Actor Jack Nicholson (1937)

The American crime thriller film, The Departed (2006), was directed by Martin Scorsese and written by William Monahan. It is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, and also draws inspiration from the Boston Winter Hill Gang. In 1980s Boston, Irish Mob leader Frank Costello takes a liking to a young Colin Sullivan. After many years, Sullivan becomes a spy for the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and joins their Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Meanwhile, another recruit at the police academy named Billy Costigan is asked by Captain Queenan and ...

Something’s Gotta Give (2003) is an American romantic comedy-drama film written, produced and directed by Nancy Meyers. The story follows Harry Sanborn, a wealthy New York record company owner whose preference for dating younger women is put to the test when he meets Marin Klein. As they head to her mother’s beach house in the Hamptons, little do they know that they will be joined by Erica Barry, a playwright and Marin’s mother, as well as Erica’s sister Zoe. After an awkward dinner, things take a turn for the worse when Harry suffers a heart attack during foreplay with Marin and is rushed to the ...

Anger Management (2003), an American buddy comedy film directed by Peter Segal and written by David S. Dorfman, follows the story of Dave Buznik as he navigates through various challenges in his life. As a young boy growing up in Brooklyn in 1978, Dave experiences humiliation at the hands of local bully Arnie Shankman when his pants are unexpectedly pulled down during what was supposed to be his first kiss. Flash forward twenty-five years and Dave is now working as a secretary for his disrespectful boss, Frank. The traumatic bullying incident has left Dave with a fear of ...

The American neo-noir psychological mystery drama film, The Pledge (2001), directed by Sean Penn, follows the story of Jerry Black, an aging Reno detective. On the night of his retirement party hosted by his department, Captain Pollack presents Jerry with tickets for a fishing trip in Mexico. However, their celebration is abruptly cut short when a murdered child, Ginny Larsen, is discovered. Jerry and Detective Stan Krolak quickly head to the crime scene. After breaking the tragic news to Ginny’s parents, Margaret Larsen makes Jerry promise on a cross made by their daughter that he will catch the killer. The next ...

The Evening Star (1996), an American comedy drama film by Robert Harling, is adapted from Larry McMurtry’s 1992 novel. After the passing of her daughter Emma, Aurora Greenway remains her strong and determined self. However, things are not going smoothly for the three grandchildren she has raised since Emma’s death. The oldest grandson Tommy is currently serving time in jail on a drug charge. Meanwhile, younger grandson Teddy has a girlfriend and a son, who Aurora does not warm up to. The youngest grandchild, Melanie, still lives with Aurora but is considering ...

Mars Attacks! (1996), an American black comedy science fiction film, was directed by Tim Burton and co-produced by Larry J. Franco. When Earth is suddenly visited by a massive fleet of flying saucers from Mars, President James Dale addresses the nation. Among those following the developing story are talk show host Nathalie Lake and her boyfriend Jason Stone, who try to take advantage of the situation with an interview featuring Professor Donald Kessler, Dale’s scientific advisor. However, their plans are interrupted by a broadcast from the Martian leader. As the ...

The Crossing Guard (1995) is an American independent drama film written and directed by Sean Penn, who also co-produced it. The story revolves around Freddy Gale, a former devoted husband and father who has become an alcoholic in the five years since his daughter Emily passed away. He spends his nights at strip clubs and having flings with the dancers. When John Booth, the drunk driver who killed Emily, is released from jail, Freddy tells his ex-wife Mary that he intends to seek revenge. Despite her pleas to reconsider, they end up in a heated argument which results in her new husband kicking Freddy out of their house. ...

The American legal drama film A Few Good Men (1992), based on Aaron Sorkin’s 1989 play, follows the story of Private William Santiago, a United States Marine who is found dead after being beaten while stationed at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. Two fellow Marines, Lance Corporal Harold Dawson and Private First Class Louden Downey, face a court-martial for his murder and are defended by inexperienced lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee of the United States Navy JAG Corps. His superior, Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway, becomes suspicious as evidence emaerges that Santiago may have been trying to transfer out ...

The American neo-noir mystery film The Two Jakes (1990) serves as a sequel to the 1974 classic Chinatown. Jack Nicholson once again takes on the role of J.J. ‘Jake’ Gittes, both directing and starring in the film. Set in 1948 Los Angeles, businessman Julius ‘Jake’ Berman hires the seasoned private investigator to catch his wife, Kitty, in an act of adultery. During the sting operation, Berman unexpectedly kills his wife’s lover, Mark Bodine – who also happens to be his business partner in a real estate development company. This turn of events lands Gittes under scrutiny for ...

Batman (1989), a superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, is directed by Tim Burton. It marks the beginning of Warner Bros.’ original Batman film series. At a fundraiser hosted by billionaire Bruce Wayne, who is secretly Batman, reporter Alexander Knox and photojournalist Vicki Vale investigate sightings of the ‘Batman’, a masked vigilante targeting criminals in Gotham City. It was during this event that Wayne becomes enamored with Vale. ...

Terms of Endearment (1983) is a family tragicomedy film directed, written, and produced by James L. Brooks. It is based on Larry McMurtry’s 1975 novel of the same name. The story revolves around Aurora Greenway, a widow who lives in River Oaks, Houston. Despite having several suitors, she chooses to focus on her close relationship with her daughter Emma. Emma, who is eager to break free from her mother’s controlling nature, defies her objections and marries Flap Horton – a young college professor. However, their constant arguments and conflicting ...

The Shining (1980), a psychological horror film, was produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick in collaboration with novelist Diane Johnson. Adapted from Stephen King’s novel of the same title published in 1977, the movie follows Jack Torrance as he takes on a winter caretaking job at the remote Overlook Hotel nestled within the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The hotel, which shuts down every winter season, has a dark history revealed to Jack by manager Stuart Ullman upon his arrival – that of a previous caretaker named ...

Chinatown (1974), an American mystery film, was directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. In the story, a woman named Evelyn Mulwray hires private detective Jake Gittes to follow her husband Hollis, who she suspects of being unfaithful. As chief engineer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Hollis refuses to build a new dam due to safety concerns. Gittes captures photos of Hollis with another woman, which are then published in the Los Angeles Times. The real Evelyn Mulwray confronts Gittes and threatens legal action against him for aiding in the ...

The Terror (1963), an American independent horror film, was produced and directed by Roger Corman and stars Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson. Nicholson portrays a French officer who is seduced by Helene, a shapeshifting devil disguised as a woman. In 1806, André Duvalier, a lost French soldier, is rescued by Helene, who bears a striking resemblance to Ilsa von Leppe, the late wife of Baron von Leppe. As André delves into Helene’s true identity, he discovers the Baron’s darkest secret: after catching his wife ...