Film

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "The Commitments," the new movie about a struggling R 'n' B band in Dublin, Ireland. The film's directed by Alan Parker, who made the movie "Mississippi Burning" and "Fame."

Screenwriter and novelist Bruce Wagner. He wrote the screenplays for "Nightmare on Elm Street 3," and "Scenes from The Class Struggle in Beverly Hills." He's just come out with his first novel, a black comedy, "Force Majeure." It's a collection of his "Bud Wiggins" stories. Wiggins is a struggling screenwriter, actor, and some time chauffeur who is "circling the drain." (published by Random House). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews two new comedies starring two stars from "SCTV," and wonders why they haven't been more successful. They are Martin Short who's starring with Danny Glover in, "Pure Luck," and John Candy whose new film is "Delirious."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Hot Shots," the new spoof of all those macho fighter pilot movies.

Two Interviews: 1) Film maker Samuel Fuller. Fuller's B-movies of the 50s and 60s have influenced many other directors. His 1982 movie, "White Dog," about a racist who trains a dog to attacks blacks, was considered too controversial to be released in this country. It's finally being shown, along with all Fuller's other works, during a major retrospective of his work at New York's "Film Forum.
2) Martin Scorsese, one of today's most prominent filmmakers, tells us the movies of Samuel Fuller influenced him.

Comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks. Brooks has made some of the funniest films in movie history, including "The Producers," "Young Frankenstein," and "Blazing Saddles." In his new movie, "Life Stinks," Brooks plays a billionaire who accepts a wager to spend a month living on the street.

Maureen Corrigan reviews the new movie, "V.I. Warshawski." It stars Kathleen Turner as a great looking babe who's also a tough nails private eye.

Film critic Owen Gleiberman reviews "The Doctor," the new film starring William Hurt, about a doctor who gets cancer.

First-time film director John Singleton. His new film is "Boyz N the Hood," which is set in South Central L.A. where Singleton grew up. A number of theatres across the country have cancelled the showing of "Boyz N the Hood," because of violent outbreaks at or near theatres where its been shown. Over 30 people have been injured and one killed. But the film itself is plea to stop the violence and killing.

Comedian and actor Bill Murray. Murray first came to prominence as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live." He then went on to appear in movies such as "Ghostbusters," "Caddyshack," "Meatballs," "Stripes," and "Quick Change." His latest role is in the comedy, "What About Bob?"

Actor Samuel Jackson. Jackson's won critical raves for his portrayal of a crack addict named Gator in the new Spike Lee film, "Jungle Fever." That role's a breakthrough for Jackson after 20 years of bit parts, commercials, and all types of theater. He also put in two years as Bill Cosby's stand-in on The Cosby Show.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new movie "Boyz N the Hood," about gang violence in L.A.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Regarding Henry," staring Harrison Ford as a man who's world changes, not totally for the worse, after he's shot in the head. The film is directed by Mike Nichols and written by J. J. Abrams.

Filmmaker Richard Linklater. Linklater's new movie, "Slacker" is a low-budget look at people who's only goal in life is to just hang out.

Film maker Marlon Riggs. His documentary about the lives of gay black men in America "Tongues Untied," airs next week on the public television series, "P.O.V." However, many PBS stations will not be showing the film, citing the films strong language and imagery. We'll also talk with three public broadcasting executives involved in the controversy:

Film critic Owen Gleiberman ("gly-ber-man") reviews "Who's That Knocking at My Door?", the first feature film by director Martin Scorsese.

Actor Gary Busey. Busey electrified audiences and the critics with his starring role in "The Buddy Holly Story." More recently, Busey was the arch villain in "Lethal Weapon." He co-stars with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves in the new movie, "Point Break."

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Terminator 2."

Film critic Stephen Schiff Reviews "The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear," a police movie parody starring Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews, "Dying Young," starring Julia Roberts, which borrows a familiar trope from television movies -- with about as much success