Patti Yasutake Movies
- 2005
Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) sullenly continues to cool her jets while Derek (Patrick Dempsey) and Addison (Kate Walsh) consider giving their marriage a second change. Back at work, Meredith and the other interns are nonplussed by a male patient named Shane (Joe Sikora), who is convinced that he is pregnant. Meanwhile, Alex (Justin Chambers) tries to persuade an 18-year-old girl named Nicole (Michelle Ongkingco) to undergo corrective surgery--and at the same time, Nicole gives Alex advice on his relationship with Izzie (Katherine Heigl); George (T.R Knight) finds himself identifying with the long-suffering husband (Reni Santoni) of an overbearing heart patient (Elaine Kagan); and Cristina (Sandra Oh) and Burke (Isaiah Washington) aren't sure whether to let everyone know about what's going on between them. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
This 200th episode of ER (actually the 201st in the syndicated package) occurs during a solar eclipse, with the action alternating between the day and night shifts at County General. Holding down the day shift is a bone-weary Carter (Noah Wyle), who must contend with the victims of a cult mass suicide, among many other trying cases. And during the night shift, Pratt (Mekhi Phifer), ostensibly making his final round as a resident, is "redeemed" as he treats a woman whose unborn child was viciously cut from her womb. In other developments, Corday (Alex Kingston) tries to ease the mind of Romano (Paul McCrane) as he prepares to have his injured hand and forearm amputated; and the ER receives an urgent phone call from Kovac (Goran Visnjic) in Africa. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
So how far would you go to win a beauty pageant? That's the burning question of Drop Dead Gorgeous, in which the citizens of Mount Rose, Minnesota gear up for the year's biggest event, the Sarah Rose Miss Teen Princess America Pageant, in which Becky Leeman (Denise Richards) and Amber Atkins (Kirsten Dunst) are the contestants to beat. Becky's mother Gladys (Kirstie Alley), a former beauty queen herself, has instilled in her daughter a drive to succeed at any cost. And Gladys will do anything to help Becky's chances of success. Amber's mother Annette (Ellen Barkin) is devoted to her daughter but drinks, smokes, and swears like a sailor. And while Amber is ambitious and a skilled beautician (a talent that she uses in her part-time job at the local mortuary), her view of the pageant is pragmatic: while boys can get sports scholarships, this pageant may be her only ticket out of town. However, Amber and the other contestants may have underestimated just how badly Becky wants to win -- or just how good she is with a gun. Drop Dead Gorgeous was directed by Michael Patrick Jann, a founding member of the sketch comedy group The State (who had their own series on MTV), and written by Lorna Williams, a veteran of the beauty pageant circuit who claims that nearly everything in the film is based on an actual incident. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kirsten Dunst, Ellen Barkin, (more)
The first "Trek" film to feature the cast of the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series without any of the members of the original series, this action-packed hit was well received at the box office. The Federation comes under attack by its ongoing enemy, the Borg, a cybernetics-enhanced race that once kidnapped Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), "assimilating" him into a drone. As a former prisoner of the Borg, Picard is ordered to stay out of the new battle, but he cannot resist and orders the brand-new starship Enterprise into the fray. The Enterprise follows the only surviving Borg ship through a time tunnel, where they intend to conquer Earth in an earlier era. The Borg have targeted the work of Zefram Cochrane (James Cromwell), inventor of warp drive, the device that makes interplanetary travel possible. As the Enterprise crew attempts to stop the Borg from interrupting the work of Cochrane and his assistant, Lily (Alfre Woodard), Borg drones invade the Enterprise and take it over piece by piece, while Data (Brent Spiner) is captured and seduced by the Borg Queen (Alice Krige). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, (more)
- 1994
Series regular Gates McFadden, aka Dr. Beverly Crusher, made her directorial debut with this episode, which originally aired March 26, 1994. The Enterprise is held in thrall by a strange disease, causing the crew members to de-evolve into prehistoric creatures. The only two immune to this phenomenon are Picard and Data, who have just returned from a mission. Figuring prominently in the episode's outcome is guest star Dwight Schultz, recreating the role of hypersensitive crewman Reg Barclay. "Genesis" was written by Brannon Braga. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Two women forced to deal with the ugly specter of domestic violence find support in one another in this made-for-television drama. Beth (Donna Mills) has spent years in a violent relationship with her husband Tim (Corbin Bernsen), who batters her on a regular basis. One day, Beth reaches the end of her rope, packing up her children and leaving her husband behind. Tim, however, isn't about to let Beth go, and begins following her every move. In order to put an end to his stalking, Beth enters a shelter for abused women, where she meets Kaye (Robin Givens), a fellow beaten spouse. Beth and Kaye become fast friends, and they decide to find a house together. However, Kaye unfortunately also has a husband who refuses to leave her be, and when her former spouse violently attacks her, it's up to Beth to see that justice is done. Dangerous Intentions was inspired by a true story. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Donna Mills, Corbin Bernsen, (more)
- 1994
Four junior officers, each representing a different Federation species, undergo the grueling Enterprise promotion evaluation process. As part of the competition, three of the four candidates are dispatched on a top secret mission. In the end, it all boils down to whether or not duty is more important than friendship. Dan Gauthier, Shannon Till, Alexander Enberg and Patti Yasutake guest star as candidates Lavelle, Sito, Torak, and Ogawa. Scripted by Rene Echevarria from a story by Ronald Wilkerson and Jean Louise Matthias, "Lower Decks" originally aired February 12, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Having outdistanced the original Star Trek by nearly 100 episodes, The Next Generation closed out its seven-season run with this aptly titled two hour long finale. The emphasis is on Captain Picard, who in the course of the story finds himself hopscotching between the past, present, and future. Seeking an explanation for this phenomenon, Picard once more crosses the path of his old nemesis Q (John de Lancie), who, without buildup or explanation, relates some particularly bad news: Humanity is on the brink of destruction, and Picard is responsible. "All Good Things. . ." was written by Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga (then simultaneously busy on the screenplay of the theatrical feature Star Trek: Generations), and was originally telecast on May 22, 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The seventh Star Trek feature passed the torch to a new crew. Decades after the original "Trek," the skipper of the fourth USS Enterprise is Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), who investigates a massacre at a science outpost. The only survivor is Dr. Soran (Malcolm McDowall), who perpetrated the event to cover up his invention: a bomb he launches into a nearby sun, exploding it. As Soran escapes with Klingon cronies, Picard learns that Soran's plan is to summon a heavenly energy ribbon called the Nexus. Those who enter it live forever with every wish fulfilled. Attempting to stop Soran, Picard ends up inside the Nexus, where he discovers former captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), believed to have been killed in an accident 78 years earlier. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, (more)
- 1993
Told in flashback, this episode reveals why Dr. Crusher may well end her career in disgrace. It all began when renowned Ferengi scientist Dr. Reyga (Peter Slutsker) mysteriousy died while attending a conference. All evidence pointed to natural causes, but Crusher suspected that Reyga was murdered and that his killer was one of his own respected colleagues. Flying in the face of regulations (and possibly common sense) Crusher performed an autopsy, which is why she's on the brink of professional ruination as the episode heads into the home stretch. First telecast May 15, 1993, "Suspicions" was written by Joe Menosky and Naren Shankar. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
A tough congresswoman tries to keep her family together after her son-in-law dies in a car crash. This Emmy-nominated made-for-television drama follows her efforts and her reaction when she learns that drugs were involved. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
After returning to the Enterprise from a Klingon convention, Worf can't help but notice that the reality around him is changing. Trouble is, he's the only one who notices this phenomenon. Everyone else seems to be taking things in stride, especially Troi, who is now married to Worf. Wil Wheaton makes a return appearance in the role of Wesley Crusher. Scripted by Brannon Braga, "Parallels" was first telecast December 4, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Like so many lonely children before her, Starfleet brat Clara Sutter (Noley Thorton) creates an imaginary friend. Imagine her delight when her invisible companion Isabella suddenly comes to life! And imagine the crew's dismay when Isabella turns out to be a deadly and destructive alien energy form. Effectively juxtaposing the innocence of childhood with the horror of alien hostility, "Imaginary Friend was scripted by Edith Swensen and Brannon Braga," from a story by Jean Louise Matthias, Ronald Wilderson and Richard Fleigel. The episode was originally telecast May 9, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
A freak accident causes Picard to wake up in another man's body on the distant planet Kataan. Once he gets his bearings, Picard learns that he has assumed the identity of Kamin, a citizen of the Ressic community. As he lives out Kamin's life over a period of several years, Picard struggles to save Kataan from a devastating drought. First telecast June 6, 1992, the Emmy-nominated "Inner Light" was written by Morgan Gendel and Peter Allan Fields. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
This episode literally begins with a bang, as the Enterprise explodes with all hands on board. A few minutes into the episode, we see that the starship and its personnel are still safe, but not for long. Passing through a time warp in the unexplored Typhon expanse, the crew is doomed to repeatedly experience the series of events leading up to their fiery doom. Will they be able to break chain of cause and effect in time to save themselves? The answers were first provided when "Cause and Effect," written by Brannon Braga, made its American TV debut on March 28, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
As indicated by the title, ethics play a major role in this episode, as does loyalty. Paralyzed in an accident, Lt. Worf reasons that he has no choice but to follow Klingon custom and commit suicide. An additional crisis arises when Worf asks Riker to help him kill himself. A possible way out of the dilemma presents itself in the form of an experimental and highly dangerous operation which may restore Worf's mobility, and which Dr. Crusher does not wish to perform. Scripted by Ronald D. Moore from a story by Sara Charno and Stuart Charno, "Ethics" made its American TV bow on March 7, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Despite his status as a major action star, Sylvester Stallone has made a number of attempts to remodel himself as a comic actor; one of his more infamous efforts in this direction was Stop! or My Mom Will Shoot!. Police detective Joe Bromowski (Sylvester Stallone) has just broken off his relationship with his girlfriend (and fellow police officer) Gwen Harper (JoBeth Williams), so Joe's mother Tutti (Estelle Getty) decides it's time to pay him a visit. Tutti proceeds to make Joe's life miserable by nagging him about his clothes, cleaning his apartment, washing his gun, tagging along on investigations, and somehow getting involved with a gun-running organization that the police have been trying to infiltrate. After this film, Stallone would stay away from comedy until 1997, when he played a cameo in another unenthusiastically received film, An Alan Smithee Film -- Burn, Hollywood, Burn. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvester Stallone, Estelle Getty, (more)
- 1992
On board the Enterprise to negotiate a truce between two warring factions, the distinguished Lumerian ambassador Ramid Ves Alkar (Chip Lucia) worries that his darker side will surface and compromise his efforts. His fears seem to be allayed when Deanna Troi begans acting strangely, exhibiting more raw emotionalism than anyone has ever seen from her. Before long, we discover that Alkar has secretly transferred his own negative emotions to Troi, and the effect may not be reversible. Originally telecast October 10, 1992, "Man of the People" was written by Frank Abatemarco. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Once again, overly sensitive engineer Reg Barclay (Dwight Schultz) unwittingly creates havoc for the rest of the Enterprise crew. This time, Barclay is terrified at the thought of being transported to an away team rescue vehicle. Hoping to confront his fear, he goes through with the transportation process, only to undergo an incredible experience which causes him to doubt his sanity. Written by Branson Braga, "Realm of Fear" originally aired October 3, 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
With her contract coming to an end, Murphy (Candice Bergen) is approached by Barry Tartiledge (Robert Desiderio) of the Wolf Network (wonder where they came up with NAME to?), who offers her an extremely attractive deal. When Miles (Grant Shaud) comes up with an even more attractive counter-offer, Murphy decides to remain with her home network. At least, that's what she plans to do until she finds out what the network really thinks of her... ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Kevin Dobson stars in the made-for-TV melodrama Fatal Friendship. Playing the longtime best friend of Gerald McRaney, Dobson is somewhat taken aback when he learns that McRaney is a contract killer. This revelation puts a crimp in their relationship, and also drains Dobson's energies as he tries to catch McRaney in the act. Yes, we know: the audience didn't swallow this one either. Fatal Friendship was first telecast (with an ominous lack of network promotion) on December 1, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- R
In the made-for-cable film Without Warning: The James Brady Story, Beau Bridges stars in the true-life story of the Ronald Reagan press secretary who was critically wounded in the 1981 assassination attempt on Reagan by John Hinckley. Brady was left crippled by the shooting, and the film follows his recuperation process, as well as his fight for more stringent gun control. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Beau Bridges, Joan Allen, (more)
- 1991
Five years after investigating the inexplicably abandoned colony Tartiannen Three, several members of the away team are mysteriously seized with the urge to return to the deserted outpost. Joining forces with Geordi, Lt. Cmdr. Susanna Leitjen (Maryann Plunkett), who led the first investigation of Tartiannen Three, sets out to retrieve the wayward away team. Geordi is attacked by a deadly parasite, which threatens to transform him into alien creature. First telecast March 30, 1991, the Emmy-nominated "Identity Crisis" was scripted by Brannon Braga, from a story by Timothy De Haas. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Could Data be lying about the events that occured while the Enterprise crew was mysteriously rendered unconscious for 30 seconds? Captain Picard thinks so, and he wants to know why. Data won't answer his questions, but alludes to the possibility that he might be protecting the crew from something equally mysterious and horrible. Originally aired Feburary 16, 1991, "Clues" was cowritten by Bruce D. Arthurs and Joe Menonsky. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Riker's new electronic mind game proves addictive to everyone on the Enterprise. The only person resistant to the game's seductive appeal is Wesley Crusher, on vacation from Starship academy. Wesley suspects that the game is not as harmless as it appears to be, and his instincts are right on target. First telecast November 2, 1991, "The Game" was cowritten by Brannon Barga, Susan Sackett and Fred Bronson. The episode featured an early appearance from future film actress Ashley Judd. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
