Barry Quin Movies
The Man of Steel returns to the big screen with this continuation of the icon's film legacy that picks up after the events of the first two Christopher Reeve films. Some time has passed since the events of Superman II and the world has gotten used to life without Superman (Brandon Routh) ever since his puzzling disappearance years earlier. Upon his return, he finds a Metropolis that doesn't need him anymore, while Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has moved on with another young suitor Richard White (James Marsden) in the meantime. As the hero begins to tackle the fact that life on Earth has continued without him, he is forced to face his old arch-nemesis Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) and restore the life that was once his. Directed by Bryan Singer from a script by the writing team of X-Men 2, Superman Returns marks a return to the screen for the man in tights, whose production history has seen many failed attempts including a famous near-miss from Tim Burton and Kevin Smith with Nicolas Cage in the lead role, along with another from director McG and writer J.J. Abrams (Lost). Singer eventually won the prestigious gig when he pitched the idea to not tackle the origin story again, but continue with director Richard Donner's original vision. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, (more)
- 1991
Adapted from the book Garry O'Connor, the two-part Australian TV movie Darlings of the Gods tells the story of the benighted romance between stage and film stars Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. Anthony Higgins and Mel Martin look and sound so much like the very famous characters they're playing that the effect is somewhat eerie. This highly fictionalized account charts one year in the stormy Oliver-Leigh marriage. Also appearing are Jerome Ehlers as Peter Finch, Rhys McConnochie as Ralph Richardson, and Shane Briant as Cecil Beaton. Filmed in 1989, part one of Darlings of the Gods was first presented in the US over the A&E cable service on February 21, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anthony Higgins, Mel Martin, (more)
- 1989
- R
Cappuccino takes place for the most part in an Australian coffee house, where a quartet of aspiring actors confer on a regular basis. John Clayton moonlights as a cabbie and a mediocre comedian; Rowena Wallace, Clayton's ex-lover, has had some moderate stage success; Jeanie Dryden (wife of Anthony Bowman, the film's director) is a naive newcomer who never gets a break; and Barry Quin is a onetime soap-opera star who'll do anything for publicity. There really isn't much of a plot, save for a wisp of continuity involving Clayton's discovery of an incriminating videotape in his cab. Cappuccino maintains an air of comic authenticity throughout, in that its cast is comprised of genuine struggling actors. The film was adroitly filmed on a minuscule budget in Sydney, Australia. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Clayton, Rowena Wallace, (more)
- 1988
The two-part TV movie Emma: Queen of the South Seas stars the incredibly lovely Barbara Carrera. The film is based on the true story of Samoan princess Emma Coe. Part One takes place in the 1860s, as teenaged Emma (Rebekah Elmaloglou) dreams of an exotic life beyond the confines of her hated convent school. In part two, the grown-up Emma (Carrera), now ensconced in Samoa, valiantly defends her country against British colonization. Hal Holbrook and Thaao Penghlis play the most significant men in Emma's life. Syndicated to independent TV outlets, Emma: Queen of the South Seas was first telecast the week of April 23-29, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
