Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, Blake Clarke, Lusia Strus, Dan Aykroyd, Amy Hill

"So every day you help her to realize what happened and you wait patiently for her to be okay with it... then you get her to fall in love with you again?" - Stacy

Why watch this? There's a sweetness to this film. Drew wins your heart immediately.

Dad's Review: Adam Sandler comedies just take a little more effort for me to get into. This wonderful, creative film, about a shallow guy who falls for a young girl with only short-term memory. Thanks to an accident, every day she wakes up, she starts over. A strong supporting cast and great script help make this a comedy to remember.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Director: Charles Barton, Not Rated (Dad's guess G)

Starring: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lon Chaney Jr., Béla Lugosi, Glenn Strange, Lenore Aubert, Jane Randolph, Vincent Price

"You and 20 million other guys!" - Wilber, when Larry Talbot says that tonight he will turn into a wolf.

Why watch this? When Universal monster films grew stale, this classic comedy duo injected new life.

Dad's Review: The thin, nay-saying Bud Abbott, and his portly partner, Lou Costello had been a prolific comedy team since the late 1930's. As their careers were slumping, a brilliant idea arose to pit the duo against film's famous monsters. It's the best of the "monster" films, as they encounter The Wolf Man, Count Dracula and Frankenstein's ghoulish creation. It's a real treat that Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney reprised their roles.  

Starring: Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento, Harry Andrews, Alberto Lupo, Adolfo Celi

"I'll paint the truth in spite of all the bigots... and hypocrites in Rome! Why do you bring fools to judge my work?" – Michelangelo

Why watch this? As Michelangelo paints the Chapel ceiling, we literally feel his pain.

Dad's Review: This film is a great accounting of the relationship between the great Michelangelo, and the warrior Pope Julius II who commissioned the renown artist to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. They are at odds during the entire ordeal, only reaching mutual respect years later when the work is finally finished. You will be inspired.

Starring: Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Madolyn Smith, Victoria Tennant, Richard Libertini, Dana Elcar, Jason Bernard, Selma Diamond, Eric Christmas

"You may find this hard to believe, but 'fondling you' while you make pee-pee is not my idea of a good time." – Edwina Cutwater

Why watch this? This creative comedy features two stellar comedians in Martin and Tomlin.

Dad's Review: Snobby millionaire Edwina Cutwater, who has been bed-ridden since youth, enlists a mystic shaman to export her life essence into another woman to live on after her body dies. She hires a burnt-out attorney, Roger, to handle the legal transfer of her estate. The transfer process fails, depositing Edwina into Roger! The comedy ensues as the two polar opposite personalities internally fight over Roger's body functions.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Craig T. Nelson, Lea Thompson, Charles Cioffi, Gary Graham, Paul Carafotes, Chris Penn

"You just sit there in your office. A scholarship here, no scholarship there. He goes. He stays. Who in the hell gave you that power? You're just a high school coach." - Steff

Why watch this? A compelling drama about Pennsylvania small town football.

Dad's Review: Stef, a gifted football player, wants to escape the poverty of his Western Pa. hometown by getting a sport scholarship. During the big game, Stef incurs a costly penalty, handles it badly, and is kicked off the team. Later the coach black-balls him, blowing all chances of college. This realistic drama centers on the power coaches have regarding their player's futures. Craig T. Nelson, went on to play Coach on TV.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Debra Messing, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Alec Baldwin, Hank Azaria, Missi Pyle, Bryan Brown, Jsu Garcia, Michele Lee

"Since we have been together I have felt more uncomfortable, out of place, embarrassed, and just physically sick then I have in my entire life." - Reuben Feffer

Why watch this? It's a great romance about a risk-averse guy who finds a free-spirit.

Dad's Review: It was a wise move to team up the spunky Jennifer Aniston and the reserved Ben Stiller. She portrays a spontaneous, adventurous gal, and he always plays things safe. The film's strength, besides her blind ferret, is their interplay. She tries to get him to loosen up, but he resists with every fiber of his being... and a really nasty irritable bowel syndrome. 

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Fred Willard, Chris Parnell, Kathryn Hahn, Fred Armisen, Seth Rogan

"Let's go over the ground rules. Rule number 1: No touching of the hair or face... AND THAT'S IT!" - Ron Burgundy

Why watch this? This is hands-down the funniest Will Ferrell film to date.

Dad's Review: Not since Blazing Saddles has a comedy pushed the limits of satire like this film. The film is centered on an unredeemable white, narcissist who anchors news in the 1970's. I had to keep telling myself. "It's satire... it's satire..." If you are easily offended, then you might want to avoid this. Otherwise, the cast is a comedy all-star roster, and this is one hilarious film poking fun at news networks, male chauvinists and the people who love them.

Starring: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Will Patton, Steve Buscemi, William Fichtner, Owen Wilson, Michael Duncan Clark, Peter Stomare

"Damage? Total, sir. It's what we call a global killer. The end of mankind. Doesn't matter where it hits. Nothing would survive, not even bacteria." - Dan Truman, to the President

Why watch this? This testosterone-fest is fun and exciting. Willis is perfect as the rough-cat who bucks up and saves the freakin' day.

Dad's Review: I have several friends who protest mightily that this action flick is not more prominently featured on Dad's lists. Well, I can only trust my heart. This flick is fine, heroic, good in many ways, but lacks the uniqueness I require to elevate it. It was a tad predictable. But don't let that stop you. See it! Bring lots of popcorn...

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark O'Brien, Tzi Ma, Abigail Pniowsky

"But now I'm not so sure I believe in beginnings and endings. There are days that define your story beyond your life. Like the day they arrived." - Dr. Louise Banks

Why watch this? This film, about humanity's first contact, is refreshing. The first priority, logically, would be how to communicate.

Dad's Review: Like 1997's Contact, this film chronicles a possible scenario that might play out when we are face-to-face with intelligence from the great beyond. I was simultaneously nervous and immensely curious as the film developed and progress was made. A rock-solid cast delivers the goods in this thought-provoking movie.

Starring: Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Dana Delaney, Stacy Keach, Hart Bochner, Abe Vigoda, Dick Miller, John P. Ryan, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

"Vengeance blackens the soul, Bruce. I've always feared that you would become that which you fought against." – Alfred

Why watch this? This animated classic is one of the best Batman stories ever.

Dad's Review: After the incredible Batman: The Animated Series, the same creators finally gave audiences this full-length animated film. It delivers big time. It features Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as The Joker. The plot is, of course, a who-done-it, with everyone intent on stopping the mysterious Phantasm, a devious villain, murdering folks in Gotham City. The Caped Crusader will have to look deep within to solve this caper.

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julue Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl, Karl Bruckschwaiger, Tex Rubinowitz, Erni Mangold, Haymon M. Buttinger

"Alright, I have an admittedly insane idea, but if I don't ask you this it's just, uh, you know, it's gonna haunt me the rest of my life." - Jesse

Why watch this? American boy meets French girl on a train. Simple and sweet.

Dad's Review: This is one of the most honest, enduring romance films I have ever encountered. The premise is two young adults, around college age, meet on a train in Europe. He has to fly back to American the next morning, while she's heading back to university in Paris. They decide to spend the night together, walking around Vienna. This refreshing film is mostly their candid conversation. It's so unforced and real. (There's also two poignant sequels.)

Starring: Jean Marais, Josette Day, Marcel André, Mila Parély, Nane Germon, Michel Auclair, Raoul Marco

"He suffers, Father. One half of him is in constant struggle with the other half. He's more cruel to himself than he is to human beings.." - Belle

Why watch this? The tale of Beauty and the Beast is ageless - this is its first film rendition, and it's pure French magic.

Dad's Review: For years, I would see movie stills from this film in my monster magazines. I actually thought it was made during in the silent era. The film blew me away. The workmanship and detail of the filmmakers is astonishing. It has such a fable-like atmosphere, like you are within an ethereal, wispy dreamscape.

Starring: James Fransiscus, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, Linda Hamilton, Paul Richards, Victor Buono, James Gregory, Jeff Corey, Charlton Heston

"Glory be to the Bomb, and to the Holy Fallout. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. World without end. Amen." – Mendez

Why watch this? It's a welcomed return to the planet of simian madness.

Dad's Review: The original POTA was a film landmark. This second film is equally compelling, though a little too far-fetched. A second ship lands on the same ape planet, and a lone astronaut, Brent, searches for Taylor from the original film. Brent reaches the ape city, encounters Zira and Cornelius, and eventually discovers the truth about Earth. There is a welcomed weirdness at play, and it's enjoyable... right to the film grim and bloody end!

Starring: John Wayne, Richard Boone, Maureen O'Hara, Patrick Wayne, Christopher Mitchum, Bobby Vinton, Bruce Cabot, Glenn Corbett, Harry Carey Jr., John Doucette, Ethan Wayne

"Anything happens, anything at all, your fault, my fault, nobody's fault... my little brother will blow that kid's head right off." – John Fain

Why watch this? This is classic Wayne in his later films; big, bold, stern and tough!

Dad's Review: This film was a favorite for "movie day" at my high school back in Texas. Of the many Wayne Westerns made after the actor turned 60, this is his best. When his estranged 10-year-old son is kidnapped, Jacob "Jake" McCandles pulls together a crew to deliver the ransom money and retrieve the boy. Along to help are Jake's two older sons who harbor ill feelings for 'daddy', who walked out on them. Richard Boone is chilling as the gruff head kidnapper. 

The Big Sick (2017), Director: Michael Showalter, Rated R for language, sexual references

Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff, Adeel Akhtar, Bo Burnham, Aidy Bryant

"Okay, that's a common misconception. Yelling anything at a comedian is considered heckling. Heckling doesn't have to be negative." – Kumail

Why watch this? Nanjiani's razor-sharp is charming, funny and really attractive.

Dad's Review: This romance plays against a lot of stereotypes. I admit I was not expecting a Pakistani man to date a white woman. After watching this film, I am no longer sure why I thought that?! The two delightful people openly admit they don't want the relationship to continue, but their passionate love overrides that. By the end, it's as natural as can be.

Starring: Robin Williams, Gene Hackman, Nathan Lane, Dianne Wiest, Dan Futterman, Calista Flockhart, Hank Azaria, Christine Baranski

"That sarcastic contemptuous tone that means you know everything because you're a man, and I know nothing because I'm a woman." – Albert

Why watch this? William and Lane put forth a good attempt at portraying a gay couple. 

Dad's Review: Armand owns a South Beach drag club called The Birdcage. His life partner is Albert, the club's flamboyant star, Starina. When Armand's son Val (the product of a drunken one-night stand) announces his engagement, it is decided to introduce the parents. However, the gay men need to pretend to be straight because Val's fiancée's father is a Republican senator. The gender-bending antics on display are hilarious. 

Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, Topher Grace, Jasper Pääkkönen, Ryan Eggold, Paul Walter Hauser

"Huh, sorry. Come on. America would never elect somebody like David Duke, President of the United States of America." - Ron Stallworth

Why watch this? Washington and Driver shine in this movie about infiltrating the Klan.

Dad's Review: Set in the early '70's, this Spike Lee film adaptation of a true story centers on Ron Stallworth, the first African-American detective in Colorado Spring, Col. He goes undercover, working with another detective, Flip Zimmerman. This biting, racially charged film makes lots of points that are incredible pertinent to our political climate today. I'm sure that was the point.

Starring: Lothaire Bluteau, Aden Young, Sandrine Holt, August Schellenberg, Tantoo Cardinal,  Billy Two Rivers, Lawrence Bayne

"Why would I go to your paradise? Are my people there? My woman? My boy? There's only blackrobes." - Chomina

Why watch this? This is one of the most realistic films regarding America's Native Peoples.

Dad's Review: This beautifully shot film is about a Jesuit missionary, Father LaForgue,  tasked with bringing Christianity to the natives by starting an mission in New France. With Algonquins serving as his guides, LaForgue and his assistant and Daniel, begin the long, perilous journey up river. The beauty of the film's plot is that is doesn't preach on way or the other. It's equally scenic and brutal. How did anyone survive in those days?

Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazzello, Aidan Gillen, Tom Hollander, Mike Myers

"I'm going to be what I was born to be: a performer that gives the people what they want: a touch of the heavens! Freddie f***ing Mercury." - Freddie

Why watch this? Queen was an integral part of my musical youth. This is their story.

Dad's Review: This is a splendid biography on Queen and the sassy Freddie Mercury. I really feel he would approve. The film has the blessings of his former band. We journey through the band's formation; hard-rocking success; Freddie's battle with first, his sexuality and then, AIDS; and finally Queen's triumph at Live Aid. I am simultaneously saddened and inspired by Freddie's bright shining life. You, my friend, are a champion.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Frances de la Tour, Michael Gambon

"People had more than they needed, people didn't know what was precious and what wasn't, people threw away things they kill each other for now." - Eli

Why watch this? Denzel simply adds a level of gravitas to this post-apocalyptic thriller.

Dad's Review: Set after the end of the world (and filmed in muted tones), a lone man wanders the brutal wasteland. He is stoic, independent, and more than capable of defending himself. This is not a world for the weak. Denzel gives this loner a humanistic side, as he fights to survive in this dystopian wasteland. His inspiration, an ear-marked old book he carries with him. Now, others want this book and are willing to kill for it.

Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater, Libby Villari, Marco Perella, Brad Hawkins

"You don't want the bumpers, life doesn't give you bumpers." - Dad to his son while bowling

Why watch this? This incredible unique film is a case study in what we refer to as humanity.

Dad's Review: Filmed from 2002 to 2013, that's eleven years, this gem follows a boy from childhood to adolescence and finally to age 18. Mason Evans grows up in Texas with divorced parents. This film was highly regarded by critics. It's main actors are applauded, but more so, it is lauded for its incredible realness and lack of pretense. He are literally watching a child grow up. We see his happiness, his trials, his change and growth of personality. It's like watching a flower bud and bloom in accelerated motion. This film is a wonder to behold.

Starring: Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III, Alicia Goranson, Jeannetta Arnette, Matt McGrath

"Shut up. That's your business. Look, I don't care if you're half monkey or half ape, I'm gettin' you out of here." - Lana

Why watch this? This is the true story of Brandon Teena, a trans man who was murdered. 

Dad's Review: This painful and shocking film introduced the world to Hilary Swank. She plays a poor, transgender man who moves to Nebraska, the falls for Lana, a girl who wants get away from her small town. When "friends" around them find out the truth, the fear and bigotry surfaces and does what it often does - destroy what it doesn't understand.

Starring: Gary Cole, Shelly Long, Henriette Mantel, Christine Taylor, Paul Sutera, Jennifer Elise Cox, Jesse Lee Soffer, David Graf, Michael McKean

"I live next door to her, and she's harder to get into than a Pearl Jam concert." - Eric Dittmeyer talking about Jan Brady

Why watch this? Most folks my age watched this family sitcom on TV. This is for you.

Dad's Review: The Brady Bunch was always on TV. I loved it, regardless of how innocent and hokey it came across. It still cracks me up... I mean, they had Astroturf in the backyard! This is precisely why this movie works. Imagine the Brady family today in our modern world! It's a riot. Their hair. Their mannerisms. Their maid Alice!

Starring: Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri, Lillo Brancato, Francis Capra, Taral Hicks, Katrine Narducci, Clem Caserta, Joe Pesci

"People don't love him, they fear him. There's a difference." - Lorenzo, talking about Sonny

Why watch this? This powerful film showcases De Niro's directing and acting talents.

Dad's Review: Chazz Palminteri wrote the one-man play. De Niro saw it and became determined to make it into a film. He acquired the rights, and Palminteri wrote the screenplay. It's about a young boy, Calogero, raised alone by his hard-working father, Lorenzo, a bus driver. On the streets, the boy becomes enamored with Sonny, a mobster, who takes the kid under his wing. Lorenzo is not pleased. Things get dicey as the young man is pulled between his father and Sonny, and his love for a young black girl.

The Butterfly Effect (2004), Directors: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber, Not Rated R for language, violence, sexual content

Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Amy Smart, Melora Walters, Elden Henson, William Lee Scott, John Patrick Amedori, Irina Gorovaia

"Just think of your mind as a movie, you can pause, rewind or slow down any details you want." - Dr. Redfield

Why watch this? This mind-trip of a film will have you second-guessing your life decisions.

Dad's Review: A college student, Evan, has long had black-out spells. Now, he has learned that he's about to travel back in time. He sets to changing the present, by fixing his past traumas, with bad results for his mental state. The mental hopscotch, as Evan jumps back and forth to his life at different ages is very suspenseful. Kutcher showcases his acting talent.

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