Gary David Goldberg Movies

Lifelong friends Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and Emma (Natalie Portman) attempt to avoid falling in love after falling into each other's beds in this comedy exploring the complexities and quirks of having friends with benefits. Adam was a typical, hormonal 14-year-old when he first came on to Emma at summer camp -- and got shot down in flames. In the years that followed, however, Adam and Emma continued to cross paths until, eventually, they both caved to their animal instincts. Despite an intense session of earth-shaking sex, however, Emma makes it clear to Adam that the last thing she wants is a committed relationship. And thanks to the fact that Adam's father (Kevin Kline), a fallen television star, has just begun dating his son's ex-girlfriend, the horrified bachelor has developed an aversion to monogamy as well. At first their casual stance on sex works great for both; Emma can focus on her career instead of allowing her emotions to dictate her decisions, and Adam can play the field without fear of hurting her feelings. Over time, though, a funny thing happens -- Adam begins to develop feelings for Emma that he never had for any of his countless conquests. Before they both know it, love has reared its ugly head and they've gotten too emotionally involved to cut the relationship off cold. But is commitment in the cards for the couple that always swore it would never get serious, or has the time come for them to finally part ways once and for all? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

James Woods is uncannily convincing as the title character in this all-inclusive cable TV biopic. The script -- which incidentally was concocted by a trio of writers from all parts of the political spectrum -- uses the tragedy of September 11, 2001, as the framework for a series of flashbacks, following Rudy Giuliani (Woods) as he gains prominence in the New York Attorney General's office vis-à-vis his battle against the Mob in 1984. After an abortive bid for the mayor's office in 1989, Giuliani finally gets elected four years later -- but no sooner has he settled into the job than he is beset with controversy involving the alleged racial profiling of New York City's police force. As the years roll on, Giuliani is loved by millions (primarily due to his successful effort to clean up the Big Apple's image) and hated by millions more. Much is made if Hizzoner's domestic travails with second wife Donna Hanover (Penelope Ann Miller), his extramarital affair with Chrystine Lategano (Michelle Nolden), and his bout with prostate cancer. Then come the cataclysmic events of 9/11, from which the beleaguered Giuliani emerges as a larger-than-life heroic figure at a time when his city desperately needs heroes (the film seamlessly blends actual footage of the World Trade Center collapse with re-enactments of the frenzied activity at ground level). Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story was first telecast March 30, 2003, on the USA network. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

All the main characters from the popular TV sitcom Family Ties were carried over into this made-for-TV feature. Michael J. Fox heads the cast as insufferable/lovable young conservative Alex Keaton, who this time around is attending Oxford on a summer scholarship. The Keaton family--ex-hippie parents Elyse (Meredith Baxter Birney) and Steven (Michael Gross), and sisters Mallory (Justine Bateman) and Jennifer (Tina Yothers)--decide to go along with Alex in order to enjoy a vacation in England. The script contrives to have the Keatons behave wildly out of character by getting involved in a hackneyed espionage plot. The film looks more like one of those Dell Comics "specials" or Ace Paperback TV show tie-ins rather than a logical extension of the original series. Family Ties Vacation was first telecast September 23, 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the third "weather" episode of M*A*S*H's seventh season, the 4077th is placed in deep freeze by a bitter cold spell. Only Charles (David Ogden Stiers) is unaffected by the plummeting temperatures--after all, he's just received a thermal suit sent from home. Ultimately, of course, Charles finds ample reason to shiver in his boots, but not before his colleagues have dealt with such contigencies as an explosion, a severe case of hypothermia--and a marathon screening of the Sonja Henie skating epic Sun Valley Serenade. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Once again breaking his self-imposed rule of never consulting his friends, Bob offers advice to Carol's husband, Larry Bondurant (Will Mackenzie). Suggesting that the discouraged Larry open his own travel agency, Bob never dreamed that his advice would be acted upon so quickly. Nor did he imagine in his wildest dreams that Larry would set up his new agency in Bob's medical building, converting the reception area into a Polynesian paradise. Written by future Family Ties creator Gary David Goldberg, "The Mentor" originally aired on March 5, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

This week, Bob is besieged from all sides. Not only is Carol threatening to give notice to two of her four bosses, but Howard has given Bob a bad-taste gift -- and he expects to be praised for his largesse. Completing the canvas is the unscheduled appearance of a human fly. Shirley O'Hara appears as Debbie Flett. Written by Gary David Goldberg of Family Ties fame, "Et Tu, Carol?" originally aired on October 30, 1976, as the final episode in The Bob Newhart Show's familiar 9:30 p.m. Saturday time slot; thereafter, the series would be shown one hour earlier. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi