Judd Nelson Movies
Even by the unexacting standard of Hollywood's 1980s "brat pack," actor Judd Nelson seemed wildly undisciplined and self-indulgent on screen. One tends to conclude that Nelson (a former philosophy student and the son of a Maine politician) has played his screen characters as written: he was, after all, very well trained by famed drama coach Stella Adler, and came up from the exacting ranks of summer stock. Among his earliest screen assignments -- all in his watershed year of 1985 -- including the dope-smoking detentionee in The Breakfast Club, Kevin Costner's parachute-jumping fraternity pal in Fandango, and Ally Sheedy's philandering live-in boyfriend in St. Elmo's Fire. Always seeming to be on the verge of punching someone out, Nelson was well cast as a mercurial killer in 1989's Relentless. Like many brat-packers, Judd Nelson has appeared in fewer and fewer films in the 1990s. In Tommy Chongs Far Out Man (1990), Nelson appears ingratiatingly as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Airheads is a variation on Dog Day Afternoon, as well as a comic look at the trials and tribulations of both the music business and Generation X. A hapless rock trio consisting of Chazz (Brendan Fraser), Rex (Steve Buscemi), and Pip (Adam Sandler) hits a brick wall with their attempts to get their demo tape played by record label executives. Chazz, on the edge since being thrown out by his girlfriend (Amy Locane), decides it's time to take more serious action, and he leads his bandmates on a mission to invade the local "alternative" rock station, KPPX, and hold it hostage to get the band's tape played on the air. The station staffers don't realize that they're being held with a water gun, and when they finally agree to play the tape, it gets eaten up by a faulty machine. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, (more)
Billionaire Boys Club is the two-part TV adaptation of a book by Sue Horton (unpublished at the time of the film's first telecast). In flashback form, the story recounts the murder of Beverly Hills con artist Ron Levin (Ron Silver). The culprit is yuppie Joe Hunt (Judd Nelson), a sharp young commodities trader who has organized an investment firm with several of his prep school buddies, known as the Billionaire Boys Club. Part one, originally telecast November 8, 1987, traces Hunt's meteoric rise to wealth and power, and the means by which Levin worms his way into Hunt's confidence. In part two, shown the next evening, Hunt has already murdered Levin and carefully disposed of the body. The next step of the scheme is take over where Levin left off by conning an Iranian millionaire out of a huge sum of money. Meanwhile, other members of the Club begin to have qualms over Hunt's finagling. Their whistle-blowing leads to Hunt's arrest and convinction for murder. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Ron Silver, (more)
- 1995
- R
In this Australian thriller set in Queensland, a writer returns from LA to Michelton, his tiny hometown, to attend the funeral of his best friend, and finds himself involved in a manhunt for a deranged serial killer. It all begins at the funeral when Matt Curran sees the sister of Andy, his late friend. Cathy, who is also an ex-lover of Matt's, and who doesn't believe the official report that Andy committed suicide. She believes that he was murdered because Andy knew that the courts convicted the wrong man for the killings of several young men. Matt is intrigued and decides to look for the truth. He is opposed by Chris, the town cop who is jealous because his wife Sandra had once loved the writer. Matt is not deterred and continues looking. Soon he finds himself following a baffling trail of clues, consisting of obscure biblical references, and body parts from the slain women. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Dee Smart, (more)
When prodigal son Billy Turner (Judd Nelson) returns to his Florida home town, he's caught in a brawl and thrown in jail. He tells the guards to call his father, the mayor, who will have him released; however, he soon discovers his father has been killed. After Turner finally gets out of jail, he starts to hunt down his father's murderer, with the eventual help of Annie Rayford (Ally Sheedy) and her brother Joey (David Caruso). Their nemesis is the nasty crime boss Perry Kerch (Scott Wilson) and his henchmen, though the slow-witted police chief (Paul Winfield) is not much help, either. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, (more)
- 2000
A writer's deadly secret is about to rise to the surface in this made-for-TV suspense thriller. Stanley Caldwell (Judd Nelson) is a screenwriter working on a story for a suspense film about a lunatic who kidnaps and murders young women. However, Stanley's research methods are more than a bit unusual -- he actually does kidnap women, and once he's learned as much as he thinks he can from them, he disposes of their bodies by drowning them in a nearby lake. Stanley's buddies who work at a special effects company don't suspect anything could be wrong, nor does the local sheriff Boone Preston (Michael Weatherly), but when Stanley snatches Mallory (Hedy Burress), a pretty but iron-willed teenager, he may have finally found a victim who can outwit him and put a stop to his twisted game. Cabin by the Lake was produced and first aired by the USA cable network. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Hedy Burress, (more)
- 1995
A celebration becomes a desperate struggle for survival when a murderous crazy decides to terrorize his childhood friend's wife. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, William R. Moses, (more)
- 1992
- R
A small-time crook (Judd Nelson) runs a nightclub and conspires to ruin the life of a cop (Christopher McDonald) by killing his wife and framing his son for murder. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
This French/German co-production stars Judd Nelson as eccentric scientist Alex Branson, who, after his life is saved by a courageous golden retriever named Rex, returns the favor by operating upon the seriously injured canine. Implanting a high-tech "thetachip" in Rex, Alex transforms the pooch into a super-powered cybermutt, with ultra-developed artificial intelligence and physical powers far beyond those of ordinary hounds. Naturally, Rex's awesome new powers attract the attention of several scurrilous villains, who, aided by Alex's treacherous assistant Erica (Paulina Mielech), try to steal the dog for their own sinister motives. Directed by Australian George Miller of The Man From Snowy River fame, Cybermutt was completed in 2002, but not exhibited in the U.S. until it aired over cable's Animal Planet network on May 26, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Paulina Mielech, (more)
In this high-tension thriller, a notorious serial killer called "The Trasher" has been captured, and has been locked up in an unusual high-tech mental institution for the criminally insane. However, the female psychiatrist who has been attempting to learn the killer's secrets is suddenly in a position to find out more than she ever wanted to know about him when she finds herself locked up in the asylum after hours, with the Trasher after her trail, and her only ally is a floor-sweeper who may actually be a fellow inmate. Dark Asylum stars Judd Nelson, Paulina Porizkova, and Larry Drake. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paulina Porizkova, Judd Nelson, (more)
- 1987
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Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam was first telecast April 3, 1988, over the HBO cable service. Based on the book of the same name, the program is devoted to poignant recitations of letters to and from American participants of the Vietnam war. The letters are heard over images culled from news footage, home movies and still photography, with contemporary music added to put things in the proper historical context. The 2-hour film, featuring readings from various well-known actors (see cast list), was a co-production involving Bill Couturie, a previous Emmy winner for Vietnam Requiem, and the Vietnam Veterans Ensemble Theatre Company. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Berenger, Ellen Burstyn, (more)
Christian independent film company Cloud Ten Productions presents this science fiction-tinged thriller in the same vein of their other offerings, such as Left Behind. Directed by Andre vanHeerden, Deceived stars Judd Nelson as Jack Jones, a scientist brought in to help discern the purpose and source of a strange, extraterrestrial signal that seems to have a mysterious effect on the psychic abilities of those exposed to it. The film also stars Michelle Nolden, Stuart Beck, and Academy Award-winner Louis Gossett Jr. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 1993
- R
Entangled, directed by Max Fischer, is a confusing, indifferently acted story of fashion-model Annabelle (Laurence Treil) and the men who fall in love with her. In flashbacks, Annabella meets writer David Merkin (Judd Nelson) who writes a novel which she submits anonymously to a competition. David, jealous of Annabella, and aided by his photographer friend, Max (Roy Dupuis), follows Annabella to the chateau belonging to mysterious Patrick Garavan (Pierce Brosnan) where he observes her being photographed in a menage-a-tois. After an accidental murder, several plot twists and a car-crash, the film reaches a confusing, unsatisfying conclusion. Entangled is adapted from the French novel Les Veufs, written by Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac who wrote many celebrated mystery novels. Here, despite all, the plot drags along, until the improbable, highly confusing conclusion, which director Fischer attempts unsuccessfully to explain using flashbacks and a narrative. ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Laurence Treil, (more)
- 1993
Judd Nelson is the ex-brat-packer in this particular direct-to-video gem. Befriended by a wealthy but depraved young couple (Joanna Pacula and Patrick Bauchau), Nelson joins the pair in their bizarre notions of fun and games. He thinks he knows the score, but even he isn't parade for the kinkiness of his hosts. Though much is suggested, surprisingly little happens. The suspense elements in Every Breath are in fact stronger than the film's sexual allure. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Joanna Pacula, (more)
A secret project turns out to not have been so secret after all as an air disaster threatens to become an international incident in this action thriller. Peter Stanton is an aviation engineer who is asked by the United States military to design a new super-sized stealth aircraft. Since Stanton's project is officially off the government's books (though the Pentagon is indeed footing the bill), his sponsors create a cover story that the new craft is actually a civilian airline carrier being jointly developed by NASA and three major airlines. In order to give the new jet a proper test and support their cover story, the plane, known as FALCON, will carry a group of special passengers for its first flight, a hop from New York to Paris that will take less than two hours. However, Stanton finds out the hard way that not everyone on his team is honest and idealistic when a team of Serbian terrorists take over the plane, intending to land it on the arctic ice cap. The Serbs miscalculate, and soon Stanton has two major problems on his hand: bringing the FALCON up out of the ocean, and saving the passengers from the terrorists before the Serbs can make use of the jet's sophisticated weapons systems. Falcon Down stars William Shatner, Judd Nelson, Cliff Robertson, Jennifer Rubin, and Dale Midkiff. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
The still unknown Kevin Costner carries this film that involves five college roommates on a last "fandango" before they separately face the harsh realities of an unpredictable future. It is 1971, and the Vietnam War has not yet ended. Gardner Barnes (Costner) has extended his college years by six semesters in an attempt to stave off the rapidly approaching future, Kenneth (Sam Robards) has just canceled his wedding in a drunken look at reality, Lester (Brian Cesak) loves alcohol and tags along with the group just to have a good time, Dorman (Chuck Bush) is devoted to existentialism and flights of poetic fancy, and Phil (Judd Nelson) is barely a member of the group because he is consorting with the enemy: he is a member of ROTC. This unlikely mismatch cavorts through several classic college pranks, among them taking bets on daredevil acts like skydiving into the middle of nowhere. As their high jinks continue, it becomes apparent that their real desire is not to live a wild life for its own sake, but to postpone the moment when they will have to leave school and its lifestyle behind them. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, (more)
Starring many of his family members, this is Tommy Chong's (of the well-known duo, Cheech and Chong) first solo production. As an outdated hippie, Far Out Man (Tommy Chong) searches to relive his lost youth by traveling across the country. C. Thomas Howell, Judd Nelson, and Cheech Marin all make cameo appearances in this far out film. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tommy Chong, Shelby Chong, (more)
Director Bob Clark, whose previous cinematic endeavors ran the gamut from Porky's to A Christmas Story, called the shots on From the Hip. Fresh out of law school, Robin Weathers (Judd Nelson) is hired by a law firm not known for its ethics. Weathers' first client is a man who, up to trial time, was perfectly willing to cop a plea. Instead, the novice lawyer sharkishly secures a "not guilty" verdict--not to mention a public reputation as a live wire. His jealous older colleagues decide to get even with Weathers by assigning him a case that cannot possibly be won. Thus it is that Weathers is assigned to defend insufferable murder suspect Douglas Benoit (John Hurt), who refuses to cooperate with his attorney even though he's facing a death sentence. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Perkins, John Hurt, (more)
The new owner of a dilapidated apartment building becomes the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders in this thriller starring Judd Nelson, Jennifer Carpenter, and Stacey Dash. Amanda Winters has just purchased the Grayson Arms, a crumbling apartment complex filled with rent-controlled tenants who all plan to remain precisely where they are. Unfortunately for all involved, Amanda has other plans for the property. Later, as the tenants begin to die in a series of gruesome accidents, Amanda is singled out as the prime suspect in the deaths. But Amanda isn't the only one with a reason to kill, because from the mysterious twins to the neurotic therapist who dwells in Grayson Arms, it seems that everyone has some kind of dark secret to protect. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judd Nelson, Jennifer Carpenter, (more)
A young man (director Hall) narrates this story of how he tried to impress the spoiled, bratty daughter of the millionaire owner of an eraser factory. He manages to ingratiate his way into the family and becomes the manager of the eraser plant. He then discovers that her father is actually a secret international arms dealer. ~ Brian Gusse, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Michael Hall
- 1993
The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Co. authorized this documentary commemorating the 90th anniversary of the company. Shown are film clips from news footage, movies and television shows that featured the company's motorcycles, and such stars as James Caan, Peter Fonda and Larry Hagman are interviewed and talk about their fascination with, and ownership of, Harleys. ~ Brian Gusse, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The made-for-television Hiroshima: Out of the Ashes recounts the August, 1945 nuclear bombing of Hiroshima through the eyes of a number of survivors, including Japanese soldiers, citizens, and American prisoners of war. The film is partly based on Michihiko Hachiya's Hiroshima Diary. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 2001
- R
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The frequently recurring title characters, employed by writer and director Kevin Smith as supporting players in several of his films, are put to rest with this comedy that focuses on them exclusively. Jay (Jason Mews) and Silent Bob (Smith) are a pair of stoned New Jersey slackers who have long been used as the templates for a pair of popular comic book heroes, Bluntman and Chronic. When they learn that their alter egos are to be turned into a major motion picture without their consent or compensation, the pair sets off for Hollywood to sabotage the production. Along the way, they encounter an ape, a nun (Carrie Fisher), the cast of Scooby-Doo, a Charlie's Angels-style band of sexy women who use them as stool pigeons in a diamond heist, and an unhinged wildlife ranger (Will Ferrell). They also meet up with some regulars from the Smith canon, including Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), Brian O'Halloran as Dante Hicks, Jason Lee as Banky Edwards, Alanis Morissette as God, and actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in dual roles as themselves and two other familiar characters. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back co-stars numerous other recognizable performers in roles of various sizes, including Shannen Doherty, Jason Biggs, James Van Der Beek, Shannon Elizabeth, Tracy Morgan, Judd Nelson, Chris Rock, and George Carlin, among others. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, (more)
Noted R&B artist and producer Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds served as executive producer for this tough urban drama. After a shooting incident in a neglected inner-city school leaves a police officer wounded, a group of students holds the cop hostage, in a desperate effort to force improvements to their school. The cast includes another R&B hitmaker, Usher, as well as Forest Whitaker, Vanessa L. Williams, and Rosario Dawson. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Usher Raymond, Forest Whitaker, (more)
