Garry Shandling Movies
Comedian Garry Shandling is best known for his top-rated, award-winning parody of television talk shows The Larry Sanders Show, which aired on the HBO cable network from 1993 to 1998. He started out as a comedy writer for other sitcoms and as a standup comedian. He landed his first television show, the It's Garry Shandling's Show, on Fox in 1985. The show was heavily autobiographical, to the point of replicating his apartment on a soundstage. Shandling, however, made his biggest impression with Larry Sanders, a show about the trials, tribulations, and double-dealing that goes on behind the scenes of a latenight talk show. Much of the show's material was drawn from experiences Shandling endured or witnessed on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where he was a popular guest star.In addition to performing live and on television, Shandling has also played character roles in feature films, beginning with The Night We Never Met in 1993 and continuing with such varied projects as Hurly Burly and Dr. Doolittle, both in 1998. The actor tried his hand at starring with the 2000 extra-terrestrial comedy What Planet Are You From, a box-office dud Shandling also produced and wrote.
As the decade wore on, Shandling's significant big screen roles were limited to the 2001 Warren Beatty picture Town & Country, before emerging in 2006 by lending his voice to the animated adventure Over the Hedge and appearing in a supporting part in Trust the Man. Meanwhile, on the small screen, he kept television viewers laughing as host of the 52nd and 55th Annual Prime Time Ammy Awards in 2000 and 2003 respectively. Though brief cameos in Iron Man 2 and Sacha Baron Cohen's The Dictator followed, the one-time comedy superstar largely continued to maintain a low-profile in subsequent years. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
As Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) owns up to being Iron Man before the world press, Anton Vanko lies dying in Russia. Years ago, Anton worked with Tony's father to create a new source of energy. But greed got the best of Anton, and now as he slips away, his son, Ivan (Mickey Rourke), vows to make Tony pay for the sins of his father. Meanwhile, Tony fends off efforts from smarmy Senator Stern (Garry Shandling) and military weapons expert Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) to get him to divulge the secrets of his powerful Iron Man suit. The powers that be are concerned that Tony's technology may fall into the wrong hands -- fears that are soon confirmed when the cocky billionaire entrepreneur is confronted in front of the entire world by Ivan, who has built his own weapon using stolen Stark blueprints. Later, as Lt. Rhodes (Don Cheadle) wrestles with the decision to personally deliver Tony's suit to the military, Ivan finds an unlikely ally in the quest to destroy Iron Man; Stark Industries legal consultant Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson) reveals her connection to Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson); and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) takes on some new responsibilities. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, (more)
- 2008
- Add Comic Relief: The Greatest... and the Latest to Queue Add Comic Relief: The Greatest... and the Latest to top of Queue
Comic Relief: The Greatest... and the Latest features a number of performances by some of the most talented comics of their day performing for a charity that collects money for the homeless. Among the performers who appear on this release are Sarah Silverman, Lewis Black, Jon Stewart, and David Cross. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, (more)
A group of feisty forest critters awaken following the winter freeze to discover that not only has a new neighborhood cropped up during the cold months, but living in close proximity to humans may have its benefits in this computer-animated comedy-adventure for all ages featuring the voices of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, Avril Lavigne, Eugene Levy, and William Shatner. Despite Verne the Turtle's (Garry Shandling) initial hesitance to breach the formidable foliage that has appeared on his doorstep since last fall, the arrival of fearless raccoon RJ (Willis) and revelation that their new human neighbors throw out enough food in one day to feed a whole forest lead the gang to consider taking the plunge and exploring the snack-filled suburbs. As Verne and RJ learn to work together in taking on their strange new surroundings, Stella the Skunk (Sykes), Hammy the Squirrel (Carrel), Heather the Opossum (Lavigne), and Heather's father, Ozzie (Shatner), join in on the fun by scavenging for Girl Scout cookies and attempting to scuttle past the pesky new suburbanites undetected. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, (more)
Two couples demonstrate that breaking up can be just as hard as staying together in this romantic comedy drama. Rebecca (Julianne Moore) and Tom (David Duchovny) are a seemingly happy married couple living in New York City -- she's a successful actress, while he stays home with the kids. However, beneath the surface, things are not going well. Rebecca is no longer amused with her husband's appetite for porn and constant sexual demands, while he's seriously considering having an affair. Rebecca's brother Tobey, (Billy Crudup), is in a more openly dysfunctional relationship; he's been dating Elaine (Maggie Gyllenhaal) for seven years but has no interest in marriage, while she's desperate to settle down and start a family. Tobey and Elaine decide to call it quits, as Tobey hooks up with an old friend from college (Eva Mendes) who is looking to cheat on her husband, and Elaine starts dating a handsome musician (James LeGros) who may be in need of a green card. Meanwhile, Rebecca and Tom go into couples therapy, which creates as many problems as it solves. Trust the Man also features Ellen Barkin, Garry Shandling, and Bob Balaban. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- David Duchovny, Julianne Moore, (more)
Documentarist Christopher Monger's Special Thanks to Roy London profiles famed acting coach London (1943-93), a man with resounding professional success (including a litany of former pupils who graduated to A-list Hollywood triumph), but who remained guarded about his teaching methods and philosophies on acting. In this program, Monger examines London through the eyes of many of the said pupils, including Jeff Goldblum, Hank Azaria, Garry Shandling, Geena Davis and Patrick Swayze. The title, of course, refers to the much-deserved "special thanks" that many of these celebrities have given London in speeches and credits. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- 2003
- Add The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch to Queue Add The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch to top of Queue
Monty Python-alum Eric Idle directs and stars in this sequel to his 1978 mockumentary, The Rutles. It's decades later and the Rutles are embarking on their final reunion tour. Along for the ride is S.J. Krammerhead (Idle) who, just like in the first film, interviews several notable celebrities who expound on the greatness of the "pre-fab four." Among those who appear as themselves are David Bowie, Billy Connolly, Carrie Fisher, Jewel Kilcher, Steve Martin, Mike Nichols, Conan O'Brien, and Salman Rushdie. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- Starring:
- Eric Idle, Neil Innes, (more)
The world of stand-up comedy is explored from the perspectives of two very different talents -- one wet behind the years, another already a legend -- in this documentary from TV-commercial director Christian Charles. Comedian follows Jerry Seinfeld and Orny Adams as they navigate their way through the cutthroat world of New York's comedy clubs, each working toward the ultimate goal of an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. For Seinfeld, hitting the clubs is a way of proving himself after his years of sitcom success; for the up-and-coming Adams, nightly stand-up routines are an avenue to bigger and better things, preferably comedy festivals, talk show appearances, and sitcom roles. The two occasionally cross paths at such Manhattan comic haunts as The Gotham Comedy Club and Caroline's, where they debate ups and downs of the trade. Comedian also reveals many candid, behind-the-scenes discussions between Seinfeld and such comic legends as Chris Rock, Robert Klein, Dave Chappelle, and Jay Leno, as well as rare glimpses of the star's personal life. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jerry Seinfeld, Greg Geraldo, (more)
This long-delayed romantic comedy from director Peter Chelsom stars Warren Beatty as a wealthy New York architect, Porter Stoddard. The revelation that his best friend Griffin (Garry Shandling) is cheating on his wife Mona (Goldie Hawn) leads to a mid-life crisis of sorts for Porter, jeopardizing his marriage to Ellie (Diane Keaton). When Mona leaves Griffin for her family's antebellum home in Mississippi, Porter accompanies her to lend his professional assistance in designing some home improvements and ends up entangled in a romantic assignation with his best friend's estranged wife. He then embarks on a series of other illicit, comical affairs. Among Porter's conquests are a cellist, Alex (Nastassja Kinski), the beautiful Eugenie (Andie MacDowell), and a Halloween reveler named Auburn (Jenna Elfman). He also runs afoul of Eugenie's overprotective father (Charlton Heston), who's armed with a shotgun and disturbingly unable to view his daughter as an adult. Town & Country (2001) is based on a script co-written by Buck Henry. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, (more)
Garry Shandling makes his big-screen debut as a leading man in this sci-fi romantic comedy. Harold (Shandling) is an alien from another galaxy sent to Earth on a vital mission: in order to ensure that his civilization will prevail, Harold must impregnate an Earth woman. But he discovers that this is more easily said than done, as he quickly gets a crash course in the arcane rituals of the human courtship process. What's worse, just when Harold thinks he's making progress in Earthbound seduction, he discovers that the males of his planet don't physically interface properly with women on Earth, so he is issued a variety of bizarre gadgets to complete his assignment. Mike Nichols directed What Planet Are You From?, which also features a top-notch supporting cast, including Annette Bening, John Goodman, Ben Kingsley, and Camryn Manheim. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Annette Bening, (more)
David Rabe's popular play of Hollywood immorality and decadence is brought to the big screen by director Anthony Drazan and an all-star cast that includes Sean Penn, Robin Wright-Penn, Kevin Spacey, Meg Ryan, Chazz Palminteri, Garry Shandling, and Anna Paquin. The film is set in the Hollywood Hills and tells the story of Eddie (Penn) a drinking-smoking-snorting-womanizing casting director and his philandering partner-roommate Mickey (Spacey). Along with their buddies Artie and Phil, they sit around and pontificate about the meaning of life -- that is, the meaning of their lives, of which there is very little. Eddie is in love with Darlene (real-life wife Wright Penn), but she is also seeing the married Mickey. When Artie brings Eddie and Mickey a "care package" in the shape of a pretty, disillusioned hitchhiker named Donna (Paquin), they take turns throwing her around until, yet again, their own empty pathetic lives preoccupy their paranoid minds. As people and relationships deteriorate everywhere, the guys try to pick Phil by giving him the gift of a washed-up exotic dancer, Bonnie (Ryan). Of course she ends up just more abused than ever as she and the rest of the gang hit rock bottom. ~ Arthur Borman, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, (more)
Betty Thomas directed this adaptation of the classic children's stories by Hugh Lofting (1886-1947), updating the original concepts into the present day. When noted surgeon Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) swerves his car to avoid hitting a dog, he hits his head on the windshield, triggering his long-dormant gift for holding conversations with animals. Friends, associates and his wife Lisa (Kristen Wilson), all express concern, but Dr. Dolittle is happy as he takes on new animal clients. Soon Dolittle's clinic becomes a haven for talking rats, birds, and other assorted members of the animal kingdom, and Dolittle's new four-legged and furry friends, in turn, teach him a few things about being human. The effects seamlessly combine Jim Henson Creature Shop animatronics, computer graphics, and real animals, but some viewers might yearn for a return of the Great Pink Sea Snail and Lofting's other imaginative creatures. The 1967 20th Century Fox musical Dr. Dolittle starred Rex Harrison in a strange storyline that began with Dolittle escaping from a lunatic asylum and leaving the Victorian village Puddleby-by-the-Marsh, England, to search the South Seas for the Great Pink Sea Snail. Along the way, he gathered diverse Dolittle denizens and animal anomalies, including the Giant Moon Moth and the famed, two-headed Pushmi-Pullyu. The earlier film spawned the Oscar-winning popular song success, "Talk To The Animals," along with numerous now-forgotten toys, books, and collectibles. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Eddie Murphy, Ossie Davis, (more)
- 1998
Desperate for an A-list guest as his final show draws ever closer, Larry (Garry Shandling) determines that he must overcome his discomfort with affectionate old friend David Duchovny in order to secure an appearance from the X-Files star. Meanwhile, Artie (Rip Torn) struggles to keep the emotional staff afloat in hopes of producing a memorable swan song for The Larry Sanders Show. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1998
When Sid (Sid Newman) dies, nearly all of the crew members of The Larry Sanders Show find themselves in mourning. Having just told Sid in a jealous rage that the audience was laughing "at" him instead of "with" him following a successful skit, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) is especially affected due to the fact that he feels partially responsible for Sid's death. As Hank vows to offer financial support to Sid's family, Larry (Garry Shandling) attempts to keep his relationship with Laura Dern a secret. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1998
Given total control by the network when he returns to serve as guest host, Larry's (Garry Shandling) nemesis Jon Stewart finds his power slipping when the suits inform him that his show won't air due to a controversial Nazi skit. Meanwhile, despite Larry's best efforts to solidify his relationship with his brother Stan (Wayne Federman), he finds himself repeatedly distracted by his obsession with seeing Stewart fail. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1998
When shady network suit Kenny Mitchell (Josh Malina) is appointed "Creative Liaison" and begins to implement drastic changes in the show's format, Larry (Garry Shandling) starts to sweat, but when his agent, Stevie (Bob Odenkirk), appears to be avoiding contract negotiations and ends up having lunch with Jon Stewart, Larry really starts to feel the heat. It seems that Kenny has been dropping increasingly frequent hints that the show could get better ratings with Stewart at the helm, and it's not long before he and a frustrated Artie (Rip Torn) nearly come to blows. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1998
When Larry (Garry Shandling) announces that he won't be renewing his contract, the staff begins chomping at the bits to find new jobs. It appears as if Beverly (Penny Johnson), Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), and Artie (Rip Torn) all have prospects for the future, though unfortunately the same thing can't be said for our increasingly troubled host. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1998
As The Larry Sanders Show began to wind toward the end of its run, fans could see from the first episode of the season that things didn't bode well for the increasingly stressed host. From the moment in "Another List" when Larry (Garry Shandling) began to to fret over the fact that Jon Stewart got better ratings serving as guest host than Larry did on any given evening, the first three episodes clearly began to establish the fact that the end was near. After the suits move in on our gracious host and Larry subsequently announces that he won't be renewing his contract, caution is thrown to the wind for the majority of the season, resulting in a carefree feel in which The Larry Sanders Show would flourish. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, (more)
- 1998
When Jon Stewart guest hosts and draws even bigger ratings that The Larry Sanders Show's eponymous host, Larry's paranoia starts to kick in. When the increasingly sex-obsessed host targets Winona Ryder for conquest, he is devastated upon finding Ryder and Stewart making out in the dressing room. The appearance of two network suits compounds Larry's anxiety, and his fears may be justified when it's revealed that there may be some big changes on the show. Meanwhile, Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) has difficulties changing his license plates to his trademark "Hey Now" when oddball doppelganger fan Paul (George Wyner) already has the customized plates. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1997
While organizing a roast for Larry (Garry Shandling), Norman (David Paymer) invites Dana Carvey, Bill Maher, Jon Stewart, and Al Franken to take their best shot at the self-absorbed talk-show host. When Artie (Rip Torn) invites Carl Reiner to host instead of Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), the sensitive sidekick retaliates by practicing his heckler defense skills and inviting an unexpected guest. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1996
Kicking off with a memorable episode that came in number 39 in TV Guide's "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time" list, the penultimate season of The Larry Sanders Show found the show's side-splitting cynicism rising to hilarious new heights thanks to such episodes as "The Book" and "The Roast." In addition to a strong start, season five also found the plots ever more concerned with the plight of characters outside of the established power trio of Larry (Garry Shandling), Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), and Artie (Rip Torn), and new faces such as Hank's assistant Brian (former Kids in the Hall cast member Scott Thompson) provided The Larry Sanders Show with new conflict and fresh perspectives. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, (more)
- 1995
Left in the lurch after the prop master unexpectedly quits the show, Artie (Rip Torn) is pressured by Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) to hire the sidekick's new squeeze. When Beverly (Penny Johnson) catches wind of the newly open position, she is prompted by her cousin Clyde (Paul Mooney) to demand that the job go to an African-American -- specifically Clyde himself. Disheartened by Larry's refusal to consider her proposal and feeling like a token minority among the staff, Beverly threatens to take a position as Laurence Fishburne's assistant. Troubled over the fact that he's losing a valuable employee, Larry attempts to keep Beverly with the show by hiring Clyde. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1995
Goaded by Artie (Rip Torn) and Paula (Janeane Garofalo) into finding a high-profile guest for the show, Larry (Garry Shandling) reluctantly asks his friend Jeff Goldblum if he would be willing to make an appearance. When Goldblum happily offers to oblige, Larry's confidence is boosted and the insecure host musters the courage to ask out Susan (Marg Helgenberger), the network executive whom he's been fawning over. When Susan seems less receptive to Larry's advances than Goldblum was, Larry's insecurities take hold once again. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1995
Fed up that he has been bumped from the show nine times in a row, comedian Jeff Cesario is somewhat placated by Larry's (Garry Shandling) promise that he will most certainly be on the next show. Complications arise when Artie (Rip Torn) and Larry discover that not only has the next show been booked solid, but Hank's (Jeffrey Tambor) father has died, and the grief-stricken co-host has demanded tribute time on the show. When Artie and Larry decide that a guest must be cut, who will it be? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1995
Perhaps in response to the sometimes dark turns taken in season three of The Larry Sanders Show, season four makes things a bit more upbeat by focusing on the foibles of show business rather than the strife of the characters. Despite characters blowing off steam in such episodes as "Arthur After Hours" and a brush with mortality in "I Was a Teenage Lesbian," conflict generally resulted in more humorous outcomes as viewers began to learn more about such peripheral players as Beverly (Penny Johnson) ("Beverly and the Prop Job") and Paula (Janeane Garofalo) (the aforementioned "I Was a Teenage Lesbian"). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, (more)
Rating Systems
Blockbuster
BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
© 2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2013 Rovi Corporation.