lies, infidelity, embezzlement and worse! A few interesting Hitchcockian touches, plus an occasional exhibit of artwork created by the film's costar Duncan Regehr), adds a bit of zing to this overly familiar "Had she but known" yarn. Produced for cable's Lifetime channel, Secret Lives originally aired on July 18, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
16-year-old Lindsay Dearborn (Brooke Nevin) is "Too Cool for Christmas," and wants no part of the family celebration being planned by her two male homosexual parents (Adam Harrington and Barclay Hope) and her kid sister Alexa (Jodelle Ferland. Nope, Lindsay is gonna spend the holidays skiing with her best buds, and that's the way it is. Her disdain for the Yuletide season comes to surface at the mall, where she disses a department store Santa Claus (played by George Hamilton) for his tacky beard and out-of-date clothing. Surprisingly, Santa agrees with Lindsay and asks her to help him undergo a complete "fashion makeover" so that he can win back the affections of Mrs. Claus (played by Donna Mills) Out of sympathy for the old guy, Lindsay does what he asks, then is informed that he's the genuine, bonafide, not-a-phony Santa Claus--and further, that he needs her help to deliver all his presents on Christmas Eve. Agreeing on the condition that she'll be back in town in time to go skiing, Lindsay embarks upon the thrill ride of her life--and in the course of the long winter's night, she learns a few lessons about the true meaning of Christmas. An alternate version of the film, which exchanges the homosexual couple for a straight one, was named A Very Cool Christmas and appeared on the Lifetime channel in December 2004. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brooke Nevin, George Hamilton, (more)
- 2004
There are those who might describe the made-for-cable What Lies Above as a distaff variation of the Sylvester Stallone theatrical feature Cliffhanger. Still grieving over the death of her husband in a rock-climbing accident, mountain guide Diana Pennington (Nicole Eggert) eagerly accepts a job from industrialist Curt Seaver (Marc Singer). It seems that Seaver wants to use sophisticated satellite technology to locate the body of Diana's late hubby. But upon reaching the treacherous Snowman's Pass, Diana realizes that Seaver and his two sinister-looking associates Tyler (George Stults) and Hugo (Stephane Henchoz) are actually looking for a downed enemy spy satellite--and she will be disposed of once they succeed in their quest. The rest of the film pits Diana's "mountain smarts" against the high-tech weaponry of the three bad guys. Filmed on location in British Columbia, What Lies Above premiered over the Lifetime channel on November 8, 2004; it has since been rebroadcast under the title Snowman's Pass. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Life on the streets is never easy, and when a disparate group of homeless teens attempt to mold a hopeful future from nothing more than cardboard and food dredged out of the local dumpster a street-smart counselor does her best to ensure that their efforts aren't made in vain. Genevieve Bujold, Joey Dedio, Burt Young, and Domenica Scorsese star in a gritty urban drama set in a world where every move you make could be your last. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joey Dedio, Geneviève Bujold, (more)
Thirty-three-year-old ad executive Eve Simon (Elisa Donovan) is, to all outward appearances, a success, and a fabulously wealthy one in the bargain. Even so, as she sits alone nursing an expensive drink in an upscale Manhattan watering hole on Christmas Eve, our heroine wonders if it's all been worth it -- and, more to the point, how would her life have turned out had she made different choices. "Wish upon the Christmas star!" advises a philosophical derelict named Brother James (Peter Williams). Eve does just that -- and she awakens, it is 12 years earlier, she's an unemployed 21-year-old living with her parents (Cheryl Ladd, James Kirk), and she's still engaged to Scott (Sebastian Spence), the hometown boy whom she would ultimately dump in her pursuit of a career in the Big Apple. So, will she make the same choices again, or will she follow her heart instead of her head the second time around? Made for the Lifetime cable channel, Eve's Christmas premiered December 6, 2004. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elisa Donovan, Cheryl Ladd, (more)
