Starring: Hedy Lamarr, Victor Mature, George Sanders, Angela Lansbury, Henry Wilcoxon, Olive Deering, Fay Holden, Julia Faye

"Every cup of water, every morsel of food, must be guided into his hands. The mighty Samson, betrayed by a woman." - Saran of Gaza

Why watch this? Its grandness - the finale in the temple, after Samson regains his strength, is epic.

Dad's Review: This is the Bible's greatest tragic love story. I'm sure you've heard it. The mighty Hebrew Samson, a man of incredible strength and fighting ability, knows no match. He defeats the entire Philistine army with the jawbone of an ass. When he falls in love with Delilah, he divulges the secret of his strength is his long hair. That night she betrays him to avenge her family honor. This is a superb De Mille classic.

Starring: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz, Peter Boyle, Eric Lloyd, Larry Brandenburg

"Bernard. Can we take a direct flight back to reality, or do we have to change planes in Denver?" - Scott

 Why watch this? Tim Allen is so easy to watch and enjoy. He's eventually perfect as jolly St. Nick.

Dad's Review: In one of the most creative Christmas films, Scott accidentally causes the death of the current Santa Claus. The rule is: Scott has to take the last guy's place. It's a holiday-infused fun as Scott initially refuses his new obligation. Slowly, he embraces the role, bonds with his estranged son, meets lots of elves, and even starts to cut some slack for his ex-wife's nerdy new husband.

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, Gary Stevens, William H. Macy, David McCullough

"Sometimes when the little guy doesn't know he is the little guy, he can do great things." - Charles Howard

Why watch this? This is a great story about underdogs... with an all-star cast.

Dad's Review: I am a sucker for horse films, especially those "based on a true story". This flick, set during the Depression, centers on an undesirable Thoroughbred horse, named Seabiscuit, who went on to win races despite being too small. It's also about the jockey, Red Pollard, who is blind in one eye, yet has a unique way with the horse. This story is inspiring, tense, and full of great racing sequences.

Secondhand Lions (2003), Director: Tim McCanlies, rated PG

Starring: Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Haley Joel Osment, Nicky Katt, Kyra Sedgwick, Josh Lucas, Michael O'Neill, Deirdre O'Connell

"Now, boys, you're fixin' to let those teenage hormones get you into a world of trouble." - Garth

Why watch this? The scene in the diner after Huck's heart attack defines Duvall's character in 5 minutes!

Dad's Review: Robert Duvall and Michael Caine are two old coots living on a farm. They hate visitors and run them off. When a squeaky-voiced teen relative comes to live with them, they grumble. There is a rumor that these codgers have a fortune hidden on their farm, and the relations want it!. It's a sweet, wonderful journey about the education gained from the wisdom of old folks. There's even a lesson or two on how to become a man.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn, Sean Penn, Jon Daly, Terence Bernie Hines

"I wanted to tell you, that song "Major Tom" and that beard guy... he doesn't know what he's talking about. That song is about courage and going into the unknown. It's a cool song." – Cheryl

Why watch this? It's a good thing to watch Ben Stiller take a beating, then root for him.

Dad's Review: This film will be known as the Forrest Gump of its generation. It centers on a shy, quiet man, who dutifully performs his menial job and obeys his many taskmasters. Then he breaks out of himself! This courageous act, aided by the subtle twinkle in the eye of a beautiful woman (Wiig), blasts our reluctant hero on the path to his re-self-discovery. He climbs mountains, battles sharks, and witnesses wonders around the world, finally becoming who he wants to be. Who doesn't crave that?

Starring: Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan Leslie, George Tobias, Ward Bond, Noah Berry Jr., June Lockhart

"Well I'm as much agin' killin' as ever, sir. When I started out, I felt just like you said, but when I hear them machine guns a-goin', and all them fellas are droppin' around me... I figured them guns was killin' hundreds, maybe thousands, and there weren't nothin' anybody could do, but to stop them guns. And that's what I done." – Alvin York

Why watch this? It is the true story of a simple, God-fearing Quaker whose bravery saved a lot of men in World War I.

Dad's Review: This is the true story of Quaker (and therefore pacifist) farm boy Alvin York, and his tour of duty in the US Army during World War I. Portrayed by the great Gary Cooper, York at first refuses to fight based on this religious beliefs. He begins to realize his actions in battle can save more lives than he takes. The real Sgt. York received many commendations for his courage and leadership under fire.

Starring: Demi Moore, Michael Biehn, Jürgen Prochnow; Peter Friedman, John Taylor, Lee Garlington, Akosua Busia, Harry Basil

"So much misery, man against man. They kill each other. They have no faith. I used to think the world would change. But it hasn't." - David Bannon

Why watch this? It's a brilliant "what if" story loosely using the biblical Book of Revelation.

Dad's Review: This is an excellent modern film that looks at the prophecies from the Bible's book of Revelation. It then veers off into the modern world. The result is an engaging film with signs, flashbacks to Christ's life, a pregnant young mother who fears for her child, and more. It grips you with the question, "Where is all this heading?" When the film finally arrives, it's an emotional, bittersweet and rewarding conclusion.

Starring: James Spader, Andie MacDowell, Peter Gallagher, Laura San Giacomo, Ron Vawter, Steven Brill, Earl T. Taylor

"This isn't supposed to happen. I've spent nine years structuring my life so this didn't happen." - Graham

Why watch this? It's good to squirm a little in your seat. This film will have that effect.

Dad's Review: This film takes on the awkward subject of sex and brings a raw honesty to the forefront. An inwardly insecure man tapes women talking about sex. When he encounters a woman who is sexually repressed, they start to connect. This analyzes sexual motives and how they are used both for pleasure and as a weapon. This introduced the world to James Spader. Andie MacDowell and Laura San Giacomo also excel in their roles as polar-opposite sisters.

Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Judi Dench, Steven O'Donnell, TIm McMullan

"I know something of a woman in a man's profession. Yes, by God, I do know about that." - Queen Elizabeth

Why watch this? This is a period piece that doesn't take itself too seriously. Just enjoy it.

Dad's Review: I was in a Shakespeare play in college, and it was a fascinating. All the cast members had to get into the language of the time. This film is a wonderful play within a play that gives us some insights into Shakespeare himself, his cohorts and a woman he loves. It also dismantles the sexism of the times. Enjoy this little journey back to the days of yore, and enjoy some time with the world's most famous Bard.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Michael Peña, Danny Glover, Kate Mara, Elias Koteas, Rhona Mitra, Rade Šerbedžija, Ned Beatty

"There are no sides. There's no Sunnis and Shiites. There's no Democrats and Republicans. There's only HAVES and HAVE-NOTS." - Sen. Charles F. Meachum

Why watch this? Sure, it's an action flick, but it's more than that, too, thanks to Mr. Wahlberg.

Dad's Review: I love films about someone extracting justice on those who have double-crossed them. This film features a US Ranger sniper who is framed for murdering a politician. He escapes capture, and sets to the task of finding his betrayers. Of course, they are deeply insulated within the government. Wahlberg is great, but I really like the performances of the supporting cast, namely Michael Peña, Kate Mara and Danny Golver, who nails the over-confident politician.

Starring: Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens, Austin Pendleton, G. W. Bailey, Brian McNamara, Tim Blaney, John Garber

"Why don't you come in my house and we can sit down and talk. Get to know each other. Communicate. Input. Come on!" - Stephanie Speck

Why watch this? This is one of the cutest robot films you will ever watch.

Dad's Review: This is a gushingly sweet film about a military robot that gets struck by lightning and becomes delightfully sentient. Number 5 escapes, then finds a friend in kind-hearted Stephanie in Astoria, Oregon. Two scientists show up, and they all agree to keeping the new intelligence from falling back into military control. It's a light-hearted comedy with many warm and tender moments.

Starring: Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Peter Dennis, Chris Miller, Cody Cameron

"We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I'm making waffles!" - Donkey

Why watch this? Just when you think Disney owns everything, Shrek hits the scene and starts a franchise.

Dad's Review: Thanks to Dreamworks Animation, we received this animated treasure. Here, the traditional "villain", a green ogre, becomes the most honorable of heroes. The premise is creative and tons of fun. Though made for kids with many sight-gags based on familiar fairy tales, it also features some "adult" jokes. The talented voice work performed by Myers, Murphy, Diaz and Lithgow make this film easy to sit back and enjoy.

Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Raj Zutshi, Jeneva Talwar, Jira Banjara

"I wake up every morning wishing I didn't know the answer to that question. If it wasn't for Rama and Allah, I'd still have a mother." - Jamal Malik

Why watch this? It is such an education to be literally transported into India for this gripping tale.

Dad's Review: This critically acclaimed film follows a kind of rags-to-riches story set around India's version of game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. A young contestant wins, and is immediately accused of cheating. In a series of flashbacks, he explains how he knew the answers. This takes us through numerous adventures around the slums of Mumbai. It won a record 8 Oscars including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, and Original Score.

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Jackie Gleason, Paul Williams, Mike Henry, Pat McCormick

"There is no way, NO way that you came from my loins. The first thing I'm gonna do when I get home is punch your momma in the mouth." - Buford T. Justice to his son, Junior

Why watch this? In the late 70's, the life of trucker, and their CB radios was king. "10-4 good buddy."

Dad's Review: My tolerance of Burt Reynolds as a comedian lasted one film. This film. He's witty and charming as the Bandit, the wingman on a trucking adventure against a hard-ass sheriff and his bumbling deputy son. The truck driver is none other than country guitar picker, Jerry Reed. Bandit's love interest is a very cute and plucky Sally Field. There's lots of daring car chases and narrow escapes. I think I most enjoyed Jackie Gleason as the angry, racist Sheriff. He's mean, offensive, yet somehow, he steals the film.

Starring: Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones, Brad Pitt, Rade Šerbedžija, Jason Statham, Stephen Graham, Ade, William Beck, Ewen Bremner

"You show me how to control a wild f***ng gypsy, and I'll show you how to control an unhinged, pig-feeding gangster." - Turkish

Why watch this? There's so much going on, you just have to strap in and hang on.

Dad's Review: I knew Guy Ritchie as one of Madonna's many husbands. Who knew the guy could direct? Well, he can. This quick, tense, funny, English gangster film jumps around more than a Mexican jumping bean, but man, is it a great ride. I am still mad at the Oscars for not recognizing the phenomenal job Brad Pitt for role as the tough gypsy boxer Mickey O'Neil.

Starring: Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal, Amidou, Ramon Bieri, Peter Capell, Karl John, Friedrich von Ledebur

"We're carrying three cases each. One is enough to blow out your fire, six cases will blow out the whole field. That means you don't think all the trucks will make it, one of us is a backup." - Scanlon

Why watch this? This starts as a simple film, then becomes a mesmerizing dreamscape.

Dad's Review: This may be the most haunting road movie ever filmed. Here we follow a group of men who are at the end of the line. They've burnt all bridges and have no place to safely go. With nothing, they are forced to take a job hauling nitro glycerin across a 200-mile trek of impassable roads and mountain passes. This dangerous journey is akin to an ascent into hell. Every bump can set off the unstable material and blow them to bits. This is a remake of the 1953 French film, Wages of Fear.

Starring: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takeshi Naito, Yasuko Sawaguchi
English dub - Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette, Lauren Holly, Michael Chiklis, David Ogden Stiers

"Three days of eating our food and her smell will go away. And if she doesn't work hard, roast her, boil her, do whatever you want. Now get back to work." - Haku

Why watch this? You need to experience the visual wonder conveyed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Dad's Review: Though this was released by Disney, this is not a Disney film, and I suggest that it's not really for children. But it is a wonderful fable about a young girl's transition from child to young adult, and then throw in a lot of wild symbolism, some of which has meaning, some not so much. It is visually wild, and you'll wonder, "Who thinks of this stuff?" Director Miyazaki apparently does.

Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Emilio Estevez, Madeleine Stowe, Aidan Quinn, Dan Lauria, Forest Whitaker, Ian Tracey

"I don't believe this! They ate all the food and left dog turds in the fridge." – Bill Reimers

Why watch this? This is still a great crime drama, but it has some really funny moments.

Dad's Review: I’ve enjoyed Richard Dreyfuss in two films: Jaws and this one. Here he plays a cop assigned to watch the house of an escaped con’s girlfriend. As he and his partner (Estevez)  watch her from a house next door, he starts to fall for the very attractive woman (Stowe). By chance he bumps into her at a nearby store, and she invites him over for dinner. He stupidly throws caution to the wind and agrees. He can't let it be known that he's the guy she's having dinner with. Then the bank robbers arrive, and things get really tense, and dangerous. 

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, Sam Elliott, Rafi Gavron, Anthony Ramos

"All you got is you and what you have to say to people and they are listening right now and they are not going to be listening forever. Trust me. So you gotta grab it and you don't apologize." – Jack

Why watch this? It is nice to see the usually outrageous Lady Gaga portray a regular girl. She's a beautiful soul.

Dad's Review: This film is about attaining success; working hard to achieve fame. Jack and Ally, both performing artists, have the coolest job on earth - playing music live. However, there is a real toll the devil asks for everything they enjoy. Jack just can't seem to handle it, and is very self-destructive. Ally is on the verge of super-stardom. Cooper and Gaga's performances are gold, as is Sam Elliott as Jack's older brother, Bobby.

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Kim Cattrall, David Warner, Christopher Plummer

"Some people think the future means the end of history. Well...We haven't run out of history quite yet. Your father called the future...the undiscovered country. People can be very frightened of change." – Capt. James T. Kirk

Why watch this? To watch this wonderful farewell to the original crew of the U. S. S. Enterprise.

Dad's Review: It is amazing that six films into this franchise, a film holds up, kicks ass. It does. This is the last voyage of the Enterprise, and it's a grand adventure. It would be ideal to watch films 2, 3, and 4 before this (skip the weak 5th film). Here our crew must uncover a sinister plot and prevent an intergalactic war. Kirk and McCoy are sent away to a frozen gulag planet. Spock must solve the mystery and save his friends. It certainly *IS* fitting farewell. Live long and prosper.

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Ian McDiarmid, Jimmy Smits, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Christopher Lee

"If you're not with me, then you're my enemy." – Anakin Skywalker

Why watch this? We suffered through prequel episodes I and II. This dark, disturbing film is excellent!

Dad's Review: The impossible idea George Lucas had for the Star Wars "prequels" was to make them for kids. It's really why fans were so vocal after Episodes I and II. This is the story of Darth Vader, it can't be light and happy. This film finally delivered, and is by far the best of the three. The scene where Anakin finally becomes Vader is emotional. The decision to cast Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi was genius, and his presence really anchors each film. This trilogy conclusion finally made me feel something!

Starring: Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts, Tom Skerritt, Dylan McDermott, Kevin J. O'Connor, Sam Shepard

"I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." - Shelby Latcherie

Why watch this? Women, and the bond they share, is a beautiful thing to behold.

Dad's Review: I kinda feel unworthy to evaluate a film that's singularly about the "feminine experience", but I'll do my best, because I was the ultimate "momma's boy". Here we have a tight-knit group of friends, who are visited by a heart-breaking tragedy. They endure the heartbreak, the grief, the anger, and are devastated. Eventually, through the compassion of friendships, they start the healing process.

tarring: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton, Dan Flannery, Everett McGill, Bill McCallum, Joseph A. Carpenter, Jane Galloway Heitz

"The worst part of being old is remembering when you was young." - Alvin Straight

Why watch this? Sometimes, when you can't do what you used to, you do what you can.

Dad's Review: As a kind old gentleman, Alvin, starts to realize that he's only got so much time left on earth, he decides to go see his estranged brother. The problem is that he's too old to drive, and his brother lives in Wisconsin, 288 miles away. So he takes off on his John Deere riding mower, pulling a small trailer. It's slow going, but this back-road trek is filled with a lot of inspiration, and beautiful American heartland scenery. Farnsworth was a life-long character actor in tons of films. This is a poignant swan song for his great acting career.

Starring: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates, P. J. Soles, John Candy, Sean Young, John Larroquette

"You better hit those bunks, my little darlins, or Sergeant Hulka with the BIG TOE is gonna see how far he can stick it up your a$$." - Sgt. Hulka

Why watch this? Murray's irreverence toward military discipline is something to see.

Dad's Review: Before Ghostbusters, Reitman, Murray and Ramis gave us this comedy. Here we have two loveable slackers, John and Russell, who join the army because, frankly, they have run out of other options. What follows is a hilarious adventure through boot camp led by tough Sgt. Hulka. This is one of the best SNL alumni comedies...ever. 

Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, Jane Lynch, Amy Adams, Andy Richter

"And here you sit--thinking! Well, Ricky Bobby is not a thinker. Ricky Bobby is a driver... You need to grab a hold of that line between speed and chaos, and you need to wrestle it to the ground like a demon cobra. - Susan

Why watch this? The NASCAR world is a oddly funny concept to begin with. This makes if even funnier.

Dad's Review: Will Ferrell is one of the funniest humans ever. I'd put him up against Jerry Lewis, Don Knotts, Robin Williams, Steve Martin. Heck, he'd even challenge Jim Carrey! This flick is one funny moment after another, non-stop! This tank is full to the rim with colorful characters and asinine, but well-written, dialogue.

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