Brian Ward Movies
- 2007
- Add The Film Crew: Hollywood After Dark to QueueAdd The Film Crew: Hollywood After Dark to top of Queue
From Mystery Science Theater masterminds Kevin Murphy, Mike Nelson, and Bill Corbett comes a follow-up series that finds the quick-witted threesome skewering some of the worst movies in Hollywood history. The first flick on the Film Crew bill is Hollywood After Dark - a 1968 drama starring Rue McClanahan as a struggling young actress desperate to get her big break on the silver screen. The naïve young actresses' trip to the top hits an unexpected detour, however, when she is drawn into the sordid world of underground stripping by her lecherous producers. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
My Brilliant Career and Oscar and Lucinda director Gillian Armstrong explores the final feat of the greatest illusionist ever to deceive a live audience in this docudrama concerning Harry Houdini's obsessive quest to find proof of an afterlife. The year is 1926, and Houdini (Guy Pearce) is an international superstar. Not only does the illusionist's otherworldly ability to bend reality hold audiences completely enthralled, but his easy charm finds him winning the hearts of his growing legion of fans as well. Yet behind Houdini's winning smile resides the restless heart of a tortured soul. Isolated by fame and drowning in regret over having not been present to hear his mother's last words, Houdini sets out in tour of Scotland and announces that he will pay 10,000 dollars to anyone who can prove spiritual contact with his deceased mother. But in his determination to prove that there is life after death, Houdini also becomes the target of countless charlatans, scam artists, and self-proclaimed spiritualists. Of course, stunning psychic Mary McGregor (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and her daughter/sidekick, Benji (Saoirse Ronan), seem remarkably sincere in their supernatural talents, yet that doesn't mean that the pair doesn't have their own ulterior motives for making a connection with the world-famous magic man. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, (more)
An overheard conversation leads a woman into a dark world of deadly intrigue in this political thriller. Silvia Broome (Nicole Kidman) is an African émigré who works as an interpreter at the United Nations. One of the languages she understands is Ku, a dialect spoken in her home country of Matobo. One day, as the General Assembly auditorium is being evacuated for a routine security sweep, Broome overhears a man speaking in Ku, who makes a cryptic statement that could be interpreted as a threat against the life of Zuwanie (Earl Cameron), Matobo's controversial ruler. Secret Service agent Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) is brought in to investigate Broome's story, and it isn't long before he's convinced that she knows more than she's willing to tell. As Keller and his partner, Dot Woods (Catherine Keener), dig deeper into Broome's story as well as her past, they discover a shocking tale of violence and corruption tied to Zuwanie's regime. The Interpreter was directed by Sydney Pollack, who also appears in a brief supporting role. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, (more)
- 1994
- Add Inside the Actors Studio: Robin Williams to QueueAdd Inside the Actors Studio: Robin Williams to top of Queue
This popular episode of Inside the Actor's studio features Robin Williams in a candid interview with host James Lipton. Peppered with his signature humor, impressions, and improvisational skills, Williams recounts the ups, downs, and some of the most memorable moments of his long and varied career. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robin Williams, James Lipton, (more)
