Elvis Costello Movies

This 2000 television adaptation of Charles Dickens' Victorian classic was originally released as a six-hour, three-part miniseries on PBS. Adapted by Alan Bleasdale, this version of Oliver Twist gives viewers a new look at an old story, waiting 90 minutes to even introduce its eponymous hero (played by Sam Smith), and taking pains to establish the background of Oliver's parents, good-hearted Agnes Fleming (Sophia Myles) and all-around coward Edwin Leeford (Tim Dutton). All of the resolutely Dickensian touches are here, from greedy relatives to secret wills, to stolen lockets containing valuable information, and all are ably brought to life by a talented cast that includes Julie Walters as Mrs. Mann, Michael Kitchen as Mr. Brownlow, Lindsay Duncan as Elizabeth Leeford, Marc Warren as Monks, and Robert Lindsay as Fagin. As an added bonus, the miniseries' score, by Paul Pritchard, contains additional music by none other than Elvis Costello. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide

Austin Powers -- fashion photographer, denizen of Swingin' London, international espionage agent, and bane of dental hygienists everywhere -- returns in his second screen adventure. Powers (once again played by Mike Myers), a 1960s superspy stranded in the 1990s, discovers that his nemesis, criminal genius Dr. Evil (also Mike Myers), has somehow stolen his "mojo" (the secret to his otherwise inexplicable sex appeal) and traveled back in time to the 1960s as part of his latest fiendish scheme. Powers must also travel back in time to retrieve it, but if Austin doesn't quite fit into 1998, he's been there just long enough not to fit in in 1968 anymore, either. Powers also discovers that Dr. Evil has new allies this time: Mini-Me (Verne Troyer), a clone of Dr. Evil one-eighth his size but just as nasty; Fat Bastard (Myers yet again), whose name describes him just fine; and vixenish assassin Robin Swallows (Gia Carides). Powers' lack of mojo also proves troublesome when he's paired with his new partner, saucy CIA operative Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham). Other characters returning from the first film include Elizabeth Hurley as Vanessa Kensington, Robert Wagner as Number Two, Michael York as Basil Exposition, Seth Green as Scott Evil, and Mindy Sterling as Frau Farbissina. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me also includes cameo appearances from Tim Robbins, Jerry Springer, Woody Harrelson, and Burt Bacharach with his current songwriting partner, Elvis Costello. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Bob Spiers (director of TV's Absolutely Fabulous) directed this feature-film debut of the five Spice Girls -- Posh Spice, Sporty Spice, Scary Spice, Ginger Spice, and Baby Spice -- as the quintet challenges the London pop scene during five days before their first live performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Photojournalists follow as they travel from press conferences to practice sessions to photo ops, passing London landmarks in the comfort of their cavernous Spicebus and emerging in a musical cascade of color, trendy clothes, and blinding flashbulbs. Shot in 43 days, the film features cameos by everyone from Elton John and Elvis Costello, to Stephen Fry and Bob Hoskins. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide

Part four of the acclaimed PBS series explores the rise of two great Irish dynastic families in America, the Kennedys and the O'Neills. The trial, triumphs, and tragedies of these two clans are investigated in detail and held up as examples of the final arrival of the Irish in the New World. The lasting contributions of the Irish to American culture are investigated, as well as the continuing effort of Irish-Americans to both celebrate their heritage and remain true to their roots. Serious in tone and well documented, this tape is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide

Part three of the acclaimed PBS series explores the golden age of Irish-Americans living in America as immigrants, with children who begin to make their first indelible marks upon American society. Included are brief profiles of such figures as Al Smith and Ned Harrigan. Also covered is the rise of the first Irish political machine, Tammany Hall, which proved both a blessing and a curse for the Irish in America. Serious in tone and well documented, this tape is appropriate for use in the college classroom. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide

Dusty Springfield was quite simply one of the very best vocalists to emerge from the British pop music scene; blessed with a superb voice and the smarts and soul to use it to its best advantage, Springfield scored a string of hits on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1960s with such classics as "Wishin' and Hopin'," "I Only Want to Be With You," and "Son of a Preacher Man," and enjoyed a comeback in the 1980s thanks to her collaboration with techno-pop duo the Pet Shop Boys, "What Have I Done to Deserve This." Dusty Springfield: Full Circle -- Life & Music is a documentary that offers an in-depth look at Springfield's life and career, with Dusty herself offering a perspective on the events, as well as featuring a wealth of performance footage and vintage television appearances (including rare film of Springfield performing with Jimi Hendrix). Popular comediennes Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French play host for the documentary; other interview subjects include Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, and Elvis Costello. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

In this special episode of the acoustic-oriented MTV showcase, Tony Bennett (joined by the Ralph Sharon Trio) sings a set of favorites and new numbers in the easygoing but swinging style he made famous, including "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," "All of Me," "Steppin' Out With My Baby," and "They Can't Take That Away From Me." Includes guest appearances from Elvis Costello and k.d. lang. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

When it's announced that Artie (Rip Torn) will be producing this year's People's Choice Awards, Larry (Garry Shandling) vies for host duties and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) makes his bid to become the announcer. In addition to the tension that arises when Artie doesn't hire them, Hank's feeling are hurt when Larry pulls one of his jokes from the show. After the host Artie had hired pulls out at the last minute, Larry gets the gig but is dismayed to discover that his co-hosts will be Dean Cain and Rita Moreno. As Larry and Artie nearly come to blows over the miscommunication, Elvis Costello seems a bit down in the dumps as well. Special guest stars include Deborah May, Reynaldo Duran, Elvis Costello, Rita Moreno, and Bob Odenkirk. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

This 1989 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Mary Tyler Moore and features musical guest Elvis Costello. ~ Skyler Miller, All Movie Guide