Actress Lainie Kazan (1940)

Gigli (2003) is an American rom-com crime movie, written, co-produced and directed by Martin Brest. The plot follows Larry Gigli, a low-ranking member of the Los Angeles mob, who isn’t quite as tough as he pretends to be. His boss, Louis, orders him to kidnap the younger brother of a powerful federal prosecutor – a mentally challenged individual – in order to negotiate Starkman’s (the New York mob boss) release from prison. After some convincing, Gigli manages to persuade the young man, Brian, to go with him by promising a trip to ‘the Baywatch’ – clearly Brian’s favorite ...

Love Is All There Is (1996), a romantic comedy, was written and directed by Joseph Bologna and Renée Taylor, who also star in the film. It is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in the Bronx, following the Capomezzos, a local catering business owned by Bronx-born Sicilians. They develop a bitter rivalry with the Malacicis, recent immigrants from Florence who own a fine Italian restaurant. The story centers around the romance between Rosario, son of the Capomezzos, and Gina, daughter of the Malacicis. Their love is sparked when ...

Adapted by Mary Agnes Donoghue, the American comedy-drama film Beaches (1988) is based on Iris Rainer Dart’s 1985 novel of the same name and directed by Garry Marshall. During a concert rehearsal in Los Angeles, New York actress and singer Cecilia Carol ‘C.C.’ Bloom receives a note and hastily departs to be with her friend Hillary Whitney, a San Francisco heiress and lawyer. As she drives through the night, C.C. reflects on their lifelong friendship that ...

Directed and produced by William Dear, Harry and the Hendersons (1987) is a classic American fantasy comedy. After a camping trip in the nearby Cascade mountains, George Henderson drives his family back home to suburban Seattle when an unexpected encounter occurs. While traveling in their station wagon, they accidentally hit a Bigfoot. Excited by the potential for fame and fortune, the family brings the creature along by strapping it to the roof of their car. However, their plans are interrupted when a hunter discovers their damaged license plate, leading him to suspect foul play. That same night, George goes to check ...

One from the Heart (1982), a musical romantic drama film, was both written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The plot unfolds on Independence Day in Las Vegas where Hank, a mechanic, and Frannie, a travel agent, end their five-year relationship. Hank’s lack of consideration for Frannie’s desire for adventure and thrill causes their split. Both individuals end up spending the night with their envisioned partners – Hank with Leila, a circus performer, and Frannie with Ray, a waiter masquerading as a singer and pianist. Following their separate nights apart, Hank experiences an emotional breakdown and ...