Chuck Patterson Movies
- 2008
As surfing becomes a more and more commercial endeavor, a core of people who adhere to the traditions of the sport have taken to giant wave surfing. This documentary follows these committed souls as they travel across the globe searching for the biggest waves they can find. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- 2001
The black CEO of a magazine publishing firm is murdered. The detectives put the pieces together and collar a rabidly racist suspect. After the D.A.'s office takes over the case, the suspect's defense attorney serves up a curve ball by arguing that racism is a "mental defect." This is the first Law & Order episode in which the terrible events of September 11, 2001 were acknowledged. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2000
In this concluding episode of a two-part "crossover" story which began on Law & Order's sister series Law & Order: SVU, the D.A.'s office endeavors to connect the murder of a salesman with the politically influential Mulroney family. Despite pressure brought to bear by powerful matriarch Regina Mulroney (Jane Alexander), A.D.A. Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) refuses to drop the prosecution. Featured in the cast are SVU regulars Richard Belzer (as Detective John Munch), Christopher Meloni (Detective Elliot Stabler), Mariska Hargitay (Detective Olivia Bensen), and Dann Florek (Captain Don Cragen). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1998
One of the most infamous hate crimes of the 1990s was the source for this episode. Even jaded New York detectives Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) and Curtis (Benjamin Bratt) are shocked by the brutal murder of a black man who was dragged behind a car to his death. Prosecuting the crime proves to be a difficult task, thanks to the reluctance of the only known eyewitness and the evasive behavior of certain NYPD cops. The outcome of the case is as startling as the crime was senselessly vicious. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1996
In this sequel to the fifth-season episode "Coma," Larry Miller reprises the role of sleazy former comedy-club owner Michael Dobson. Having been acquitted of murdering his first wife, Dobson ends up the prime suspect when his second wife is killed while jogging in Central Park. Determined to nail Dobson once and for all, the detectives and the D.A.'s office hitch their hopes to a Columbian coin which has been illegally used as a subway token. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1995
Courtney B. Vance guest stars as Benjamin "Bud" Greer, a highly successful African-American Wall Street broker. The detectives and the D.A.'s office swoop down on Greer when he is suspected of murdering his white mentor. The Defense argues that Greer should be acquitted, using the controversial (and sometimes extremely effective) argument of "black rage." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Loosely based on the life and times of several R&B artists (The Dells, The Temptations, Frankie Lymon, Sam Cooke and others) The Five Heartbeats traces the rise and fall of a popular African-American 1950s singing aggregation. The story is told from the point of view of one of the "Heartbeats," played by Robert Townsend (who also co-produced, directed and co-wrote the script with Keenan Ivory Waynans). The film is an amalgam of anecdotes drawn from real-life experiences: the long struggle upward, the first rush of success, the dishonest record-company executives, the hard-nosed but nurturing managers, the sex, the drugs, the isolation and the precipitous downward slide. The film begins and ends in the 1990s, as the middle-aged "Duck" (Townsend) ruminates on the past and makes the best of the present. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, (more)
- 1989
In this suspenseful drama, a bereaved bricklayer vows to avenge the brutal murder of his parents. The killer is brought in, but is not given the death penalty. The young man then decides to take matters into his own hands. He oversteps the law and eventually begins to question his actions. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
Milos Forman's adaptation of the tribal rock musical Hair stars John Savage as Claude, a quiet young man from the Midwest who becomes friendly with a group of New York hippies on his way to begin basic training in the military. The repressed Claude is quite taken with Berger (Treat Williams) and the group of freedom seekers who reside in Central Park. The group encourages Claude to go after a debutante named Sheila (Beverly D'Angelo). Legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp masterminded the dances, which attempt to flow from the natural settings of the film. The film includes most of the more famous songs from the original play, including "Donna," "Aquarius," "Easy to Be Hard," "Let the Sunshine In," "Good Morning Starshine," and the title number. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Savage, Treat Williams, (more)
- 1973
- R
In this murder mystery, a strangler is loose in New Orleans. Eventually it is discovered that the violence was instigated by the passionate affair between a wealthy white girl and a black man. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
