Steve Giannelli Movies

A group of intrepid humans attempts to save the Earth from vicious extraterrestrials in this extremely popular science-fiction adventure. Borrowing liberally from War of the Worlds, Aliens, and every sci-fi invasion film inbetween, director Roland Emmerich and producer and co-writer Dean Devlin present a visually slick, fast-paced adventure filled with expensive special effects and large-scale action sequences. The story begins with the approach of a series of massive spaceships, which many on Earth greet with open arms, looking forward to the first contact with alien life. Unfortunately, these extraterrestrials have not come in peace, and they unleash powerful weapons that destroy most of the world's major cities. Thrown into chaos, the survivors struggle to band together and put up a last-ditch resistance in order to save the human race. As this is a Hollywood film, this effort is led by a group of scrappy Americans, including a computer genius who had foreseen the alien's evil intent (Jeff Goldblum), a hot-shot jet pilot (Will Smith), and the President of the United States (Bill Pullman). While some critics objected to the film's lack of originality and lapses in logic, the combination of grand visual spectacle and crowd-pleasing storytelling proved irresistible to audiences, resulting in an international smash hit. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Norm (George Wendt) goes into his soft soap act to dissuade hard-nosed IRS agent Dot Carroll (Sharon Barr) from auditing him. The canny Dot resists all of Norm's efforts -- except one. Meanwhile, Sam (Ted Danson) tries to prevent the Cheers gang from viewing a videotape of one of his less-inspired performances on the baseball diamond. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Originally telecast as a two-hour special (including a 25-minute retrospective of series highlights), the famous final episode of Cheers has since been re-edited as three separate half-hour installments for syndication. In part one, Sam (Ted Danson) is surprised to see his former fiancée Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) on TV, accepting a screenwriting award. Phoning Diane to congratulate her, Sam saves face by claiming that he's happily married -- and she, for the same reason, says the same thing. Meanwhile, plumber Don Santry (Tom Berenger) proposes to Rebecca (Kirstie Alley), who finds it extremely hard to accept even though all of her wants to do so. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The wealthy father (Richard Doyle) of Woody's sweetheart Kelly (Jackie Swanson) arranges for the girl to be sent to study in Europe. In desperation, Woody (Woody Harrelson) draws up a plan to elope with his beloved. Elsewhere at Cheers, Norm (George Wendt) has been appointed the evening's designated driver -- but he is really, really thirsty. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Poised to marry Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth), Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) looks forward to one final "madcap night of debauchery and vomiting" at his bachelor party. Instead, Frasier is plunged into the depths of despair when the stripper hired for the party turns out to be one of his patients. Meanwhile, Lilith's bridal shower turns into a highly combustible affair. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

After a tumultuous five-year relationship, Sam (Ted Danson) and Diane (Shelley Long) are ready to exchange marriage vows. But on the day of the wedding, who should show up but Sumner Sloane (Michael McGuire), the ex-beau who "deserted" Diane at Cheers five years earlier. Announcing that he's had an offer to expand one of Diane's class papers into a novel, Sloane begs Diane to accompany him to a publisher -- immediately. Although fans of Cheers were fully aware that this, the final episode of the series' fifth season, also marked the farewell appearance of Long, the actual outcome of the story was one of the best-kept secrets of 1987, thanks to the producers' strategy of filming a false ending in front of a live studio audience. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Prodded by Frasier (Kelsey Grammer), Cliff (John Ratzenberger) intends to sue the owner of the dog that bit him while he was on his mail route. But Cliff's resolve evaporates when the dog's owner turns out to be the lovely and compliant Madeline Keith (Anita Morris). Contrary to expectations, Madeline is not merely stringing Cliff along so that he'll drop his suit -- but what exactly does she want from him? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of a two-part story, Carla's hockey goalie boyfriend Eddie LeBec (Jay Thomas) goes from a sizzling winning streak to a devastating slump. Can Carla possibly be a jinx? Elsewhere, Diane (Shelley Long) is somewhat put out when attempted-murder charges are dropped in the trial in which she served as jury foreperson. What Diane doesn't know is that her well-meaning interference caused the plaintiff to have a change of heart. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of a three-part story, a scorned Diane (Shelley Long) disrupts the press conference of Sam's current amour, local politician Janet Eldridge (Kate Mulgrew). Outraged, Sam tosses Diane out of Cheers, telling her never to come back -- but his problems are only beginning. Elsewhere, Norm (George Wendt) wonders if he will be able to resist the charms of his predatory sister-in-law. This was the final episode of Cheers' fourth season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Miffed at having to meet the fiancé of the hometown sweetheart (Amanda Wyss) who rejected him, Woody (Woody Harrelson) is determined to prove that he has a new girlfriend (actually, he is forced to prove this, thanks to the "helpful" Diane [Shelley Long]). Desperate, Woody looks up a few names in Sam's (Ted Danson) legendary Little Black Book. A girl known as "Desiree" sounds very promising, but names, like appearances, can be very deceiving. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Year after year, the staff at Gary's Old Towne Tap has defeated the gang at Cheers in one athletic contest after another. This year, however, it looks as if Cheers will be able to best Gary's at their annual bowling match. All Sam (Ted Danson) has to do is convince the reluctant Woody (Woody Harrelson) to stop hiding his kegling skills under a bushel basket. By the way, catch those cooool shades on Cliff (John Ratzenberger). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Carla (Rhea Perlman) perceives a golden opportunity for revenge when her former reform-school principal begins showing up at Cheers. Summoning other "graduates" of St. Clete's School for Wayward Girls, Carla assembles a get-even plan of mammoth proportions. Meanwhile, Diane (Shelley Long) and Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) continue their European odyssey. The late Nicholas Colasanto (Coach) appears briefly via outtakes from earlier episodes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

As a favor to unemployed accountant Norm (George Wendt), the Cheers gang persuades a reluctant Sam (Ted Danson) to hire Norm to do his taxes. As a result, Sam finds himself in line for a refund of 15,000 dollars. Terrified that Norm has committed an illegality somewhere along the way, Sam goes to his regular accountant for a second opinion. Then the "fun" really begins. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi