Starring: Debra Winger, Shirley MacLaine, Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Jeff Daniels, John Lithgow

"I'll tell you, Aurora. I don't know what it is about you, but you do bring out the devil in me." - Garrett Breedlove

Why watch this? MacLaine and Nicholson are magic together as they duke it out.

Dad's Review: This was an ideal vehicle for veteran actress Shirley MacLaine, as she portrays a woman confronting middle age. It's not always handled with grace. In fact, there's lots of anger and outward bitterness. She must begrudgingly surrender to the process, and let those around her help in "transition". The cast is stellar, and the film grabbed five Oscars, including Best Picture, Actress (MacLaine) and Supporting Actor (Nicholson).

WARNING: THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN!

Starring: Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow, Gunnar Hansen, Allen Danziger, William Vail, Teri McMinn

"They could not have expected nor would they have wished to see as much of the mad and macabre as they were to see that day. For them an idyllic summer afternoon drive became a nightmare." - Narrator

Why watch this? Just seeing the trailer traumatized me.

Dad's Review:  It took until 1979 for this seventeen-year-old to muster the courage to see this. Back then folks were still saying it was real footage of a true story that happened somewhere in my home state.  Six of us went to its traditional midnight showing. It scared the shit out of us. So (naturally) we drove to the creepy ghost town of Denton Valley where the old Williams place lay a mile off the road. We parked and slowly walked to the old house with flickering flashlights... Julie's fingernails were dug deep in my arm as we ventured inside, finding strange satanic writings on the dusty walls. The massacre could have occurred right here!

Starring: James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon, James Arness, Onslow Stevens, Sean McClory, Christian Drake

"We may be witnesses to a Biblical prophecy come true - 'And there shall be destruction and darkness come upon creation, and the beasts shall reign over the Earth." - Dr. Harold Medford

Why watch this? Sometimes, it feels wonderful to watch gigantic ants on a rampage!

Dad's Review: In the wake of destruction wrought by the atomic bombs used in World War II, a series of horror films (many of them "B" grade) hit theaters showcasing the consequences of this horrifying science. Mutations and gigantic creatures packed movie screens. This film is one of the more quality efforts. When the source of a series of mysterious deaths is finally discovered, it will take all the US Army can muster to somehow prevent the the end of mankind as we know it! Gonna need a lot of bug spray!

Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, June Chadwick, Tony Hendra, Bruno Kirby

"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation." - David St. Hubbins

Why watch this? It's so entertaining to watch these faux rock stars, and their screwed-up values.

Dad's Review: This is the original film that coined the term "mockumentary". Director Carl Reiner and the three lead actors: Guest, McKean and Shearer, immerse us into the world of '80's heavy metal rock and roll. It's as outrageous and over-the-top as the music it parodies. The band is all about success and more, more, more - all with hilarious results. This same team of actors would go on to give us Waiting for Guffman (1996) and  Best In Show (2000). 

Starring: Danny DeVito, Billy Crystal, Kim Greist, Anne Ramsey, Kate Mulgrew, Bradford Marsalis, Rob Reiner, Bruce Kirby

"She's not a woman... she's the Terminator." - Larry

Why watch this? A superb dark comedy about a bad momma and a nice little murder plot.

Dad's Review: This unexpected comedy, loosely based on Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train (1951), combines a great plot with the superb acting talents of Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito. Owen, a simpleton who lives with his harsh, controlling mother, decides to murder his writing teacher Larry's wife. In exchange for that deed, he expects Larry return the favor and off his grumpy mom. The story should be incredibly dark, yet somehow, it plays quite light. The surprise was Ann Ramsey as Momma - she is truly as unpleasant as a human can possibly be.

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Bridges, George Kennedy, Geoffrey Lewis, Catherine Bach, Gary Busey, Jack Dodson, Roy Jenson

"I don't think of us as criminals, you know? I feel we accomplished something. A good job. I feel proud of myself, man. I feel like a hero." - Lightfoot

Why watch this? This is one gripping bank robbery film, made when Eastwood was on top.

Dad's Review: This is one of my favorite Eastwood films. A group of hard-luck petty thieves plan a bank heist. The group's mastermind is Thunderbolt, who once robbed the very bank they are now targeting. He develops the plan, but there are tensions within the group. During the robbery, we are just waiting for the upcoming double-crosses. This is a tense actioner with great characters. A handsome young Jeff Bridges, and his honest smile, steals the film. The ending... will kill you.

Tin Cup (1996), Director: Gavin O’Connor, rated R language, sexual situations

Starring: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Cheech Marin, Don Johnson, Rex Linn, Linda Hart, Dennis Burkley, Lou Myers, Richard Lineback

"Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you're not good at them." - Roy "Tin Cup" McAvoy

Why watch this? I love a great comeback story. And any chance to see Cheech Marin.

Dad's Review: This is my favorite film about golf. The quirky Costner portrays Roy McAvoy, a stubborn, golf has-been, working at a dusty Texas driving range. Sure he has his local fans, but he ain't goin' nowhere fast. When Molly, an attractive psychologist, stops in for a lesson, he falls for her. To up the ante, she's dating Roy's old rival, David, still on the Pro Tour. This gives Roy the kick in the butt he needs to try again. Romeo, his one-time caddy reluctantly agrees to help, knowing how damn temperamental Roy can get. The rest, as they say, is golf history.

Starring: Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie Royce Landis, John Williams, Charles Vanel, Brigitte Auber, Jean Martinelli, Georgette Anys

"Doesn't it make you nervous to be in the same room with thousands of dollars worth of diamonds, and unable to touch them?" – Frances Stevens

Why watch this? This is "Hitchcock Light" - a delightful romance with a nip of suspense.

Dad's Review: The real genius of Hitchcock was his range at filmmaking. He could do suspense, horror, mystery. Within these, he often varied the film's mood: one might be dark and brooding, one might be light and almost comedic. This film is a Rom-Com about falling for the naughty man. The fact that he's a cat burglar is almost an after-thought. Regardless it's fun to watch two beautiful stars engage in witty banter, and play that little game of cat and mouse. 

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray, Sydney Pollack, George Gaynes

"Look, you don't know me from Adam. But I was a better man with you as a woman than I ever was with a woman as a man. Know what I mean?" – Michael Dorsey

Why watch this? Hoffman nails this role, showing some incredible versatility.

Dad's Review: I can usually take or leave Dustin Hoffman, but sometimes a performance is so good that it can't be denied. In his role, he disguises himself as a woman to get an acting job. It's not long before his female persona, Dorothy, becomes a daytime soap opera sensation. The plot only thickens when falls for his lovely co-star. This film has a lot of cross-gender comedy going on, and it's a pleasure to watch, right up to the final big scene.

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox, Marshall Bell, Mel Johnson Jr.

"Who gives a shit what you believe? In thirty seconds you'll be dead, and I'll blow this place up and be home in time for cornflakes." - Cohaagen

Why watch this? Schwarzenegger and sci-fi - a very good combination on the red planet Mars.

Dad's Review: In 1990, Arnold was on a roll. This is one of his best. In the distant future, Quaid, is a regular guy with a mundane job, friends, and a wife. However, something is just does not right - he feels an odd connection to Mars. He visits Rekall, where clients can experience implanted memories for their pleasure. During the procedure, Quaid goes nuts, believing that he's a double-agent! This film is mind-bending, as the plot takes several unexpected turns as Quaid searches for the truth. Kudos to nasty villains Ronny Cox and Michael Ironsides. This was also one of Sharon Stone's first big roles.

Starring: Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire, Susan Blakely, Richard Chamberlain, Jennifer Jones, O. J. Simpson, Robert Vaughn, Robert Wagner

"Now you know there's no sure way for us to fight a fire in anything over the 7th floor. But you guys just keep building them as high as you can." - Chief O'Hallorhan

Why watch this? This is a harrowing flick, chock full of tragedy and heroic moments.

Dad's Review: 70's disaster films usually featured current hot actors (Newman, McQueen, and Dunaway), and a large cast of aging supporting stars (who would courageously succumb one at a time for dramatic effect). Here a skyscraper is burning. As the flames grow and move upward, the situation gets more grim. There are some thrilling sequences as firemen battle the blaze and a daring rescue takes place. The ever cool Steve McQueen steals the film as the stern, determined Fire Chief O'Hallorhan.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson, John Morris

"You can unlock doors, sneak past guards, climb the wall - but if you don't take out that Monkey, you ain't goin' nowhere. You wanna get outta here? GET RID OF THAT MONKEY!" - Chatter Telephone

Why watch this? I really did not expect this to have such an emotional impact... but, it did.

Dad's Review: It's an accomplishment when the third film in a franchise remains engaging and delivers an emotional gut-punch, especially for a cartoon. Andy is 17 and heading to college. This event throws the toys into crisis-mode. Mom bags our favorite toys, then donates them to a local daycare. There, they encounter Losto, a stuffed, pink bear that rules the roost with an iron paw. It's up to Woody and Buzz to stage the escape and get back to Andy. It's a wonderful ride, and the bittersweet ending... wow!

Starring: Jason Statham, Shu Qi, François Berléand, Matt Schulze, Ric Young, Doug Rand, Didier Saint Melin, Tonio Descanvelle

"Monsieur Frank, people with this kind of firepower do not make mistakes about who they visit. Who would want you this dead?" - Inspector Tarconi

Why watch this? You'll love this tight action thriller, and Statham's steely demeanor.

Dad's Review: This snappy little flick introduced the world to the stern-eyed Jason Statham as Frank, The Driver, who will transport anything, no questions asked, no matter the risks. He follows three simple 3 rules to not get involved. Of course, this all goes sideways, when the package is a live girl. The automobile stunts are amazing, as are the martial art-influenced fight scenes. It is mostly non-stop action, but I found the romance engaging, too.

Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen, Shane Brolly, Erwin Leder, Bill Nighy, Sophia Myles, Robbie Gee

"...you're in the middle of a war that has been raging for the better part of a thousand years. A blood feud between vampires and lycans." - Selene

Why watch this? The visuals are amazing in this modern re-telling of a bloody supernatural feud.

Dad's Review: This highly-stylized film focuses on an ongoing battle, fought unbeknownst to most people, between werewolves and vampires. Selene is a lethal vampiric Death Dealer. She discovers a young man who appears to possess characteristics of both sects. She breaks protocol and awakens Elder vampire Viktor for counsel because she does not trust their current leader, Kraven. Beckinsale shines as Selene - strong and bad-ass. Sink your fangs into this one.

Starring: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore, Henry Jones, Raymond Bailey, Ellen Corby

"Scottie, do you believe that someone out of the past - someone dead - can enter and take possession of a living being?" - Gavin Elster

Why watch this? An eerie tale of a man's obsession with a beautiful, mysterious woman.

Dad's Review: It took me a long time to watch Vertigo, because my natural (if flawed) tenancy is to run from over-hyped films listed as "the best of". I finally now get it. It's the complexity of James Stewart's character, Scottie. Unlike past roles for Hitch, Stewart's protagonist is unsure, tortured, afraid, obsessed, even a little kinky. It IS shocking and intense. It IS worth a serious look. Don't be surprised to see this one move up the DML.

Starring: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Sharon Lynn, James Finlayson, Rosina Lawrence, Stanley Fields, Vivien Oakland

"I think we've given that deed to the wrong woman. That's the first mistake we've made since that guy sold us the Brooklyn Bridge." - Stan

Why watch this? All their shorts and full-length films are classics. This is one of their best.

Dad's Review: With the birth of "talkies" (motion pictures with sound), this hilarious duo were already an experienced and beloved comedy team. They starred in numerous short films and features. Here, the two travel to the Wild West town of Bushwood Gulch to deliver a deed to the daughter of their late partner. They run afoul of a shady saloon owner and his sassy wife.

For one of Laurel & Hardy's most entertaining 30-minute shorts, watch our boys take an a grand piano and some daunting stairs in The Music Box (1932). 

Starring: Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt, Yorick van Wageningen, Emilio Estevez, Romy Baskerville

"I'm going to walk the Camino de Santiago...Both of us." – Tom, referring to himself and his son's ashes.

Why watch this? How can you grieve a child you let down? You honor them. 

Dad's Review: It must have been exciting for Emilio Estevez to direct his own father, Martin Sheen. This film is about a self-absorbed doctor, Tom, whose estranged son dies unexpectedly while walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Tom, stricken with grief, decides to take the walk himself and spread his son's ashes along the way. He eventually falls in with three other travelers, all walking for their own reasons. This is a great film about pain, accepting help, and the beginnings of healing.

Starring: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Jonathan Brugh, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Stu Rutherford, Jackie van Beek, Jason Hoyte

"Why does it matter? You bring them over, you kill them! Vampires don't do dishes!" – Deacon

Why watch this? Taika Waititi is on a roll. His off-kilter films are so creative, as is this one.

Dad's Review: This off-the-wall vampire comedy bit me right from the start. The four main characters are blood-sucking fiends, but they're also roommates, sharing a flat in Te Aro, New Zealand. They must endure many of the same issues all co-habitants have: a messy kitchen, noisy guests, blood all over the couch, dead bodies lying around. It's hilarious. Each vampire lived in a different time in history, which leads to constant cultural bickering. 

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Graham Greene, Kelsey Asbille; Gil Birmingham, Julia Jones, Teo Briones, Apesanahkwat

"The bad news is you're never gonna be the same. "You'll never be whole. Not ever again." – Corey Lambert

Why watch this? This cold, grim film tensely builds, and builds, to one hell of a climax. 

Dad's Review: This popped up on Netflix so I gave it a whirl. Man, did it slap me in the face like a Wyoming snow squall. A Native American girl is murdered and it's up to reserved wildlife tracker Cory Lambert and FBI agent Jan Banner to find the murderer. This very intelligent and character-driven story takes us through injustices against Native Americans, and finally to a brutal, yet satisfying ending. Renner and Olsen deliver top-notch performances. 

Winter's Bone (2010), Director: Debra Granik, rated R for language

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey, Garret Dillahunt, Sheryl Lee, Tate Taylor

"So, I guess come the nut-cutting, blood don’t really mean shit to the big man. Am I understanding that right?" - Ree

Why watch this? Man, life is rough if you're poor and happen to live in the Ozark Mountains.

Dad's Review: Jennifer Lawrence - damn - she can act... like "move-over-Meryl" act. Here she stars as a hard-scrabble Ozark teen, Ree Dolly, who is trying to find her missing father. As she starts asking questions, there is resistance from everyone, especially from her hillbilly relatives. These tight-lipped folks, because of nearby meth labs, don't like questions, even from family. Lawrence simply dominates the screen as she fights to keep her family from being evicted. 

Starring: Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester, John Williams, Henry Daniell, Ian Wolfe, Torin Thatcher

"The question is, Frau Helm, were you lying then, are you lying now, or are you not in fact a chronic and habitual LIAR!" - Sir Wilfrid

Why watch this? A superb film, with top performances and more than a few twists.

Dad's Review: This British courtroom drama deals with a murder case where an elderly woman was killed, right after consorting with a married man. The man's wife is a mystery within herself. She defends her husband, but openly does not love him. This movie has several twists and turns as it winds its way to a surprising finale. Laughton is excellent as the barrister defending the accused, but it's Marlene Dietrich, cool as a cucumber, who steals every minute she's on screen.

Starring: Melanie Griffith, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Joan Cusack, Alec Baldwin, Philip Bosco, Nora Dunn, Oliver Platt

"Sometimes I sing and dance around the house in my underwear. Doesn't make me Madonna. Never will." - Cynthia

Why watch this? This is really an inspiring film for ladies who need to believe in themselves.

Dad's Review: For a small stretch of time in the '80's, Melani Griffith made some really nice films. It started with Something Wild (1986), then came this gem. True, it's a Rom-Com, however, it's more about the determination of a young lady to break out her class (she's a secretary), and her sex (Wall Street is a man's world). Her transformation is amazing to watch. She's supported by her best friend Cynthia (Joan Cusask kills it, as usual), and handsome broker, Jack Trainer. 

Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox, Daniella Kertesz, David Morse, Peter Capaldi, Fana Mokoena, Peter Capaldi

"The clue's there. Sometimes the thing you thought was the most brutal aspect of the virus, turns out to be the chink in its armor. And she loves disguising her weaknesses as strengths. She's a bitch." - Andrew Fassbach

Why watch this? These zombies swarm like huge locusts, an it's really horrifying to watch.

Dad's Review: There are zombie movies, then there is this spectacle. Something (we never learn the cause) affects humans, and it spreads hyper-quickly. These "zombies" exist for one purpose: to find humans and turn them. They are fast, brutal and immediately lethal. Brad Pitt portrays a government "special agent" whose talent is finding out things; kind of a super spy-sleuth. There's nobody better equipped to figure out a solution amid the madness. I love his character and the hyper-deadliness of these running dead.

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens, Judah Friedlander

"I'm the one who was supposed to make everything okay for everybody. It just didn't work out like that. And I left. I left you. You never did anything wrong." - Randy "The Ram" Robinson

Why watch this? Rourke really gives the performance of his career. Give it a chance.

Dad's Review: This film has grown on me with each viewing. It is Rourke's' film start to finish and he excels. He portrays a professional wrestler nearing the end of his career. His life carries tons of baggage: a broken, highly-medicated body, an estranged daughter, and no semblance of normalcy. You can't help but feel pity for this man. Yet, he's still trying... trying to reach out and be a good friend to people... Trying to reconnect with his daughter. It's all he can do. It's inspiring to watch him do it.  

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Bruce Davison, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Ray Park, Anna Paquin

"Are you a God-fearing man, Senator? That is such a strange phrase. I've always thought of God as a teacher; a bringer of light, wisdom, and understanding. You see, I think what you really are afraid of is me. - Magneto

Why watch this? The first X-Men film was action-packed and welcomed by hungry fans.

Dad's Review: When I read the press on this upcoming film, I was curious to see the actor they chose for Wolverine. In the comics, I never understood why folks loved him so much, but I am not a Marvel reader. Thanks to this film, I now get it, and Jackman plays him TO PERFECTION. This is a very good team origin story. We get to know each character, and the man who brings them together, Charles Xavier, portrayed wonderfully by Patrick Stewart.  

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