Peter Jason

An ambitious young intern at a prestigious Miami law firm finds his dreams of passing the bar and becoming a real lawyer thrown into question when he hastily agrees to help one of the firm's partners move -- only to discover that the attorney's new home is in Los Angeles. Rick Robinson (Ben Gourley) has what it takes to become a great lawyer, the only trouble is that he's a bit of a pushover. Though today he spends most of his time copying documents and dreaming of courtroom debate, in four short days he will take the bar and begin his professional career. Upon stepping into the office elevator and noticing one of the firm's partners, Maxwell McAllister (Rutger Hauer), the starstruck Rick jumps at the chance to help the counselor move. His patience is put to the ultimate test, however, when he arrives at the lawyer's house to find a mountain of boxes and a note demanding that he hire a moving truck and drive the load to Los Angeles. As if that weren't bad enough, the lawyer's pet pig and spoiled, college-dropout daughter, Michele (Mila Kunis), will be joining him on the drive. Not only does the tempestuous Southern belle seem intent on sabotaging Rick at every turn, but by the time he arrives in L.A. he will have to jump on a plane and race home in order to take the bar exam on time. Strong bonds have a funny way of forming in tense situations, though, and before Rick and Michele know it, they can't stand the idea of being apart. Moving McAllister also co-stars Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite). ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

An astronaut doctor and his fellow space traveler return to planet Earth after an extended mission only to find that the human population has been enslaved by a race of evil aliens in director Josh Becker's kitchy tale of terror from the skies. Ivan Hood (Bruce Campbell) and his partner, Kelly (Renee O' Connor), have been away on a mission in deep space for 40 years. Of course, quite a lot can change over the course of four decades, and when Ivan and Kelly discover that the Earth has been overrun by finger-eating bugs from outer space, they set out to start a revolution designed to take back the planet. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Al (Ian McShane) regains consciousness, but he's in bad shape. Alma (Molly Parker) learns that she's pregnant, and, feeling that Doc (Brad Dourif) has been judgmental with her, she turns to Trixie (Paula Malcomson). Alma explains that she wants children of her own, but she has a physical deformity that could endanger her life if she tried to bear a child. Trixie later upbraids Doc about his attitude, and urges him to see Alma. Samuel Fields (Franklyn Ajaye), who calls himself the "Nigger General," arrives in camp to return a horse to Hostetler (Richard Gant), and befriends Jane (Robin Weigert) over an afternoon drink. Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson) tells Silas (Titus Welliver) that she fears Alma. She claims that Alma admitted to killing her husband, and named Al as her instrument. When she then asks to meet Al, Silas moans, "Why do I feel lucky we didn't meet across a poker table?" Doris (Erica Swanson) reports to Cy (Powers Boothe), who is intrigued to learn of Wolcott's (Garret Dillahunt) disturbing activities at the Chez Amis. Jarry (Stephen Tobolowsky) gives Merrick (Jeffrey Jones) a notice about the validity of the camp's gold claims to print on the front page of the paper. Merrick, recognizing that the notice will only foster more confusion about the claims (as per Jarry's intentions), decides to dissociate his paper from the notice by simply posting it outside his office. The posting gets a number of claim holders riled up. Cy stops by and offers to buy their claims, but they're more interested in seeking revenge upon the author of the statement, Jarry. Led by Steve the Drunk (Michael Harney), the mob goes after Jarry, and when Seth (Timothy Olyphant) protects the commissioner, they turn their attention elsewhere. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

Trixie (Paula Malcomson) is tending to Al (Ian McShane), whose condition is worsening. Doc (Brad Dourif) decides that he may have to perform surgery, which Al would stand little chance of surviving. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver) catches Wolcott (Garret Dillahunt) snooping around at Alma's (Molly Parker) claim and confronts him. Ellsworth is painfully familiar with George Hearst's operation, and makes his disposition toward Hearst quite clear. Lawrence County Commissioner Hugo Jarry (Stephen Tobolowsky) arrives from Yankton, and confirms to Cy (Powers Boothe) and Wolcott that the gold claims will be validated. Panicked prospectors are selling their claims to Cy, who is acting as a front for Hearst. When Alma notes the air of panic in the camp, Ellsworth reassures her. "Panic's easier on the back than the short-handed shovel," he jokes, before noting that Hearst's man's presence in the camp might have something to do with the rumors that have been circulating. E.B. mentions to Alma that the camp is in peril, and she coolly offers to buy his hotel, sending him into his own personal panic. Sol (John Hawkes) suggests to Seth (Timothy Olyphant) that they could use Alma's holdings as collateral to open a bank in Deadwood, but Seth doesn't want to involve Alma. Mr. Lee (Philip Moon), another of Hearst's employees, arrives in camp and makes his presence know in "Celestials' Alley," much to Wu's (Keone Young) dismay. Miss Isringhausen (Sarah Paulson), having lost her job, turns to an unlikely source for help. Carrie (Izabella Miko), the whore Wolcott likes, arrives in camp. Joanie (Kim Dickens) expresses further trepidation about Maddie's (Alice Krige) plot. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

Al (Ian McShane) is upset when a new brothel, the Bella Union, opens up across the street. He goes over to meet the proprietor, Cy Tolliver (Powers Boothe), along with the woman who runs his whores, Joanie Stubbs (Kim Dickens), and the man who runs his gaming operation, Eddie Sawyer (Ricky Jay). Al expresses his concerns about the overlap, but Cy casually dismisses them, explaining that the more upscale Bella Union offers a "different atmosphere" from the Gem. Al, unsatisfied, tries to find out who betrayed him by arranging the sale. E.B. Farnum (William Sanderson), who owns the hotel, and brokered the sale for profit, is understandably worried about his continued health. Brom (Timothy Omundson) tells Bill (Keith Carradine) and Charlie (Dayton Callie) about how Al duped him. Bill explains that there's little he can do about it, and Charlie notes that there was a large stain on the floor of his hotel room when he checked in, noting of the fella who sold Brom the claim, "He may have checked out short a useful amount of blood." Charlie, planning to leave for Cheyenne, and worried about Bill, tries to arrange a dinner with Seth (Timothy Olyphant) and Sol (John Hawkes), while they continue negotiations to buy their plot from Al so that they can begin building their store. Brom refuses to accept his losses and leave town, despite Alma's (Molly Parker) concerns. He confronts Al directly, demanding his money back. Al, pleading ignorance, but worried that Brom will call in the Pinkertons, offers to refund Brom's money if Dan (W. Earl Brown) and Brom thoroughly "reconnoiter the rim" of his claim, and find no trace of gold. "Make it look like an accident," Al advises Dan before the two set out. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

Seth (Timothy Olyphant) is not happy in his new post as health commissioner. He proposes a town dump and infirmary to the mayor, E.B. (William Sanderson), whose lack of interest sends Seth to make his case to the media, in the form of A.W. Merrick (Jeffrey Jones). Seth is also looking into purchasing another piece of property in camp. Smith's (Ray McKinnon) health continues to deteriorate. He seems soothed by the music of the new piano at the Gem, but Al is forced to throw him out to keep him from humiliating himself. Doc (Brad Dourif) explains that the reverend has a tumor, and there's nothing to be done. Joanie (Kim Dickens) tells Eddie (Ricky Jay) that she doesn't want to take Cy's (Powers Boothe) money for her new place. Eddie offers to steal from Cy to back her himself. One of Mr. Wu's (Keone Young) couriers is killed and robbed of some dope that was meant for Al's (Ian McShane) business. Al agrees to help Wu track down and punish the thieves. Soon enough, he determines that a dope fiend in his employ, Jimmy Irons (Dean Rader-Duval), collaborated on the murder/robbery with one of Cy's underlings, Leon (Larry Cedar). This presents a dilemma for Al. As he explains to Wu, if he turns over two white men for one dead Chinese, "When they finish stringing you up, they'll come get me." Al goes to Cy for advice, but Cy is unsympathetic. Because Cy doesn't have to maintain a business relationship with Wu, he "can stand on principle." In other words, as Cy puts it, "A white dope fiend is still white." Al has more trouble when Magistrate Claggett's bagman, Silas Adams (Titus Welliver), arrives from Yankton with a demand for more money to make Al's murder warrant disappear. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

Directed by Mike Mitchell, Surviving Christmas finds Drew Latham (Ben Affleck) uneager to spend another lonely Christmas in his own home. Longing for holidays past, Drew travels to his childhood home intending to relive the experience of a family Christmas -- unfortunately, his family no longer lives there. This represents only a small snafu to Drew, who offers the Valco patriarch and his wife (Sopranos star James Gandolfini and Catherine O'Hara) a huge amount of money if they consent to pretend they are his parents and that he is a cherished member of the family. This entails participating in Latham family traditions, such as Christmas tree selection and crowded holiday shopping excursions. Though the Valcos reluctantly go along with Drew's requests, Alicia, their eldest daughter, arrives at home and refuses to comply with her "brother's" wishes. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide

With Ned Mason killed by Bill (Keith Carradine) and Seth (Timothy Olyphant), it seems clear that the Metz family was killed by road agents, and not Sioux. Al (Ian McShane) knows that the trail could lead back to him, and calls in Ned's brother, Tom (Nick Offerman), and his partner, Persimmon Phil (Joe Chrest), to discuss the matter. Worried about Bill's influence on Deadwood, Al tries to convince Tom to avenge his brother's death. Al is also concerned about what the little girl (Breeseanna Wall) will say if she regains consciousness, so while Doc Cochran (Brad Dourif) is tending to his whores, Al pays a visit to the doc's, where Jane (Robin Weigert) has been left to stand guard over the child. Sensing Jane's fear of him, Al warns her not to interfere with him. "If I take a knife to you," he says, "you'll be scared worse and a long time dying." Al sees that the girl is now awake, and dispatches his underling Dan Dority (W. Earl Brown) to deal with the situation. Doc, meanwhile, is also dispensing laudanum to Alma Garret (Molly Parker), who seems to have developed a dangerous habit. Her husband, Brom (Timothy Omundson), after an encounter near his claim with Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), realizes that he's been duped, and suspects Al. He decides to go to Bill for help. Sol (John Hawkes) tries to negotiate to buy their plot for the store, but Seth's temper, and Al's paranoia about their connection to Bill hamper his efforts. Charlie (Dayton Callie) encourages Seth's budding friendship with Bill, telling Seth that while he shares many traits with Bill, Seth also somehow manages to "get along with people, turn a dollar, look out for yourself." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide

The directorial debut of actor/writer Mitch Rouse (Comedy Central's Strangers With Candy), Employee of the Month stars Matt Dillon as David Wells, a hapless guy whose day seems to be getting more and more out of control. After getting his life straightened out with a job he loves at a bank and beautiful fiancée (Christina Applegate), David is convinced he's got it made. Unfortunately, things take a distinct turn for the worse when he is dumped and fired all in the same day. Enter David's best friend, Jack (Steve Zahn), an oddball who makes his living stealing from corpses. Jack is determined to help cheer up David, but when a bank robbery and a large sum of cash enter the picture, it begins to become apparent that the disastrous and madcap events have only just begun. Employee of the Month premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

The creative team behind Being John Malkovich -- director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman -- return with this equally offbeat comedy, in which Kaufman himself becomes the leading character. Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage) is a gifted but profoundly neurotic screenwriter who, after the success of Being John Malkovich, has been hired to write a script adapted from the nonfiction book The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean. But while Charlie is obsessive about his work, he's also intensely paranoid, given to deep depression, socially inept, and terrified of talking to women, qualities which are making it difficult to get on with his work or hold on to his tenuous relationship with girlfriend Amelia (Cara Seymour). Meanwhile, Charlie's identical twin brother, Donald Kaufman (also played by Cage), has shown up to move in with his brother. Emotionally, Donald is Charlie's polar opposite -- a loudmouthed, over-confident, superficial party animal who has an easy way with the ladies. Donald has decided to follow his brother's footsteps and take up screenwriting as well, but embracing the dictates of screenwriting tutor Robert McKee (Brian Cox), he's cranking out a cliché-ridden serial-killer thriller when not busy making time with new girlfriend Caroline (Maggie Gyllenhaal). As Donald blazes through his screenplay, Charlie slowly picks away at his story, in which author Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) chronicles John Laroche (Chris Cooper), a scruffy but devoted plant enthusiast who tries to save rare species of orchids by stealing them from their natural home in the swamps of Florida. As John and Susan become better acquainted, they find themselves attracted to one another; similarly, Charlie finds himself increasingly fascinated with Susan, and finds himself falling in love with her, even though he's only seen her photo on the dust jacket of her book. Charlie arranges to meet Susan, but is too nervous to confront her face to face, so he sends Donald (who has just scored a seven-figure deal for his script) in his place, while he attends a screenwriting seminar held by McKee. Adaptation also features Tilda Swinton, Judy Greer, and Stephen Tobolowsky. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Newly married psychiatrist Mary (Jane Seymour) is identified as the murderer of her husband, Paul (Robert Desiderio), by an unimpeachable eyewitness. Detective Russo (James Farentino) is all for putting the cuffs on Mary, but she convinces him to wait until more evidence is gathered. Conducting her own personal investigation in some of the seamier districts of town, Mary learns that the likely killer is a woman who looks, acts, and dresses very much like her -- and, more disturbingly, our heroine discovers that her husband was leading a most unsavory double life. Capped by a climax straight out of The Perils of Pauline, Murder in the Mirror was directed by James Keach, the husband of star Jane Seymour; the made-for-TV thriller debuted January 19, 2000 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Escape from L.A. finds Kurt Russell once again in the role of Snake, which he played in the 1981 film, Escape from New York. Los Angeles has finally had the really big earthquake everyone was afraid of, and what remains is now an island. Because the country's ultra-righteous President-for-Life (Cliff Roberton) wants it that way, all the weirdos and freaks that previously inhabited New York in large numbers, and the rest of the U.S. in smaller concentrations, have been quarantined on the island of L.A. The president has Snake taken from the nice, decent prison he was living in for a special mission in L.A. The president's daughter has joined the resistance movement determined to overthrow his one-man rule, and has stolen his secret "black box" (a doomsday machine) to boot. Snake is given a poison which will kill him in a few hours unless he returns to the president for the antidote. His mission is to recover the black box and kill the president's daughter. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide