David Franco Movies
- 2003
To those who have grown up with the radio and TV versions of the old Lone Ranger series, this retro TV-movie adaptation will appear as if it has just landed from another planet. Gone are such familiar trappings as "The William Tell Overture," the bushwhacking Butch Cavendish Gang, the title character's backstory as a genuine Texas Ranger, and faithful Indian companion Tonto's Pidgin English. Instead, the viewer is offered a wall-to-wall rock score; a twentysomething hunk of a Boston law student named Luke Hartman (Sebastian Spence) who morphs into the Lone Ranger; an equally youthful and remarkably articulate Tonto (Nathaniel Arcand) who dabbles in mysticism and has a hottie sister named Alope (Anita Brown); authentic 19th century dialogue such as "I love you guys!"; and even a skinny-dipping sequence. Yes, the Lone Ranger still rides a white stallion named Silver and fills his guns with silver bullets; yes, he still sports a mask; and yes, he dedicates his life to being a "champion of justice" after the brutal murder of his Ranger brother. Otherwise, it's "Hi Yo, Dude!" in this radical rethinking of The Lone Ranger, which debuted February 26, 2003, on the WB network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chad Michael Murray, Nathaniel Arcand, (more)
- 2001
The fallout from the musical episode (see "Once More, With Feeling") brings two characters together but tears most of the others apart. Spike (James Marsters) tries talking to Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) about the kiss they shared but she refuses to discuss it. Meanwhile, the Scoobies express their horror at learning they wrenched Buffy from paradise when they brought her back to life. Tara (Amber Benson) confronts Willow (Alyson Hannigan) about messing with her memories and using magic to solve all of life's problems. Willow agrees to quit magic cold turkey for a week to prove she can live without it. But then she casts a spell to make Buffy and Tara forget all of the suffering they've endured. Just as Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) is announcing his departure to England to force Buffy to stand on her own, Willow's enchantment backfires. All of the Scoobies are rendered amnesiacs, and they come to various wrong-headed conclusions about their identities and relationships. Unfortunately, into this comic befuddlement comes a shark-headed demon (Raymond O'Connor) with a grudge against Spike. The fiend and his vampire minions terrorize the gang until Willow's spell is accidentally broken. Tara leaves Willow, Giles leaves for England...and Buffy once again finds herself locking lips with Spike. Originally broadcast November 13, 2001, on UPN, "Tabula Rasa" marked episode 108 of the cult-favorite series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Not yet willing to believe that Sydney (Jennifer Garner) is the mole in his operation, sinister SD-6 boss Sloane (Ron Rifkin) sets a trap that he hopes will determine Syd's loyalty once and for all. Meanwhile, the wounded Dixon (Carl Lumbly) emerges from his coma, with apparently no memory of the vital Mexico mission. And Will puts his life on the line in his endless efforts to unravel the mystery of Eloise Kurtz, the last person to see Syd's murdered fiancé, Danny, alive. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Returning from maternity leave, Carol (Julianna Margulies) has problems getting back with the program. Greene (Anthony Edwards) tries to nullify the abusive relationship between a gay couple. Carter (Noah Wyle) and Chen (Ming-Na) launch into another argument, this one over admitting an elderly woman (Peg Phillips) into the ER (Diane Baker guest-stars as the woman's apparently long-suffering daughter). Complications arise during a heart transplant for Lucy's (Kellie Martin) patient Valerie (Myndy Crist). Luka (Goran Visnjic) treats a group of truly colorful patients. Malucci (Erik Palladino) launches a one-man crusade against an illegal pharmacy. And two of the series' main characters may be on the verge of a warm relationship. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
