Marcella Lowery Movies
Responsibility clashes with freedom as a young New York City couple experiences two decidedly different holidays in this drama from filmmaking duo David Siegel and Scott McGehee (Suture, The Deep End). It's the Fourth of July, and Kate (Lynn Collins) and Bobby (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) are struggling to make a decision: do they stick with tradition and spend the weekend with Kate's family, or do they set out on their own for a spontaneous adventure? After making their initial decision, an alternate narrative emerges to show just what would have happened had they chosen to do otherwise. While the decision-making process may seem mundane, the implications of each choice are profound. Sure, a holiday with the family doesn't seem nearly as exciting as an impromptu romantic trip, but that doesn't mean it will be any less dramatic. As the stories diverge and a "what if" scenario becomes reality, it soon becomes apparent how much one seemingly minor decision can ultimately affect the rest of our lives. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lynn Collins, (more)
A doctor learns there's more to his profession than making money in this comedy-drama. Charlie Keegan (Robert Capelli Jr.) is a physician who has built up a lucrative practice by caring more about profits and working the loopholes of medical insurance claims than looking after the needs of his patients. While Keegan's scams allow him to live high for a while, eventually his misdeeds catch up with him, and when he's found guilty of insurance fraud, as part of his sentence he's ordered to spend six months doing volunteer work at Shady Pines, an nursing home for the elderly that has seen better days. With the help of Jill (Emmanuelle Chriqui), a pretty and compassionate nurse who works at the home, Keegan makes friends with his often eccentric patients and learns to deal with the other members of the staff and their many problems. In time, Keegan finds himself looking at the Shady Pines residents as people rather than clients, and gains a new perspective on himself and his career; he also finds himself falling in love with the idealistic Jill. Also starring Pat Hingle, Betsy Palmer, Paige Turco, and Artie Lange, Waltzing Anna was the first directorial effort from the team of Doug Bollinger and Bx Giongrete. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Emmanuelle Chriqui, Robert Capelli Jr., (more)
- 2003
The "D.C. Sniper" case was still very much in the news when this Law & Order episode first appeared in the spring of 2003. Detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Green (Jesse L. Martin) race against time to track down the unknown gunman who has randomly picked off four victims in broad daylight. Once the suspect is in hand, Assistant District Attorneys McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Southerlyn (Elisabeth Rohm) are shocked by the revelations attending the arrest. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
A talented young rock keyboardist allows his life to fall into the gutter after he loses both hands during a mugging. He is later fitted with special hand extensions, but these neither allow him to play music nor much of anything else. Despondent, he starts drinking heavily and soon finds himself a self-pitying homeless street bum in New York. His life starts improving after he encounters Anamika, a New Age girl who befriends him and introduces him to special friends, one a computer genius and the other, her landlady, a metal sculptor. Together with some assistance from his roommate, the three devise a marvelous set of hands for the boy, ones endowed with special qualities that allow to play music even better than before. Billing himself as Cyberstorm, the lad becomes a star. A hometown concert gives him a chance at revenge. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Christina Applegate, James Marshall, (more)
- 1994
This children's video is part of a popular series from PBS that featured young people solving mysteries. Presented in a format both educational and entertaining for a children's audience, a group of young sleuths set out to find the culprit who burned Mr. Brinker's store. In the ensuing drama, the kids get practice in some important life skills, including cooperation, problem solving, logic, deduction, reading, writing, and having fun. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1994
This film is part of a past PBS television series that featured young people solving mysteries. The popular series was acclaimed for its educational value, as it taught children the skills of cooperation, reading, writing, logic, deduction, and problem solving. In this episode, renowned film director Spike Lee helps the kids solve a thorny mystery and write their own comic strip to enter in a contest. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1994
A private adoption racket is exposed when a woman claims that she fainted in a taxi and awoke to find baby missing. In the course of their investigation, detective Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Logan (Chris Noth) encounter all manner of human anguish and desperation. Particularly compelling are Debra Elkins (Angie Phillips), the woman who insists that her child was stolen, and Dorothy Baxter (Ann Dowd), who wants a baby at any price -- and never mind the consequences. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1994
The focus in this episode is on Lt. Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson), the boss of detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Logan (Chris Noth). During an attempted holdup, Van Buren shoots and kills one of her teenaged assailants. Already racked with guilt, Van Buren must also endure the ordeal of an investigation from the D.A.'s office when evidence indicates that she might have shot an unarmed youth in the back. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1993
- R
A divorced, thirtysomething private investigator has an early mid-life crisis and goes looking for love. As a detective, Ryan specializes in providing evidence of infidelity for spouses seeking grounds for divorce. He is assisted by his partners Vernon, a genius with technical gadgetry and Dean, his free-wheeling cameraman. Dean frequently gives Ryan a hard time about having no discernible love life. This constant razzing wears on the over-analytical Ryan and he employs a computer dating service and through them meets the lovely Tura an independent-minded girl who is as emotional as Ryan is rational. Still the detective falls deeply in love with her. Unfortunately, he is afraid to commit and she dumps him. She begins seeing others and this makes Ryan so jealous that he begins using his equipment to surveil her. This infuriates Tura and only makes matters worse in the long run. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1992
This educational video is aimed at the young set and teaches kids problem-solving skills in an entertaining fashion. A ghost leaves written clues for children to solve various mysteries. Children are invited to join in and keep a log of the clues, using their own materials. Skills that can be developed by this video include reading and writing, logical thinking, deductive reasoning, cooperation, and creativity. The young viewer is offered a fun way to appreciate the value of problem-solving skills. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
In this comedy about a doctor-patient relationship pushed way beyond the office, Bill Murray plays Bob Wiley, a neurotic New Yorker struggling with a whirlwind of paralyzing phobias. When an exasperated colleague pawns the handful off on Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss), the psychologist has no idea his last appointment will follow him north to New Hampshire on a month's vacation. Bob takes to Dr. Marvin's latest book like no therapy before it, so the well-meaning pest tracks Marvin down at his lakeside summer home to further discuss his problems. But Marvin, preparing for an interview on Good Morning America and a few weeks of R and R, views Bob's stalking as highly inappropriate, and demands he return to New York. But Bob can't take even the strongest hint, and sets up camp with a neighbor to indulge in his own "vacation" -- from his problems. Meanwhile, Marvin's son Sigmund (Charlie Korsmo), daughter Anna (Catherine Erbe), and wife Fay (Julie Hagerty) take to Bob's loopy charm, which Marvin views as an irritating threat. Marvin's temperature rises as Bob insinuates his way into the family, helping Sigmund learn to dive and counseling the previously ignored Anna. As Bob's stock continues to rise, and his to plummet, Marvin becomes increasingly unhinged as the minutes tick down to the interview. ~ Derek Armstrong, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, (more)
The ruthless leader of a New York City drug syndicate battles to maintain his power and avoid imprisonment in this fast-moving action drama. While the film's heroes are Scotty (Ice-T) and Nick (Judd Nelson), a pair of tough, streetwise cops, the main focus is their target, drug lord Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). A criminal businessman with no room for pity or emotion, the flashy but severe Brown has built an empire and transformed an abandoned Harlem apartment building into a well-defended fortress. He begins to consider himself invincible, but his lust for power and the unpredictable actions of a former client turned police informer threaten to bring about his potential downfall. First-time director Mario Van Peebles keeps the traditional plot moving at an appropriately rapid pace, with stylish action sequences and energetic performances. The film's violence was somewhat controversial on its initial release, especially after shooting incidents marred showings in several theaters. However, the film's moral message is clearly anti-drug and anti-crime, its main intent to provide a high-powered, modern take on the gangster movie. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, (more)
Though the original Fletch was drubbed by critics, it proved a major success for star Chevy Chase. It was inevitable, then, that a sequel would make an appearance. Surprisingly, Fletch Lives didn't come out until 1989--a full five years after the original. Once more, Chase stars as Irwin Maurice "Fletch" Fletcher, the gonzo investigative reporter created by novelist Gregory McDonald. Indulging his penchant for disguises and bizarre aliases, Fletch investigates a deep dark mystery at a crumbling Southern plantation. Various friends and enemies are portrayed con brio by Hal Holbrook, Cleavon Little, Juliane Phillips, Randall "Tex" Cobb, Richard Libertini and Richard Belzer (Chase's cohort from the old Groove Tube days). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Chevy Chase, Hal Holbrook, (more)
After earning rave notices for powerful supporting turns as a pimp in Street Smart (1987) and an alcohol abuse counselor in Clean and Sober (1988), actor Morgan Freeman began his ascent to stardom with this, his first lead role in a major motion picture. Freeman is real-life high school principal Joe Clark, a tough, harsh educator and administrator who in 1987 is given a nearly impossible task by his old friend, school superintendent Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume). Clark is asked to reform inner city Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ, a hotbed of delinquent kids and drug dealers. Considered the worst school in New Jersey, the state is threatening to take control of Eastside away from the local school board. If Clark can straighten out Eastside in time to get the school's basic-skills test scores up, he can have the job permanently. Although Clark's tyrannical approach and hard-line policies alienate many members of the staff and the community, his uncompromising campaign gets results and even makes him famous, much to the chagrin of his powerful enemies. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Morgan Freeman, Robert Guillaume, (more)
- 1989
Not only has new mom Sondra (Sabrina LeBeauf) been worn to a frazzle caring for the twins, but she is also sore that her med-school student husband Elvin (Geoffrey Owens) seems to be taking her for granted. As for Elvin, his efforts to convince Sondra that he's as caring and concerned as ever fail dismally. Ulitmately, the couple's female relatives figure out how to get Sondra and Elvin back on track--but not before Cliff (Bill Cosby), in his zeal to castigate Elvin for his lack of consideration, is shown to be even LESS considerate than his son-in-law! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
Cliff (Bill Cosby) braves a terrific rainstorm to purchase a few extra ingredients for the Huxtables' Thanksgiving dinner--only to be forced back into the deluge time and again because he keeps forgetting one "little" item after another. To top off the situation, Martin's ex-wife Paula (Victoria Rowell) shows up unexpectedly. How will Denise (Lisa Bonet) react upon meeting her matrimonial predecessor face-to-face? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
Coming down with a bad case of strep throat, Sondra (Sabrina LeBeauf) is temporarily unable to care for the twins by herself. This situation proves to be a golden opportunity for the babies' grandmothers Clair (Phylicia Rashad) and Francine (Marcella Lowery), who swoop down and "kidnap" the twins for a fun family outing. As an outraged Sondra (who has long dreaded this moment) chases all over town, the babies and their doting grandmas zip and zap from one location to another, seemingly at the speed of light! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1988
In the conclusion of a two-part story (originally networkcast as an hour-long special), Sondra (Sabrina LeBeau) gives birth to twins, a boy and a girl, whom she names Nelson and Winnie (as in "Mandela"). Grandfather Cliff (Bill Cosby) is of course elated, but he's also worried that Sondra's husband Elvin will not be able to shoulder his new financial responsibilities--but Elvin has a surprise for all concerned. Meanwhile, Clarice (Phylicia Rashad) and Mrs. Tibedeaux (Marcella Lowry) adjust (sort of) to being grandmothers; and Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner) continues to be attracted to his pal Howard's girlfriend Julia (played by supermodel Naomi Campbell), which doesn't bother Howard (Roy Wilson) but certainly annoys Theo's girl Justine (Michelle Thomas). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Young divorced mother Kate Nelligan refuses to go into a panic when her six-year-old son disappears. She manages to maintain an even emotional keel even when detective Judd Hirsch unearths several clues which point to sexual molestation. After several false leads, the truth is revealed. We won't divulge the ending, but we will note that we found it pretty hard to swallow-especially when compared to the actual case upon which Beth Gutcheson's novel and screenplay were based. Despite its cop-out denouement, Without a Trace deserves to take its place among such superior missing-children dramas as the made-for-TV Adam and Just Another Missing Kid. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Kate Nelligan, Judd Hirsch, (more)
The ads for Arthur suggested that this was an obnoxious film about an obnoxious man, an eternally drunken millionaire indulging his every whim. Instead, Arthur (Dudley Moore) is a sweet, somewhat pathetic character whose millions have left him lonely and with no motivation in life. When the film opens, Arthur is on the threshold of an arranged marriage with simpering socialite Susan (Jill Eikenberry), whom he does not love. Everyone expects Arthur to behave himself, but nobody truly cares for his well-being, with the exception of father-figure butler Mr. Hobson (John Gielgud, who won an Oscar for his performance) and blue-collar shoplifter Linda (Liza Minnelli). Arthur would prefer to marry the lowly Linda, but his iron-willed grandmother (Geraldine Fitzgerald) threatens to pull the plug on his huge inheritance if he doesn't honor his position in life and go through with his marriage to Susan. A sequel, Arthur 2: On the Rocks, followed in 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, (more)
- 1975
- R
An aging, diminutive private detective from Harlem works to track down an elusive robber while staving off crooked cops and vicious gangsters in this largely ad-libbed, independent black comedy shot on a shoestring budget by a handful of amateur actors and filmmakers. When local numbers lady (Virginia Fields) is held up by Hi-Yo (Bill Jay) in Central Park, her daughter (Marcella Lowery) hires Super Spook (Leonard Jackson) to track the thief down. Now the closer Super Spook gets to his target, the more he starts to realize that he isn't the only one searching for Hi-Yo. As cops and criminals alike begin to turn up the heat on the nervous numbers runner, Super Spook realizes this is one case that's going to take some serious overtime. He may not be as smooth as Shaft, but Super Spook always gets his man. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1972
- R
The Broad Coalition is about a coalition of broads. In this broad satire, they are members of the women's liberation movement. One of the movement stalwarts is a mad-scientist type, and she has developed a way to make men pregnant. Among those in her group is a woman with a policeman boyfriend who is chosen as the test subject. When he gives birth to a baby boy, the other men on the force decide that they want babies too, and the women begin to feel neglected by their baby-mad men. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
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