Christopher McDonald Movies
Hollywood character actor Christopher McDonald at first specialized in playing uptight and slightly vexing young urban professionals. When the material demanded it, McDonald occasionally heightened these qualities to the obnoxious level for persuasive villainous portrayals, appearing as philandering husbands, condescending jocks, and manipulative powermongers to tremendous effect.The Manhattan native grew up in Romulus, NY. A Renaissance man and overachiever in high school, McDonald studied dentistry at Hobart College in the upstate New York town of Geneva but soon discovered an enduring passion for drama, studying after his 1977 graduation at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. When plum adolescent roles in the musical clunkers Grease 2 (1982) and Breakin' (1984) did little to further McDonald's career, he moved to Manhattan and sought tutelage from the legendary acting coach Stella Adler -- with such aggressive determination that he actually convinced the 83-year-old Adler to offer her services in exchange for domestic chores.
The actor landed one of his most visible parts circa 1986, in the Bette Midler-Shelley Long female buddy comedy Outrageous Fortune (1987). He also essayed a memorable nice-guy turn opposite Cybill Shepherd and Ryan O'Neal in the first act of the wonderful reincarnation comedy Chances Are (1989). But McDonald's watershed moment came with his portrayal of Geena Davis' browbeating husband, Darryl Dickinson, in Ridley Scott's blockbuster feminist road movie Thelma & Louise (1991). Thanks to the success of that picture, McDonald's screen time escalated, and he began tackling an average of four to six roles per year. He ushered in an outstanding portrayal of Jack Barry, the natty host of Twenty-One, in the Robert Redford-directed Quiz Show (1994); played an abusive golf pro in the Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore (1996); and was suitably annoying as an ignorant dad in John Duigan's suburban drama Lawn Dogs (1997). That same year, McDonald also portrayed Ward Cleaver in the big-screen version of Leave It to Beaver.
McDonald resumé during the first several years of the millennium includes such Hollywood blockbusters as 61* (2001) and Spy Kids 2 (2002) and such arthouse hits as Requiem for a Dream (2000) and Broken Flowers (2005). In 2007, McDonald played Boss Hogg in the big-budget sequel The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning and Marty Schumacher in the Jamie Kennedy vehicle Kickin' It Old Skool. Four years later he essayed a recurring role on the hit HBO drama Boardwalk Empire. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
A wannabe chef and an unrepentant womanizer team up to start a detective agency, and quickly realize they've gotten in over their heads when their first job lands them smack in the middle of a massive government conspiracy. Anthony and his best friend, Julian, have yet to live up to their full potential. When Anthony realizes he's never going to become a five-star chef and Julian grows weary of playing the constant lothario, the two lifelong pals turn to sleuthing to make ends meet. Their first client is a smoldering top-dollar escort with evidence of a high-profile cover-up. At first they do their best to keep control of the situation, but when a shady U.S. senator comes knocking, the mob shows up guns blazing, and a most unusual assassin gets them locked in her sights, the only way to survive is to run like the devil and never look back. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Paz Vega, Janet McTeer, (more)
- 2010
- R
New York City newcomers Jeff (Neil Patrick Harris) and Samantha (Bonnie Somerville) discover just how fast a little white lie can spiral out of control while attempting to get their five-year-old daughter into the hyper-competitive school system in this farcical comedy from director Josh Shelov. Sam has always dreamt of living in the big city. Little did she realize that getting her daughter into a good private school by the start of the fall semester would be the biggest challenge she ever undertook. Discouraged yet determined to cut through the bureaucracy at all costs, Sam convinces Jeff to hire Sue Lemon (Amy Sedaris), a quirky consultant, who lands them an interview at the renowned Coventry Day School by convincing the stuffy headmistress (Jenna Stern) that computer programmer Jeff is actually an esteemed poet. Suddenly thrust before the entire school board as he attempts to maintain the elaborate ruse, the reluctant Jeff finds himself the toast of the Upper East Side. Eventually, Jeff and Sam are forced to choose between building their future on a fragile foundation of lies or admitting the truth and potentially being laughed all the way back to Delaware. Kate Mulgrew, Christopher McDonald, and John Hodgman co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Neil Patrick Harris, Amelia Talbot, (more)
- 2010
- R
A hapless I.T. specialist becomes a male stripper in order to pay for his beautiful fiancé's dream wedding, but struggles to keep his sexy new career a secret while balancing his day job with his engagement. Ben never thought he'd marry a girl like Rachel, and as their wedding date draws near, he still can't believe it's really happening. But although Rachel's father Jack has generously offered to foot the bill for the $50,000 wedding, his gambling addiction has just drained his bank account. Upon following Jack into a local male strip club, however, Ben discovers his untapped talent for driving ladies wild. Now, if Ben can just keep shaking his moneymaker until the wedding bells start to chime, their big day will be a dream come true. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Joe Hursley, Jenna Dewan, (more)
In this independent comedy, Justin (Thomas Middleditch) is a twentysomething slacker who has a hard time getting out of bed before noon and works part-time mowing lawns with his buddy Wayne (Jason Rogel), who is only slightly more ambitious. Justin hears a lot from his family about making something of himself, but he doesn't pay much attention until he and Wayne check out a traveling carnival one evening. Justin meets Galaxy (Rachael Taylor), a beautiful and spunky girl who works at a dunk-tank concession, and he is so taken with her he doesn't mind when she takes his money in a fixed game. Justin unexpectedly crosses paths with Galaxy the next day, and before long he's spending most of his time with her and her fellow carnies. Has Justin finally found his destiny with Galaxy, or is he just another stop on the road for her? Also starring Lea Thompson, Christopher McDonald, and Frankie Faison, Splinterheads received its world premiere in 2009 at the South by Southwest Film Festival, where director Brant Sersen's first feature, Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story, won the Audience Award in 2004. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Thomas Middleditch, Jason Rogel, (more)
- 2009
- NR
Old wounds are opened and buried secrets unearthed when the members of a Yale secret society come together for a reunion, and discover the reason why love and happiness has always eluded them. As students at Yale, they were some of the brightest that the Ivy League had to offer. Not only that, but they were all part of an elite secret society that was carefully guarded from outsiders. Years later, they have all moved on to successful careers. But the opportunity to rationalize who they have become proves impossible to resist. When the time comes for their reunion and the reality of the past finally comes into focus, the group is faced with some troubling truths about their collegiate indiscretions. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Christopher McDonald, Jamey Sheridan, (more)
- 2008
Director/screenwriter Jacob Medjuck crafts this incisive tale of childhood friendships revolving around four longtime friends who just so happen to hate each other. Summertime has finally arrived, and a neurotic young boy named Fetus is determined to establish himself in his small social circle. But what happens when a boy struggling for status becomes distracted by puppy love? Later abandoned by his friends and rejected by the object of his affections, the young boy with something to prove discovers that all is not fair in love and friendship. Parents take caution: While Summerhood is a film about children, it is most certainly not a film for children. Christopher McDonald, Joe Flaherty, and Lucien Maisel star in a comedy narrated by John Cusack. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lucien Maisel, Christopher McDonald, (more)
A woman who was used to the finer things in life is suddenly thrust back into the work force after her husband gets downsized in writer/director Callie Khouri's (Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood) American adaptation of the hit British comedy Hot Money. Faced with the prospect of losing her home as her debt begins to mount, posh housewife Bridget (Diane Keaton) accepts a job on the midnight cleaning crew at a local branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. When the growing temptation of the cash that surrounds her night after night ultimately proves too powerful to resist, Bridget teams with two of the other cleaners for a criminal exercise in creative moneymaking. Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes co-star in a crime comedy inspired by actual events. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, (more)
After spoofing disaster films in Airplane!, police shows in The Naked Gun, and Hollywood horrors in Scary Movie 3 and 4, producer David Zucker sets his satirical sights on the superhero genre with this anarchic comedy lampooning everything from Spider-Man to X-Men and Superman Returns. Shortly after being bitten by a genetically altered dragonfly, high-school outcast Rick Riker (Drake Bell) begins to experience a startling transformation. Now Rick's skin is as strong as steel, and he possesses the strength of ten men. Determined to use his newfound powers to fight crime, Rick creates a special costume and assumes the identity of The Dragonfly -- a fearless crime fighter dedicated to keeping the streets safe for law-abiding citizens. But every superhero needs a nemesis, and after Lou Landers (Christopher McDonald) is caught in the middle of an experiment gone horribly awry, he develops the power to leech the life force out of anyone he meets and becomes the villainous Hourglass. Intent on achieving immortality, the Hourglass attempts to gather as much life force as possible as the noble Dragonfly sets out to take down his archenemy and realize his destiny as a true hero. Craig Mazin writes and directs this high-flying spoof featuring Tracy Morgan, Pamela Anderson, Leslie Nielsen, Marion Ross, Jeffrey Tambor, and Regina Hall. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Drake Bell, Sara Paxton, (more)
A lovable loser finds his future looking up after meeting the woman of his dreams, only to find that he will have to work overtime in order to prevent true love from slipping through his fingers. Herman Spooner (Matthew Lillard) is about to turn thirty. He sells used cars for a living, and still lives at home with his parents. As much as they love him, Herman's parents have set a hard deadline for their son to strike out on his own. That line is Herman's thirtieth birthday. Even worse, Herman's boss has threatened to give him the axe should he fail to improve his numbers and move more cars. When Herman wakes up on the morning of his thirtieth birthday, he assumes that it will be one of the worst days of his life. But then he meets Rose, and all of his fears simply fade away. As the pair sets out on the perfect date, Rose drops a bombshell: she's about to leave for the Philippines. Realizing that he's got precious little time to show Rose how much he really cares, Herman casts all of his fears and doubts aside in a last ditch attempt to convince her their love was meant to be. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Matthew Lillard, Nora Zehetner, (more)
When Playboy playmate Shelley (Anna Faris) is unceremoniously evicted from Hugh Hefner's lavish mansion in order to make room for some younger beauties, her quest for employment finds her serving as den mother to an unpopular L.A. sorority in this Happy Madison production directed by Fred Wolf. Colin Hanks, Rumer Willis, Katharine McPhee, Monet Mazur, and Beverly D'Angelo co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Anna Faris, Colin Hanks, (more)
Albino Alligator screenwriter Christian Forte pulls double duty as writer and director of this fantasy comedy concerning two friends who enter a mysterious video booth and find themselves suddenly transported to an alternate dimension in which the entire world has taken on the traits of an adult film. Chris Pratt and Brendan Hines star in a film featuring Denise Richards, Scott Caan, Tracy Morgan, and Chris McDonald. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Chris Pratt, Brendan P. Hines, (more)
Rendered comatose for 20 years after a freak breakdancing accident, former child dancer Justin Schumacher (Jamie Kennedy) awakens from his extended repose with no motor skills and the mental capacity of a 12-year-old. So much has changed since Justin lapsed into a coma; not only have people stopped wearing parachute pants, the Internet has connected people in a manner that no child of the 1980s could have ever imagined. Dancing, however, is the one constant that remains as popular as ever. Upon discovering that his mountainous medical bills have drained mom and dad's bank account and the love of his life (Maria Menounos) is engaged to his lifelong nemesis (Michael Rosenbaum), the breakdancing Rip Van Winkle attempts to reassemble his former dance troupe in hopes of winning back the girl and saving his parents' failing yogurt shop. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jamie Kennedy, Miguel A. Nuñez Jr., (more)
- 2007
- R
- Add American Pie Presents: Beta House to Queue Add American Pie Presents: Beta House to top of Queue
It's pledge time, and as fraternity row becomes rife with eager young freshman looking to make an impression on campus, the stage is set for Greek rivalry so fierce it will resurrect a competition that was previously banned by the administration. Great Falls high school graduates Erik and Cooze are about to become college freshmen, and once they do, the campus of a modest Michigan college will never be the same. Immediately aligning themselves with the notorious Beta Delta Xi house, the boys dive headlong into the party scene while suddenly being swept up in an ongoing rivalry between their new brothers and a rival house with a power-hungry president. Now the only way for the Beta Delta Xi brothers to prove their true worth is to resurrect The Games - a long-banned competition that will discern the true kings of campus once and for all. Featuring Eugene Levy and Christopher McDonald. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- John White, Steve Talley, (more)
Jessica Alba, Hayden Christensen, and Terrence Howard star in first-time director/screenwriter Joby Harold's nerve-jangling psychological thriller about a man who experiences the frighteningly common surgical phenomenon known as "anesthetic awareness," in which those laid out on the operating table remain acutely aware of what is going on around them despite remaining completely paralyzed and unable to cry out for help. When a successful young man (Christensen) goes under the knife and realizes that the anesthesia hasn't quite done its job, the horror quickly sets in as his worried wife (Alba) waits anxiously and a terrifying drama unfolds in the operating room. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Hayden Christensen, Jessica Alba, (more)
A high-stakes day trader wagers that his luck in the stock market will transfer to the gambling tables in a dramatic look at the lure of the almighty dollar starring Ethan Embry and Kathleen Robertson. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ethan Embry, Kathleen Robertson, (more)
- 2007
- R
- Add The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning to Queue Add The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning to top of Queue
Hazzard County's two rowdiest siblings are back and stirring up more mischief than ever in this prequel to the 2005 comedy adventure that explores the origins of the General Lee while finding out just how Bo (Jonathan Bennett) and Luke Duke (Randy Wayne) first incurred the wrath of bumbling greedy businessman Boss Hogg (Christopher McDonald). Hogg is set to foreclose on Uncle Jesse's (Willie Nelson) farm, and in order to save their crusty kin from financial ruin Bo and Luke agree to deliver his potent brand of moonshine to Hazzard County's thirstiest residents. Unfortunately for Bo and Luke, the nefarious Boss Hogg doesn't take kindly to the newly arrived competition. Subsequently thrown in jail and sentenced to sweat out the remainder of the summer on work detail, the crafty Duke boys enlist the aid of sexy cousin Daisy (April Scott) in outrunning the car with the star and making Boss Hogg's life unbearable through a series of outrageous schemes. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jonathan Bennett, Randy Wayne, (more)
- 2007
David Arquette (star Patricia Arquette's brother) directed this episode, in which Allison's brother (Ryan Hurst), a phone-hotline psychic, helps a troubled customer whose husband was killed. ~ Dean Maurer, Rovi
- 2006
- R
- Add American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile to Queue Add American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile to top of Queue
Upon realizing that he may be the first in his family to ever graduate from high school with his virginity intact, Erik Stifler sets out on a mission to slip between the sheets with a girl before slipping into his cap and gown. In order to accomplish his libidinous goal, however, Erik will first have to find a willing partner; and what better place to find a woman whose ready and willing to help him maintain family tradition than at the world famous Naked Mile? Who knows, with a little advice from Jim's open-minded father (Eugene Levy), there may be some hope for Erik yet. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- John White, Steve Talley, (more)
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, Rovi
- Starring:
- Chevy Chase, Penelope Ann Miller, (more)
A woman discovers that a part of her family history may be more complicated -- and more famous -- than she ever imagined in this comedy. Thirtysomething Sarah Huttinger (Jennifer Aniston), who has spent most of her adult life in New York City, is flying home to California with her long time boyfriend, Jeff Daly (Mark Ruffalo), for the wedding of her annoyingly perky younger sister, Annie (Mena Suvari). While Sarah and Jeff have recently announced they're engaged to be married, Sarah has been having second thoughts, and she isn't excited about the prospect of spending time with the family where she's always felt like the odd duck. As Sarah tries to decide what she should do with her personal and professional lives, she turns to her sharp-tongued and still youthful grandmother, Katharine (Shirley MacLaine), for advice, and Katharine shares a little-known bit of family history -- that Sarah's now-deceased mother left her father, Earl (Richard Jenkins), a few days before their wedding and ran off with another man for several days before coming back and marrying Earl. However, after hearing this Sarah is also treated to some long-simmering local gossip about a young man who ran off with a bride-to-be after he was seduced by her mother...and that the story became the basis for the hit movie The Graduate. Sarah begins to wonder, was Katharine the real-life Mrs. Robinson of this story? And if it's true, who was the man who had affairs with Sarah's mother and grandmother? Was it dashing and wealthy family friend Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner), who has also turned Sarah's head? Rumor Has It... was produced from an original screenplay by Ted Griffin; Griffin was originally set to direct the film, but shortly after production began he was replaced, with Rob Reiner taking over the project. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, (more)
A man sets out to find the son he didn't know he had and winds up getting answers to some questions he never asked in this comedy drama from director Jim Jarmusch. Don Johnston (Bill Murray) is an emotionally blank middle-aged man who has never married and lives a quiet, comfortable life thanks to shrewd investments in computers (though he doesn't use one himself). After being given his walking papers by his latest girlfriend, Sherry (Julie Delpy), Don receives an anonymous letter informing him he fathered a son 19 years ago, and that the boy wants to find his dad. Not sure what to do, Don shows the note to Winston (Jeffrey Wright), a neighbor who fancies himself an amateur detective. With Winston's help, Don narrows the list of possible mothers down to four women, and with a mixture of reluctance and resigned determination he sets out to find them. Armed with a CD of traveling music from Winston, Don pays unannounced visits to Laura (Sharon Stone), an oversexed widow with a libidinous teenage daughter (Alexis Dziena); Dora (Frances Conroy), a stuffy real estate agent; Penny (Tilda Swinton), an aging biker with no happy memories of Don; and Carmen (Jessica Lange), a self-styled analyst for pets whose outward eccentricity disguises a firm inner stability. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bill Murray, Jeffrey Wright, (more)
The controversial satire The LA Riot Spectacular plays for mordent laughs the events that consumed L.A. in 1992, after the police officers on trial for beating motorist Rodney King were found innocent. The city was engulfed by a massive riot, but the film plays these moments for laughs. In addition to recreating some of the images seen on television, the film skewers a variety of figures including the police, the media, and the citizens of the city. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Christopher McDonald, Emilio Estevez, (more)
- 2004
Based on a comic-book story by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, "For the Man Who Has Everything" is that rarest of rare Justice League Unlimited episodes, giving center stage to the series' three biggest stars. It's Superman's birthday, so Batman and Wonder Woman head to the Fortress of Solitude to surprise their comrade. Upon arrival, the pair finds that Superman has already been surprised by a gift from the evil Mongul -- a parasitic plant that has immobilized the Man of Steel. As Batman and W.W. struggle to free their fellow Leaguer, the comatose Superman experiences what life would have been like had Krypton never exploded and had he remained on the planet as Kal-El -- with a very familiar-looking wife named Loana, and a "dream son," Van-El. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Eric Roberts, Dana Delany, (more)
- 2003
- PG13
- Add Grind to Queue Add Grind to top of Queue
Gaylord Films producer Casey La Scala makes his directorial debut with the teen comedy Grind. Just before entering college, young skateboarder Eric Rivers (Mike Vogel) decides to take a road trip from Chicago to California with his smart friend Dustin (Adam Brody) and his wacky friend Matt (Vince Vieluf). Despite their underdog status, they intend to make it big in the world of skateboarding in the wake of legendary touring skater Jimmy Wilson (Jason London). They end up recruiting a fourth team member named Sweet Lou (Joey Kern) as Eric romances the film's token attractive female Jamie (Jennifer Morrison). Grind also features appearances by real-life pro skaters like Bam Margera, along with an energetic pop/rock soundtrack. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- Starring:
- Mike Vogel, Colin McKay, (more)
Rating Systems
Blockbuster
BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
© 2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2013 Rovi Corporation.