Howard Gewirtz Movies
- 2005
The most highly anticipated new sitcom of the 2005-2006 season, UPN's Everybody Hates Chris was the brainchild of comedian Chris Rock, who served as executive producer and narrator. Set in the early '80s, the series purported to chronicle the teen years of young Chris Rock (played by youthful Rock lookalike Tyler James Williams) as he used his wits and his razor-sharp sense of humor to survive his hardscrabble existence in the tough Bed-Stuy section of New York. Most of the action occurred at Corleone Junior High, the school to which Chris was bussed every morning in the largely Italian-American community of South Shore. As the only black kid in an all-white school, Chris was an easy target for bullies and louts, but he generally managed to use funny words and fast moves to keep his enemies at bay -- and besides that, he had a staunch ally in his best pal and fellow "outcast," Greg (Vincent Martella). Back at home, Chris was compelled to tow the line for his stern mother, Rochelle (Tichina Arnold), a part-time realtor, and his penny-pinching dad, Julius (Terry Crews), who worked several jobs to make ends meet and made sure that his children knew it! Also on hand were Chris' younger brother, Drew (Tequan Richmond), who was frustratingly taller and more self-confident than our hero, and his spoiled kid sister, Tonya (Imani Hakim). Given the series' premise and the omnipresence of Chris Rock's low-key narration, comparisons between Everybody Hates Chris and the classic The Wonder Years was inevitable, though Chris set its own course early on with such blockbuster comedy lines as "Much like rock & roll, school shootings were invented by blacks and stolen by the white man." Everybody Hates Chris debuted September 22, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
The Wonder Years met Malcolm in the Middle in this Fox network sitcom set in the early '60s. Grant Rosenmeyer starred as 11-year-old Oliver Beene, a budding intellectual and inveterate cut-up mired in a world of eccentric relatives, spiteful teachers, and mercurial females. Oliver's dad, Jerry (Grant Shaud), was a dentist who liked to spend his off-hours either drilling teeth for fun or talking about it; his mom, Charlotte (Wendy Makkena), was a neat-freak who wished she was Jackie Kennedy; and his brother, Ted (Andrew Lawrence), was a self-involved sports nut, his ear perennially glued to his transistor radio. Things weren't much better at school, where Oliver was bedeviled by venom-spouting teacher Mrs. Heller (Annie Korzen), ardently pursued by moonstruck classmate Joyce (Daveigh Chase), and studiously ignored by red-haired beauty Bonnie (Amy Castle). On the other hand, Oliver enjoyed the company of his best friends, chubby Neal (Ben Bookbinder) and closeted-homosexual Michael (Taylor Emerson). Like The Wonder Years, this series was narrated from the vantage point of the future by the leading character. Oliver Beene debuted March 9, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Grant Rosenmeyer, Grant Shaud, (more)
- 1996
Adhering to the "rules are rules" mentality, temporary ticket-counter clerk Antonio (Tony Shalhoub) refuses to let late arrival Danny Connelly (David Gianopoulos) board a plane. Unfortunately, Danny happens to be "Dead End" Connelly, star goalie for the Boston Bruins -- and thanks to Antonio, he misses an important game. Antonio's shame is compounded when even Jay Leno jokes about the incident! Meanwhile, Nantucket pays host to a most unusual social club. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Chris Elliott and Kelly Coffield guest-star as Steve and Barbara, the new next-door neighbors of Joe (Tim Daly) and Helen (Crystal Bernard). At first, Steve and Barbara seem like the perfect couple, but it isn't long before a few imperfections rise to surface--notably Steve's huge gambling debt, which he cheerfully assumes will be settled by Joe! And back at the terminal, Antonio (Tony Shalhoub) stumbles upon a typographical error that casts a whole new light on the life of his late uncle Bernardo. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Joe (Tim Daly) tries to come to grips with the news that he might be the father of Jason (Zachary Charles), the son of Joe's high school classmate Wendy (Lesley Boone) -- who, in turn, had been the girlfriend of Joe's brother Brian (Steven Weber). Overhearing this revelation, Roy (David Schramm) advises Joe to keep quiet and admit nothing -- but, to quote Hamlet, "conscience doth make cowards of us all." Meanwhile, Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) wonders if his life has taken the right direction after a momentous reunion with his former shop teacher. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Despite Helen's (Crystal Bernard) admonitions and trepidations, Roy (David Schramm) is eager and willing to marry Anya (Natasha Pavlovich), the mail-order bride he has ordered from Russia. Unfortunately for Roy, Anya falls out of love with him the second she meets another man. And in other developments, Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) is pressed into service as Fay's (Rebecca Schull) cardboard lover. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Edward Herrmann makes a guest appearance as celebrated architect Y.M. Burg, who deigns to provide a design for Joe (Tim Daly) and Helen's (Crystal Bernard) new house. Though the couple is flattered, they don't really think that a house in the shape of huge seven is entirely suitable for them -- but they're afraid of appearing gauche by turning Burg down. Meanwhile, Brian Haley makes his first series appearance as Sandpiper Air's new mechanic, Budd Bronski, a man with a disturbing secret in his past. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
In the conclusion of Wings' two-part season seven opener, Joe (Tim Daly) has responded to the news that Brian (Steven Weber) has burned down Helen's house by firing Brian from Sandpiper Air -- and further taking legal action against his brother. At the same time, Joe's bride Helen (Crystal Bernard) intends to give her own sister Casey (Amy Yasbeck) a hard time for her unwitting complicity in the fire, thus settling innumerable old scores between the two women. In the final analysis, however, it is Antonio (Tony Shalhoub) who is roughest on Brian and Casey -- especially after a few unexpected revelations lead to a round robin of sibling forgiveness. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Brian (Steven Weber) begins neglecting Alex (Farrah Forke) in order to pal around with his old "wild man" buddy Danny (Charles Rocket). When the situation goes from bad to really bad, Alex makes a crucial -- and devastating -- decision. Meanwhile, Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) is set up for a big-time disillusionment at the hands of his boyhood idol, a former TV superhero (played by Robert Ridgely, who once supplied voices for the animated versions of Superman and Flash Gordon). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
In the 100th episode of Wings, Brian (Steven Weber) has finally gotten over Alex and has plunged back into the dating pool. Acting upon the advice of friends, Brian chooses not to seek out a stranger for romance, but instead turns to a longtime friend named Joan (Dedee Pfeiffer). Unfortunately, Brian doesn't feel the same "spark" for Joan that he did for Alex -- or at least, no sparks fly until it is too late. And while all this is going on, both Casey (Amy Yasbeck, now a series regular) and Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) face curious crises of their own. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Liz Vassey guest stars as Courtney, a girl for whom Helen (Crystal Bernard) used to babysit. Now Courtney is a gorgeous 19-year-old, and she has caught the eye of Joe (Tim Daly) -- much to Helen's dismay. In his efforts to keep up with the vivacious Courtney, Joe finds himself in a dizzying maelstrom of rollerskating and rock concerts -- and it goes without saying that he isn't quite as spry as when he himself was nineteen! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Joe (Tim Daly), Brian (Steven Weber), Helen (Crystal Bernard), and Lowell (Thomas Haden Church) think they're in for a grand old time when they attend a party in Boston. Unfortunately, the festivities occur in a locale frequented by kinky call girls -- and of course Helen is assumed to be one of the kinkier lasses! And back in Nantucket, Roy (David Schramm), Fay (Rebecca Schull), and Antonio (Tony Shalhoub) enter a radio contest (incidentally, the announcer's voice is supplied by legendary top-40 DJ "The Real" Don Steele). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
A temporary change threatens to become permanent in the fifth episode of HBO's popular behind-the-scenes late-night talk show satire The Larry Sanders Show. When Larry's (Garry Shandling) friend takes over for faithful producer Artie (Rip Torn) on what was supposed to be a short-term basis, he begins scheming to ensure that Artie won't be coming back. This episode of The Larry Sanders Show features guest appearances by Bill Applebaum, Ian Buchanan, Robert Morton, and Jeff Cesario. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1982
In this first episode of a two-part story, a severe strain is placed upon the marriage of Latka (Andy Kaufman) and Simka (Carol Kane). It seems that, during a heavy winter storm, Latka is trapped in a cab with attractive female driver Cindy (Allyce Beasley). And when wife Simka (Carol Kane) discovers how her husband and his companion (who assumed that they would not survive the night) managed to "keep warm," Latka finds himself out in the cold. How can this marriage be saved? Well, it seems that there's this curious custom from the "old country"... ~ All Movie Guide
- 1982
In the conclusion of a two-part story, a snowstorm has left the marriage between Latka (Andy Kaufman) and Simka (Carol Kane) skating on thin ice. Still smoldering over the events that occurred when Latka and female cabbie Cindy were stuck in the same cab on a cold winter night, Simka wonders if she and her husband can ever patch things up again. There is no alternative but to turn to an old custom from the couple's native country -- which decrees that Simka must sleep with one of Latka's co-workers to even things out! ~ All Movie Guide
- 1982
Carol Kane won an Emmy Award for her performance in this episode, in which she recreates the role of Simka Dahblitz, countrywoman and erstwhile sweetheart of immigrant mechanic Latka Gravas (Andy Kaufman). Returning to New York, Simka hopes to renew her relationship with Latka, whom she recalls as "simple and sweet." True enough, as far as it goes, but Simka doesn't know about Latka's new alter ego, the obnoxiously aggressive self-styled ladies' man Vic Ferrari (a role for which Andy Kaufman demanded a separate contract from the series' producers -- and got it!). Thus, the episode's main crisis finds Latka vying for Simka's affections...with himself. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1982
It is a glorious day for immigrant mechanic Latka Gravas (Andy Kaufman) when no less an authority than Dr. Joyce Brothers (as herself) declares him cured of his multiple-personality syndrome. Now, at long last, Latka can tie the matrimonial knot with his lovely countrywoman, Simka Dahblitz (Carol Kane, repeating her Emmy-winning recurring role). But given the bizarre customs of Latka and Simka's homeland -- not to mention the jaundiced critical eye of Latka's mother (Susan Kellerman) -- will the wedding come off without the usual setbacks attending situation-comedy marriage ceremonies? Familiar character actor Vincent Schiavelli (Ghost) appears as Rev. Gorky. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1982
In the conclusion of a two-part story, the cabbies recall the "turning points" in their own lives as Elaine (Marilu Henner) considers an offer to leave New York for a new job. In the course of events, Latka (Andy Kaufman) flashes back to the day he left his (unpronounceable) homeland to start life anew in the U.S., and Alex (Judd Hirsch) remembers the humiliating event which convinced him to kiss the corporate world goodbye. This was the final episode of Taxi's fourth season and the last one to be telecast on ABC before the series' move to rival NBC. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1982
Louise Lasser reprises her role as Phyllis, ex-wife of cab driver Alex Rieger (Judd Hirsch). Showing up at the garage in hopes of a brief reconciliation, lonely Phyllis finds out that Alex is unavailable -- so she promptly comes on to Louie (Danny DeVito). By the time Alex finds out about this, Louie has revealed a lot more of himself than he planned -- literally so! Also in the cast are twin actresses Randi and Candi Brough, best known for their work in the comedy adventure series B.J. and the Bear. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1981
Having endured one too many hard knocks in the boxing ring, eTony Banta (Tony Danza) has elected to hang up his gloves and become a trainer. Spotting a young fighter named Terry Carver (Ernie Hudson), Tony immediately senses that the kid has potential. He then offers to become Terry's manager...and that's when the trouble starts. The highlight of this episode is Tony's one-on-one with the "Syndicate" (whose members include Taxi scriptwriters Howard Gewirtz and Ian Praiser). ~ All Movie Guide
- 1981
Comedian Andy Kaufman, who made a career of assuming "alternate personalities" that he claimed to be unable to control, delivers an acting tour-de-force in this episode. Ever since he adopted the obnoxious alter ego of swingin' bachelor Vic Ferrari in the previous season's "Latka the Playboy," mild-mannered mechanic Latka Gravas (Andy Kaufman) can never tell when he himself will "disappear" and Vic will emerge. Making matters worse, Latka has adopted several other personalities -- his latest being a carbon copy of fellow cabbie Alex (Judd Hirsch)! Clearly, a visit to the shrink is long overdue...and that is where special guest star Barry Nelson comes in. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1980
In the conclusion of a two-part story, the cabbies have gone on strike, with "shop steward" Elaine (Marilu Henner) leading the job action. Hoping to settle the dispute, Elaine has reluctantly agrees to date with the representative of Management -- namely, the repulsive Louie (Danny DeVito). Even after the strike has ended, Elaine must go through with her rendezvous with Louie, and to ease the pain she fortifies herself with booze and sedatives. Sensing that Elaine is none too thrilled with their night out, Louie tries real, real hard to be on his best behavior -- a task that, of course, proves absolutely impossible. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lee Delano
- 1979
Dee Wallace Stone makes a return appearance as soap-opera actress Joyce Rogers, a character introduced in the first-season episode "Bobby's Big Break." Proving to be a shoulder to cry on when Joyce is overcome with her insecurities, Alex (Judd Hirsch) somewhat unexpectedly falls in love with her. The test of their relationship arrives when Joyce is offered a fantastic career opportunity -- one that will compel her to move to Los Angeles. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dee Wallace
