Lynne Stewart Movies
A cow learns to walk like a man, both literally and figuratively, in this computer-animated comedy written and directed by Steve Oedekerk, the creator of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. Ben (voice of Sam Elliott) is a cow who for years has been the leader and sober voice of reason among the animals at a farm where the critters are a bit unusual -- they can walk on two legs, talk, swim, and act like humans, though they have the good sense to avoid doing these things while humans are around. Ben has long dreamed that his son Otis (voice of Kevin James) would someday take over his duties on the farm, but Otis is a carefree and irresponsible type who would rather party with his friends and hang out with his girlfriend, Daisy (voice of Courteney Cox). Ben and his friend Miles (voice of Danny Glover), a wise and patient mule, wonder if Otis will ever make anything of himself, while Dasiy's best friend, Bessy (voice of Wanda Sykes), is convinced she can do better. However, one night Otis decides to do something about an obnoxious kid who enjoys tipping his fellow cows, and for the first time in his life he gets a taste of leadership -- and he likes it. Barnyard also features the voice talents of Andie MacDowell, Maria Bamford, and Maurice LaMarche. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin James, Courteney Cox Arquette, (more)
- 2005
Larry (Larry David) almost drowns while swimming in the ocean. As he later tells it, in a moment of panic, he cries out to God, and is deposited safely on the beach. "Now maybe you'll start to be more respectful to people," Susie (Susie Essman) suggests, but Larry doesn't get her point. With his newfound faith, he decides to go to temple for the High Holy Days, but Jeff (Jeff Garlin) explains that one has to order tickets months in advance, and that the services are sold out. Larry eventually decides to go to a scalper (Paul Ben-Victor). Larry is initially thrilled to learn that his favorite deli, Leo's, has named a sandwich after him. But, when he finds out the ingredients are whitefish, sable, cream cheese, capers, and onions ("That's a disgusting sandwich"), he tries to have it changed. Leo (Ed O'Ross) agrees to allow Larry to change if someone will switch with him. Nat (Shelley Berman) seems to enjoy the whitefish, but suffers some kind of attack while eating it, and has to be rushed to the hospital, where, delirious, he whispers something that to Larry sounds like "You're adopted." Later, Ted Danson refuses to switch sandwiches with Larry, and at temple, he gets into a spat with Richard Lewis, who is jealous of Larry's sandwich. Also, a chief surgeon (Kenneth Kimmins) appears to get "the yips" on the golf course, and when Cheryl (Cheryl Himes) complains about Larry interrupting sex to answer the phone, he responds sarcastically, "Oh, sacred intercourse cannot be interrupted!" ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2005
It's a grueling and eventful first 48 hours for the new crop of surgical interns at Seattle Grace Hospital in the debut episode of Grey's Anatomy. Among the newcomers are Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), still struggling to emerge from the shadow of her celebrated surgeon mother Ellis Grey (Kate Burton); fiercely competitive Stanford grad Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), who will in time become Meredith's best friend; former fashion model Isobel "Izzie" Stevens (Katherine Heigl), a bit put off that she's no longer the sole center of attention; amiable, naïve George O'Malley (T.R. Knight); and Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), who wastes no time proving himself to be a pompous jerk. After a pep talk from chief surgeon Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), the interns are placed in the not-so-tender care of supervising doctor Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), also known as "The Nazi" for reasons that become instantly obvious. During their two-day shakedown cruise, the rookies come face to face with the harsh realities of hospital life, with Meredith tending to a girl suffering from seizures, George enduring his first appendectomy, and Cristina finds that it's no picnic workiing under veteran surgeon Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington). But the biggest shock of all is reserved for Ellis, when she discovers that her handsome "one-night stand" from the previous evening happens to be her new boss, Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey)! Peter Horton received an Emmy nomination for his direction of this inaugural episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
Unlike her earlier comedy series and specials, in which she "took on" dozens of vivid and distinct characterizations, Tracey Ullman focuses herein on only three of her famous alter egos. First and foremost is faded glamour gal Ruby Romaine, veteran Hollywood cosmetician and shameless dispenser of libelous gossip. In her efforts to gain re-entry into Local 706 of the Hair and Makeup Guild, the heavily wrinkled Ruby crosses paths with two other Ullman creations, Russian émigré Svetlana and actress Pepper Kane, a black woman trying to pass as white (not surprisingly, both ladies are prime targets for Ruby's unending stream of ethnic slurs). Somehow or other, Ruby's return to her days of glory also brings her in contact with such real-life popular culture icons as Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Bain, Cheech Marin, Rose Marie, Jane Kaczmarek, and former Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In producer George Schlatter. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tracey Ullman
Fresh from Iowa, Holly (Melissa Joan Hart) and Calvin (Ryan Browning) arrive in New York, there to pursue careers as actors. Alas, money is mighty tight for the new arrivals, and decent housing is well night impossible to find. Eventually, Holly is forced to move in with her eccentric, cat-crazy Aunt Agatha (Lynne Marie Stewart), who lives in a rent-controlled apartment in the middle of an upscale neighborhood. When Aunt Agatha dies of natural causes, a desperate Holly hits upon a brilliant idea: she and Calvin will pretend that Auntie is still alive, the better to remain in the apartment for a minimal price. The couple enlist the apartment building's feckless elevator operator Dennis (Andrew Kavovit) as their co-conspirator, then spend much of the rest of the movie trying to keep their landlord's suspicious son Vincent (Joseph D. Reitman) from stumbling upon the truth. Filmed in 2002, Rent Control did not make its ABC Family Channel debut until September 9, 2005, by which time the made-for-cable film had been extensively re-edited to accelerate its pace. The film has since been released abroad under its working title Aunt Agatha's Apartment. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Joan Hart, Ryan Browning, (more)
A nervous hotel manager has all sorts of monkey business to deal with (actually orangutan business, but you get the idea) in this comedy for the family. Robert Grant (Jason Alexander) is the manager of The Majestic Hotel, a large and highly luxurious five-star facility. Grant is harried, overworked, and wants to take his two sons, Kyle (Eric Lloyd) and Brian (Graham Sack), on a well-deserved vacation, but when the owner of the Majestic, Mrs. Dubrow (Faye Dunnaway), hears that the hotel is being considered for the newly-minted and very prestigious six-star rating by the Le Monde Guide, it falls on Robert to make sure that everything is perfect when the guide's staff arrives. Since the inspectors will arrive unannounced, Robert has to chase after anyone who looks like they could be a VIP, so he finds himself giving the star treatment to new guest Lord Rutledge (Rupert Everett) when he spots Rutledge using a pocket camera to snap pictures in the lobby. However, Rutledge is actually a skilled jewel thief who has come to the Majestic to take advantage of its wealthy clientele, and he's arrived with his pet orangutan, Dunston, who has been trained to be Rutledge's partner in crime. Dunston gets lost in the hotel's air duct system; Kyle finds the friendly ape and discovers he makes a great playmate, which makes things all the more difficult for Robert. Paul Reubens (aka Pee Wee Herman) also appears as a trigger-happy animal control officer. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jason Alexander, Faye Dunaway, (more)
This is the third film based on Tom Clancy's high-tech espionage potboilers starring CIA deputy director Jack Ryan. Harrison Ford, returning to the Ryan role after his first go-round in 1992's Patriot Games, is assigned to a delicate anti-drug investigation after a close friend of the President (a Reaganesque Donald Moffat) is murdered by a Colombian drug cartel. When Ryan discovers that the President's wealthy friend was in league with the cartel, the President's devious national security adviser (Harris Yulin) and an ambitious CIA deputy director (Henry Czerny) send a secret paramilitary force into Colombia to wipe out the drug lords. The force is captured and then abandoned by the President's lackeys. It falls to Ryan to enter Colombia and rescue them, aided only by a renegade operative named Clark (Willem Dafoe), with both his life and career on the line. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, (more)
- 1991
- R
Two beefed-up twins (played by the Paul brothers, Peter and David, who have appeared in several programmers as "The Barbarian Brothers") operating on opposing sides of the law, team up to stop a nefarious crook in this actioner. Peter Jade is a notoriously arrogant burglar who ends up with the key to an enormous underground cache of diamonds. David Jade is a cop who joins forces with Peter after greedy Philip Chamberlain, wanting the diamonds for himself, kills David's partner. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Paul, David Paul, (more)
- 1990
Christine (Markie Post) has fallen in love with undercover cop Tony (Ray Abruzzo), but he seems to be in love only with his job. Seeking advice from the Night Court staffers, Christine gets a lot of comfort and encouragement, but no answers. In desperation, she turns to a famous pair of twin-sister advice columnists (Jodi Carlisle, Lynne Stewart) who have been feuding with one another for years. (Sound familiar?) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Pee-wee's efforts to fix the malfunctioning Conky the computer just make things worse. Enter the handsome repairman (an up-and-coming Jimmy Smits) who fortunately has "the right tools and knows how to use them." When flirtatious Miss Yvonne hears this declaration, her lovestruck reaction is "Great!" -- which just so happens to be today's secret word. "Conky's Breakdown" was first released on video in tandem with "I Remember Curtis" in Volume 2 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
It's time to redecorate the Playhouse, and it promises to be a noisy event inasmuch as today's secret word is "House." (SCREAM REAL LOUD!) Borrowing a page from Tom Sawyer, Pee-wee tricks his friends Cowboy Curtis, Ricardo, and Miss Yvonne into doing all the work. When Reba the Mail Lady arrives to deliver Clocky, the gang unexpectedly meets two new friends: Floory and Mrs. Rene (Suzanne Kent). And to top it off, Miss Yvonne stages an impromptu tea party. William Marshall makes his debut as the King of Cartoons, bringing a vintage TV to the festivities. "Open House" was released on video in tandem with "Pee-wee Catches a Cold" in Volume 1 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
It's a sleepover when Pee-wee and Miss Yvonne plan a pajama party. Cowboy Curtis despairs because he hasn't any PJs, until Jambi comes to the rescue. And when Pee-wee declares that he loves his fruit salad, Roger the Monster quips "Then why don't you marry it?" -- whereupon our hero replies "All right, I will" (and he does!). P.S.: The secret word is "Watch." "Pajama Party" was first released on video in tandem with "To Tell the Tooth" in Volume 4 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Hopping into the Magic Screen, Pee-wee and Cowboy Curtis have a high old time with a railroad handcart -- at least until a speeding train chases them back to reality. Today's secret word, "More", inspires Curtis to perform the celebrated "The More Song". And when Curtis and Miss Yvonne go shopping at Pee-wee's imaginary department store, Chairry is the center of attention. "Store" was released on video with "Playhouse in Outer Space" in Volume 3 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Today's secret word is "Out," which is where Pee-wee would like to be. Unfortunately, our hero is stuck in bed with a cold. Despite his protests, Pee-wee is nursed back to health by Miss Yvonne, Ricardo, and several heaping helpings of good ol' chicken soup. Fortunately, Pee-wee is cured in time to speed off on his really cool bike at the end of the episode. "Pee-wee Catches a Cold" was released on video in tandem with "Open House" in Volume 1 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Today's secret word is "End" -- but that's only the beginning, folks! The Playhouse gang has fun retelling their favorite story: For example, Pee-wee and Ricardo re-enact "The Nutcracker," while Magic Screen serves up "Jack and the Beanstalk." Best of all is Miss Yvonne's story, which she relates silently via the language of the hula-hula dance. "Love That Story" was released on video in tandem with "Fire in the Playhouse" in Volume 7 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Today's secret word is "Cool," and cool it is when Pee-wee (who's largely absent from this episode) declares that everybody must have fun. Cowboy Curtis responds by singing a ballad to the talking flowers, while Miss Yvonne performs an energetic clog dance and Pee-wee himself lyp-synchs to Bob Hope's recording of "That Certain Feeling". The only crisis: Which ice-cream dessert should everyone eat? "Tons of Fun" was released on video in tandem with "School" in Volume 15 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
Today's secret word is "Nice" -- and Pee-wee's trouble is that he's too nice. It all begins when Miss Yvonne is forced outside while her house is being painted. Pee-wee invites her to stay in the Playhouse as his guest -- an offer he has cause to regret when she proves to be a pest. As usual, Jambi saves the day, but more trouble arrives on Pee-wee's doorstep in the form of Countess the Cow. "Miss Yvonne's Visit" was released on video in tandem with "Sick? Did Someone Say Sick?" in Volume 8 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
There's a "Fire in the Playhouse" when rascally Randy sets the oven temperature to 700 degrees. Worse still, Miss Yvonne's dinner is ruined! But she forgets all about dinner when she catches a glimpse of handsome Fireman Frank (Stephen Parry), who finds time to give the Playhouse gang (and the kids at home) a few vital safety tips. Today's secret word is "One," so get your screaming muscles ready. "Fire in the Playhouse" was released on video in tandem with "Love That Story" in Volume 7 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
The discovery of Cowboy Curtis' magic lasso sparks pleasant memories of Pee-wee's rope-spinning buddy. Through the magic of flashbacks, we are treated to such previous series highlights as Curtis' rendition of "The More Song" (from "Store") and his very special date with Miss Yvonne (from "The Cowboy and the Countess"). This episode is a real showcase for the young Lawrence Fishburne (was he ever really that young?). "I Remember Curtis" was released on video in tandem with "Conky's Breakdown" in Volume 2 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1989
"Let's play office!" shouts Pee-wee, whereupon he and Miss Yvonne alternate between "boss" and "secretary" for seveal thrilling minutes. Before long, their ersatz office is visited by Cowboy Curtis, who has brought along a new pal: A talking cactus. And as if this wasn't enough excitement for one day, the secret word is "That." "Let's Play Office" was released on video in tandem with "Mystery" in Volume 10 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1988
Today's secret word is "Around" -- and apparently someone has been around Pee-wee's clothes closet. Responding to Miss Yvonne's offer to do some dry-cleaning, Pee-wee discovers that all his favorite suits are missing. And what has happened to his bowl, spoon, and connect-the-dots board? Playing detective, Pee-wee makes several startling discoveries, not to mention a brand-new friend. "Mystery" was released on video in tandem with "Let's Play Office" in Volume 10 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1988
There's a breakout from the Ant Farm while the Playhouse gang is playing House (Miss Yvonne is Mommy, of course -- and wait until you see the baby). The fugitive ants roam all around the furniture, pay an unwelcome visit to the Claymation Dinosaurs, and steal a frosty cake. What (today's secret word!) can be done to rid the Playhouse of the tiny scourges? Pee-wee comes up with a delightful solution: the "Ants in Your Pants Dance." "Ants in Your Pants" was first released on video in tandem with "Why Wasn't I Invited?" in Volume 16 of Pee-wee's Playhouse. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens
- 1988
- R
A transit engineer and his family must face the gargantuan task of moving from New Jersey to Boise, Idaho in this lively comedy starring Richard Pryor. It all begins after he gets a really great job out West. Unfortunately, his family is less than thrilled with the prospect. The furniture movers, who prove to be crooks, and their crazy neighbors conspire to make matters all the worse. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Pryor, Beverly Todd, (more)
Paul Reubens's followup to the box-office hit Pee-Wee's Big Adventure is just as outrageous and cartoonish, though not as good. This time, child-man Pee-Wee runs a colorful farm, chock full of talking animals and outsized produce. On the morning after a tornado of Wizard of Oz dimensions, Pee-Wee awakens to discover that a travelling circus has been deposited in his back yard. Befriended by circus owner Kris Kristofferson, Pee-Wee takes an acrobatic job, hoping to impress lovely trapeze artist Valeria Golino--thereby incurring the jealous rage of his hometown sweetie Penelope Ann Miller. When the circus is faced with bankruptcy, Pee-Wee comes up with a brilliant idea: why not stage a three-ring spectacular celebrating the wonders of agriculture? A partial takeoff of such earlier sawdust-trail flicks as Martin and Lewis' Three Ring Circus and Disney's Toby Tyler, Big Top Pee-Wee is generally entertaining, but goes off in too many directions at once, leaving a lot of loose plot ends and underdeveloped characters. Also, Pee-Wee's overactive libido (at least in this film!) is not all that suitable for his younger fans. Even so, there are plenty of hilarious set-pieces. Big Top Pee-Wee was produced and cowritten by Paul Reubens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Reubens, Kris Kristofferson, (more)
