Todd Holland Movies
Todd Holland has worked in television as a director for numerous series, beginning in the 1980s. Perhaps most recognized after winning both a Director's Guild Award and an Emmy in 2001 for his work on the half-hour comedic series Malcolm in the Middle, Holland has made a mark in prime-time television, as well as on the big screen.His directorial career began in 1985, when he first directed episodes of the series Amazing Stories and Tales From the Crypt. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his television credits grew to include episodes of series that covered a wide spectrum of genres. He directed episodes of the dramatic David Lynch series Twin Peaks (1990), the hilarious movie spin-off Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures, and the MTV teen drama My So-Called Life (1997). He also earned credits both as director and producer on the The Larry Sanders Show (1992). In 1998, he worked as a director on the prime-time hit Felicity, starring Keri Russell, a drama about college life in New York City. In 1998, he directed his first feature film, Krippendorf's Tribe, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Jenna Elfman, and Lily Tomlin. However, the strange comedy about a financially deceptive anthropologist struggled at the box office. Returning to his television roots, Holland continued his work as a director for prime-time TV. Centered around a child-star, Malcolm in the Middle earned much attention as a prime-time sitcom, and Holland's direction earned him awards for the show. Additionally, he has directed episodes of D.C. (2000) and The Time Tunnel (2002). ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide
Hollywood's hottest canine commodity has gotten hopelessly lost after wandering away from his master, and now the former movie star has become the beacon of hope for a small-town firehouse on the verge of collapse. Rex is the dog that every child in America has fallen in love with. A pompous A-list barker whose list of perks overshadows that of even the most esteemed Hollywood actor, Rex 's fate takes an unexpected turn when a skydiving stunt goes awry and his handlers assume that their cash-canine has perished as a result. Now, despite being very much alive, the former doggie diva has become just another mangy stray wandering the streets in search of a home. Lost in an unfamiliar city and pursued by animal control, Rex seeks refuge in a run down building that soon goes up in flames. Shane Fahey (Josh Hutcherson) is a rebellious preteen whose single-parent father, Connor (Bruce Greenwood), is struggling to care for his son and cope with the death of his brother, the former captain of the local fire department. Pressed with the responsibility of getting the crumbling inner-city fire house back in working order while helping his 12-year-old son deal with the untimely loss of a beloved family member, Connor just can't seem to convince Shane to keep his grades up and stop ditching school. Upon rescuing the unidentified Rex from the four-alarm blaze, Connor attempts to teach young Shane the meaning of responsibility by charging him with the task of locating the dog's owner. Despite an initial clash of personalities, the headstrong mutt and the disobedient adolescent soon form a strong bond. Subsequently adopted as the scrappy fire department's new mascot, Rex proves just the catalyst needed to reenergize the dejected firefighters and reform the once-tenuous bond between father and son. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood, (more)
- 1999
During her first day at Ralph Lauren, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) realizes that all the important business decisions are made by her smoking co-workers outside the building. To impress her new boss, Rachel feigns a tobacco habit -- with unexpected results. Meanwhile, Joey tries to use Ross' son Ben's commercial audition to promote his own career. And Monica (Courteney Cox) and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) clash over their preparations for Rachel's surprise party, resulting in a surplus of cups and ice. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Where the original Gremlins was a horror film spiked with comedy, Gremlins 2: The New Batch is essentially a black comedy, with a couple of horrifying touches. As the film starts, the fantastical trinket shop in Chinatown, which sold the Mogwai in the first film, is demolished by a crazed multi-media businessman called Daniel Clamp (John Glover). The heroes from the first movie, Billy (Zach Galligan) and Kate (Phoebe Cates), happen to work for Clamp in his huge high-rise. They find the Mogwai within Clamp's building, but not before he has accidentally spawned legions of mischievous, lizard-like Gremlins. Soon, the Gremlins are wreaking havoc throughout the building. In the original film, their misdeeds were violent, but here they're also goofy and satirical. Director Joe Dante has filled the film with quick verbal and visual jokes, which, for many, makes Gremlins 2: The New Batch a satire and inversion of the typical horror film. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, (more)
Todd Holland directed this Charlie Peters adaptation of Frank Parkin's novel. Respected anthropologist James Krippendorf (Richard Dreyfuss) and his wife, Jennifer (Barbara Williams), bring their three children along during their failed search in New Guinea for a lost tribe. After Jennifer's death, James reaches a zero point back in the U.S., having spent all his foundation grant money raising the kids as a single parent. Scheduled to lecture at a college and fearful he could be charged with misuse of grant funds, James concocts an imaginary tribe, the Shelmikedmu, and fakes a 16 mm "documentary" film, casting his children as tribe members and editing in footage of a legit New Guinea tribe. Anthropologist Veronica Micelli (Jenna Elfman) contacts cable-TV producer Henry Spivey (David Ogden Stiers), forcing James to continue creating fraudulent footage as the rival Ruth Allen (Lily Tomlin) gets suspicious. It seems a shame this racially insensitive film was made, while the once-announced plans to film anthropologist Kenneth Good's nonfiction Into the Heart (Simon & Schuster, 1991) never led to a production. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Dreyfuss, Jenna Elfman, (more)
- 2000
The Krelboynes do a musical number during recess. Reese (Justin Berfield) is behaving strangely. He's begun showering. Hal (Bryan Cranston) asks him bluntly, "Son, are you on drugs?" It turns out that Reese has a huge crush on Wendy (Lisa Lewolt), but she seems to hate him. Unable to bring himself to speak to her, he gets her attention by tormenting her while giggling maniacally. Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) suggests that Reese should take a different tact, inadvertently prompting his brother to become a cheerleader like his inamorata. Humiliated by his brother's new lowly social station, Malcolm complains to Stevie (Craig Lamar Traylor). "I'm a Krelboyne whose brother is a cheerleader," he whines, "I could wet my pants in public and it would be a lateral move." Reese's interest in a girl prompts Hal to give the boys "The Talk." Meanwhile, Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) has a heart-to-heart with Commandant Spangler (Daniel Von Bargen), uncovering both of their mother issues. This episode also offers our first glimpse into Dewey's (Erik Per Sullivan) distorted view of the world, as he tries to convince Hal and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) to buy him a Sleepy Time Herbie doll. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Hal (Bryan Cranston) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) discover that Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) has been using their calling card to call his girlfriend, Beebee (Lauren Hodges), from military school, and he's run up a huge bill. The commandant revokes Francis' phone privileges for a month. With Stanley (Karim Prince) enforcing the ban, and Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) unwilling to steal Mom's credit card to buy him a cell phone, Francis decides to escape so he can run off to Canada with his beloved. Francis hitchhikes home and hides in the backyard, depending on Malcolm to feed him, contact Beebee for him, and most importantly, keep his whereabouts a secret from Lois. After delivering a message to Beebee, who can't remember Malcolm's name, but enlists him as a co-conspirator in her shoplifting, Malcolm begins to have doubts about the wisdom of Francis' actions. And how can he possibly keep a secret from his supernaturally intuitive mother? When Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan) hears Malcolm arguing with Francis in the backyard, he thinks it's the monster that Reese (Justin Berfield) and Malcolm told him has been hiding under his bed. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2000
In the opening segment, Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) explains that every 17.4 dinners, his family actually has a pleasant meal together, but that pleasant feeling is threatened when Reese (Justin Berfield), playfully but unwisely, threatens to fling a spoonful of mashed potatoes at Lois (Jane Kaczmarek). At school, Caroline (Catherine Lloyd Burns) holds Malcolm after class, to express her desire to "connect on a deeper level." She offers a sympathetic ear, which just makes Malcolm uncomfortable. Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) is babysitting for the weekend while Lois and Hal (Bryan Cranston) go out of town for a wedding. "Just remember," Lois warns the boys, "Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan) will tell us everything you did." Malcolm has reason to believe that if Francis does a good job babysitting, he'll get to come back home from military school permanently. Malcolm convinces Reese (Justin Berfield) and Dewey to behave themselves, but doesn't tell Francis about their plan, knowing that he doesn't respond well to being told what to do. But when Francis invites some friends over and they trash the house, Malcolm reveals what he thinks is going on. The four boys frantically whip the house back into shape. Just when it seems like all is well, a shelf collapses on Malcolm's head, necessitating a visit to the emergency room, where Malcolm finds himself in need of "a sympathetic ear." ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Reese (Justin Berfield) wakes Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) with a punch in the face, angry over having to attend the "Krelboyne Picnic," a misbegotten carnival which Malcolm describes as "a bunch of social misfits doing weird stunts to show how smart they are." Malcolm is terrified at the prospect of demonstrating his freakish intelligence in front of his family, and he gets the visiting Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) to promise to help him sneak away before it's his turn to perform. An enthusiastic Caroline (Catherine Lloyd Burns) frightens Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan) when she greets the family dressed as a harlequin, and things go downhill from there. Francis has a whirlwind romance with Jodie (Katherine Ellis) and forgets all about Malcolm's escape plans. Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) comes into conflict with an overbearing mother. The show goes on, and as one kid after another bombs, Stevie (Craig Lamar Traylor) frets about performing after Malcolm ("Following...you...is like...following...Streisand"). Hal (Bryan Cranston) traumatizes some children by sneaking meat into their vegetarian barbecue ("My soy-burger is bleeding!"), and even Reese's simple plan to "kick Krelboyne butt" goes awry when Eraserhead's (Will Jennings) big brother turns the tables on him. Desperate to avoid doing his act, Malcolm uses Stevie's chemistry set to make a stink bomb, which turns out to cause more damage than he intended. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) explains that when he's in school, he's either "bored, terrified, or confused about Julie" (Landry Allbright). Malcolm likes Julie, but can't read whatever signals she might be sending him. A simple "hello" sends him into whirlwind of hormonal confusion. At the Lucky Aide, Reese (Justin Berfield) and Malcolm get into trouble with the foaming action steam cleaner while waiting for Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) to get off work. Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan), feeling left out, consoles himself by stealing an expensive bottle of cognac from the store. At home later, when Dewey's thievery is discovered, Lois insists that they go right back to the store and explain what happened to her obnoxious boss, Mr. Pinter (Marc Vann). Things aren't quite resolved, though, as Pinter fires Lois, and she responds by ripping off his toupee. She hands it to the forlorn Craig (David Anthony Higgins) on her way out, deadpanning, "Velcro. I win the pool." Lois stands her ground, refusing to apologize to Pinter. The family is forced to scrimp and save to make up for the lost income, and Malcolm faces horrifying humiliation when Julie organizes a food drive for his family. Meanwhile, at military school, Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) lands a plum gig helping out at the local Miss Mobile Teen Sensation pageant. He's so kind and thoughtful to all the Southern belles that they assume he's gay, a situation he tries to turn to his advantage. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2000
On the pilot of Malcolm in the Middle, Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) introduces his family. Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) is first seen shaving the back of Hal (Bryan Cranston), his hirsute father. Lois gives Malcolm bad news at breakfast. She's arranged a playdate for him with Stevie (Craig Lamar Traylor), an asthmatic, wheelchair-bound kid from school. Lois admonishes Malcolm, Reese (Justin Berfield), and Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan) not to take their good health for granted. "Every day is a lottery," she explains, "and first prize is that you don't have to scoot yourself around town on a skateboard with your hands." On the way to school, a friend asks if Malcolm's brother Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) is really in jail. Malcolm explains that Francis, the one person in his family whom he actually likes, has been sent to military school in Alabama for his various misdeeds. At school, Malcolm has an unpleasant encounter with a bully, Dave Spath (Vincent Berry), and his teacher Caroline (Catherine Lloyd Burns) gives him an IQ test. After school, Malcolm unexpectedly bonds with Stevie over their shared love of comic books. Francis calls and tells Lois about the "simmering homoeroticism" of military school, and she actually hears him smoking over the phone. Later, Caroline drops by, and tells a shocked Lois that Malcolm has an IQ of 165. After a brief discussion over breakfast the next day, Lois decides, over his strenuous objections, that Malcolm will move into a "special" accelerated class. "Any kid who makes fun of you," she tells him, "is a creepy little loser who'll end up working in a car wash." "This shouldn't make me feel better," Malcolm tells us, "but it does." The next day, a newly ostracized Malcolm and Stevie improvise a way to turn Spath's cruelty against him. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Caroline (Catherine Lloyd Burns) has sent Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) another flyer about Krelboyne activities. This time, it's a square dance. "This class is turning me into a total weirdo," complains Malcolm (Frankie Muniz). Malcolm is planning to ditch to avoid public humiliation, but Hal (Bryan Cranston) offers to drive the boys to school. Malcolm reluctantly gets into the car, only to learn that Hal has decided that the four of them will all ditch today, in order to indulge in what Hal considers a rite of passage for his boys -- a trip to the stock car races. "We're rebels! We're wild men!" he tells them. While Hal is beside himself with excitement, the boys quickly grow bored watching the cars circle the track. A trip to the refreshment stand ends badly when Reese (Justin Berfield) and Malcolm lose track of Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan). In their search, they feel compelled to enter a restricted area, which gets them in hot water with the track security guard (Joel McKinnon Miller). Back at home, Lois frantically searches for a missing paycheck, uncovering evidence of the boys' many misdeeds, and Hal's, too. Caroline stops by to let her know that Malcolm's been ditching school, assuring that there will be hell to pay when the gang gets home. Meanwhile, at the military academy, Francis' (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) new contraband pet snake has an encounter with Commandant Spangler's (Daniel Von Bargen) vicious little terrier. Two pets enter; one pet leaves. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2008
To some people, the true definition of Hell might be: "To remain in the same high school with the same irritating people for the rest of your life." Even so, this was more or less the premise of the ABC sitcom Miss Guided. Judy Greer headed the cast as Becky Freeley, formerly the gawky, underachieving class nerd of Glen Ellen High School (she'd been president and half the membership of the school's Milli Vanilli Fan club, among other things). Now attractively grown up, Becky returned to Glen Ellen as the school's guidance counselor, determined to make a difference in the lives of other disenfranchised youngsters. Making life difficult for Becky all over again was the fact that her onetime "bete noire" Lisa Germain (Brooke Burns), the most popular girl in our heroine's graduating class, was also at Glen Ellen as the new English teacher--and worse, as Becky's rival for the affections of handsome Spanish instructor Tim O'Malley (Kristoffer Polaha). Also seen were Earl Billings as Phil Huffy, eternal principal of Glen Ellen; and onetime Saturday Night Live regular Chris Parnell as vice principal Bruce Terry, who had foresworn to get even for being relentlessly picked on during his days as a high school nerd by mercilessly persecuting the current crop of students (especially the good-looking ones). Created by Caroline Williams (The Office, High School Musical), and co-executive produced by actor Ashton Kutcher, Miss Guided debuted on March 18, 2008. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judy Greer, Brooke Burns, (more)
- 2006
Known as the first gospel choir comprised entirely of transgendered singers, Transcendence has risen to fame within the genre despite great odds. In this documentary, director Todd Holland follows the San Francisco-based group over the course of three years, as they overcome adversity in the name of their unwavering faith. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 1995
The job of a television producer can be highly stressfull and greatly under-appreciated, as Artie (Rip Torn) finds out when little things around the office begin to add up. After Artie's close friend Ryan O'Neal is bumped from an appearance on the show, Hank's (Jeffrey Tambor) incessant complaining and Larry's (Garry Shandling) indifference begin to grate on the already high-strung Artie. After he befriends Russian janitor Nikolae (Elya Baskin) while burning the midnight oil, the newfound friends leave obscene messages on Larry's machine to blow off some steam. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1993
The Larry Sanders Show gets a new producer in this episode of HBO's popular late-night talk show satire. When Artie gets stuck on the freeway during torrential rains, Paula (Janeane Garofalo), the show's booker, momentarily takes over the reigns as producer. Guest stars include Bruno Kirby, Les Lannom, D.V. DeVincentes, Stephen Wright, and Porno for Pyros. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Two magazines on the complete opposite end of the spectrum play into this episode of HBO's popular late-night talk show satire. As Darlene (Linda Doucett) finds herself strangely manipulated by Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) into appearing in Playboy magazine, Larry (Garry Shandling) becomes increasingly concerned with his appearance in Architectural Digest. Guest stars include Patrick O'Connell and Hugh Hefner. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Realizing that he has no money while in the midst of remodeling his home, a panicked Larry (Garry Shandling) quickly contacts his business manager, Frank (Paul Willson), in hopes of getting to the bottom of the financial dilemma. When Frank suggests that the problem may lie in a faulty office accountant, Larry denies the possibility and shifts the blame toward Frank himself. As Larry opts to make a few quick bucks by appearing in Kentucky Fried Chicken commercials and other advertisements, Artie (Rip Torn) and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) embark on a drunken spree of retribution in which they burn down Frank's trellis. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Ever since Paula (Janeane Garofalo) began dating Larry's (Garry Shandling) agent, Stevie (Bob Odenkirk), the conflicted host can't help but feel that Stevie is using the relationship to his advantage by having an increasing number of his own clients on the show. When Paula needs to find a guest and Stevie offers Jennifer Aniston with the stipulation that Paula will book Andy Kindler as well, Larry's suspicions seem to be confirmed. Meanwhile, an ethnic joke on the show has sparked protests and Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) attempts to weasel out of paying back a 20-dollar loan. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
