Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jared Rushton, Jon Lovitz, David Moscow, Mercedes Ruehl

"I'm your best friend. What's more important than that, huh?" - Billy

Why watch this? It's a modern day fairy tale about a wish that actually comes true.

Dad's Review: Early in Tom Hanks' film career this comedic role was a perfect fit. His shtick then was essentially acting like a kid in an adult's body. Bingo - that's the exact plot of Big. Through strange magic, a boy gets his wish, and wakes up an adult. Let the hilarity ensue. It's so much fun watching Hanks - how he interacts with this 10-year-old best friend; his innocence at a toy store; his excitement (and inexperience) with an adult woman shows her affection for him. There are many warm and funny moments.

Blade Runner (1982), Director: Ridley Scott, rated R for violence and language

Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmett Walsh, Daryl Hannah, William Sanderson, Brion James

"I need ya, Deck. This is a bad one, the worst yet. I need the old blade runner, I need your magic." - Bryant

Why watch this? It's haunting and dark...and a sci-fi classic.

Dad's Review: This is a very good sci-fi noir crime film featuring Ford and a fine supporting cast. It's a visual feast showing Earth's future as an over-crowded and technologically advanced dystopia darkened by a constant drizzle of acid rain. Modern robots, called Replicants, are so lifelike, they are indistinguishable. Some in fact, are so sentient that they don't even know they are robots.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens

"Look, here's the deal, I don't need y'all to approve my choices alright, but I do ask that you respect them. You have no idea what this boy has been through and if this becomes some running diatribe, I can find overpriced salad a lot closer to home." – Leigh Ann Touhy

Why watch this? Bullock somehow manages to make an attractive rich football Mom likeable.

Dad's Review: This is the true (well sorta) tale of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher, as his adoptive family, led by feisty mom, Leigh Ann Tuohy. I'll admit I enjoyed this feel-good story. The film has been criticized for showing that charity is a vehicle of whiteness to swoop in and rescue black individuals from urban poverty. Regardless, Bullock's performance was universally praised, and I really like young actor Quinton Aaron.

Starring: Steven McQueen, Aneta Corsaut, Earl Rowe, Olin Howland, Stephen Chase, John Benson, George Karas

"There's a man here with some sort of a parasite on his arm, assimilating his flesh at a frightening speed. I may have to get ahead of it and amputate. No, I don't know what it is or where it came from." – Dr. Hallen

Why watch this? It's a creepy, slimy, oozy horror flick that will make your skin crawl.

Dad's Review: This classic is another 1950's sci-fi treasure. A meteorite crashes on Earth in Pennsylvania. Within it is a carnivorous red goo that seeks out and devours whomever it touches. The more it eats, the bigger it grows! It will take the combined efforts of law enforcement and some local wise-cracking teens to find a weakness and stop THE BLOB!. It's campy, spooky and gelatinously wonderful!

Starring: Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith, Donovan Leitch, Jeffrey DeMunn, Candy Clark, Joe Seneca, Del Close

"The thing on that man's hand killed him and then it killed Paul, and whatever it is, it's getting bigger!" - Meg Penny

Why watch this? The original was creepy. This 80's version is gory and terrifying!

Dad's Review: This re-make of The Blob is superbly unconventional. After a meteor crashes on earth, a gooey, red mixture starts graphically dissolving human beings. The fate of the world seems to rest in the hands of a motorcycle-riding teen trouble-maker, Brian. This film embraces the "gore is more" idea, as we see folks killed in numerous sickening ways... which, of course, is AWESOME!

Starring: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Gene Wilder

"This here's Miss Bonnie Parker. I'm Clyde Barrow. We rob banks." - Clyde Barrow

Why watch this? To some poor folks, the Barrow gangsters were heroes. The Texas law saw it differently.

Dad's Review: This story chronicles real-life Texas-born bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who rampaged in the South during the Great Depression. This film introduced a more realistic type of film-making, breaking more gritty ground. It is both brilliant and violently sometimes hard-to-watch. The film's brutal ending is now considered one of cinema's most iconic moments.

Starring: Kurt Russell, J. T. Walsh, Kathleen Quinlan, M. C. Gainey, Jack Noseworthy, Rex Linn, Ritch Brinkley

"My wife, where is she?" - Jeff Taylor

Why watch this? We just assume the best in people. This illustrates the opposite of that.

Dad's Review: A middle-aged couple, Jeff and Amy, are driving across the desert southwest. Their car breaks down. A trucker happens along and offers to take Amy to the nearest phone, while Jeff stays with the vehicle. She never makes it. This /CHsets in play a frantic search by Jeff, who is just a regular guy, to find his abducted wife. This film is a tight, tense thriller. Russell is dependably excellent, but it is the creepy J. T. Walsh who really stands out as the antagonist within this film. This will help you see that it's always stay by your spouse's side when you are put in a bad situation.

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, George MacKay, Missi Pyle, Ann Dowd

"It is my expressed desire that my ashes shall be taken to a nondescript location, preferably public and heavily populated. At which point my ashes, promptly and unceremoniously, are to be flushed down the nearest toilet. End quote. Now that's comedy." - read by Ben from Leslie's last will and testament

Why watch this? This is about the damage sometimes caused by the resistance to conformity.

Dad's Review: A couple makes the decision to raise their family "off the grid". Things are going well until she gets cancer and dies. As the funeral approaches, the hard feelings resurface between her parents and her husband Ben. This film is about two very different worlds that love the same woman, and they both are in pain.

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre

"You know, Rick, I have many a friend in Casablanca, but somehow, just because you despise me, you are the only one I trust." - Ugarte

Why watch this? This is film noir's holy grail. It has all the classic elements.

Dad's Review: I know, the question is "Why isn't Casablanca higher your lists?" OK, it's a good film. It's just, in my opinion, not a great film. It's so similar to so many noir films of that time period. I expected it to stand out, blow me away, but it simply did not. My honest reaction was, "Meh". Still, it IS on this list, so give it a chance. "Play it again, Sam".

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, Tedde Moore, Ian Petrella, Tedde Moore, R. D. Robb, Zack Ward

"In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." - adult Ralphie, narrating

Why watch this? It's packed with memories we all had growing up in a bygone age.

Dad's Review: This film captures Christmas for many families from the end of World War II through the early 1980's - certainly a simpler time in the USA. Nine-year-old Ralphie anticipates Christmas. His only wish is a Red Rider BB Gun. He must endure school bullies, an annoying little brother, parents that won't listen, and a full-body pink bunny suit. This warm family film offers a lot of holiday laughs. But remember... "You'll shoot your eye out!"

Starring: Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Judi Bowker, Maggie Smith, Burgess Meredith, Ursula Andress

"You must win Medusa's head. She's not going to give it to you. As a present. As difficult and dangerous as to vanquish a thousand Krakens. Your only chance against the Kraken. Give us the eye." - Stygian Witch

Why watch this? It's fun adventure on a grand scale worthy of the Gods.

Dad's Review: This is Ray Harryhausen's last great fantasy film. It is the Greek story of the heroic Perseus. With help from winged Pegasus, he must battle beasts of all kinds: the snake-haired Medusa, the evil Calibas, and the gigantic Kraken, a titan of the sea. The effects, featuring stop-motion animation, are a wonderful art form. The entire tale is incredible.

Starring: Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer, James Earl Jones, Joaquim de Alemeida, Miguel Sandoval, Henry Czerny, Raymond Cruz

"I didn't sign up for this. This is someone's bullshit political agenda. Who authorized this?" - Jack Ryan

Why watch this? Jack Ryan chews out the President - Hell yea!

Dad's Review: This is the best of the two Jack Ryan films starring Harrison Ford. Here he travels to Colombia to help rescue a company of special forces soldiers who were abandoned by the US Government during a covert mission. This exciting film reveals the scope of the drug business, and betrayal at the highest levels of government. Dep. Director of Intelligence Jack Ryan is having none of that.

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, Janine Turner, Leon Robinson, Paul Winfield, Ralph Waite

"Kill a few people, they call you a murderer. Kill a million and you're a conqueror." – Eric Qualen

Why watch this? I am sure rock climbing is an adrenaline rush - so is this film!

Dad's Review: To pay the bills, Sly Stallone made a number of generic action pictures. This is one of the best. He's a former rock-climbing guide, who retires after a climber dies on his watch. Meanwhile, a group of international criminals crash land in the mountains and a valuable suitcases is missing. They quickly force Sly to find their money. This sets in motion a thrilling game of cat and mouse in the treacherous mountains. Lithgow is convincing as the nasty, psychotic Qualen.

Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, Anjul Nigam, Margot Farley

"Approximately seven hours ago, uh, some thing attacked the city. I don't know what it is. Um, if you found this tape, I mean if you're watching this, then you probably know more about it than I do. Uh, whatever this thing is, it killed my brother..." - Robert Hawkins

Why watch this? It's "found footage" presentation style adds a fresh take on a stale genre.

Dad's Review: This is a creative take on the giant monster genre. The film consists of video clips filmed by frantic people impacted by the chaos of an immense creature attacking New York City. The destruction is brutal. Even the monster's "fleas" prove deadly to the fleeing humans. Our protagonists are likeable folks, all trying to survive and find the ones they love. This film is intense and scary, so hang on tight.

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Sandahl Bergman, Ben Davidson, Cassandra Gaviola, Gerry Lopez, Mako, Valerie Quennessen, William Smith, Max von Sydow

"Crom, all that matters is that today, two stood against many. Valor pleases you, so grant me this one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, to HELL with you!" – Conan

Why watch this? It's a sprawling adventure set in a world where swords and wizards rule.

Dad's Review: As a fan of the paperback Conan books, I pined to see Conan on film. Then came this big Milius/De Laurentiis production featuring the physically unmatched Arnold Schwarzenegger. What could go wrong? There is a lot here that is very RIGHT. We are transported to Conan's Hyborean age. The plot and fight scenes are great. However, they missed the true nature of Conan, who he is from the written pages. That will forever bug me.

Starring: Jessica Lange, Sam Shepard, Wilford Brimley, Matt Clark, Therese Graham, Levi L. Knebel, Jim Haynie, Sandra Seacat

"No sale! No sale! No sale!" – Jewel Ivy

Why watch this? The death of family farms is still disturbing. Stop supporting corporate farms.

Dad's Review: This film, and The River, were two poignant 1984 films that took a hard look at family farms, and how these fine people are being forced out. This shows the human aftermath: bankruptcy, broken homes, suicide. All while big industrial farming operations choke them out - then swoop in and buy the land cheap. I saw this in Texas, but it is the same all over: Iowa. Pennsylvania. Michigan. We need to fight big business and keep family farms going in this country!     

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell, James Keane, Anna Felix, Paul Herman, Tom Bower

"I wanna talk about how bad you make this room look. I never noticed what a dump it was until you came in here." - Bad Blake

Why watch this? Like Duvall in Tender Mercies, Bridges takes on the tragic "country singer".

Dad's Review: Audiences love the story of someone who makes it big, then falls from grace. Be it drugs, alcohol or some other vice, they fall hard, drive away their loved ones, and destroy themselves. America likewise loves "the comeback". We will forgive almost any transgression. C'mon, sing again! Get back on top! Bridges always comes through, and he certainly does here.

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Mahershala Ali, Taraji P. Henson, Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas, Tilda Swinton

"It's funny how sometimes the people we remember the least make the greatest impression on us" - Benjamin Button

Why watch this? The concept is so uniquely original. That and a stellar cast. 

Dad's Review: I love this creative film about an baby who is born in 1918, with the appearance and illnesses of an old man. As the years go by, he grows younger. We follow him through some adventures and romances. It's painful, especially as reality sets in that he will soon be a baby again, his life forgotten, his body needing infantile care.

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Russell Crowe, Harry Lennix

"You'll just have to decide what kind of man you'll want to grow up to be, Clark, because whoever that man is, good character or bad, he's–he's gonna change the world." – Jonathan Kent

Why watch this? Cavill is superb as Kal-El: strong, heroic, but more important: vulnerable.

Dad's Review: Director Zach Snyder certainly presents a different take on Superman's origin. At first, I resisted. Here Clark is very unsure of himself and his purpose. He's leery to trust people. This makes sense, just based on how humans fear anyone different. As a stand-alone film, this Superman deserves applause, and Cavill is perfect.

Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Mamoa, Ezra Miller, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, J. K. Simmons, Joe Morton

"I don't care how many demons he's fought in how many hells. He's never fought us. Not us united." – Bruce Wayne

Why watch this? This may be the one good thing that resulted from COVID-19.

Dad's Review: It was rumored that director Zach Snyder had filmed a very different movie than the Justice League that opened in theaters in 2017, which btw was hot garbage. When COVID hit, Zach Snyder promised his fans that he'd make this film his way, and sure enough he did. This four-plus hour effort is superb. We get much better origins for Cyborg and Flash, Steppenwolf's CGI is unreal. It was truly a labor of love by Snyder, the cast and crew. It's the reward loyal DC fans deserved.

Starring: Robert De Niro, John Cazale, John Savage, Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken, George Dzundza, Chuck Aspergren

"You gotta listen to me... You wanna stay down here and die? Go on. It's up to you. Now it's up to you." - Michael

Why watch this? The Vietnam war damaged its survivors. Here we see the depth of that devastation.

Dad's Review: This powerful drama follows a group of friends who are back from Vietnam. Some adjust, but some cannot - the war is still raging within them. The final chapter takes the main character, Mike, back to Vietnam to find his best friend Nick, who returned because he could not handle being home. The film won five Oscars including Best Picture, Director and Supporting Actor (Walken). It is intense and not for children. 

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones, Judith Ivey, Connie Nielsen, Craig T. Nelson, Tamara Tunie, Debra Monk

"I've nurtured every sensation man's been inspired to have. I cared about what he wanted and I never judged him. Why? Because I never rejected him. In spite of all his imperfections, I'm a fan of man!" - John Milton

Why watch this? Some say lawyers lack a soul. This movies helps you understand why.

Dad's Review: A young, ambitious defense attorney has never lost a case. This reputation lands him a big job in Manhattan, where his new firm pushes the boundaries of "legal" to win cases. He does not spend much time with his new wife, and his marriage starts to fall apart. This film is a morality play and it's full of religious symbolism. Just wait for the ending! Pacino's performance may be the best of his career. 

Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James, Vanessa Haywood, Mandla Gaduka, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike

"When dealing with aliens, try to be polite, but firm. And always remember that a smile is cheaper than a bullet." - MNU Instructional Voice

Why watch this? Aliens reach our planet, and we are not gracious hosts.

Dad's Review: This film features illegal aliens - real aliens! An gigantic craft reaches earth. On inspection, the ship is found to contain a million malnourished creatures inside. The aliens are relocated to a camp in South Africa called District 9. The aliens are nicknamed "prawns". There are political parallels to real-life events in South Africa. This CGI-infused sci-fi film is very thought-provoking.

Starring: Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman, Jack Lord, Anthony Dawson, Zena Marshall, John Kitzmiller, Eunice Gayson, Bernard Lee

"World domination. The same old dream. Our asylums are full of people who think they're Naploeon. Or God." - James Bond

Why watch this? Connery is a Man-of-Action, just like my best friend, David

Dad's Review: This is the first Bond film to star Sean Connery. I feel this is the most realistic Bond because it is so lean. The super spy survives on his intelligence and deft skills, not so much on the fancy gadgetry (which grew more elaborate with each new Bond movie). Connery is cool as a cucumber, and so suave. He's my favorite Bond, hands down. 

Starring: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, Sam Elliott, Ellen Burstyn, Chadwick Boseman

"There's no such thing as a sure thing. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is what you think." - Ali

Why watch this? It's a great film about the NFL draft and how a team prepares for it.

Dad's Review: This is another wise role choice for Costner. Here he's the general manager of the NFL's Cleveland Browns. For professional sports teams, the player draft is critical for success. We get to see this entire process, and it's incredibly interesting. Costner stands firm in the chaos, with experience, and a lot of moxie on his side. There's a great plot, an appropriate amount of romance, and a wonderful ending. Go Browns! (that's for my buddy Kev.)

Starring: Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, K. C. Martel, Sean Frye, C. Thomas Howell

"He needs to go home; he's calling his people. And I don't know where they are, but he needs to go home." - Elliott

Why watch this? This is the OG 80's sci-fi movie that created the Stranger Things vibe.

Dad's Review: Spielberg loves alien stories. Here he gives us a wonderful children's film about a being that is stranded on Earth. It encounters a typical family, taking particular interest in a young boy named Elliott. The benevolent creature is curious and quickly learns to communicate with the children. It also possesses unique abilities. The government, of course, is searching for the "E. T." with other motives. This film will make your heart glow, too.

Another 200 - 51 thru 75