Starring: Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens, Del Moore, Kathleen Freeman, Med Flory, Norman Alden, Howard Morris, Elvia Allman

"Here y'are, baby. Take this, wipe the lipstick off, slide over here next to me, and let's get started." - Buddy Love

Why watch this? It's fun watching Lewis switch back and forth, and struggle to keep them straight

Dad's Review: For 20 years, Jerry Lewis was the king of comedy on film. He was a combination of out-of-control antics, zany characters and playing the goofball loser. This film may be his best. It is a spoof on the Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde story. A nerdy, nearsighted scientist by day, Professor Kelp creates a potion that transforms him into his alter-ego - the suave Buddy Love. With manic hilarity, he switches roles each day, all while trying both to teach class and keep his bar ladies happy. I hope this movie whets your appetite for more Jerry Lewis.

An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Director: Taylor Hackford, rated R for violence, language

Starring: Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Louis Gossett Jr., Lisa Blount, Lisa Eilbacher, Robert Loggia, Tony Plana

"Don't you do it! Don't! You... I GOT NOWHERE ELSE TO GO! I got nowhere else to... I got nothin' else!" - Mayo when his drill sergeant threatens to kick him out of Officer training school

Why watch this? Louis Gossett Jr. is very convincing as the company's drill Sergeant.

Dad's Review: This film was Gere's follow-up to his breakout film American Gigolo). He plays Zack Mayo, a tough kid who, despite his father's objections, wants to be a Navy Officer and pilot. During Officer training, he falls in love with a local girl, Paula. His drill instructor is the harsh Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley, and I mean, he pounds on his candidates. There are great performances from Gere and Winger, but it is Louis Gossett Jr. as Foley I enjoy the most. Kudos also to David Keith as Mayo's friend Sid.

One Million Years B. C. (1966), Director: Don Chaffey, not rated (Dad's best guess: G)

Starring: Raquel Welch, John Richardson, Percy Herbert, Robert Brown, Martine Beswick, Jean Wladon, Lisa Thomas

"Their laws are simple: the strong take everything. This is Akhoba, leader of the Rock Tribe..." - Narrator

Why watch this? Volcanoes. Dinosaurs. Cave People in fur swimsuits! Sign me up.

Dad's Review: This is another of the great Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion animation classics. We are catapulted back in time, when humans were savage and they shared the world with gigantic creatures. Yea, I know that's not how it really happened, but work with me here! It's epic and generally a wild ride through a land of explosions, lava flows, and creatures of every kind constantly attacking the tribes of early humans.

Starring: C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, Glenn Withrow, Diane Lane, Leif Garrett, Darren Dalton, Tom Waits

"You can't win. You know that, don't you? It doesn't matter if you whip us, you'll still be where you were before, at the bottom. And we'll still be the lucky ones at the top with all the breaks. It doesn't matter. Greasers will still be Greasers and Socs will still be Socs. It doesn't matter." – Randy

Why watch this? It's a real treat to see all that young talent in one film.

Dad's Review: This is the movie that coined the term "Brat Pack". Its teen cast would all go on to major stardom. 'Greasers' are the tough kids in the 60's in Oklahoma; they're a gang, out causing trouble. However one gang member, Pony Boy, aspires for better things. The Greasers despise "Soch's" (basically the rich kids). There's lots of back and forth, that builds to a brutal gang fight. This film is dark, the gang's members without futures, but Pony Boy, and this dreams, provide a little light.

Starring: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, Jang Hye-jin

"So, there's no need for a plan. You can't go wrong with no plans. We don't need to make a plan for anything. It doesn't matter what will happen next. Even if the country gets destroyed or sold out, nobody cares. Got it?" - Ki-Taek

Why watch this? It starts to build, gets crazier and crazier, until the jaw-dropping finale.

Dad's Review: You have to get over the subtitles and watch this Korean film (called a "black comedy thriller") about a poor Korean family in Seoul. The entire family schemes their way into the employment of a wealthy family, the Parks. When the Parks go on vacation, the Kim's party in the luxurious home. That is just the beginning! After that we are taken on a rollercoaster ride into the expected, bordering on surreal. This is the first non-English film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. 

The Parent Trap '61, Director: David Swift, rated Passed

Starring: Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Joanna Barnes
"Look, pet. I've tried to be friendly, but I'm going to marry your father, so you get used to the idea!" - Vicky Robinson

Why watch this? It's a creative story, featuring an amazing performance by Haley Mills.

Dad's Review: I know this is a girl's story, but I've always secretly loved this film. Mills always impressed me by playing both sisters. I also love the adult actors in Keith, O'Hara and Barnes). So, the premise is essentially "separated at birth" due to a painful divorce, one child goes with Mom, one with Dad. Then by fate, the girls meet a summer camp and figure out who they are. They then devise a plan to get Mom and Dad back together again.

The Parent Trap '98, Director: Nancy Meyers, rated PG

Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter, Simon Kunz
"Don't think I can see past those angelic faces. One more trick from you two, and I promise I'll make your lives miserable from the day I say "I do." Got it?" - Meredith Blake

Why watch this? Original vs. Remake. You decide!

Dad's Review: Like the original, Disney wisely selected Lindsay Lohan for the dual role lead. She's wonderfully precocious and so stinkin' cute. And like the original film, the selection of the evil (soon to be) step-mother was also a wise choice in Elaine Hendrix - man, what a conniving witch! The plot's full of twists and turns all heading toward the twins getting what they've always wanted - to be a family again!

Starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, Chris Cooper, Tchéky Karyo, René Auberjonois, Tom Wilkinson

"I have long feared...that my sins would return to visit me. And the cost is more than I can bear." - Benjamin Martin

Why watch this? As a history buff, I really enjoy the colonial action in this flick.

Dad's Review: I find it interesting that one of the best modern films about the Revolutionary War happens to star an Australian in Mel Gibson. This story follows the life of Ben Martin, a capable fighting man and widower, who is just trying to live his life and raise his family. As the War with England starts, his son Gabriel leaves to fight. Soon Ben is pulled into the war, and he intends to bring home his son. It’s a little corny at times, but emotionally engaging. This was Heath Ledger’s breakout film.

Starring: Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony Randall, Thelma Ritter, Nick Adams, Julia Meade, Allen Jenkins, Marcel Dalio, Lee Patrick

"If there's anything worse than a woman living alone, it's a woman saying she likes it." - Alma

Why watch this? Doris Day was the classic "girl next door" - cute, innocent, and spunky.

Dad's Review: There is a long list of very good 1950-60's romantic comedies that featured the adoreable singer Doris Day. She played opposite most leading men: James Stewart, James Garner, Cary Grant, and here, Rock Hudson. In the flick, Day and Hudson share a telephone line. She's not impressed with the confident "ladies man", but eventually falls for him. This film is often considered Day's greatest, and it earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Starring: Harrison Ford, Brian Dennehy, Raul Julia, Bonnie Bedelia, Paul Winfield, Greta Scacchi, John Spencer, Joe Grifasi, Tom Mardirosian

"The jury is going to remember Caroline tortured to death. They'll want someone to pay for the crime." - Rusty Sabich

Why watch this? This is one of Ford's riskier roles, but it works.

Dad's Review: This is an intelligent courtroom thriller. A female attorney is murdered. Handling the case is Rusty Sabich. The problem: Rusty, who is happily married, had sex with her the night before her death. As the case evolves, he downplays their relationship to keep it from coming out. It gets out anyway, so Rusty becomes the new prime suspect. This film is full of twists and builds to a very surprising ending.

Starring: Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, John Hurt, David Wenham, Emily Watson, Richard Wilson, Noah Taylor, Jeremy Madrona

"I was, in days gone by, a believer. But, alas, I came to this beleaguered land and the God in me just evaporated. Let us change our toast, then, to the God that has forgotten us."- Jellon Lamb

Why watch this? This uber-realistic Western is brutal, stark, honest and bare-bones wonderful.

Dad's Review: This Australian Western is brutally unromantic. There are no heroics, no men who save the day. It’s just kill or be killed and good luck figuring out who is noble vs. devious. Everyone is a little of both. Still, the film draws you in, and won’t let go. This, I feel, is Guy Pearce’s best performance on the big screen.

Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Maria de Medeiros, Ving Rhames, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette, Christopher Walken, Bruce Willis

"I do believe Marsellus Wallace, my husband, your boss, told you to take ME out and do WHATEVER I WANTED. Now I wanna dance, I wanna win. I want that trophy, so dance good." - Mia

Why watch this? This odd, violent little film is one of QT's best. Plus it's nice to see Travolta dance again.

Dad's Review: This crime thriller/dark comedy is creatively arranged; scenes appearing out of order. It follows four stories that are loosely linked. It bounces between jovial and brutal. All stars give great performances, and Tarantino makes sure that every character has quirks galore. I must add that some of the plot points are disturbing - namely "The Gimp" segment.

Starring: Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Roberts Blossom, Kevin Conway, Lance Henriksen, Pat Hingle

"This is my town! If you live to see the dawn, it's because I allow it! I'm in charge of everything! I decide who lives or who dies! Your gunfighter's dead." – John Harod

Why watch this? Sharon Stone portrays a gun-slinging cowgirl - now that takes some acting talent!

Dad's Review: Sharon Stone, ala Annie Oakley, is an Wild West gunslinger. What?! Yet, she pulls it off. There is a quick-draw contest in the town of Redemption, which is lorded over by the ruthless John Herod. Aiding the film’s success are some wonderful performances Gene Hackman, and two new stars: Leonard DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. It’s full of Western clichés, but that is 90% of the fun!

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Jerry Molen, Jack Murdock, Michael D. Roberts, Ralph Seymour, Lucinda Jenney

"What you have to understand is, four days ago he was only my brother in name. And this morning we had pancakes." - Charlie Babbitt

Why watch this? Hoffman is unforgettable as the mentally-challenged savant Raymond.

Dad's Review: This emotional, and often funny, road-trip features Hoffman and Cruise at their best. Raymond is an autistic idiot savant who has been institutionalized all his life. Raymond inherits 3 million dollars, yet his brother, Charlie, gets zero-nada. Charlie kidnaps Raymond to find a find to get "his" half the money. So they head to where else - Vegas! This film was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning 4, including Best Picture, Director, Actor (Hoffman) and Screenplay

Starring: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Janeane Garofalo, Brad Garrett, Peter O'Toole, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Will Arnett

"I'm sick of pretending. I pretend to be a rat for my father, I pretend to be a human for Linguini. I pretend you exist so I have someone to talk to!" – Rémy

Why watch this? An ambitious rodent partners with a reluctant chef - together they make culinary history.

Dad's Review: This is a creative animated Disney/Pixar film about a rat, Rémy, who aspires to be a chef of all things. He travels to Paris, and secretly becomes a sous chef to a young culinary student, Alfredo. The symbiotic relationship between the two leads is special to watch. There are a host of zany supporting characters that add to the richness of this wonderful dish. You will crave some Italian pasta!

Starring: John Wayne, Montgomery Clift, Walter Brennan, Joanne Dru, Harry Carey, John Ireland, Noah Berr Jr., Coleen Gray, Chief Yowlachie

"You're soft, you should have let 'em kill me, 'cause I'm gonna kill you. I'll catch up with ya. I don't know when, but I'll catch up. Every time you turn around, expect to see me, 'cause one time you'll turn around and I'll be there." - Tom Dunson

Why watch this? Wayne rarely played against "the good guy" character. Here he is downright nasty as a Western Captain Ahab.

Dad's Review: This picture is hailed by many as one of the greatest ever made. I love it, too, but feel there are many better Westerns. This features drama along a "trail drive". Wayne's performance is excellent as a herd owner who pushes his men too hard. This results in a mutiny, led by his adopted son, Matt. They strand him on the trail. There's lots of great cowboy action and an excellent ending.

Starring: Don Knotts, Leslie Nielsen, Joan Freeman, Arthur O'Connell, Frank McGrath, Jeanette Nolan, Joan Shawlee, Guy Raymond

"We are not interested in your heart, Fleming! We want your elbow grease!" – Donelli

Why watch this? As a kid, Don Knotts made me laugh until I cried.

Dad's Review: Comedian Don Knotts paved the road for the hapless, unlucky character that today is so perfectly played by Ben Stiller. Here he plays a man who aspires to be an astronaut so he goes to work for NASA. He tells his family that he is going to be an astronaut, however he is relegated to lowly janitor. When his family comes to visit he has to keep the lie going, with hilarious results. Then he accidentally gets blasted into space! It's innocent, poignant and very, very funny.

Starring: Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, Emily Lloyd, Edie McClurg, Stephen Shellen, Susan Traylor

"In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing." – Norman Maclean, narrating

Why watch this? We're harkened back to a simpler time, and the lure of fly fishing in Montana.  

Dad's Review: The story follows two brothers through their lives. The younger, Paul, is a free spirit, who often lands in trouble, much to the consternation of their father, the town's Presbyterian minister. The older, Norman, leaves to attend college at Dartmouth. When he returns six years later, Paul finds himself in more trouble than he can handle. Please take the time to watch this film. You will laugh, and cry, but it's worth the tears.  

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Ben Gazzara, Kelly Lynch, Sam Elliott, Kevin Tighe, Red West, Terry Funk, Marshall R. Teague, Julie Michaels

"I want you to be nice... until it's time... to not be nice." – Dalton

Why watch this? "Swayze's swagger". He sure knows how to portray a man sure of himself.  

Dad's Review: When Patrick Swayze's career was hot, he was awesome. This film features him as Dalton, a classy, yet tough bouncer-for-hire who is brought in to clean up a rather nasty bar. There's action, steamy romance, some funny moments and a fairly good plot. The joy is just watching Swayze take on the bad guy, Ben Gazara, and his minions. Of course, I love Dalton’s salty mentor portrayed by the gruff Sam Elliott.

Starring: Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Anthony Quinn, Dona Drake, Vladimir Sokoloff, Mikhail Rasumny, George Givot

"This must be the place where they empty all the old hourglasses." – Turkey Jackson, after seeing the desert for the first time

Why watch this? This is the best of the Hope & Crosby "Road" films. If you like, there are seven more!

Dad's Review: Hope and Crosby made eight "Road To..." pictures, co-starring the talented singer Dorothy Lamour. These funny films often had quirky musical numbers and were adored by fans. The bumbling leads took on adventures in various exotic locations. Morocco was their best. It is always entertaining to watch Hope and Crosby verbally spar with each other on any number of nonsensical topics.

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Molly Parker, Michael Kenneth Williams, Garret Dillahunt

"Each day is more gray than the one before. It is cold and growing colder as the world slowly dies." - Man

Why watch this? To witness really courage in the face of an uncertain future.

Dad's Review: This post-apocalypse slow burn, based on the Cormac McCarthy novel, is bleak upon bleak. Yet, there's a small glimmering light within this pale landscape, and that is the love between Man and Boy. The two are navigating the burnt, brutal world, where any encounter with other humans could be their last. There are still tender moments. Man is constantly haunted by memories of his wife's demise. The two plod on to reach the coast, and perhaps to find the "good guys".

Starring: Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, Michael Rennie, Jay Robinson, Dean Jagger, Richarde Boone, Betta St. John

"Give me water to wash my hands." - Pontius Pilate

Why watch this? To see a very unique version of the Jesus story worth your time.

Dad's Review: The viewpoint of this film is that of a Roman soldier, one present at Christ's crucifixion. It is about a godless man's spiritual journey, as he learns about the Nazarene on the cross. Can a man's ideology, even his heart, be changed? Similar to  Ben-Hur, Jesus himself is in the background. We are introduced to many who were around him: Pontius Pilate, Judas the betrayer, and the Apostle Peter.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Gemma Jones, Stephen Graham, Steven Mackintosh, Tom Bennett

"You know, I am so sick of running away from who I am. There's nothing wrong with success or pleasure. In fact, why am I apologising for it, mum?" - Elton John

Why watch this? This clever bio film jumps from reality to animated thought and back, and it is brilliant!

Dad's Review: Elton John's songs were a huge part of the background music of my life. Bennie and the Jets at the Bulldog Inn in 7th grade. Honky Cat blasting on my cousins 8-track. Tiny Dancer in the college dorm. This movie, which Elton approved, details a hard life, where a lack of affection from his parents both motivated and devastated, causing an early life of rampant substance abuse. This film honestly, yet elegantly, presents E.J.'s life. It also exposes some of the craziness that fueled his onstage antics.

Starring: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power, Harcourt Williams, Margaret Rawlings, Tullio Carminati, Paolo Carlini

"This is very unusual. I've never been alone with a man before - even with my dress on." - Princess Ann

Why watch this? Peck and Hepburn have clear chemistry together in this classic golden age romance.

Dad's Review: Tomboyish, yet beautiful princess Ann wants to experience life the way her dotting parents have forbidden. Though forcefully sedated, she still escapes into the nightlife of Rome. She falls asleep on a park bench. Luckily an honorable American journalist, Joe, finds her and takes her to his flat. He quickly realizes who she is, and that everyone is looking for her. This sweet romantic film introduced the world to the incredible Audrey Hepburn.

Starring: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, Maurice Evans, Ralph Bellamy, Charles Grodin

"Come with us quietly, Rosemary. Don't argue or make a scene. Because if you say anything more about witches or witchcraft, we're gonna be forced to take you to a mental hospital." - Dr. Sapirstein

Why watch this? Watching this film is akin to slow suffocation. Our expectant mother is caught in a snare.

Dad's Review: This film became terrifying to me, but only after I grew up. Early on I was confused at why this woman was acting so strange around all these nice, helpful folks. How's that for naiveté? Rosemary is in the dark, too, until, clue by clue, she figures out the dreadful truth. It's an iconic film moment when we see her look at her new baby for the first time.

Starring: David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayres, Julie Cobb, Elisha Cook Jr., George Dzundza, Ed Flanders

"You'll enjoy Mr. Barlow. And he'll enjoy you." - Straker

Why watch this? This is the scariest film I ever watched on network TV. It traumatized me.

Dad's Review: Made-for-TV horror movies were usually not very good. The scariest thing on TV was Kolchak the Night Stalker. This effort exceeded everyone's expectations. Based on the Stephen King novel, we are transported to the sleepy town of Salem's Lot, Maine. An old, creepy house is purchased by a Mr. Straker, and immediately townsfolk start to disappear. Kudos ot David Soul (from TV's Starsky & Hutch) and the great James Mason, as the ghoulish Mr. Straker.

Another 200 - 151 thru 175