Julian Lennon Movies

Telecast on the Bravo cable network, this two-hour special zeroes in on the children of celebrated rock stars -- specifically, those children who have, for better or worse, attempted to launch musical careers of their own. Featured performers include Sally Taylor, daughter of Carly Simon and John Taylor; Simon Collins, son of Phil Collins; Julian Lennon, son of John Lennon; James Raymond, son of David Crosby (Raymond was unaware of his illustrious parentage until he was in his late twenties); Sarah Lee and Abe Guthrie, offspring of Arlo Guthrie (himself the son of folksinging icon Woody Guthrie); Teddy Richards, son of Aretha Franklin; Jason Everly, son of Phil Everly; and Louis Osbourne, the "other" son of Ozzy Osbourne. The message of Singing in the Shadow, which is hammered home at every opportunity, is twofold: Talent is not always inherited and celebrities are not always the best of parents. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Mike Figgis' grim drama documents a romantic triangle of sorts involving prostitute Sera (Elisabeth Shue), failed Hollywood screenwriter Ben (Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage), and the constant flow of booze which he loves more dearly than life itself. Arriving in Las Vegas with the intention of drinking himself to death, Ben meets Sera, and they gradually begin falling for one another. From the outset, however, Ben warns Sera that no matter what, she can never ask him to quit drinking, a condition to which she grudgingly agrees. A darkly comic tragedy, Leaving Las Vegas charts the brief romantic convergence of two desperately needy people who together find a brief flicker of happiness. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi

A magic-obsessed New York waitress (Rosanna Arquette) is persuaded by a colorful group of characters to help her rob the restaurant where she works. Along the way, she falls in love with the eatery's bartender (David Bowie), who just so happens to be looking for someone who will make him a permanent resident of the U.S. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi

Rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry's 60th birthday party (October 18, 1986) in his home town of St. Louis forms the nucleus of Taylor Hackford's lively musical documentary. In addition to Berry, we are treated to interviews with Bo Diddley, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, and comparative youngsters Eric Clapton, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, and Bruce Springsteen. Whenever he goes on the radio interview circuit, Berry insists upon answering pre-set questions. A few moments into this film, it's easy to see why: Berry suffers neither fools nor unpleasant surprises very well at all. Once all the words are spent, however, we are left with blue-ribbon concert footage lensed at St. Louis' Fox theatre, showing off Berry at his indefatigable best. Highlights include such Berry standards as "Maybelline," "Johnny B. Goode," "Nadine," and "Roll Over Beethoven," as well as the contributions of the above-mentioned guest stars. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi