James Remar Movies
Hard-working character actor
James Remar has been mainly typecast as a psychopathic killer in a wide variety of thrillers, both blockbusters and low-budget straight-to-video. A native of Boston, he studied acting at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse and made his Broadway debut with Bent, opposite
Richard Gere. His first major film role was gangster Ajax in
Walter Hill's 1979 action drama
The Warriors. The film gained a minor cult following and seemed to cement
Remar's reputation as a bad guy. He would continue to work with director
Hill for
Windwalker (1980),
48 Hrs. (1982), and
Wild Bill (1995).
During the '80s, he played psycho gangster Dutch Schultz in
Francis Ford Coppola's
The Cotton Club, a maniac killer in
Rent-a-Cop, and a Neanderthal in
The Clan of the Cave Bear. He got a little break in 1989 as the cop Gentry in
Gus Van Sant's
Drugstore Cowboy. During the '90s, he made a deal with the devil in
Tales From the Darkside: The Movie and appeared in many movies that ended up on TV or home video. He had played so many villains that he was able to spoof himself as Max Shady in the comedic thriller parody
Fatal Instinct. A few gentle comedy dramas followed with
Penny Marshall's
Renaissance Man and
Herbert Ross'
Boys on the Side.
Many film roles opened up in the late '90s, from
Victor Salva's independent comedy
Rites of Passage to the big-budget
Robert Zemeckis mystery
What Lies Beneath. After playing Frank Cisco on the TV series Total Security, he showed up on HBO's
Sex and the City as Richard, Samatha's (
Kim Cattrall) rich boyfriend of the moment. He then joined the cast of the USA original series
The Huntress as fugitive Tiny Bellows, the love interest of Dottie Thorson (
Annette O'Toole). In 2003, he could be seen in feature films from the action moneymaker
2 Fast 2 Furious to the light comedy
Duplex. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

- 2008
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- Add Dexter: Season 03 to Queue
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Season 3 of the drama about the Miami forensic expert (Michael C. Hall) who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer features Jimmy Smits as ADA Miguel Prado, who does more than prosecute homicides -- he engages in them. While getting ready to make his move on Freebo, an abusive, drug-dealing lowlife who got away with murdering two college women, Dexter interrupts a two-man skirmish and winds up dispatching one as the other, Freebo, escapes. The victim, Dexter later discovers, is Oscar Prado, the righteous, respected "pride of Little Havana" and Miguel's younger brother. Miguel eventually ingratiates himself with Dexter and it appears the latter is on the verge of having something he's never had before-a best friend. On a trip to the grocery store with Rita (Julie Benz) and the kids, Dexter catches a pedophile buddying up to Cody and must decide whether this sexual deviate fits the Code and is a candidate for Dexter-mination. As Dexter and Miguel become closer, Dexter feels his new pal is on to his dark-side job, so he tests Miguel and the results are most interesting. Soon, Miguel pressures Dexter to work his lethal magic on a "bloodsucking, soulless defense attorney" who keeps putting "murderers, rapists and carjackers...back on the street...to commit more heinous crimes." But hey, she's just doing her job, and that doesn't necessarily conform to the Code, so Dexter balks at taking her out. On the home front, Rita startles Dexter with news that she is expecting, and he's faced with a big-time family decision involving her and her two children. And later, when everyone is on board with Rita's pregnancy, she decides it would be a good idea for Dexter to move in with her, Cody and Astor, but he's somewhat conflicted by this possible major upheaval in his very structured existence. ~ Ray Stackhouse, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Michael C. Hall, Jimmy Smits, (more)

- 2008
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- Add Pineapple Express to Queue
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Critically acclaimed director David Gordon Green takes a break from the brooding drama that defined such early efforts as George Washington and Undertow for this action-flavored buddy comedy concerning two pot-smoking friends (Seth Rogen and James Franco) who unwittingly become involved with a vicious gang of drug dealers. Judd Apatow and Shauna Robertson produce a script co-penned by star Rogen and Evan Goldberg. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
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- Starring:
- Seth Rogen, James Franco, (more)

- 2007
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- Add Sharpshooter to Queue
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James Remar and Melvin Van Peebles headline this relentlessly tense tale of a special ops sniper who reluctantly accepts one final mission before disappearing into retirement. Dillon (Remar) is a special ops sharpshooter extraordinaire - the kind of triggerman who could take out a Tic Tac at twenty yards without so much as using his scope. But now that Dillon has experienced his fair share of the war game, he's about to hang up his rifle for good. Just as he's preparing to disappear into obscurity, however, Dillon learns that some very bad people are attempting to obtain some very volatile nuclear materials. Suddenly, an ambitious terrorist plot goes unexpectedly awry, and the man who was supposed to stop it is now at the center of a deadly conspiracy. Will Dillon be able to unravel the explosive mystery that could bring about his death, or is he playing right into the hands of the powers that be. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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- Starring:
- James Remar, Mario Van Peebles, (more)

- 2007
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- Add Dexter: Season 02 to Queue
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Based on the acclaimed novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, Dexter is a crime drama about Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a man who leads a double life as an incredibly likeable forensics expert for the Miami Police Department and as an emotionless vigilante serial killer. Taught by his foster father (James Remar) to harness his lust for blood and killing, Dexter lives by his own strict moral code -- he only kills murderers who can't otherwise be brought to justice. The irony of Dexter's life is that he works closely as a blood splatter analyst with the very people who hunt his kind -- the homicide department. Dexter's "Regular Joe" front is in full force while working alongside the ill-tempered Sgt. James Doakes (Erik King), who seems to be the only one to sense Dexter's more sinister side; Lt. Maria LaGuerta (Lauren Velez), the head of the division; and Det. Angel Batista (David Zayas), whose similar attention to detail and taste for forensics almost mirrors his own. While his sister Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter), a tough and determined cop, leans on Dexter for personal advice and career advancement, the person Dexter connects with most is his emotionally damaged girlfriend Rita (Julie Benz), who keeps him grounded. In 2007's Season 2, Dexter begins to doubt his murderous capabilities and continues to be haunted by his past. His difficulties multiply when evidence of his deadly after-hours activities begin to surface and the FBI is brought in to investigate the city's new serial killer dubbed the "Bay Harbor Butcher." The four-disc set contains all 12 Season 2 episodes that aired on cable network Showtime, along with extras such as a podcast, interview, and more.
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- Starring:
- Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, (more)

- 2007
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- Add Dexter: Season 01 to Queue
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Dexter is based on the compelling novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay. Orphaned at the age of four and harboring a traumatic secret, Dexter Morgan (Dexter Morgan (Emmy- and Golden Globe- nominated actor Michael C. Hall from "Six Feet Under") is adopted by a police officer who recognizes Dexter's homicidal tendencies and guides his son to channel his gruesome passion for human vivisection in a constructive way - by killing those heinous perpetrators that are above the law or who have slipped through the cracks of justice. A respected member of the police force, a perfect gentleman and a man with a soft spot for children, it's hard not to like Dexter. Although his drive to kill is unflinching, he struggles to emulate normal emotions he doesn't feel, and to keep up his appearance as a caring, socially responsible human being.
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- Starring:
- Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, (more)

- 2005
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- Add Hubert Selby Jr: It'll Be Better Tomorrow to Queue
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Hubert Selby Jr. was a powerful and influential literary figure whose best-known novels, Last Exit to Brooklyn and Requiem for a Dream, dealt with the dark underside of life in a way that was bleak and often shocking, but also laced with compassion and understanding for the tortured lives of his characters. Selby only completed the eighth grade when he became a merchant marine and contracted a severe case of tuberculosis from infected cattle. While Selby survived thanks to bootleg antibiotics, he lost a lung and had to give up his physically punishing work at sea. Selby took up writing and developed a unique style that helped make his first novel, 1964's Last Exit to Brooklyn, a critical success and a controversial best-seller. However, Selby developed a massive appetite for alcohol and drugs which derailed his career, and by the time he published his second book, 1971's The Room, Selby was all but forgotten. However, Selby's work developed a passionate following in Europe, and was rediscovered in the United States after a successful film adaptation of Last Exit to Brooklyn was released. Hubert Selby Jr.: It/ll Be Better Tomorrow is a documentary which explores the life and work of this unlikely literary icon, and features extensive interviews with Selby as well as his friends and admirers. Interview subjects include Lou Reed, Henry Rollins, Richard Price, Nick Tosches, Ellen Burstyn, Darren Aronofsky, Uli Edel, Amiri Baraka, and Jerry Stahl. Robert Downey Jr. serves as narrator. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Robert Downey, Jr., Hubert Selby, Jr., (more)

- 2004
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- 2004
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The title of this made-for-TV drama refers to a grim-visaged trio of women who were all raped by the same man. Forming a united front to help track the suspected rapist down are Jillian Hayes (played by Roma Downey, who also produced film), Carol Rossen (Jacqueline Bisset) and Meg Pesaturo (Lauren Lee Smith. Under intense pressure from both the "Survivors Club" and an outraged public, the authorities waste no time hauling in prime suspect Eddie Como (Darren Shahlavi), even though Eddie's wife Tawnya (Pamela Diaz) is confident to the point of smugness that Eddie is innocent. On the first day of his trial, Eddie is shot down and killed by an unseen sniper--whereupon Jillian, Carol and Meg all but dance in the streets, making shocking public comments of how thrilled they are about this instance of vigilante justice (and in the process arousing suspicion that they may have engineered the shooting) . It soon develops, however, that Eddie may not have been guilty after all. . .and that the real rapist may have ordered the hit. The one person who seems to hold the key to the mystery is one David Price (Brian Markinson)--who happens to be a serial killer! Based on the book by Lisa Gardner, The Survivors Club made its first CBS appearance on March 7, 2004. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Roma Downey, James Remar, (more)

- 2004
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- Add Meltdown to Queue
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Originally titled American Meltdown, this speculative made-for-cable melodrama begins as a group of six terrorists, bearing names like Khalid, Shafig, and Ziad, take over a nuclear power plant in San Juan. It turns out that the terrorists' actions are merely symbolic, and that no real harm is intended -- but things get tragically out of control, and soon the military and the government are in full spin mode to gloss over and wash their hands of a deadly nuclear meltdown that threatens to destroy everything within driving distance of the plant. In a virtual reprise of his characterization in the TV series 24, Arnold Vosloo portrays the head of the terrorists, who are more "home grown" than anyone is willing to admit. The film is shot in a punchy, fast-cut, hand-held "breaking news" style, alternating dizzily between color and black-and-white to give it a documentary feel. Meltdown was presented by the FX cable channel on June 6, 2004. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Bruce Greenwood, Leslie Hope, (more)

- 2001
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In the conclusion of a two-part story, the Green Lantern has been whisked off to Mars to stand trial for his life at the behest of the Martian Manhunters--an organization of which his fellow Justice Leaguer J'onn J'onnz is also a member. Convinced that the Green Lantern will not receive proper justice, the rest of the Justice League rushes to the rescue, while the Green One's longtime superirs, the Guardians of the Universe, show up as character witnesses. But is the whole trial merely a sham, to cover up a sinister conspiracy of evil? This story is adapted from the Justice League of America comic-book continuity "No Man Escapes the Manhunter", and does not feature either Batman or Wonder Woman. Both episodes of "In Blackest Night" were released on DVD in tandem with another Justice League two-parter, "The Enemy Below," in April of 2003 under the umbrella title "Justice on Trial." ~ Rovi
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- Starring:
- James Remar, Kurtwood Smith, (more)

- 2001
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In the first episode of a two-part story, the Justice League must put aside its difference to save one of its own from certain death. The member in question is the Green Lantern, who has been targeted for prosecution (or is it persecution) by a Martian court. Making things difficult is the fact that the Green Lantern's comrade J'onn J'onnz is a member of the selfsame "Manhunter" faction that has arrested the Green One. This story is adapted from the Justice League of America comic-book continuity "No Man Escapes the Manhunter," and does not feature either Batman or Wonder Woman. Both episodes of "In Blackest Night" were released on DVD in tandem with another Justice League two-parter, "The Enemy Below," in April of 2003 under the umbrella title "Justice on Trial." ~ Rovi
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- Starring:
- James Remar, Kurtwood Smith, (more)

- 2000
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The family that tracks down bail-jumping bad guys together stays together, in this action-oriented drama series. Dottie Thorson (Annette O'Toole) hasn't quite gotten over the recent death of her husband when the realities of life on her own sink in -- she's deep in debt, and needs to come up with a dependable source of income -- fast. With the help of her 19-year-old daughter Brandi (Jordana Spiro), Dottie decides to reopen her late husband's business as a bounty hunter who collects rewards for capturing criminals who jumped bail rather than stand trial. With the help of Tiny Bellows (James Remar), a convicted murderer and a superb source of information on what's going on behind bars, Dottie and Brandi flag down different crooks each week, working alongside skeptical bail bondsman Ricky Guzman (Luis Antonio Ramos) and trying to avoid mean-spirited fellow bounty agent Claude St. Clair (Granville Ames). The Huntress debuted on the USA cable network on July 26, 2000; it was preceded by a two-hour pilot film, in which the role of Brandi was played by Aleska Palladino. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Annette O'Toole, James Remar, (more)

- 1993
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- 1992
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In this made-for-cable thriller, an unstable woman (Jennifer Beals) is drawn into the web of a scheming co-worker and the estranged husband (James Remar) of her boss. When her boss turns up the victim of a supposed suicide, things just don't quite add up. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi
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- 1991
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- Add Wedlock to Queue
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In this futuristic action drama directed by Lewis Teague, Frank Warren (Rutger Hauer) is a man accused of stealing millions of dollars worth of gems. In prison, all the inmates wear collars which are electronically joined to those of an unknown partner. The collars will explode if either partner gets more than 300 feet away from the other. Warren is determined to escape, however, and finds that his partner is Tracy Riggs (Mimi Rogers). They plan and execute an elaborate escape and head off to search for the stolen diamonds. But members of Warren's former gang pursue them. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Rutger Hauer, Mimi Rogers, (more)

- 1991
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This western chronicles the exploits of former Civil War hero Zach Hollister, who became an outlaw after the war. He eventually became a deputy sheriff. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Brian Bloom, David Carradine, (more)

- 1991
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- 1990
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A rich businessman, his wife and son are involved in illegal transactions as Kojak investigates. ~ Rovi
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- Starring:
- Telly Savalas

- 1990
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Night Visions is a serial-killer-at-large TV movie starring James Remar and Loryn Locklin. Remar portrays the tough LA cop on the case. Ms. Locklin is a psychic, engaged by the police in a desperate effort to ferret out the killer. Unfortunately the psychic borders on the psychotic; her visions seem tinged by her own miserable past experience--and by the fact that she has multiple personalities. This reasonably original premise rapidly dwindles down to predictability; its happy ending was dictated by the fact that the film was the pilot for an unsold series. Night Visions was directed by Wes Craven, who was required by network edicts to tone down the gleeful gore which permeated his Nightmare on Elm Street films. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1989
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In exchange for clearing Duell McCall's name, the cowboy's assistance is needed in locating the murderer of the sheriff's wife. ~ Rovi
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- 1984
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The five-hour miniseries The Mystic Warrior began life in 1979 when producer David L. Wolper announced plans for a ten-hour adaptation of Hanta Yo, an epic historical novel by Ruth Beebe Hill. Using as her main source a full-blooded Sioux named Chunksa Yuha, Hill fashioned what amounted to a Native American version of Roots, chronicling the history of the Matho tribe of the Ogala Dakota Sioux. Although Hill was briefly the darling of the literary cognoscenti, her book was ultimately attacked and discredited by a veritable army of Indian historians, teachers, and activists, who accused her of distorting and falsifying truths in order to promote her own (and Yuha's) sociopolitical agenda. Suddenly, all of the Native American support that had been promised to the miniseries version of Hanta Yo evaporated; even the filming location had to be changed from New Mexico to Thousand Oaks, CA, so as not to offend the Indian tribes in the former state. When the project finally aired on May 20 through 21, 1984, its running time (and budget) had been cut in half, and the producer was obliged to qualify the credits by noting that the teleplay was based partially on Hill's book, but mostly on "other sources." Judging by the results, those sources would seem to have been such Hollywood fictional films as Cheyenne Autumn and A Man Called Horse. Set in the years 1802 to 1808, the finished film focused on a young brave named Ahbleza (Robert Beltran), the son of a Matho chief. Blessed with supernatural visionary powers by the ancient Mahto seer Wanagi (Ron Soble), Ahbleza set about to save his people from the devastations of the future, among them the invasion of the white man. After a lengthy, truth-seeking odyssey fraught with tragedy and sacrifice, Ahbleza assumed his rightful place as spiritual leader of his tribe. Mystic Warrior was entertaining enough, but failed to draw viewers away from such formidable competition as The Jeffersons, Alice, and One Day at a Time. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Robert Beltran, Devon Ericson, (more)

- 2012
- R
- Add Django Unchained to Queue
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A former slave and a German bounty hunter become unlikely allies in the battle against a tyrannical plantation owner in this western from visionary director Quentin Tarantino. Two years before the Civil War pits brother-against-brother, German-born fugitive hunter Dr. King Schultz (Academy Award-winner Christoph Waltz) arrives in America determined to capture the outlaw Brittle brothers dead or alive. In the midst of his search, Dr. Schultz crosses paths with Django (Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx), a freed slave and skilled tracker who seeks to rescue his beloved wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) from ruthless plantation owner Calvin Candie (Academy Award-nominee Leonardo DiCaprio). Once Django has aided Dr. Schultz in coralling the Brittle brothers, the two team up to capture some of the most wanted men in the South. Meanwhile, Django never loses sight of his mission to free Broomhilda from the treacherous slave trade before it's too late. Upon arriving at Candie's nefarious plantation, dubbed Candyland, Django and Dr. Schultz discover that slaves are being groomed for gladiator-like competitions by Candie's malevolent right-hand man Billy Crash (Walton Goggins), and together they skillfully work their way onto the compound for a closer look. But just as Django and his partner locate Broomhilda and plot a daring escape, Candie's house slave Stephen (Academy Award-nominee Samuel L. Jackson) catches wind of their plan, and informs his master of the betrayal. Now, as a clandestine organization attempts to back them into a corner, Django and Dr. Schultz will have to come out with pistols blazing if they ever hope to free Broomhilda from Candyland and the clutches of its vile proprietor. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, (more)