Starring: Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris

"Remember, with great power comes great responsibility." - Uncle Ben

Why watch this? This first Spider-man film set a new hero standard, and it's a treasure.

Dad's Review: Film tech had to evolve to make a great Spider-man movie. It took Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire to make it a reality. This film is Peter Parker's origin story, and we get to meet many characters from the comics, including the evil Green Goblin (played by the iconic Willem Dafoe). Many fans liked the second film better, me included, but this one still holds is weight. It help to have great performances by Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris as Uncle Ben and Aunt May.

Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Luna Lauren Vélez, John Mulaney, Kimiko Glenn, Nicolas Cage, Liev Schreiber

"That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero. " - Stan

Why watch this? It's loads of fun and visually quite stunning.

Dad's Review: Where did this little animated gem come from? Yet here it is, and it is Amazing. This computer-animated film received universal acclaim at the box office. The plot, which merges multiple "spidey universes" is quite an engaging journey. It also, in an over-saturated super-hero film market, manages to be completely fresh. Marvel certainly pulled it off.

Starring: Richard Burton, Claire Bloom, Oskar Werner, Georege Voskovec, Rupert Davies, Cyril Cusack, Peter van Eyck, Michael Hordern

"What the hell do you think spies are? Moral philosophers measuring everything they do against the word of God or Karl Marx? They're not! They're just a bunch of seedy, squalid bastards like me: little men, drunkards, henpecked husbands, civil servants playing cowboys and Indians to brighten their rotten little lives." - Alec Leamas

Why watch this? There is always something smoldering deep within Richard Burton.

Dad's Review: This tense, intelligent spy film, set during the Cold War, hooked me immediately. It takes a lot of focus to follow the plot. You'll miss things, but perhaps that is the point. This is all about being undercover, and infiltration. Secrecy is essential to double agents. There is a realness to this film, too. It's not flashy like James Bond. Burton was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, and it was richly deserved.

Starring: Claire Trevor, John Wayne, Andy Devine, John Carradine, Thomas Mitchell, Louise Platt, George Bancroft, Donald Meek, Berton Churchill, Tim Holt

"Well, there are some things a man just can't run away from." - The Ringo Kid

Why watch this? This is the first great Wayne-Ford collaboration.

Dad's Review: This early John Ford western featured a new actor, a young man named John Wayne. This classic film introduces the viewer to each stage passenger, one by one. Just outside of town, they pick up "The Ringo Kid". The scene where he stops the stage made Wayne a star. As word of Indian problems reach them, they must race across the Salt Lake to the nearest fort. When the stage comes under fire, it's a question of who will survive!

Starring: Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick Harris, Patrick Muldoon, Michael Ironside, Seth Gilliam

"This is for all you new people. I have only one rule. Everybody fights, no one quits. If you don't do your job, I'll kill you myself! Welcome to the Roughnecks!" - Lt. Rasczak

Why watch this? Space marines vs. giant alien bugs - Count me in!

Dad's Review: This film is right up my alley. It takes place in the far future, and earth is attacked by an alien race, hell bent on annihilating our species. Earth's Federation sends our best space marines to destroy the invaders on their home turf. Superb CGI effects create the alien "bugs" who prove to be more than a serious threat. There are some very gross moments, but all in all, it’s great sci-fi action. 

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac, Loe Lo Truglio

"Gimme that. All right, you look like a future pedophile in this picture, number 1. Number 2: it doesn't even have a first name, it just says "McLovin"!" - Deep Throat

Why watch this? One simple word: McLovin.

Dad's Review: All my buddies love this movie. This is certainly a favorite on the OMC NCAA Tourney weekend. It’s a hilarious, and extremely crude, coming-of-age film about three nerdy college-bound dudes who just want to be "cool", while scoring with the ladies. The under-aged fellows are tasked with getting the alcohol for a big party. This quest becomes an epic adventure in and of itself. "Chicka chicka yeah!"

Starring: Robert Duvall, Tess Harper, Betty Buckley, Wilford Brimley, Ellen Barkin, Allan Hubbard, Lenny von Dohlen, Paul Gleason

"Is there a reason that happened? And Sonny's daddy died in the war, my daughter killed in an automobile accident. Why? See, I don't trust happiness. I never did, I never will." - Mac Sledge

Why watch this? Duvall finally gets an Oscar for this bittersweet tale of redemption.

Dad's Review: Robert Duvall never ceases to amaze. At first, I could not understand all the hubbub. He didn't appear to be acting at all. But slowly I began to get it. He's so good it appears he's not acting. He takes on that person, and makes it his own. Here he plays a country singer and songwriter who lost his way to pain and alcohol. He then found salvation in a loving woman's arms and her son's need for a father figure. But can he find redemption?   

Starring: Gene Kelly, Van Heflin, June Allyson, Vincent Price, Lana Turner, Angela Lansbury, Frank Morgan, Keenan Wynn

"To die among friends. Can a man ask more? Can the world offer less? Who wants to live 'till the last bottle is empty? It's all-for one, d'Artagnan, and one for all." - Athos

Why watch this? Gene Kelly's skills are unmatched when it comes to choreographed spectacle.

Dad's Review: Gene Kelly knows dancing. A veteran of several hit musicals of the '40's, he brings forth this lavish tale of the greatest swashbucklers ever to hoist a foil. There is an all-star cast, and incredible costumes, but the star of this blockbuster is the fight choreography, supervised by Kelly himself. It is breathtaking to watch. Like a complicated dance routine, our four heroes defy physics as they thrust and parry, swing from chandeliers, and rescue those in need. There are other film versions, but none more epic.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten

"YOU - ARE - A - TOY! You aren't the real Buzz Lightyear, you're... you're, you're an action figure! You are a child's plaything!" - Woody

Why watch this? This is the origin story where Woody and Buzz first become friends.

Dad's Review: This was the first great Disney-Pixar film. It combines a superb, original plot, excellent CGI, and an all-star case of familiar voice actors. This film certainly appeals to kids, but therein is interjected lots adult humor. It’s cute, funny, warm and in the end, thirsting for a sequel (which, of course was delivered 3 times).

Starring: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright, Spencer Treat Clark, Charlayne Woodard, Eamonn Walker

"There are two reasons why I'm looking at you like this. One because it seems in a few minutes you will officially be the only survivor of this train wreck, and two, because you didn't break one bone, you don't have a scratch on you." - ER Doctor

Why watch this? This engrossing film takes its time, and it is a good slow burn.

Dad's Review: As a comics nerd, this film is wonderful. A man miraculously survives a train crash. His son starts to think that he may be invincible. When a brittle comic book collector seeks the man out, we begin to learn the truth. This Shyamalan film has twists and turns on its suspenseful way to a very satisfying ending.

Starring: Joan Allen, Kevin Costner, Erika Christensen, Evan Rachel Wood, Keri Russell, Alicia Witt, Mike Binder

"I am so sick of being your bitch. I put up with your shit because I know how much pain you're in! But it's ENOUGH! It's a tall order for a patient motherf***er, and I am the furthest thing from that that you're ever going to lay eyes on." - Denny Davies

Why watch this? An unexpected, warm and funny film about two lost souls finding each other.

Dad's Review: Sometimes a film is great just because the two lead stars are perfectly cast, and they have a good director. Add to that a savvy script, full of pain and anger, and a strong supporting cast. I love watching this film. The film's director, Mike Binder, plays the scumbag DJ, Shep - you love to hate him. 

Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Roger Allam, Ben Miles

"A building is a symbol, as is the act of destroying it. Symbols are given power by people. Alone, a symbol is meaningless, but with enough people, blowing up a building can change the world." - V

Why watch this? I love this futuristic tale of a vigilante standing up against fascism.

Dad's Review: The future of the world is in turmoil. The world is ruled by fascist governments that round up undesirables and rebels, then execute them. The only one with any success against the system is the mysterious "V". This film is brutal and unforgiving, as a small group must gain enough momentum to affect revolutionary change. Once again, Natalie Portman is pure cinematic gold.  

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Max von Sydow, Pelé, Bobby Moore,  Osvaldo Ardiles, Paul Van Himst

"You are a naive fool, Colby. Insisting on great players? Von Steiner has sent you five skeletons. This only guarantees that you'll turn up in Paris for his propaganda victory." – British Col. Waldron

Why watch this? If you like sports movies, this hidden gem is for you.

Dad's Review: Early in Stalone’s career, he made this World War II fiction film about a soccer game near Paris. The game is between the German all-stars, and Allied POW’s, mostly British and American, plus a soccer great from Trinidad (Pelé). Can the underdogs beat the best of Germany’s master race? Will the game be rigged against them? This is one of the best sports films that nobody knows about. Trust me and watch this.

Starring: Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelly, Eddie Jemison, Jeremy Sisto, Andy Griffith

"Pregnant Miserable Self Pitying Loser Pie... Lumpy oatmeal with fruitcake mashed in. Flambé of course" - Jenna

Why watch this? Keri Russell Is Awesome Pie. Peanut butter, sugar and hot pepper. Yum! 

Dad's Review: This film's central character is a waitress, Jenna, who is searching for meaning and independence after being trapped in an abusive marriage and pregnancy. Wonderful Keri Russell shines as a pie shop owner, working keep it all together. She does so with dignity, charm, and a deep strength. I love the small part played by Andy Griffith, as the old curmudgeon who endears himself to Jenna and her wonderfully creative pies.

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Ally Sheedy, Barry Corbin, Juanin Clay, Kent Williams, Dennis Lipscomb

"Mr. McKittrick, after very careful consideration, sir, I've come to the conclusion that your new defense system sucks." – Gen. Beringer

Why watch this? If computers can ever do this, we ALL need to be concerned!

Dad's Review: As the cold war droned on in the 1980's, fear of nuclear war was the subject of a lot of press. This film took that possibility to a possible scary end. All the US missiles are controlled by a massive central computer. When the system suddenly goes to Def-Con 4, people are scrambling to determine what is going on. The culprit is a a teen who hacked to the system. But it may be too late to stop it. Broderick is excellent as that teen. 

Starring: Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Matt Frewer

"I have witnessed events so tiny and so fast they can hardly be said to have occurred at all. But you, Adrian, you're just a man. The world's smartest man poses no more threat to me than does its smartest termite." – Dr. Manhattan

Why watch this? Snyder films are so stylistically unique, and this one is remarkable.

Dad's Review: Zack Snyder developed this film from the uber-successful comic graphic novel. Folks were very critical of that, but I really enjoyed the film. It has great effects, and a rock solid, complex plot. I particularly love Haley’s portrayal of the dark and disturbed Rorschach. There is no super-hero film with comparable characterization. It's not for kids, but rather, a feast of morbid, intelligent, super-reality.  

Starring: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Laura Flynn Boyle, Lee Tergesen, Kurt Fuller, Donna Dixon, Frederick Coffin, Meat Loaf, Chris Farley

"That bass player's a babe. She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class." – Garth Algar

Why watch this? Sit back, and let this goofy movie make you laugh.  

Dad's Review: There’s so much to love in this frolic through rock and roll, as seen from the couch of two goofy guys, just trying to set the gold standard for slackery. Myers’ positivism is as infectious as Carvey’s sheepish lack of confidence; all traits most guys can relate to. What started as a skit on SNL, somehow transferred very nicely to the big screen, and it is a heck of a fun ride. "Excellent!"

Starring: Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., Annabella Sciorra, Max von Sydow, Jessica Brooks Grant, Matt Salinger

"Bring Mom back. You can do it. I believe in you. Did you ever stop to think why I became Albert? He was the only man you ever listened to. Listen to me now. Think of Mom." - Albert

Why watch this? This is about love and pain and saving your spouse, even after death.

Dad's Review: A truly thought-provoking film about life after death, and a possible version of where we might go. It is beautiful and sweet, but there’s also a bitterness. Our main character, Chris, learns that his wife is suddenly there too, however, she is lost in a dark place. He must go to her, but at considerable risk.

Starring: Meg Ryan, Andy García, Lauren Tom, Ellen Burstyn, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tina Majorino, Mae Whitman

"Nothing happened, Michael. Nothing has to happen for me to have a bad day. That's the thrilling part of all this. It just comes and hits and runs me over like a g**damn freight train." – Alice

Why watch this? It's a superb, yet very painful film about alcoholism.

Dad's Review: This was not the film I thought it would be. It was marketed as a Rom-Com. Why? This is a deeply painful story about a woman, Alice, who is an alcoholic. After a serious incident, she realizes that she has to leave her family and enter rehab. She finds help at rehab and moves back home. Her husband, Michael, has trouble re-adjusting to the new, sober Alice, who is now stronger, more vocal, yet still fighting her addiction. Yet her husband is a subtle part of the problem. The performances by Ryan and Garcia are top-notch!

Starring: Charlton Heston, Joan Hackett, Donald Pleasence, Ben Johnson, Bruce Dern, Slim Pickens, Lee Majors, Anthony Zerbe

"Leave him be. Out here, by hisself, no goods, winter coming on. He's gonna be a long while dying. And all that time, he's gonna know who done it to him. Yes, sir, a mighty long time, and then he'll be dead." - Preacher Quint

Why watch this? Heston's painful awkwardness around the woman deeply cares for.

Dad's Review: A very realistic Western for its time. Heston delivers a career performance as a loner ranch hand who encounters a woman and her young son. He’s torn between his duty and the affections he develops. Throw in a gang of cutthroats, who are really nasty thanks to their psychotic leader. It’s a small, intimate film, with some big moments. Bring lost of tissues.

Starring: James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally, Millard Mitchell, Charles Drake, Will Geer, Johh McIntire, Rock Hudson

"Yeah, he did, didn't he? Dad said if a man had one friend, he was rich. I'm rich." - Lin McAdam

Why watch this? James Stewart is cinema gold, so versatile and believable.

Dad's Review: When Stewart entered the Anthony Mann series of Westerns, he clearly wanted to toughen up his on-screen persona. This story follows a path of a wandering Western man with a score to settle against someone who had really wronged him in the past. This is the first of seven Stewart-Mann films, and it may be the best. Look for Shelly Winters as the saloon gal with a heart. 

Starring: Sean Connery, Candice Bergen, Brian Keith, John Huston, Geoffrey Lewis, Steve Kanaly

"The American grizzly embodies the spirit of America. He should be our symbol! Not that ridiculous eagle - he's nothing more than a dandified vulture." - Theodore Roosevelt

Why watch this? Connery knew how to pick a great script. This epic is breathtaking.

Dad's Review: The setting is Morocco in 1904. Colonial powers are vying for control of the region, as is Raisuli (Connery), the leader of a band of Berber insurrectionists. He kidnaps an American woman (Bergen) and her two children to cause an international incident and start a war. Connery and Bergen are superb as initial enemies, but eventual friends. Brian Keith steals every scene as feisty, iconic US President, Teddy Roosevelt.

The Wolverine (2103), Director: James Mangold, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee

"Your grandfather called me a ronin, a samurai without a master. He said I was destined to live forever, with no reason to live." - Logan

Why watch this? This is the best Wolverine on film, and Jackman is marvelous.

Dad's Review: This film really stands out from all of Jackman’s work as Wolverine, who is such an interesting, conflicted character to begin with. Here our weary hero heads to Japan to connect with an old acquaintance, which, of course, uncovers more. I like seeing Wolverine operating alone, outside of the X-Men. It is very refreshing, and this film is well done.  

Starring: Henry Fonda, Vera Miles, Anthony Quayle, Harold J. Stone, Richard Robbins, Charles Cooper, John Heldabrand

"No matter what you do, they've got it fixed so that it goes against you. No matter how innocent you are or how hard you try, they'll find you guilty." - Rose Balestrero

Why watch this? Being at the mercy of "the system" may be the most terrifying thing of all.

Dad's Review: Of his remarkable works, this is the most "un-Hitchcock" film, regarding his style, yet the director’s genius still shines through in this uniquely real movie. Here an ordinary man is accused of a terrible crime. There are no heroics, no super sleuths to save the day. The man accused (Fonda) is at the mercy "the system". He can only hope that he will not be wrongly convicted. This proves too much for his unstable wife. There are genuinely tense moments as we wait for the verdict. Will they ever catch the real culprit?  

Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yoko Tsukasa, Isuzu Yamada, Daisuke Katō, Takashi Shimura, Kamatari Fujiwara, Atsushi Watanabe

"I get paid for killing. And this town is full of men who deserve to die." - Yojimbo

Why watch this? This Japanese samurai film is as good and any American Western.

Dad's Review: The incredible Toshiro Mifune stars as a wandering rōnin looking to sell his sword to the highest bidder. He lands at a small town locked in a vicious power struggle between two bickering bosses. At first he plays both sides against each other, but he finally decides to rid the town of both sides, then they catch and beat him almost to death. This classic film has action, humor, and biting satire. It influenced numerous Western films. It's also considered one of the greatest Japanese films ever made.  

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