Danny Strong Movies

The first half of Suzanne Collins' final Hunger Games book is adapted in this Lionsgate production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Kevin Spacey and Bob Balaban headline Austin Powers director Jay Roach's all-star docudrama examining the events surrounding the most controversial presidential election in United States history. The highest office in the country is up for grabs, and the fate of the free world may hang in the balance. When the initial tallies from Florida voting polls prove inconclusive, the decision is made to hold a recount. But it's a controversial decision to say the least, and one that caused many skeptical voters to suspect foul play. Eventually the case would go all the way to the Supreme Court, and as the trial gets under way charismatic Texas republican James Baker (Tom Wilkinson) attempts to rally public support for the recount. But the Democrats aren't about to lie down and die just yet, because Al Gore's former chief of staff Ron Klain (Spacey) can play hardball with the best of the old elephants. Now, as these two opposing giants come to blows over the fate of the presidency, they gradually begin to develop a grudging respect for one another. Laura Dern, John Hurt, Dennis Leary, and Ed Begley, Jr. round out the cast for the film that blends actual news footage and verbatim dialogue into fictionalized recreations that are both highly entertaining and deeply dramatic. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

A minor issue causes friction between Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Luke (Scott Patterson), ultimately erupting into a big fight, just like in the "old days"--but that's a good thing as far Lorelai is concerned! Elsewhere, Paris (Liz Weil) is forced to break up with Doyle (Danny Strong) so that she can clear her mind and choose one of the many graduate schools that have accepted her. And Rory (Alexis Bledel) may well hold her entire future in her trembling hands, courtesy of a letter she has just received. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Emily's efforts to curtail Richard's diet is the topic of conversation at Friday Night Dinner--much to the relief of Lorelei (Lauren Graham), who would rather not discuss her breakup with Christopher. Elsewhere, at a birthday dinner for Logan (Matt Czuchry), Rory nervously seeks advice from Logan's dad Mitchum (Gregg Henry), while the "birthday boy"himself digests some bad news about a recent business venture. And Luke (Scott Patterson) gets a taste of "family togetherness" while temporarily bunking with new parents T.J. (Michael DeLuise) and Liz (Kathleen Wilhoite). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

To help Rory (Alexis Bledel) get over her nervousness concerning her graduation, Lorelai takes her daughter out on a shopping and dining binge. Luke (Scott Patterson) joins the ladies along the way, and they all end up at a karoake bar, where Rory manages to get Lorelai drunk. What follows is a boozy but sincere rendition of a Dolly Parton song in which Lorelai reveals the depth of her feelings for Luke. Meanwhile, Zach (Todd Lowe) is offered a job opportunity that may separate him from his family for several months; and Logan (Matt Czuchry demands an answer from Rory. This episode marks the last appearance of Vanessa Marano as April Nardini. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A salesman who lost his magic touch when he discovered his wife in bed with his coworker must now struggle to keep from losing his job to the hot shot sales rep who's been hired to replace him. Paul Wells used to be a good salesman, that is, until he walked in on his wife and coworker in bed together. These days Paul can't even summon the motivation to make an enthusiastic sales pitch, and his career is on the line. The higher-ups have even brought in a smooth talking sales rep named Dagny Green to step in as Paul's replacement. Now, in order to hold on to his job, Paul must outsell Dagny and show that he still has what it takes to call himself a salesman. Trouble is, it's kind of hard to focus on proving your worth and regaining your self-respect once you've fallen in love with the competition. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Finally reconciled, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) return from Atlantic City laden with Rory's belated birthday gifts. Now Lorelai can focus her attention on her upcoming marriage to Luke (Scott Patterson), as Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) fervently seeks out a "perfect" wedding dress. Meanwhile, Luke pays a visit to Anna Nardini (Sherilyn Fenn), the mother of his 12-year-old daughter April. And after moving into a sparse off-campus apartment with Paris (Liza Weil) and Doyle (Danny Strong), Rory has a showdown with Logan (Matt Czuchry). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rory (Alexis Bledel) wants to forgive Logan (Matt Czuchry) for his many indiscretions, but first she needs a little time to herself. She also tries to get some first-hand information about Luke's former girlfriend Anna (Sherilyn Fenn), whether Lorelai (Lauren Graham) wants her to or not. Also, Anna and Luke's daughter April is slated for a math contest in Philadelphia, and Luke (Scott Patterson) wants to chaperone -- again meeting resistance from Lorelei. Elsewhere, Zach (Todd Lowe) must come up to Mrs. Kim's very exacting standards before he can even think of marrying Lane (Keiko Agena). And Lorelei's parents make an announcement that pleases them but horrifies her! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A minor car accident brings Richard (Edward Herrmann) and Emily (Kelly Bishop) back together. Christopher (David Sutcliffe) is made to understand the seriousness of the relationship between Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Luke (Scott Patterson). Rory (Alexis Bledel) helps Logan (Matt Czuchry) write an article for the "Yale Daily News", hoping to wangle an introduction to Logan's publisher father. And Lane (Keiko Agena) mulls over her mother's invitation to attend a Lunar New Year Party--but will she bring Zach (Todd Lowe)? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rory (Alexis Bledel) faces her upcoming 21st birthday with sadness, resigned to the fact that mother Lorelei (Lauren Graham) will not attend. Meanwhile, her grandfather Richard (Edward Herrmann) wants Rory and to make up with Lorelai -- but only so that Rory will be persuaded to return to Yale. Meanwhile, the depth of the relationship between Rory and Logan (Matt Czuchry) continues to be a source of anxiety for both Richard and his wife Emily (Kelly Bishop). Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright appears as herself (in a nightmare sequence!). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Richard (Edward Herrmann) is devastated when his mother Trix unexpectedly dies (though Marion Ross quickly returns to the series in the new role of cousin Marilyn), but this pales in comparison to Emily's (Kelly Bishop) reaction upon unearthing evidence of how truly and deeply Trix despised her. With her parents in no condition to think straight, it falls to Lorelai (Lauren Graham) to plan the funeral, right down to selecting the guest of honor's underwear. Meanwhile, Luke (Scott Patterson) finds it impossible to keep his problems to himself -- and is rapidly losing customers as a result. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Author Norman Mailer shows up at the Dragonfly Inn accompanied by an interviewer (played by Mailer's son Stephen Mailer), throwing Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) into a tizzy when he seems to reject her cooking. But Sookie would have been hard to deal with under any circumstances; she's just found out she's pregnant again. In other developments, Rory (Alexis Bledel) prepares to write what she hopes will be an inspirational article about a super-secret Yale society for the college newspaper; and Rory's dad Christopher (David Sutcliffe) once again enters the life of Lorelai (Lauren Graham) -- and once again bearing news of great importance. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi