Take a look below for our list of 10 of the best movies produced by Jerry Weintraub.
1. The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid is a 1984 American martial arts drama film written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G. Avildsen. It is the first installment in the Karate Kid franchise, and stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue and William Zabka. The Karate Kid follows Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), a teenager taught karate by Mr. Miyagi (Morita) to help defend himself and compete in a tournament against his bullies, one of whom is Johnny Lawrence (Zabka), the ex-boyfriend of his love interest Ali Mills (Shue).
2. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Ocean’s Eleven is a 2001 American heist comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ted Griffin. The first installment of the Ocean’s franchise, it is a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack film of the same name. Ocean’s Eleven features an ensemble cast, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, Bernie Mac and Julia Roberts. The story follows friends Danny Ocean (Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Pitt), who plan a heist of $160 million from casino owner Terry Benedict (García), the lover of Ocean’s ex-wife Tess (Roberts).
3. Diner
Diner is a 1982 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Barry Levinson. It is Levinson’s screen-directing debut, and the first of his “Baltimore Films” tetralogy, set in his hometown during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s; the other three films are Tin Men (1987), Avalon (1990), and Liberty Heights (1999). It stars Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Paul Reiser, Kevin Bacon, Timothy Daly and Ellen Barkin and was released on March 5, 1982. The film follows a close-knit circle of friends who reunite at a Baltimore diner when one of them prepares to get married.
4. Oh, God!
Oh, God! is a 1977 American comedy film starring George Burns and John Denver. Based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Avery Corman, the film was directed by Carl Reiner from a screenplay written by Larry Gelbart. The story centers on unassuming supermarket manager Jerry Landers (Denver), who is chosen by God (Burns) to spread his message, despite skepticism of the media, religious authorities, and his own wife (Teri Garr).
5. The Specialist
The Specialist is a 1994 American action thriller film directed by Luis Llosa and starring Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, James Woods, Eric Roberts and Rod Steiger. It is loosely based on “The Specialist” series of novels by John Shirley. The film met with negative critical response, but became a box office success, and Gloria Estefan’s version of “Turn the Beat Around” became a dance sensation.
6. Cruising
Cruising is a 1980 crime thriller film written and directed by William Friedkin and starring Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, and Karen Allen. It is loosely based on the novel of the same name by New York Times reporter Gerald Walker about a serial killer targeting gay men, particularly those men associated with the leather scene in the late 1970s. The title is a play on words with a dual meaning because “cruising” can describe both police officers on patrol as well as men who are cruising for sex.
7. Pure Country
Pure Country is a 1992 American drama film directed by Christopher Cain and starring George Strait in his acting debut, with Lesley Ann Warren, Isabel Glasser and Kyle Chandler (in his film debut). The film, while profitable with box office receipts of over $15 million against a $10 million budget, fell far short of its expectations. However, the soundtrack was a critical success and, to date, is Strait’s best selling album. It was followed by two direct-to-video sequels, Pure Country 2: The Gift (2010) and Pure Country: Pure Heart (2017). This movie marked Rory Calhoun’s last film appearance.
8. The Next Karate Kid
The Next Karate Kid is a 1994 American martial arts drama film, and the fourth installment in The Karate Kid franchise, following The Karate Kid Part III (1989). It stars Hilary Swank as Julie Pierce (in her first theatrical appearance in a starring role) and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi.
9. Happy New Year (1987)
Happy New Year is a 1987 American comedy crime romance film directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Peter Falk. The screenplay was written by Warren Lane, based on the French film La bonne année. The director of the French film, Claude Lelouch, has a cameo as a man on a train.
10. Vegas Vacation
Vegas Vacation is a 1997 American comedy film directed by Stephen Kessler in his feature directorial debut. It is the fourth installment in National Lampoon’s Vacation film series, and was written by Elisa Bell, based on a story by Bell and Bob Ducsay. The film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Wayne Newton, Ethan Embry, and Wallace Shawn. The film opened at #4 at the box office and grossed over $36.4 million domestically. Vegas Vacation is the first theatrical Vacation film not to carry the National Lampoon label or a screenwriting credit from John Hughes.
