Acting
Kevin can’t seem to catch a break in the romantic arena, and his poker buddies aren’t afraid to let him know it. Over the course of a friendly game, they recount his romantic misadventures, and a pattern emerges — all of Kevin’s concepts of romance derive from 1980s-era films. Which might be all right, except that Kevin can’t seem to execute them the way they come off in the movies. Whether he’s reenacting his favorite scenes from “Pretty in Pink,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Top Gun,” or “Say Anything,” he always manages to end up with egg on his face. That is, until he meets just the right woman…
Up-and-coming politico Robert Soxer is making a last-minute campaign appearance at a small kitchen and bath remodeling shop. The shop’s owner, Leon, is an ardent supporter, and takes Soxer and his entourage on a quick tour. Meanwhile, shop worker Rachael, despondent over her recent breakup with coworker Rick, makes a startling discovery — the candidate is far from what he appears to be, giving new meaning to the term “political machine.” As the group leaves, Rachael tries to convince Rick of what she’s seen, but he misinterprets her warnings. Will Rachael be able to stop Soxer’s ascent to power and redeem herself in Rick’s eyes?
The Coffmans are desperate to win their bid for residency in a new, environmentally friendly condo. Putting their best face forward, they work to convince a jaded government auditor that their lifestyle makes them worthy of acceptance. But when another couple vies for the same home, a battle for environmental superiority begins.
Every Sunday, a group of close friends gets together for a backyard barbecue. But one day, Smitty decides to bring along his new girlfriend — and everyone is shocked to discover that she looks strikingly similar to Samantha, another friend who died several years ago. As the afternoon progresses, each of the friends must not only deal with the new addition to their little circle, but confront the ghosts of their own past relationships — resulting in unplanned revelations.
Ever since he was a child, Reuben knew he was different… and despite all his attempts to fit in with “normal” people, he remains isolated and alone. But a chance encounter with an up-and-coming rock star gives him the spark needed to hone his supernormal skills, to shape himself into a true hero. And then Campbell, a new face in his office, demonstrates abilities comparable to his own, but with a bizarre twist — and nefarious intent. Reuben’s coworkers are oblivious to the danger she represents, and slowly fall under her spell. As Campbell spreads her nefarious influence, Reuben’s friends must decide: Soup… or hero?
Making a good first impression at a job interview is critical, as Mary well knows. But from the start, fate seems to be working against her. She oversleeps, and has to scramble to get ready. She can’t find a taxi, and has to walk from her hotel to the office. She can’t get into an overly crowded elevator, and has to take the stairs. But despite the setbacks, she manages to make it to the office on time, only to discover that — before she can utter a single syllable — the atmosphere is quite contrary to what one would normally expect. And that atmosphere becomes more bizarre with each passing moment.
Rachael and Frank are longtime detectives who have just completed one of the biggest cases of their career. But as they sit down for a well-deserved celebratory drink, Rachael begins to raise concerns about the neatness with which the case wrapped up. As Frank plays devil’s advocate, the two begin to question some of the conclusions they’ve drawn, ultimately threatening their friendship… and perhaps more.
Binjamen, irate after a conflict with a local sushi chef, decides to take revenge — in an extreme fashion. But when he meets the vacationing Lynette, he is instantly smitten... and has to reconsider his plans for vengeance when it seems she may be caught up in his actions.
Emily is nervous about meeting her husband Wilson’s family for the first time at their annual Independence Day gathering. Having eloped, she is concerned that the family will never accept her as one of their own. But Wilson has a plan to bring her into the fold — competing in the family’s annual (if ridiculous) tradition of throwing balls at a target object, a barely-recognizable variation of bocce.
Recent high school graduate Caleb is reluctant to embrace his friend Abby’s advice to embark on a new chapter of his life; he prefers the status quo. But his own perspective shifts radically when a sudden accident leaves him dead — and reanimated as a ghost. Guided by longtime spirit (and 1970s holdover) Paul, Caleb must acquaint himself with his newfound condition… and ultimately determine the course of his “unlife.”
Phil has an amazing ability: With a touch, he can see exactly one hour and eight minutes into someone’s past. Unfortunately, it seems to cause him nothing but trouble — especially at the office, where he is called in before the boss and lectured on “inappropriate touching.” His coworker Lily is convinced that his ability makes him a superhero, but Phil is hardly persuaded… until a chance bump with a new client shows him that he may have an opportunity to prove her right.
A jaded political campaign operative gradually realizes the horrific true nature of the popular yet brash candidate she is working for.
Authors Libby Daricek and Mark LaSalle are each working to finish their respective novels — Mark’s being a crime thriller, and Libby’s an emotional drama. But as they describe scenes from their works (and propose changes to their pieces), their collaborative relationship is put to the test, especially as they learn they may be competing for the same goal.
Jack Reade is a mild-mannered academic who finally has a chance to publish his own Great American Novel. But just as he thinks his tome will see print, Pete Willoughby, a smug and influential editor, informs Jack that the book will remain locked in publishing purgatory. After an accident befalls Pete, Jack forges a desperate alliance with Carrie Singer, a disgruntled employee who also happens to be the book’s number-one fan. Together, they concoct an insane scheme to cover up Pete’s death and greenlight the book. Unfortunately, the publishing process is chock full of required approvals, and before long, other denizens of Dennison Publishing begin to fall prey to “accidents.”
