Robert Loggia Movies
Forceful leading actor Robert Loggia left plans for a journalistic career behind when he began his studies at New York's Actors Studio. His first important Broadway assignment was 1955's The Man with the Golden Arm; one year later, he made his first film, Somebody Up There Likes Me. In 1958 he enjoyed a brief flurry of TV popularity as the title character in "The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca," a multipart western originally telecast on Walt Disney Presents. His next weekly TV assignment was as a good-guy burglar in 1967's T.H.E. Cat. A fitfully successful movie leading man, Loggia truly came into his own when he cast off his toupee and became a character actor, often in roles requiring quiet menace. As Richard Gere's bullying father, Loggia dominated the precredits scenes of An Officer and a Gentleman (1981), and was equally effective as the villain in Curse of the Pink Panther (1982) and as mafia functionaries in Scarface (1983) and Prizzi's Honor (1985). He was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a two-bit detective in The Jagged Edge (1985). The most likeable Robert Loggia screen character thus far is his toy manufacturer in Big (1988), the film in which Loggia and Tom Hanks exuberantly dance to the tune of "Heart and Soul" on a gigantic keyboard. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Leslie Greif directs this adaptation of Ray Cooney's hit British play, a throwback farce about mistaken identity. Chevy Chase plays Henry Perkins, a listless late-middle-aged executive in a wax fruit company; his wife, Carol (Penelope Ann Miller), is similarly bored, a struggling sculptor and housewife in Hoboken, NJ. On his way home from work to a surprise birthday party Carol is throwing, he accidentally switches briefcases with a Russian mobster. He opens the suitcase at a local bar and discovers five million dollars inside. He rushes home and tries to arrange a flight to Barcelona for Carol and him so they can take the money and run. Detective Sergeant Genero (Armand Assante) shows up later; he saw Henry at the bar and is suspicious of his actions. The Perkins, along with their friends Vic and Gina Johnson (Christopher McDonald and Alex Meneses), concoct an elaborate plan to fool the detective, which is only complicated by Carol getting sloppy drunk, the arrival of a homicide detective (Kevin Sussman), a famous gallery owner (Rebecca Wisocky), Henry's boss (Robert Loggia), a frustrated standup comic cabbie (Guy Torry), two more identical briefcases, and the party guests. The comic action reaches a climax in a standoff with Mafia kingpin Mr. Big (Zoltan Butuc). ~ Michael Buening, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chevy Chase, Penelope Ann Miller, (more)
Two sets of crooks -- one of beginners, the other old hands at the game -- are lured by the promise of the big heist in a comedy drama from writer and director James Hausler. Wilson (Robert Forster) has just been released from prison after serving 25 years for armed robbery. While Wilson is edging into retirement age, he still has an old score to settle with Mackey (Robert Loggia), a career criminal who helped put Wilson behind bars. Wilson teams up with Marvin (Richard Roundtree), a fellow ex-con who also has a beef against Mackey, and together they set up a heist in order to hit their rival where it hurts. Meanwhile, Buckely (James Hausler) is a slacker who thinks a life of crime might be easier than holding down a real job. With the help of his pals, Buckley maps out a robbery that should earn him a sizable payday, though it doesn't take long for his inexperience to become an issue. Also featuring Lucie Arnaz and Christopher Clark, Wild Seven received its world premiere at the 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
A talented young pianist named Rain finds her future as a musician thrown into question due after an unfortunate encounter with a vicious street gang in a musical drama adapted from the book by V.C. Andrews and starring Robert Loggia, Faye Dunaway, and Brooklyn Sudano. When Rain witnesses her sister being killed by a murderous street gang, the thugs who pulled the trigger quickly set out to ensure that she never has a chance to turn them in. Subsequently placed in the care of a nurturing woman who seems determined to protect Rain by any means necessary, the frightened pianist gradually comes to realize that her benevolent guardian is in fact her long lost mother. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brooklyn Sudano, Faye Dunaway, (more)
Burt Reynolds, Robert Loggia, and Charles Durning star in this crime comedy following three retired war veterans who stumble upon $4million in stolen mob money and quickly find themselves targeted by both the Mafia and the Feds. Sam (Reynolds), Carl (Loggia), and Eddie (Durning) have all managed to survive their turbulent tours of duty, and now all they want is to settle down and enjoy their retirement in the desert paradise of Sunrise Park - located just outside of Phoenix, AZ. Up until now, the biggest concern for these three friends was who would wind up winning the affections of their sultry neighbor, a former Las Vegas showgirl named Christine (Raquel Welch). The stakes get more than a little higher, however, when the Witness Protection Program drops mob-informant Angelo Nitti in their midst. Having recently turned evidence on some of the most dangerous underworld heavies around, Angelo has been given a new name and a new home in Sunrise Park. But despite the fact that he's come clean about his criminal life, Angelo still harbors a whopper of a secret: He's quietly stashed $4million in stolen mob money, and he's planning on spending the rest of his days in style. His plan hits a hitch, however, when his three neighbors discover the loot and head out on a wild spending spree. Now, as Angelo's secret spreads among both the underworld and the authorities, unsuspecting trio Sam, Carl, and Eddie soon find themselves pursued by trigger-happy treasure hunters on both sides of the law. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Burt Reynolds, Raquel Welch, (more)
- 2004
Veteran actor Robert Loggia narrates this officially sanctioned look at the life of boxing legend Rocky Marciano. An undefeated champion of the ring who rose through the ranks to make boxing history, the Italian-American pugilist takes on a variety of opponents in vintage fight clips and speaks openly about his career in a series of candid interviews. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Money and power bring major corruption to the world's energy marketplace in this taut political drama. After a long war between the United States and a coalition of Middle Eastern nations leads to a gap in the flow of multinational oil trading, the price of gasoline in America shoots past six dollars a gallon and both the energy industry and the stock market are walking on thin ice. In the midst of this instability, Tom Hansen (Christian Slater), a leading advisor at of one Wall Street's top firms, is looking to hire new talent to help with his latest client, Condor Oil and Gas. Condor's CEO, Jared Tolson (Robert Loggia) used to employ Tom's best friend until the younger man died in a mysterious accident, and Tom is eager to do what he can for Jared. Tom hires Abbey Gallagher (Selma Blair) to assist with the Condor account; Abbey is a passionate environmental activist who is wary of associating herself with a major energy firm, but her mentor Prof. Roseman (John Heard) persuades her she can be an advocate for green concerns on the inside. As Tom and Abbey spend more time together, they become romantically drawn to one another, but Tom's love for her puts Abbey in great danger when she finds out what he knows about illegal oil trading operations and money laundering schemes that link Condor with the Russian Mafia. The Deal also stars Colm Feore, Angie Harmon, and Françoise Yip. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christian Slater, Selma Blair, (more)
James Foley directs the slick crime caper Confidence, written by first-time screenwriter Doug Jung. Told in flashback, smooth-talking con man Jake Vig (Edward Burns) relates an elaborate scheme orchestrated by his gang :Gordo (Paul Giamatti), Miles (Brian Van Holt), and Big Al (Louis Lombardi). The crew pulls off a swindling job stealing money from a guy named Lionel (Leland Orser), who turns out to be a mob accountant for the crazy crime boss known as the King (Dustin Hoffman). After the damage has been done, Jake and his crew attempt to pull off an even bigger scam to make up for their mistake. This time the con involves the King's enemy, the mob-connected banker Morgan Price (Robert Forster). Two corrupt cops (Donal Logue and Luis Guzman) join Jake's team while the King appoints his henchman, Lupus (Frankie G.) to oversee the operation. Rachel Weisz plays Lily, Jake's love interest who is also in on the scam. Eventually, Andy Garcia shows up as FBI Agent Gunther Butan, who has been perpetually chasing after Jake. Confidence premiered at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edward Burns, Rachel Weisz, (more)
- 2003
Actress Julia Roberts was executive producer of Queens Supreme, a weekly, seriocomic look at the judicial system in the Big City. The setting was the Queens Supreme County Courthouse, where a motley crew of judges worked together while working apart. The dramatis personae included eccentric, cynical Judge Jack Moran (Oliver Platt), dignified and equitable Judge Thomas O'Neill (Robert Loggia), witheringly honest and outspoken Judge Rose Barnea (L. Scott Caldwell), and idealistic new apointee Judge Kim Vicidomini (Annabella Sciorra). The flippantly liberal stance of the series was established on the opener, in which a disgruntled smoker held a jury hostage out of frustration over recent multimillion-dollar court decisions against cigarette manufacturers. Queens Supreme debuted January 10, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Oliver Platt, Annabella Sciorra, (more)
Dana Carvey ventures into the world of PG-rated, family-oriented entertainment as star and co-writer of this light adventure comedy, which requires the actor to assume more than three dozen different identities. Carvey's primary role in Master of Disguise, however, is that of Pistachio Disguisey, an ordinary waiter with a hidden, mostly untapped talent for transforming himself into any persona he wishes. When his kindly parents, Mama (Edie McClurg) and Frabbrizio (James Brolin), are kidnapped by the evil thief Devlin (Brent Spiner), the usually meek Pistachio is forced to rescue them. Enlisting the help of his grandfather (Harold Gould), Pistachio learns that he is one of a long line of family members to have the power of "Energico," a mystical means of changing one's identity to suit any given situation, and Pistachio learns to use these powers to their fullest to defeat Devlin and win back his folks. Carvey's original idea for Master of Disguise was helped to the screen by executive producer Adam Sandler, a buddy of his from their time on NBC's Saturday Night Live. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dana Carvey, Jennifer Esposito, (more)
After smuggling a stolen multimillion-dollar shipment of Viagra into the United States from Mexico, Crazy Jose (Paul Rodriguez) is pursued by an angry New York Mafioso in this outrageous comedy from director Alex Wright. Though the big-city wise guys are determined to recover their profitable pills, their patience is soon put to the ultimate test in a series of rural mishaps. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Gregg Champion's heartwarming drama Dodson's Journey stars David James Elliott as James Dodson, a man attempting to salvage his relationship with his young daughter (Alicia Morton). James has been thrown off kilter when in quick succession his father dies and his marriage ends. He goes on a fishing trip with his daughter, attempting to bridge the substantial gap that has grown between them. The supporting cast includes Ellen Burstyn and Penelope Ann Miller. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David James Elliott, Brenda James, (more)
An ambitious high school senior who dreams of escaping his dreary small town and his depressive single father receives a visit from a disheveled senior citizen claiming to be the boy's older self in an intimate fantasy drama starring Robert Loggia, Craig T. Nelson, and John Amos. Seventeen year-old inventor Z.T. (Ean Mering) is athletic and creative, and seems to be headed for a bright future. Lately, Z.T. has been dreaming of getting out from under the protective arm of his gloomy father Cole (Nelson) and venturing out into the real world. Suddenly, sixty-eight year-old alcoholic named Zack (Loggia) shows up in town claiming to be the older incarnation of Z.T. Despite the fact that Zack can't quite remember the specifics about his mission, he claims to have arrived in order to stop Z.T. from making a single mistake that will send the boy's life into an irreversible downward spiral. Later, as Zack and Z.T. begin working together to avert disaster, the young boy falls for a beautiful local girl named Delena (Emilie Jacobs) and does his best to deal with the demands of his overbearing coach (John Amos). When Z.T.'s dad makes a devastating confession, Zack's time-traveling mission quickly takes on a newfound sense of urgency. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ean Mering, Craig T. Nelson, (more)
In this romantic comedy, a man loses the love of his life, only to find her heart beating in the body of someone new. Architect Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) is happily married until his wife Elizabeth (Joely Richardson), a zoologist, dies in an auto accident. A year later, Bob is still dealing with his loss when he meets Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver), a shy woman who waits tables in an Irish/Italian restaurant run by her grandfather Marty (Carroll O'Connor). Bob falls for Grace at first sight, and she's attracted to him as well, but what he doesn't know is that a year ago Grace was the recipient of a heart transplant -- and that Elizabeth was the donor. Return to Me was directed and co-written by actress Bonnie Hunt, who also appears in a supporting role as Grace's best friend Megan; the cast also includes Robert Loggia, James Belushi, and David Alan Grier. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, (more)
- 2000
Robert Loggia guest stars as Stefano, a popular chef as famous for his temper as his culinary accomplishments. Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) bends over backward trying to remain on Stefano's good side, even if it means pretending to like a caricature of himself that has been hung on the wall of Stefano's restaurant. Meanwhile, a nervous Daphne (Jane Leeves) continues preparing for her marriage to Donny (Saul Rubinek) -- and wrestling with her feelings toward Niles (David Hyde Pierce). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Robert Loggia guest stars as 102-year-old movie director Chandler Crowne, a specialist in dark, pessimistic films. Though due for a final rendezvous with Angel of Death Andrew (John Dye), Chandler will not be able to die in peace unless he takes care of some unfinished business in his distant past. At the same time, Chandler is being hounded by hero-worshipping film student Stevie Noonan (Noelle Parker), who demands to know why the director switched from making optimistic comedy films to turning out defeatist dramas. The inevitable flashback whisks us to Hollywood's Golden Era, as the young Crowne puts the finishing touches on his classic film "Redemption"--in which Monica (Roma Downey) is appearing as the ingenue! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Answering the question of "Where have all the New Wavers gone?" is The Suburbans, a comedy from first-time director Donal Lardner Ward, who also stars and co-wrote the screenplay. In 1981, power pop band The Suburbans had it all -- big hair, skinny ties and a hit record. But they never followed up on their one chart success, and years later, most of the band's members have dropped out of the music business in favor of "real jobs." However, when one of the ex-Suburbans gets married, the four members are reunited at the reception and play their lone hit for old times sake. As fate would have it, one of the wedding guests is Cait (Jennifer Love Hewitt), a young A&R executive who loved the Suburbans as a kid and thinks they could have another shot at the big time. But does pushing-40 bandleader Danny (Ward) really want to put a stake in the heart of his marriage to Grace (Amy Brenneman) for another moment in the spotlight? The Suburbans features a period-appropraite cameo from A Flock Of Seagulls and supporting performances from Ben Stiller, Jerry Stiller, Will Ferrell and Robert Loggia. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Craig Bierko, Amy Brenneman, (more)
- 1999
This made-for-TV drama is based on the autobiography of one of the most notorious figures in American organized crime, Joseph Bonanno. Bonanno (played by Bruce Ramsay) left Sicily as a young man, eager to escape the tyranny of Benito Mussolini, but when he arrived in America, fate led him to a career on the wrong side of the law with the Castellamarese crime family. After his mentor was killed in a bloody feud with cadres of the Gambino family, Bonanno became the youngest man to lead a major crime syndicate in America. Bonanno's battles with Lucky Luciano (Vince Corazza) and his secret dealings with Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Matt Norklun) helped cement Bonanno's reputation as one of the most powerful criminals in the world. It didn't take long, however, for the gangster kingpin to discover that power breeds treachery, and as the years passed, Bonanno (now played by Tony Nardi) learned that both the FBI and some of his most loyal allies were working to put him out of business. Martin Landau plays the elderly Bonanno, who tells much of his life story in flashback as he visits his hometown in Sicily for the first time in many years. The supporting cast includes Robert Loggia, Costas Mandylor, Patti LuPone, and Edward James Olmos. Bonanno: A Godfather's Story was originally produced as a two-part miniseries for the Showtime premium cable network, but was later edited down to 139 minutes for release on home video. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Martin Landau, Costas Mandylor, (more)
In this satirical farce, porn maven Ronny Bartolotti (Robert Loggia) has big plans for his daughter Katrina (Mena Suvari) to go to college and become a lawyer. Katrina, however, has other plans. An aspiring actress, she leaves her high school sex ed class early one day to appear on "The Quaint Show," where host Quaint McPerson (Sally Kellerman) informs an expectant audience that Katrina, a bona fide virgin, has agreed to be deflowered on the show by the appropriately named Tony the Salami. The blessed event is the idea of Joey Quinn (Bob Hoskins), a one-time protégé of Ronny's who is now a rival porn king. Ronny sets out to stop the show, as does Quaint's son, Brian (Gabriel Mann), who once dated Kristina. Meanwhile, in the true spirit of 21st century exploitation, thousands await the big show via Internet hook-up. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Hoskins, Robert Loggia, (more)
A literal interpretation of the oft-produced biography of 15th century historical heroine Joan d'Arc, this four-hour television miniseries version of Joan's story is lavishly produced. In a tiny village during the Hundred Years' War, teenager Joan d'Arc (Leelee Sobieski) has been raised by her parents, flinty Peter (Powers Boothe) and Isabelle (Jacqueline Bisset), amidst the wreckage continually wrought by British incursions into the area. A devout girl, Joan experiences visions of St. Catherine, which lead her to believe that she may be the "Maid of Orleans," a mythical figure who will lead France to victory over its enemies. Counseled by local priest Father Monet (Robert Loggia), Joan pursues her destiny in spite of her father's wishes. At first supported only by lowly commoners, Joan comes to the attention of the Dauphin, King Charles (Neil Patrick Harris). Together with his scheming advisor Bishop Cauchon (Emmy-winner Peter O'Toole), Charles uses Joan to unite his quarreling factions. Skeptical but superstitious, Charles' generals, including La Hire (Peter Strauss) are eventually won over by Joan's startling victories. But awaiting Joan is a disastrous Parisian campaign and Charles' betrayal. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leelee Sobieski, Jacqueline Bisset, (more)
Stephen Herek directed this comedy-drama in which soul-less exec Ricky Hayman (Jeff Goldblum), programmer for the failing Good Buy Shopping Network, is dismayed by a request to increase sales in two weeks. Bald do-gooder guru G. (Eddie Murphy) assists when Ricky and marketing director Kate (Kelly Preston) get a freeway flat. When G. passes out, tests indicate a heart murmur and heat prostration, so the robed prophet becomes Ricky's house guest. At a party, G. uses hypnosis and psychology to rid guest Nino Cerruti (portraying himself) of his flying fears. Ricky witnesses this and gets the notion to put G. on the air. Unfortunately, G. ignores both cue cards and on-sale products, prompting station owner McBainbridge (Robert Loggia) to calculate Ricky's severance pay. He's back on the job when both sales and ratings soar. The situation eventually causes Ricky to reexamine how his own values became lost in the labyrinth of corporate consumerism. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eddie Murphy, Jeff Goldblum, (more)
In this film by writer-director M. Night Shyamalan, a young boy learns lessons about life and God during a trying year of discovery in fifth grade at a Catholic boys' school. As the school year opens, Joshua Beal (Joseph Cross) is despondent over the recent death of his grandfather (Robert Loggia). On his first day at school, Joshua is harassed by the class bully. Because his grandfather played football, Joshua tries out for the school team, over the objections of his parents (Dana Delaney and Denis Leary), two physicians who don't like the risk of injury. But Joshua is inept athletically and does not make the team. Joshua continues to seek answers from God about his grandfather, so his teacher, Sister Terry (Rosie O'Donnell), advises him to approach a cardinal who is coming to visit the nearby girls school. Joshua meets a young girl at the school and falls for her. As the year goes by, Joshua continues his quest for spiritual answers and finds them in unexpected places, such as a winter snowstorm. ~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joseph Cross, Dana Delany, (more)
- 1998
- PG13
This drama about the efforts of an upper-class couple to have a child takes place in 1935 Boston. When Father Michael McKinnon (Kenneth Branagh) arrives from England to join the St. Jude's clergy, he avoids wealthy parishioners Arthur and Eleanor Barret (William Hurt, Madeleine Stowe). Attorney Arthur, an FDR adviser, and successful author Eleanor, want a child, but Arthur is sterile. Eleanor asks Arthur to pay someone to impregnate her, and Harvard law student Roger Martin (Neil Patrick Harris) is hired. He profits considerably, since he is required to return for several attempts. However, he becomes obsessed with Eleanor, infuriating Arthur, who threatens to kill him. Emotions and events escalate, as McKinnon reveals he's the son of Arthur's Nazi-leaning brother, Eleanor loses the baby, McKinnon becomes attracted to Eleanor, and there's a mysterious' murder. Shown at the 1998 Santa Barbara Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kenneth Branagh, Madeleine Stowe, (more)
Former Evening Shade costars Burt Reynolds and Charles Durning are reunited in this made-for-TV action thriller, the first entry in a three-picture deal between star-director Reynolds and the TNT cable network. Framed for murder after a botch stakeout, maverick cop Logan McQueen (Reynolds) escapes from maximum security and heads to Miami in search of the man who set him up. He is hotly pursued by the minions of a politically ambitious DA (Billy Dee Williams), who sees McQueen's capture as a stepping-stone to the governor's mansion. The film is so spectacularly violent that the cameo appearance by pro wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper seems a model of decorum in comparison. And Durning? He plays McQueen's ageing partner, as fast with a quip as with a gun. Originally telecast on December 13, 1998, Hard Time was followed by a brace of sequels. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Burt Reynolds, Charles Durning, (more)
- 1997
- R
After his large family's turmoil nearly drives a Mafia don over the edge, he decides to visit a psychoanalyst. As this is a National Lampoon production, it doesn't take long for things to comically go from bad to worse for the poor crook. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joseph Bologna, Robert Loggia, (more)
