Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong'o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Michael Kenneth Williams, Alfre Woodard

"If you want to survive, do and say as little as possible. Tell no one who you really are and tell no one that you can read and write." - Clemens

Why watch this? You want to play down slavery to me? Watch this film, then we'll talk.

Dad's Review: There are great performances from an all-star cast. I wept long and hard after this film. The god forsaken audacity of anyone justifying the owning of fellow human beings just makes me want scream. Slavery is a gaping scar on our country's legacy. We need to face it, teach it in our schools, and accept responsibility.

Starring: Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, Annette O'Toole, James Remar, Sonny Landham, David Patrick Kelly, Brion James, James Keane

"I'm gonna tell you something about this man! He's got more brains than you'll ever know! He's got more guts than any partner I ever had." - Jack Cates

Why watch this? It's a pleasure watching the two lead actors slug it out.

Dad's Review: Eddie Murphy joined SNL after the show declined. I watched his stand-up routine, Raw, and was not a fan. Then, boom! This film and Trading Places, are both Murphy hits. He impressed me going toe-to-toe with veteran tough-guy Nick Nolte. Under the creative premise, these two are forced to work together, one a detective, the other a convict, to hunt down two really nasty bad guys. Nolte, a real racist grump, initially hates the quick-witted smart-aleck... but he eventually softens. The honky-tonk bar scene is priceless.

The Accountant (2016), Director: Gavin O’Connor, rated R for strong violence and language

Starring: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J. K. Simmons, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey Tambor, Lohn Lithgow

"You think if you don’t fight back then maybe they’ll like you, stop picking on you and calling you a freak? Well, here’s what it is. They don’t like you, they don’t dislike you. They’re afraid of you. You’re different. Sooner or later, different scares people." - Christian’s father

Why watch this? It's one of the most intelligent action movies in a long time.

Dad's Review: A while back, I started to trust Ben Affleck, both as actor and director. This tight thriller about a modern day vigilante is unique and interesting. The premise, which I won't give away, is brilliant. There is a strong supporting cast in Simmons, Bernthal and the ever-delightful Anna Kendrick.

Starring: Jim Carrey, Courtney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, Dan Marino, John Capodice, Troy Evans, Noble Willingham, Troy Evans, Raynor Scheine, Udo Kier, Frank Adonis

"It's all that Dan Marino's fault, everyone knows that. If he had held the ball, laces out, like he was supposed to, Ray would never have missed that kick. Dan Marino should die of gonorrhea and rot in hell. Would you like a cookie, son?" – Mrs. Finkle

Why watch this? It's one of the funniest films ever made.

Dad's Review: I heard there was this outrageous young new comic, Jim Carrey, on the cable show In Living Color. This low-budget, comedic onslaught was his first feature film. Carrey's style sort of assaults you, and it takes some getting used to. It's scene after scene of outrageousness. Yet, it is genius at work. Incidentally, the great film critic Roger Ebert absolutely HATED this film. Like many, he just didn't get it. For me, it never gets old.

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Peter Bull, Theodore Bikel, Walter Gotell, Peter Stanwick

"I never dreamed that any mere physical experience could be so stimulating!" – Rose Sayer

Why watch this? A wonderful adventure film from the 50's, and watch out for the leeches.

Dad's Review: I've always been a lover of unlikely romances. Here we have the uptight, religious spinster, Rose, and the rough, solitary chug boat captain, Charlie. Thrown together by circumstances beyond their control, they are forced to brave a mighty jungle river full of hippo's, maddening flies and raging rapids. But as their love develops, they become an unstoppable force as they implement Rose's plan to sink the German gunboat, Louisa! Bogey is great, but Kate Hepburn steals the show as the strongest woman you'll ever meet!

Starring: Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, William Bakewell, Arnold Lucy, Ben Alexander, Scott Kolk, Owen Davis Jr.

"He tells you, 'Go out and die! But if you'll pardon me, it's easier to say 'go out and die' than it is to do it." - Paul Bäumer

Why watch this? WWI was a brutal, horrible war. This shows that nobody wins at war.

Dad's Review: This is a perfect example of early, almost amateurish, film-making that enhances the film's impact. Made in 1929, a mere 14-years after WWI, the film has a distinctive authenticity regarding this era in history. It is an unapologetic anti-war film. Back then, it was not popular to be anti-war, especially with Hitler gearing up in Europe for what would become the second World War. Here our protagonist is a German soldier who finds out that real war is not what he expected. Anti-war elements films are present: Over-glamorization at home; war’s futility; incompetent leadership; a soldier's bond with their fellow soldiers. The scene in the bomb crater with the dead Russian soldier is painful.

Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook , Jason Robarbs, Ned Beatty

"It leads everywhere. Get out your notebook. There's more." - Deep Throat

Why watch this? This explains Watergate in a very interesting and suspenseful manner.

Dad's Review: A very intelligent film about Watergate. As a teen, I did not understand what Watergate entailed. This film helped a lot. Stellar performances from Hoffman, Redford and Robarbs expose that the political machine can so easily become corrupt. It always starts with the cover-up. This certainly applies today in horrific events related to Enron, the Penn State Sandusky scandal, and child molestation occurring in various religious organizations.

Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Roy Dotrice, Simon Callow, Christine Ebersole, Jeffrey Jones, Charles Kay

"That was Mozart. That! That giggling dirty-minded creature I had just seen, crawling on the floor!" - Antonio Salieri

Why watch this? Well, 8 Oscars is why - plus it IS a brilliant, exceptional film.

Dad's Review: The film's theme is prodigy versus journeyman. Mozart is blessed with a natural ability, however he is also tormented, and never able to live up to his father’s stern expectations. Juxtapose him against Salieri, who is true to his craft, loyal to his employers, faithful to God, and permanently denied greatness. In his anger, Salieri, forsakes God and becomes obsessed with destroying the rude, crass Mozart. There may not ever be another film quite like this. It is steeped in symbolism and a haunting sense of retribution.

Starring: Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, John Gielgud, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Stephen Elliott, Jill Eikenberry, Ted Ross

"It's a very tiny country... Rhode Island could beat the crap out of it in a war." - Arthur

Why watch this? You will love this unorthodox, and tragically funny love story.

Dad's Review: Dudley Moore hit his stride with this role, which was made for him. Here he plays a kind, but sometimes insufferably spoiled drunk, living lavishly on his wealthy inheritance. He does not love the woman he is obliged to marry. Then he meets a spunky Queens waitress and falls pitifully in love. What a gift to once again fall for the incomparable Liza Minnelli! Damn she kills it. This film is witty, quirky and wonderful. You'll especially chuckle at the deadpan performance by Sir John Gielgud, Arthur's stern British butler, Hobson.

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, Shirley Knight, Yeardley Smith, Lupe Ontiveros, Jill the Dog

"When you first entered the restaurant, I thought you were handsome... and then, of course, you spoke." - Carol

Why watch this? The transformation of Nicholson's character is literally unbelievable.

Dad's Review: How the hell does Jack Nicholson do it? He takes a character, who is a complete neurotic jerk, and by the movie's end, you to love him. It's his super-power. This film centers on the acting chops of Nicholson and Hunt who won both Academy and Golden Globe awards for Best Actor/Actress. Greg Kinnear is also stellar as a gay man down on this luck - big time. If there is a theme, it is to keep fighting even when you're finished. That and always accept help from people, even if you don't necessarily like them at first.

Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Tom Wilson, Claudia Wells, Marc McClure, James Tolkan

"I guess you guys aren't ready for that, yet. But your kids are gonna love it." - Marty McFly, after lighting up the prom with some licks from Eddie Van Halen

Why watch this? When Marty meets his parents, back in the 1950's, the fun really begins.

Dad's Review: This now iconic film's success hinged on properly casting the lead. Wisely, director Zemeckis replaced Eric Stoltz with quick-witted Michael J. Fox from TV's Family Ties. The rest is film history. This time-jumping adventure keeps the viewers guessing as we figure out how actions the past impact the future. Honestly, what would you change, if you could  travel back in time to meet your parents in high school? It might get a little weird.

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Anne Francis, Walter Brennan, Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Dean Jagger, John Ericson

"I think somethin' kind of bad happened here, somethin' I can't quite seem to find the handle to." – John J. Macreedy

Why watch this? With a sparse desert backdrop, this is one tense film, a real nail-bitter.

Dad's Review: There is a way that Spencer Tracy handles himself - Quiet. Confident. Purposeful. He's a great "everyman". Here he visits a small town, and the residents are not very welcoming. When he starts asking questions, matters get worse. However, he has a reason for coming to Black Rock, and he has to see it through to the end. This film has tension you can cut with a knife. Special recognition to Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin as the two local thugs. The always dependable Walter Brennan delivers a great performance, too.

Starring: Damien Lewis, Ron Livingston, Dale Dye, Scott Grimes, Neal McDonough, Donnie Wahlberg, David Schwimmer, Kirk Acevedo, Michael Cudlitz, Rick Gomez, Frank John Hughes, Matthew Settle, Rick Warren

Why watch this? This encapsulates WWII in a nice, enthralling, intense, realistic package.

Dad's Review: Ground-breaking HBO mini-series spanning 10 episodes. This is the unequalled exposé regarding the events of U.S. Army soldiers in World War II. Each episode is engaging, poignant and important to understanding the war in Europe. Its realism matches that of Saving Private Ryan. In fact, one episode was directed by Tom Hanks. This was not just an HBO mini-series, it is U.S. History 101 - an absolute must see for every American.  

Starring: Robin Williams, Kurt Russell, Pamela Reed, Donald Moffat, Holly Palance, Margaret Whitton

"I was never great. I was pretty good. I was great for around here. Every year I got better. The kids always ask me about the 6 touchdown passes against Porterville. Hell, I only threw 3. I'm not going to argue. I like the idea of 6 better." – Reno Hightower

Why watch this? To see Jack beat "Dr. Death" on the deep route.

Dad's Review: I played high school football. I certainly remember the games I’d like to replay. Mine was against Wylie. We had a huge half-time lead, then they came roaring back and beat us. We finished 5 and 5 - instead of a "winning season". Damn that burns my ass! This movie is about the game that got away. Russell and Williams are excellent as old high school friends who played in a game Williams "dropped the ball", and lost the game. He feels all his life's failures are because of that single moment in time. Though a comedy, this film is about regrets, the "Glory Days", accepting your age, and yes, by God, replaying that game!

Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Strong, Finn Wittrock, John Magaro

"If we're right, people lose homes. People lose jobs. People lose retirement savings, people lose pensions. You know what I hate about f***ing banking? It reduces people to numbers." - Ben Rickert

Why watch this? To learn about the financial crisis of 2008 and why it will happen again!

Dad's Review: I absolutely love this must-see film about the 2008 economic crash. The goal of this well-done film is to educate the audience on what and whey it happened. Maybe a film like this will help a few who care to learn. It is full a big-name stars and engrossing to sit through. There are even a few cameo appearances, such as Margo Robbie and Anthony Bourdain, who make cameo appearances to explain certain financial topics - these are a hoot!

Starring: Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, Veronica Cartwright, Ethel Griffies, Charles McGraw, Lonny Chapman

"I have never known birds of different species to flock together. The very concept is unimaginable. Why, if that happened, we wouldn't stand a chance! How could we possibly hope to fight them?" – Mrs. Bundy

Why watch this? The idea of peaceful birds, turning on man, is literally terrifying.

Dad's Review: Hitchcock was the master of suspense. Every frame of his movie builds on something with an eventual payoff. I love this film because of the horror aspect (a lot more than Psycho). This film wonderfully utilizes lulls. There is a nice, long build-up to the first attack. Then for no reason, the birds stop. This gives the audience a chance to catch their breath. Then starts the next build-up. I think the birds are more terrifying when they are sitting still, on the jungle gym, on the roof, in the drive way. Looking. Planning. Waiting... 

Starring: Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, James Coburn, Ian Bannen, Jan-Michael Vincent, Ben Johnson

"When I cross the finish line, I get to be a big man. Top man. A man to remember." – Mister (the old cowboy)

Why watch this? A outstanding Western/Cross-Country Race. It's a superb Western road film.

Dad's Review: There were herds of Westerns made in the 1970’s. Eastwood and Leone were making "Spaghetti Westerns". Some were masterpieces, some were cow dung. This little-known gem surprised me. It is a grand Western adventure, a cross-country race on horseback, plagued by natural hazards and man-made obstacles. This is one exciting film. We are blessed to have two great stars, Gene Hackman and James Coburn, portraying two ex-Rough Riders. Both are "men of action" and loyal best friends. Who will win this 1,000 mile cross-country race?   

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Sam Shepard, William Fichtner

"Don't really matter what I think. Once that first bullet goes past your head, politics and all that shit just goes right out the window." – SFC "Hoot" Gibson

Why watch this? Historically accurate account of the 1993 Mogadishu Raid. 

Dad's Review: I remember seeing the news footage of a US helicopter pilot's body being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. This film replays the confusion of that day as two U.S. helicopters were shot down in the middle of a civil war. We witness the bravery of the U.S. soldiers who went in to extract the crash victims. Courageous as that was, there was also a terrible toll on the Somali militia and citizens.

Starring: Clevon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn, Mel Brooks, Alex Karras

"Where the white women at?" - Sheriff Bart

Why watch this? Because this hilarious comedy could not be made today.

Dad's Review: How do you talk about racism in 1974 - make a comedy about it, of course! Then you set it in the most racist chapter in American history, the Old West. Thank you Mel Brooks. Oh, it’s funny, like off the charts funny. It also would never have happened this way in real life. That absurdity makes the whole thing even more humorous. Here the brilliant director uses the white townsfolk as the "dumb comic relief", turning the typical Western trope on its head. Then Little and Wilder are wisely allowed to steal the show. Then there is the always loveable Madeline Kahn at her sleazy best. Warning - the "N" word is used a lot.

Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher, Aretha Franklin, Henry Gibson, James Brown, John Candy, John Lee Hooker, Twiggy, Charles Napier, Steve Lawrence, Frank Oz

"They're not gonna catch us. We're on a mission from God!" - Elwood Blues

Why watch this? The destruction and crashed cars in this film are off the charts!

Dad's Review: How in the hell do you take an SNL skit and turn it into this spectacle is beyond me. On the heels of the success of Animal House, John Belushi had more cred with the studio execs. He brought in John Landis to direct. This film is a wonderful homage to Chicago blues, yet still manages to be a road/buddy film. Hell, there are even Nazi's. Not to mention cameo's from Twiggy, Ray Charles and the elusive Carrie Fisher!

Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick MaGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, Catherine McCormack, Brendan Gleeson, Peter Hanly, Ian Bannen, James Cosmo, David O'Hara

"Those men who bled the ground red at Falkirk fought for William Wallace. He fights for something that I never had. And I took it from him, when I betrayed him." - Robert the Bruce

Why watch this? This is a powerful film about historical Scotland and its hero, William Wallace.

Dad's Review: This is a great education. William Wallace leads the Scots striving for independence against King Edward I of England. It is a bloody story full of battles, betrayals and death. This tale is extremely inspirational. It was Gibson's second film to direct, and he garnered several Oscars including Best Director and Best Picture. Well done, Mel. 

Starring: Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Paul Gleason

"When you grow up, your heart dies." - Allison

Why watch this? So many 80's teen comedies were a waste of time. Not this one.

Dad's Review: I was expecting another John Hughes sappy teen comedy, which was OK. But from the start, this film was different. Here we have five teenagers, all from vastly different cliques, forced together to serve Saturday school detention. At first they're loyal to their groups: the nerd, the jock, the rich bitch, the emo introvert, the rebel. Slowly, though, as the day drags on, they all open up, exposing their weaknesses, being vulnerable. It's touching, and real, leaving the viewers to grapple with the cliques they might have belonged to, and perhaps those they treated badly.

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Director: James Whale, not rated (Dad's best guess PG)

Starring: Boris Karloff, Elsa Manchester, Colin Clive, Ernest Thesiger, Valerie Hobson, Gavin Gordon, Douglas Walton, E. E. Clive

"Yes, I know. Made me from dead. I love dead... hate living." - The Monster

Why watch this? This Universal monster film dared to have a sense of humor. Bravo!

Dad's Review: With Frankenstein, director James Whale gave us a monster unlike any other. With the sequel, he offers a better blend of horror and cynical humor. The result is one of the best Universal monster productions ever made. It's scary, funny, outrageous, and exciting. It appealed to a much larger audience. Karloff returns as the monster, and the wonderful Elsa Manchester makes her brief appearance as his terrified bride.

Starring: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O’Keefe, Bill Murray, Cindy Morgan, Sarah Holcomb, Henry Wilcoxen, Scott Colomby

"Oh, this your wife, huh? A lovely lady. Hey baby, you must've been something before electricity." – Al Czervik

Why watch this? It's an all-star cast, but Mr. Dangerfield steals every scene he's in.

Dad's Review: This raunchy comedy helped launch the careers of Chase and Murray. It's basically about nothing more than a typical two days at any golf country club. Every scene is a mini-SNL-skit about golf. At it's center is the feud between two rich guys: One an uptight snob and the other an easy-going slob. It comes to a head, and all will be settled in a single round of golf. Meanwhile the deranged groundskeeper prepares to blow up a pesky gopher. This is a comedy classic.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy, Paul Sanchez, Lari White, Peter Von Berg, Dmitri S. Bordrine, Nan Martin

"We live and we die by time, and we must not commit the sin of turning our back on time." - Chuck Noland

Why watch this? Could you survive alone on a deserted island? Watch this and you might.

Dad's Review: This powerful one-man show is Hanks giving a class on method-acting. The audience really feels like they are on the island with him. He's fighting to survive. We feel his struggle as he tries to make fire, as he aches to get back to his darling Kelly. Until this film I had never cried over a sporting object, but "Wilson" the volleyball broke my heart. The scene between Hanks and Hunt late in the film will also have you sobbing like a baby.

Prime 200 - 26 thru 50