Michael Rapaport Movies
Within four years of his film debut in Zebrahead (1993), Michael Rapaport became one of Hollywood's hardest-working and most versatile supporting/character actors. He began as a standup comedian, but turned to acting after landing a guest-starring role in a 1990 episode of the ABC television drama China Beach. Rapaport's portrayal in Zebrahead of a Jewish teen struggling to survive in an African-American-dominated Detroit neighborhood while romantically involved with a black girl earned him considerable acclaim and a nomination for an Independent Feature Project Spirit Award. After that, he did a bit more television work and his career remained low-key until the following year, when he suddenly burst back onto the screen in four major films: True Romance, Point of No Return, Money for Nothing, and Poetic Justice. Some of Rapaport's notable subsequent roles include that of a college student who mistakenly attempts to find his niche by becoming a skinhead in John Singleton's Higher Learning (1995) and that of a slightly dim prizefighter set up for a blind date with a goodhearted hooker in Woody Allen's Mighty Aphrodite (1995). In 1998, Rapaport co-starred in the Showtime cable network's black comedy series about the zany world of substance abuse recovery programs Rude Awakening. That year, Rapaport also appeared in the films Palmetto and Some Girls. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
This release collects some of the lighter moments experienced by some of the NBA's best-known players both on and off the court. Shaquille O'Neal, Kein Garnett, and Dwight Howard are among the celebrities whose most embarrassing mistakes are captured forever on this collection. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Rapaport
A pimp in search of some serious payback prowls the streets in search of Memphis Slim in this gritty urban drama starring Mack 10, Clifton Powell, Michael Rapaport, and Kat Williams. Mack is a pimp of rare distinction: born the son of a certified hustler and a street-smart prostitute, he was honing his game from the moment he left the womb. As a child Mack learned to walk the fine line between life and death early on, a skill that made him virtually fearless when it came to working the streets. Now, as the summer heats up and his thirst for revenge grows, Mack prepares to confront the one player who isn't afraid to face him head on. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mack 10, Clifton Powell, (more)
My Name is Earl - Season 3 finds everyone's favorite dimwitted white-trash loser, Earl Hickey (Jason Lee), continuing his hilarious quest to make up for a lengthy list of detestable deeds and thereby become a better person. Earl's life has been full of poor choices and mistakes, but after winning a lottery jackpot he has an epiphany and vows to change his ways. This season, however, Earl finds himself back in prison. Life behind bars is a real pain in the butt. His shackled hands are full -- there's a gang war to stifle and a gala prison prom to plan. Even conjugal visit day is one big headache. With a pregnant ex-wife and a hilariously inept prison guard for a brother, Earl suffers a karmic crisis and finally goes over the top. Earl is joined by an outrageous ensemble cast including Ethan Suplee as his hapless brother Randy; Nadine Velazquez as the sexy love interest Catalina; Eddie Steeples as Crab Shack owner Darnell; and Jaime Pressly in her Emmy Award-winning role as Earl's ex-wife, Joy. This four-disc collection includes all 22 half-hour episodes from 2007-8's Season 3, plus bonus features including a gag reel, "Creating the Characters" featurette, deleted scenes, and more.
- Starring:
- Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee, (more)
- 2005
Created by Rob Lotterstein, the Fox network sitcom The War at Home tackles a problem faced by millions of parents of the early 21st century: how can one who was raised in the "anything goes" 1970s and 1980s, with no barriers, boundaries, or taboos, suddenly be expected to discipline their own children and set down ground rules without coming off as a hypocrite? This was the dilemma of Dave (Michael Rapaport) and Vicki (Anita Barone), who despite the many wild oats sown in their own teen years felt obliged to go through the motions of tough-love parenthood with their three hormone-driven kids: 15-year-old Larry (Kyle Sullivan), who may or may not be gay; 16-year-old Hillary (Kaylee DeFer), just entering the dating scene; and 13-year-old Mike (Dean Collins), obsessively dedicated to his violent video games and precious little else. One critic cited the series as an amalgam of amusing leftovers from All in the Family, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Arrested Development. The War at Home debuted September 11, 2005. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Rapaport, Anita Barone, (more)
The biggest names in show business come together to offer their opinions on one of the most inflammatory words in the English language in filmmaker Todd Williams' revealing and thought-provoking documentary. In its long and complex history, the word "nigger" has gone from a cutting and derogatory racial slur to a term of endearment frequently used by African-American youth culture. Though the word has in a sense been "taken back" by the very people that it targeted, it still has the power to anger and enrage when taken out of its new context. As a variety of celebrities including Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons, George Carlin, Damon Dash, and Bryant Gumbel offer their opinions on this polarizing word, the taboo of language is broken to reveal an ever-changing society that is constantly attempting to make sense of a dark past while simultaneously attempting to build a brighter future. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
A young man leaves his home and family in search of himself in this independent drama. America Brown (Ryan Kwanten) -- called "Ricky" by most of his friends -- was born and raised in a West Texas town where football is treated more like a religion than a game. Raised by a single mother (Karen Black), America's primary male role model has been his older brother Daniel (Michael Rapaport), who has drilled it into Ricky's head that it's his destiny to be a football star. But America has come to hate football, and especially loathes Bo (Leo Burmester), the manipulative coach of his high-school team. Desperate to get away from it all, America runs away to New York City, where he seeks refuge with John Cross (Hill Harper), a one-time football legend from West Texas who gave up the game to become a Catholic priest. As America looks to find a new life, he finds in Cross a man who is still haunted by his past and smitten with a woman in his congregation, Rosie (Élodie Bouchez). America, meanwhile, develops an infatuation of his own with Vera (Natasha Lyonne), a pretty but streetwise girl who waits tables at a neighborhood diner. America Brown was the first feature film from writer and director Paul Black; it was screened at the 2004 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ryan Kwanten, Hill Harper, (more)
Hip-hop mogul Damon Dash (Paper Soldiers) directs this semi-autobiographical film based on his life as the proprietor of Roc-a-Fella Records. Ebon Moss-Bachrach stars as David Katz, a reporter who, upon interviewing rap producer Damon (Capone), finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the high-class world of hip-hop. Before he knows it, Katz ignites a war within the label that could bring down the operation for good. A bevy of celebrities from all walks of life make appearances, including Riddick Bowe, Lorraine Bracco, Mariah Carey, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Carson Daly, Jay-Z, Chloe Sevigny, James Toback, and countless others. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Devon Aoki, (more)
In a sleepy small town there are two vibrant comic books stores that are rival universes unto themselves. Events spiral absurdly, violently out of control when the owners of the two shops -- nerdy hipster Ray (Donal Logue) and the nebbishy husband and wife team of Norman and Judy (Michael Rapaport and Natasha Lyonne) -- compete for a priceless collection of books left by the dead son of elderly Mrs. Cresswell (Eileen Brennan). Ray's friend, Archie (D.J. Qualls), tries to stop Ray from hiring a sleazy thief (Cary Elwes), but to no avail. Things get very ugly indeed. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
John Bradshaw's crime comedy Triggermen begins when a pair of professional killers (Michael Rapaport and Donnie Wahlberg) are hired to execute one of the major figures in organized crime (Pete Postlethwaite). Soon the pair are mistaken with a pair of British conmen (Neil Morrissey and Adrian Dunbar). When the money they were promised for completing the task turns up missing, the duo has a remarkably difficult time tracking it down. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Neil Morrissey, Donnie Wahlberg, (more)
A man makes some unexpected (and potentially dangerous) discoveries about his family in this comedy. Kevin Gower (Michael Rapaport) is an investment advisor who is engaged to marry the woman he loves, Deeann (Christine Taylor). One day, Kevin is approached by a gruff stranger named Max (Christopher Walken), who "escorts" Kevin into a car. Soon Kevin is introduced to Sal (Robert Forster), a leading organized crime figure who informs Kevin that's he is his biological father. This is puzzling news for Kevin, especially after Sal's limousine is blown up only a few moments later. Madge (Nancy Allen), Kevin's mom, confirms that Sal was indeed Kevin's father, though she thought it best that he not know about it. A few days later, Max and Wendy (Jamie Anderson), Sal's girlfriend, approach Kevin and ask him to attend Sal's funeral. Kevin agrees, but he soon learns that his presence is requested not just to memorialize the life of a friend or relative -- whoever killed Sal may well be coming after Kevin next, and if they can use him as bait, they have a better chance of finding out who rubbed out Sal. Kevin isn't sure how he feels about this, since Deeann is suspicious of Kevin's stories about wiseguys, exploding limos, and Wendy -- and Kevin's co-workers have been wondering where he's been. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Rapaport, Christopher Walken, (more)
- 1999
Phoebe's policeman boyfriend, Gary (Michael Rapaport), invites the guys for a ride-along in his cop car. This results in an apparent act of courage by Joey (Matt LeBlanc) -- an unnecessary act, to be sure, but one that arouses the envy of Chandler (Matthew Perry). And Ross (David Schwimmer) ruminates over the fact that his ex-wife Emily is about to remarry. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Interviewing for a job at Ralph Lauren, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) didn't really mean to kiss her interviewer, Mr. Zelner (Steve Ireland), but there you are. Meanwhile, Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) set out to prove that their ardor is stronger than the attraction between Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and Gary (Michael Rapaport). And Ross (David Schwimmer) beats Joey's (Matt LeBlanc) time with a new girl in the apartment building. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) decides to do good deeds with the police badge that she's found. Her fun comes to an end when she meets Gary (Michael Rapaport, in his first series appearance), the cop who lost the badge -- but Gary doesn't seem at all that angry. Elsewhere, Ross (David Schwimmer) has a Laurel-and-Hardy moment with a balky new sofa. And Joey (Matt LeBlanc) experiences a disturbing dream about Monica (Courteney Cox). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1999
The game of catch between Ross (David Schwimmer) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) bids fair to go on forever -- or at least until one of them drops the ball. Make that "forever and a day" when Monica (Courteney Cox) joins the game. Meanwhile, Gary (Michael Rapaport) prepares to ask Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) to move in with him, provoking a typical two-pronged response. And Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) has trouble unloading her very expensive -- and very nasty -- Sphinx cat. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Rory Kelly (Sleep With Me) directed this romantic comedy-drama about love and infidelity. April (Juliette Lewis) warns insecure Claire (co-scripter Marissa Ribisi) about Chad (Jeremy Sisto), but Claire fails to heed her advice. April cheats on her steady, Neil (Michael Rapaport), sleeping with several men. Giovanni Ribisi portrays Claire's brother Jason. Director Kelly was honored with an award after Some Girl was shown in 1998 at the fourth L.A. Independent Film Festival, an event that rose in admissions from 12,000 to 21,000 that year. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marissa Ribisi, Juliette Lewis, (more)
- 1998
This TV comedy series, an attempt to find humor in 1990s self-help, rehab and recovery programs, focuses on hard-drinking, former actress Billie Frank (Sherilyn Fenn), once the teen queen of primetime soaps, who now works for lowlife "B"-movie producer Harve Schwartz (Richard Lewis). Johnny (Michael Rapaport) is only one of an unending parade of predatory males standing in line to hit on Billie, and viewing the world through an alcoholic haze, she often has to check on the identity of the man next to her when she awakens. Matching Billie, drink for drink, is her mother Trudy (Lynn Redgrave). Sitcom segments are separated by onscreen titles, such as "Mother's Milk -- 80 Proof" and "Going Down -- This Time in the Elevator." Friends intervene to show Billie where she's headed, but their efforts go nowhere. Finally, the "rude awakening" happens when Billie drinks and drives -- and then collides with a fire hydrant. The next step is the first of 12, as she attends an Addictions Anonymous meeting, where Dave (Jonathan Penner) tries to score with her, and she encounters a wild lesbian, Jackie (Rain Pryor). Episodes titled "Lucky for Me Her Breast Exploded," "Three Dykes and You're Out," and "Vagina" followed the August 1, 1998 premiere on Showtime. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherilyn Fenn, Lynn Redgrave, (more)
- 1998
Carol (Julianna Margulies) comforts a security guard (Michael Rapaport) as he lies dying from severe chemical burns. The other staffers tend to a young man (Keith Bogart) who fell 75 feet into the Chicago river. Also part of the ER caseload is an elderly couple who may or may not have AIDs, and a heroin-addicted infant named Josh McLean. And elsewhere, Benton (Eriq La Salle) is none too happy that Carla (Lisa Nicole Carson) has invited her boyfriend to Reese's baptism. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Facing corruption charges because of past Mob ties, the father of officer Janice Licalsi (Amy Brenneman) takes drastic action. Confined to a desk while recovering from his wounds, Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) demands that Fancy (James McDaniel) return him to street duty. While helping Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) investigate a murder involving a pair of career-criminal brothers, Kelly (David Caruso) moonlights as a security guard for Susan Wagner (Wendie Malick), who is being abused by her wealthy husband. And Goldstein (David Schwimmer) wants to recover the gun he used to shoot his assailant. This was the first NYPD Blue episode to carry the "viewer discretion" warning in the pages of TV Guide. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
For various reasons, some of them legitimate, Frank (Joe Regalbuto) and Jim (Charles Kimbrough) turn down the opportunity to be Murphy's Lamaze class partner, while Murphy (Candice Bergen) herself turns down Corky's offer to help out (the fact Corky [Faith Ford once assisted in a calf's birth does not qualify her as an expert). Thus it is that Eldin (Robert Pastorelli) shows up to assist Murphy in preparation for natural birth. However, the prospect terrifies them both--especially Murphy, who pays next to no attention to the instructor--and to top it off, the rest of the class is fed up with our heroine's imbecilic wisecracks! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2009
- R
- Add Big Fan to Queue
A parking garage attendant and lifelong New York Giants fan finds his life spinning out of control following an altercation with his favorite football player in this darkly comic drama starring Patton Oswalt. For 35-year-old Staten Island native Paul Aufiero (Oswalt), sports are a religion. Paul still lives with his mother, he's the self-proclaimed "world's biggest New York Giants fan," and he spends most of his spare time calling in to the local sports radio station 760 "The Zone," where he can frequently be heard bickering with his contentious on-air nemesis Philadelphia Phil (Michael Rapaport), a fervent Eagles fan. Berated by his family for his obsessive love of sports, Paul retorts that they simply cannot appreciate the responsibility that goes with being the New York Giants' number one fan. One night, Paul and his best friend, Sal (Kevin Corrigan), spot Giants linebacker Quantrell Bishop (Jonathan Hamm) at a local gas station and impulsively follow his SUV to a Manhattan strip club. Once inside, the two friends bask quietly in the presence of football greatness before cautiously approaching their idol. When things don't go as planned and Paul winds up in the hospital, the resulting media frenzy finds him questioning everything he believes in just as his beloved team begins preparing for a late-season showdown with the Eagles. Former Onion scribe and Wrestler screenwriter Robert D. Siegel makes his feature directorial debut with this film, which he also scripted. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, (more)
- 2008
- R
- Add Assassination of a High School President to QueueAdd Assassination of a High School President to top of Queue
A teenage take on Roman Polanski's post-noir classic Chinatown, The Sophomore stars Reece Daniel Thompson, Mischa Barton, and Bruce Willis in the tale of a Catholic high-school newspaper reporter who stumbles upon a disturbing conspiracy. Prompted by the most popular girl in school to investigate the theft of the SAT exams, an ambitious young fact-finder discovers that the school's president -- a disillusioned Gulf War veteran -- and the top jock are responsible for the crime. As if this information wasn't unsettling enough, it appears that both have been operation under the direction of an even higher power. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mischa Barton, Reece Daniel Thompson, (more)
- 2007
- R
Onyx rapper Sticky Fingaz directs and stars in this hip-hop musical about a gangster who becomes caught up in a bloody war between two feuding crime families while struggling to leave the streets behind. When Black's family raids one of Stick's drug houses and kills two of his men, Stick is forced to choose between leaving it all behind or seeking revenge and feeding the cycle of violence. It's a difficult decision that's made even more arduous when Stick's girlfriend reveals that she's pregnant. Word on the street is that Black has just put out a contract on Stick, and now a pair of detectives is hot on his trail. Desperate, Stick decides to flee the country with his girlfriend and start over. Just as they're about to board their flight, a gunfight erupts at the airport and all hell breaks loose. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sticky Fingaz, Faizon Love, (more)
An aspiring small-town criminal edges in on the family business of an old acquaintance, only to find things quickly spinning out of control when an emotionally unstable cop begins investigating the case. Clueless criminal wannabe John "Rugged" Rudgate (Aaron Stanford) spends most of his time forging rebate coupons and selling speakers on the streets, but upon receiving a peculiar blast from the past he begins to dream of more lucrative criminal endeavors. It seems that John's old friend Jeff Lagrand (Paul Schneider) has arrived back in town to assist his sardonic sister (Zooey Deschanel) in maintaining the storage facility bestowed upon the pair by their recently deceased father. Of course, any self-respecting criminal would see this as an opportunity to make a pretty penny, and despite his small-time background Rugged is now ready to make the leap into the big leagues. Though his attempt to pry his way into the family business at first seems to be going along swimmingly, Rugged soon finds his criminal endeavors thwarted by a particularly sensitive cop (Michael Rapaport) who, despite his emotional fragility, remains determined to crack the case. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Aaron Stanford, Paul Schneider, (more)
