Terry Hughes Movies
- 2007
Created by Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy and American Dad fame, the weekly Fox comedy series The Winner was a remake of the 2002 movie Becoming Glen. The TV version was essentially extended flashback, recalled in "the present" by 43-year-old Buffalo resident Glen Abbott (played by former Daily Show contributor Rob Corddry). The action took place in 1994, when Glen was a 32-year-old virgin hypochondriac, still living at home with his parents Irene (Linda Hart) and Ron (Lenny Clarke). Most of the stories revolved around Glen's relationship with former girl-next-door Alison (Erinn Hayes), who'd returned to Buffalo a single mom with her 12-year-old son Keir (Josh Miller)--who, curiously, looked and behaved just like Glen--in tow. Throughout the series, the viewer was forearmed with the knowledge that, twelve years or so later, Glen Abbott would be a billionaire enterpreneur. . .though precious few clues were given as to how this metamorphosis would come about! The Winner debuted March 4, 2007, as a companion piece for Seth MacFarlane's animated Sunday-night offerings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rob Corddry, Keir Gilchrist, (more)
- 2003
Assembled by the same production team responsible for Roseanne, this NBC sitcom starred Whoopi Goldberg as hard-drinking, chain-smoking Mavis Rae, a former pop star with but one hit song to her name. With her 15 minutes of fame a distant memory, Mavis was reduced to running a second-class hotel, which she hoped to "class up" by opening a lounge. This premise was merely an excuse for Mavis to fire free-association, non-PC insults at anyone and everyone. Her favorite targets included her stuffy lawyer brother, Courtney (Wren T. Brown), a black man trying to be white; Courtney's girlfriend, Rita (Elizabeth Regen), a white girl trying to be black; and Mavis' Iranian handyman-concierge Nasim (Omid Djalili), who had to endure endless jibes about terrorists and illegal aliens (he was of course neither). Whoopi scored an immediate hit when it first aired on September 9, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Whoopi Goldberg, Wren T. Brown, (more)
- 2003
Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) has a disturbing dream about two men and a woman. Wait, let's clear that up: one of the men is Joey (Matt LeBlanc); the other is Dr. Drake Ramoray, the character Joey plays on Days of Our Lives. And as for the woman -- well, remember that Dr. Drake Ramoray came out of a coma when he received a transplanted female brain. Meanwhile, back in the real world, Chandler's (Matthew Perry) all-expenses-paid weekend getaway becomes a bottomless money pit when Ross (David Schwimmer) serves as "surrogate" for Monica (Courteney Cox); and as for the real Monica, she is trying to figure out a nice way to remove the guitar-strummin' Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) from the front door of her restaurant. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marisol Nichols, Blake Reed, (more)
- 2002
It should not require a Ph.D. to figure out that the Fox Network sitcom That '80s Show was cooked up by the same people responsible for Fox's popular "retro" laugh-spinner That '70s Show. Set in San Diego during the "Decade of Excess," the series followed the exploits of a group of twentysomethings, each of whom represented an easily recognizable stereotype of the era. Corey (Glenn Howerton), an aspiring musician, lived with his entrepreneurial dad R.T. (Geoffrey Pierson), the inventor of such mail-order wonders as the "Gut Whacker," and his sensible kid sister Katie (Tinsley Grimes). Corey worked at Permanent Records, an operation owned by Margaret (Margaret Smith), an earthy leftover from the hippie era; another of Margaret's employees was Tuesday (Chyler Leigh), the series' resident "punker," colorful hair and all. In his off-hours, Corey hung out at Club Berlin with his mercenary ex-girlfriend Sophia (Brittany Daniel) and his Reagan-worshipping best bud Roger (Eddie Shin). That '80s Show was first broadcast on January 23, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
This TV sitcom takes the viewer back to the world of leisure suits, smiley-face buttons, and Farrah Fawcett-Majors posters. In 1976 in Point Place, WI, 17-year-old Eric Forman (Topher Grace) tries to wiggle free of his neurotic parents, Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), in order to connect with his funkedelic friends -- his cute neighbor Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), his best buddy Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), Kelso's girlfriend, Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), paranoid Steve Hyde (Danny Masterson), and foreign-exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderrama). Filmed in L.A., the series premiered August 23, 1998, on FOX. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Beating the official start of the 1998-1999 TV season by at least three weeks, That '70s Show debuted on August 23, 1998, with an episode aptly titled "That '70s Pilot." The year is 1976: handing over the keys of the Forman family's Vista Cruiser to his teenage son, Eric (Topher Grace), Wisconsinite Red Forman (Kurtwood Smith) tells Eric that he is welcome to drive the car anywhere -- except out of town. But what with an upcoming Todd Rundgren concert down in Milwaukee, Eric and his pals feel obligated to break the rules. Halfway to Beer City, the car's battery dies. Unable to call his dad for help, Eric must sell two of his concert tickets to get the car moving again. But which of his friends is willing to make the supreme sacrifice? When this episode originally aired, there was a bit of controversy over a brief pot-smoking scene -- which comes off as so hilariously harmless that it is virtually impossible for anyone to be offended. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
The last thing Eric (Topher Grace) wants for his birthday is a surprise party, but his mom Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) is determined to throw him one anyway. At the same time, Eric's older sister, Laurie (Lisa Robin Kelly), returns from college for a visit -- immediately winning the heart of Eric's doltish pal Kelso (Ashton Kutcher). And Donna (Laura Prepon) begins to wonder if her feelings for Eric go beyond the realm of friendship. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) declares her independence from Ross (David Schwimmer) by dating Mark (Steven Eckholdt). Though Monica (Courteney Cox) and her wealthy beau, Pete (Jon Favreau), have little in common, Monica persists in the relationship -- but not for the reasons that seem obvious to those around her. And contrary to his expectations, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) falls for Kate (Dina Meyer in her first series appearance), the actress appearing opposite him in a play. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Inheriting an antique dollhouse from her Aunt Silvia, Monica (Courteney Cox) doesn't want Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) anywhere near her "legacy," leading Phoebe to construct a little house of her own (and what a house!) Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) arranges a date between Chandler (Matthew Perry) and her boss, Joanna (Alison La Placa) -- then has second thoughts. And Joey gets serious about his co-star Kate (Dina Meyer). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
While drunk, Chandler (Matthew Perry) has a fling with one of Joey's (Matt LeBlanc) sisters. Once his head clears up, he can't remember which sister was the lucky one (Gina or Dina?). On other fronts, Phoebe's (Lisa Kudrow) new date is both very charming and very loud. And Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) is offered a job at Bloomingdale's by a handsome stranger, arousing Ross' (David Schwimmer) suspicious nature. Steven Eckholdt makes his first series appearance as Mark. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Upset when her boss, Gunther (James Michael Tyler), suggests she needs more training, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) quits her job. Elsewhere on the employment front, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) lands a job selling Christmas trees, leading Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) to lend a hand despite a long-harbored hatred for those selfsame trees. And Ross (David Schwimmer) sells Brown Bird Cookies as penance for accidentally breaking a little girl's leg. Yes, that's comedian Shelley Berman, making his first series appearance as Mr. Kaplan Jr. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Angela Lansbury shows off her gifts as a singer and dancer in this holiday-themed ade-for-TV \musical. Near the turn of the century, Stanta Claus (Charles Durning) is busy getting ready for his annual toy delivery -- in fact, he's so busy he hasn't had much time for his wife, Mrs. Claus (Angela Lansbury), and his spouse has developed a case of cabin fever. Determined to get away and have some some fun on her own, Mrs. Claus hitches up the reindeer and takes them out for a quick spin around the world; however, she has reindeer trouble over New York City, and is forced to make an emergency landing. Stuck in New York for a week as her deer heal, Mrs. Claus's desire to help others quickly comes into play when she befriends a handful of children working in a sweatshop, as well as a group of women who've embraced the cause of sufferage for all. Mrs. Santa Claus first aired on December 8, 1996. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
As a clairvoyant, Demi Moore awaits signs from beyond that her true love, whomever he may be, is waiting for her, somewhere. When New York butcher George Dzundza shows up on the tiny North Carolina island where Demi lives, she is convinced that he is the man predestined to be her husband. After the wedding, Demi moves into George's blue-collar neighborhood, where she successfully commisserates with such eccentrics as withdrawn teenager Max Perlich, frustrated singer Mary Steenburgen, unlucky-in-love actress Margaret Colin, over-analytical psychiatrist Jeff Daniels, and lesbian Frances McDormand. As Demi helpfully tries to chart the destinies of her new friends, she fails to notice that Dzundza is falling in love with Steenburgen. Though there are many traumatic detours along the way, Demi's psychic talents have very positive effects on at least one of the characters. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Demi Moore, Jeff Daniels, (more)
- 1987
Dorothy's ex-husband, Stan (Herb Edelman), shows up at the house to announce that he is going to have bypass surgery, and that he needs a place where he can recover in comfort. Ignoring Sophia's (Estelle Getty) insults, Dorothy (Bea Arthur) extends the hand of compassion and hospitality to her former helpmate -- and never mind that Stan has confessed that his extramarital hijinks were far more extensive than Dorothy had ever imagined. With all this going on, a subplot involving identical twins pales in significance (but doesn't disappear entirely!). ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Lloyd Bochner guest stars as Patrick Vaughn, a famous and popular TV star who comes to Miami to play the leading role in a local play. The Golden Girls are enchanted by Vaughn, and make no secret of their adoration. Obligingly, the handsome thespian returns the three ladies' affections -- individually, and without ever informing them that he's romancing them all. Meanwhile, what is Sophia (Estelle Getty) doing in that pirate costume? ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Dorothy (Bea Arthur) believes she has hit upon the "perfect" surprise for her mother Sophia's birthday: she plans to fly Sophia's sister Angela (Nancy Walker) in from Sicily. As the big day approaches, the girls go to great lengths to keep Sophia (Estelle Getty) from finding out about the surprise ahead of time. But the biggest surprise occurs when, upon seeing Angela for the first time in 30 years, Sophia bellows, "I hate that woman!" ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
While preparing a birthday party for one of Sophia's (Estelle Getty) friends, the girls reminisce about past birthday celebrations of their own. Highlights in this flashback episode include the tumultuous 50th birthday party for Sophia's dear departed husband, Sal (played by Sid Melton, best remembered as Charlie Halper on the old Danny Thomas Show), and Rose's (Betty White) surprise bash for Dorothy (Bea Arthur) at Mr. Ha Ha's Hot Dog Hacienda. But the fondest memories are recalled by Blanche (Rue McClanahan), as she conjures up visions of several big birthday surprises -- all of them wearing pants. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
The girls are shocked to learn that their "nice" neighbors, the McDowells, are suspected of dealing in stolen gems. A pair of police detectives use the girls' home to stake out the McDowells, leading to various intrigues involving secret microphones, human decoys, and an apparently hopeless crush on the older of the two cops. And, yes, that young and callow police officer is indeed played by a pre-ER George Clooney -- who, ironically, needs a doctor himself by episode's end. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Deena Freeman and Jonathan Perpich take over from season one's Lisa Jane Persky and Dennis Drake in the respective roles of Dorothy's daughter, Kate, and son-in-law, Dennis. When Kate announces that she has a surprise, Dorothy (Bea Arthur) is delighted, assuming that her daughter is pregnant. But the "surprise" turns out to be a shock when Kate reveals that she is leaving her unfaithful husband. Alas, Dorothy cannot turn to her roommates Rose (Betty White) and Blanche (Rue McClanahan) for moral support, since both ladies have been reduced to hysterical laughter during an all-night I Love Lucy TV marathon. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
While volunteering at the Youth Opportunities Fair, Dorothy (Bea Arthur) is attracted to one of the teachers, a handsome gentleman named Frank (John McMartin). It is only after the relationship has been mellowing for two weeks that Frank remembers to inform Dorothy that he is a priest. One shock follows another when Dorothy learns that Father Frank intends to renounce his vows -- and assumes that she is the cause of his "fall from grace." ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Facing an onslaught of visiting relatives, the girls begin trying to figure out how to stage-manage the sleeping arrangements once the guests arrive. As Sophia (Estelle Getty) cooks up an Italian dinner, our heroines recall the strange sleeping places that they've encountered (or shared) in the past. Flashbacks include a fascinating episode in the waiting room of a railroad station and an encounter with a not-so-clownish clown. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Clad in jogging clothes, peppery Sophia (Estelle Getty) participates in a walkathon, leaving the girls to watch the babies of some of the other contestants. Inevitably, the walkathon comes to an end, and the parents claim their kids -- all but one of them. As the ladies care for the "abandoned" infant until the authorities arrive, Blanche (Rue McClanahan) gradually realizes that her maternal instincts have been revived...leaving the others to wonder what will happen when (or if?) the child's parents finally show up. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Overworking herself as usual, Rose (Betty White) suddenly suffers a throat spasm -- and undergoes what seems to be a near-death experience. Recovering from her brush with mortality, the previous shy and reserved Rose is now determined to live it up while she's still got time -- or, to quote her self-description, "Rose Nylund, the girl that's going to eat life!" The "new" Rose succeeds only in driving her roommates crazy, culminating in anger, arguments, and a (permanent?) walkout. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Aristocratic Blanche (Rue McClanahan) is smitten by rough-hewn Jack Smollens (Donnelly Rhodes), the caterer hired by Dorothy (Bea Arthur) and Rose (Betty White) for their hospital charity banquet. Alas, Blanche cannot reconcile herself to the "social gap" between herself and Jack, leading her to commit an act of senseless stupidity. Meanwhile, the invitations for the banquet are being handled by Sophia (Estelle Getty)...sort of. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
Tutor Dorothy (Bea Arthur) has encouraged her favorite pupil, Mario (Mario López), to enter a writing contest, with "Life in America" as the topic. As a result, the boy wins first prize -- and a visit from the INS, who have been tipped off by the essay that Mario is an illegal alien. Meanwhile, a disagreement between Rose (Betty White) and Blanche (Rue McClanahan) can only be settled if one agrees to become the servant for the other -- for a whole week. ~ All Movie Guide
