Starring: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Oaklee Pendergast, Samuel Joslin, Marta Etura, Sönke Möhring

"Lucas, look at this place. They're so busy in here. You get to go and do something. Go help people. You're good at it." - Maria Bennett, to her son Lucas after they reach the hospital

Why watch this? The tsunami hitting the resort is harrowing footage.

Dad's Review: Set during the 2004 Thailand tsunami on Dec. 26, 2004. This story tracks an ordinary vacationing family of five. Suddenly and quite unexpectedly, they are ripped apart during the devastating waves. This film is intense to say the least. This really happened and killed tens of thousands of people. I was glued to the news and watched all the footage. In such a disaster film, it is hard to find anything cheery, but there very uplifting moments. Look for a young Tom Holland in his major film debut. 

Starring: John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Henry Fonda, Burgess Meredith, Patricia Neal, Brandon DeWilde, Dana Andrews

"Old Rock of Ages, we've got ourselves another war. A gut bustin', mother-lovin' Navy war." - Cmdr. Paul Eddington

Why watch this? One of the best films ever about the US Navy.

Dad's Review: This film is not a typical Wayne war movie. It focuses on the effect war has the men and women embroiled within it. It paints a realistic picture of the lives of Navy personnel. Wayne’s Rock Torrey can command a ship, but his marriage failed and his own son hates him. Kirk Douglas’ Paul Eddington knows how to get things done, but he’s hiding a violent temper beneath his easy-going personality. We also see the savagery of Naval sea battles, where ships fire huge shells at one another, causing incredible damage. 

Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Randy Quaid, Robert Loggia, Margaret Colin, James Rebhorn, Harvey Fierstein

"Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution, but from annihilation." - President Whitmore

Why watch this? The best alien invasion action film ever!

Dad's Review: All reservations I had about Will Smith quickly evaporated watching this exciting flick. He's the perfect fighter pilot with lots of sass and determination. One by one we are introduced to the characters as the invasion tension ramps up. When it finally happens, it's a cinema spectacle right up there with the best. Earth scrambles a desperate team to find a way to defeat an alien race that outmatches Earth in every category. 

Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, River Phoenix, Michael Byrne

"The quest for the Grail is not archaeology; it's a race against evil! If it is captured by the Nazis, the armies of darkness will march all over the face of the Earth! Do you understand me?" – Dr. Henry Jones

Why watch this? It really IS as good as Raiders!

Dad's Review: Spielberg and Lucas return to familiar territory to give us this wonderful film. Back are loyal sidekicks Sallah and Marcus Brody, and we're again battling those pesky Nazis. Our archeologists are searching for another biblical artifact, but first they must find Indy's father, portrayed wonderfully by Sir Sean Connery. He puts Indy in his place a few times. Once father and son are reunited, the film follows a tricky path towards the holy grail, filled with action and double-crosses. It's so nice to see these seasoned actors together on screen having such a good time.

Starring: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates, King Donovan, Carolyn Jones

"There's no emotion. None. Just the pretense of it. The words, the gesture, the tone of voice, everything else is the same, but not the feeling." - Wilma Lentz

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright

"I keep seeing these people, all recognizing each other. Something is passing between them all, some secret. It's a conspiracy, I know it." – Elizabeth Driscoll

Why watch these? Invasion by assimilation is truly terrifying. Both films are classics!

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Maximilian Schell, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland

"Those people, those millions of people...I never knew it would come to that. YOU must believe it, you MUST believe it." – Ernst Janning

"Herr Janning, it came to that the first time you sentenced a man to death you knew to be innocent." - Judge Dan Haywood, responding to Janning

Why watch this? Its historical significance. War criminals must face judgment.

Dad's Review: This is the trial of the key Germans who conducted the prison camps and atrocities that would become known as The Holocaust. It's important to see and absorb. God willing, we will be wise enough to prevent this from every happening again. 

Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight

"…your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." – Ian Malcolm

Why watch this? Ground-breaking film from a superb novel. And yes, DINOSAURS!

Dad's Review: I read Michael Crichton's novel, and immediately thought Steven Spielberg should do the film. Well, two weeks later I got the good news. The original plan was to use life-size animatronic models, however, the special effects team won over the director with their amazing skills. The CGI dinosaurs were jaw-dropping. The rest is history. The film was a smash hit.

Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine, Julie Dreyfus, Chiaki Kuriyama, Michael Parks

"I can tell you, with no ego, this is my finest sword. If, on your journey, should you encounter God, God will be cut.” – Hattori Hanzo

Why watch this? Uma Thurman is a tour de force!

Dad's Review: I was not a huge Tarantino fan until this. Yes, it romanticizes murderous assassins. It is violent. Too many of the characters are beautiful. Yet, it works. This is definitely a woman's story filled with strong ladies, all just as deadly as their male counterparts. The fight scenes are choreographed so perfectly. The final battle at the restaurant is worth the price of admission!  I must confess, have a little bit of a crush on bad girl GoGo Yubari.

Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine, Gordon Liu, Michael Parks

"That woman deserves her revenge, and we deserve to die… But then again, so does she. So I guess we'll just see… won't we?" – Budd

Why watch this? The bride's showdown with Elle in Budd's double-wide.

Dad's Review: The conclusion to this tale of bloody revenge does keep pace with Part I. We witness the Bride's tough training under the master, Pai Mai. We experience what it's like to be buried alive. Bill's motivations are explained. I really love the finale. Instead of a big, elaborate showdown, it is an intimate, civil discussion between two lovers looking out for their child. It's low-key, and that makes it all the more rewarding.

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern, John Wood, Alfred Molina, Ken Hutchison

"Do you know that hawks and wolves mate for life? The Bishop didn't even leave us that... not even that." - Etienne

Why watch this? This fantasy film just worked its way into my heart.

Dad's Review: Hauer, Pfeiffer and Broderick were at the height of their popularity in the mid 80's. This small film saw only moderate success and was deemed a box office failure. Regardless, I am captivated by its plot - a cruel curse keeps two lovers from ever being together. The quest in this lovely fairytale is to find a way to break the spell. The film was praised for its photography, and nominated for two Oscars for Sound and Sound Effects Editing.

Starring: Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Jose Ferrer, Claude Raines, Omar Sharif

"He was a poet, a scholar and a mighty warrior. He was also the most shameless exhibitionist since Barnum & Bailey.” – Jackson Bentley

Why watch this? An epic movie about a man who's life was, in itself, an epic.

Dad's Review: This is a sprawling, grand adventure of the life of T. E. Lawrence, who was a British soldier advancing England's interests in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Though huge in scope, the film does create complex characters. This classic is top-ranked on just about every film list there is. It was nominated for ten Oscars, winning seven including Best Picture and Director, and Musical Score.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Megan Cavanagh, Tracy Reiner, Bitty Schram, Anne Ramsay

"Are you crying?! There’s no crying! There's no crying in baseball!" - Jimmy Dugan

Why watch this? The complicated sister relationship between Davis and Petty - priceless!

Dad's Review: I crave films about historical events that most folks never hear of. This sports movie has a lot of heart. That comes from Director Penny Marshall. She received a lot of valid praise for this effort. I really enjoyed that this is a baseball film featuring female leads. Geena Davis and Lori Petty are splendid throughout. Tom Hanks, of course, is great as the team's drunken, angry and disenfranchised manager.

Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan, Tom Atkins, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Jackie Swanson, Lycia Naff

"You make it through tomorrow without killing anybody, especially me, or yourself, then I'll start trusting you." - Roger Murtaugh

Why watch this? Mel Gibson when he was People Magazine's Sexiest Man of the Year.

Dad's Review: This awesome action film started the cop buddy genre, and is easily the best. It also catapulted Mel Gibson to the top of the A-list. For half the film, we think his character, Riggs, is literally insane.  However, when things get dicey due to involvement with some really bad drug smugglers, Riggs and his special skill sets, come in real handy. Danny Glover is also superb as Lt. Murtaugh, a good cop on the verge of retirement. 

Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly, Ernie Sabella, Nathan Lane, Robert Guillaume, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin

"When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life." - Mufasa

Why watch this? A wonderful Disney classic.

Dad's Review: We wore out this Disney VHS tape. Our kids were mesmerized by the cute animals and catchy tunes. It really is a magical story of families and growing up to face responsibility. To that, you only have to add a wise mandrill, a witty lemur and a smelly warthog. And viola! - A wonderful movie! Today, I still cry numerous times during this musical romp through Africa.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Noah Taylor, Jonas Armstrong, Tony Way, Noah Taylor

"Find me when you wake up." -  Rita Vrataski

Why watch this? The film's premise will blow you away. 

Dad's Review: Just thought this was more Tom Cruise filler. Boy was I wrong. This intense Sci-Fi thriller is smart and really fun to watch, and then re-watch. Cruise impresses, but Emily Blount caught me off guard - she makes a pretty good action hero! The digital special effects are very complex, but still look realistic.  

Starring: Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Ron Canada, Elizabeth Peña, Joe Morton

"I remember Charlie Wade come to my father's hardware store once...The man winked at me. I peed my pants." – Ben Wetzel

Why watch this? Another Texas tale of hard-case murder and forbidden relationships.

Dad's Review: I didn’t expect to like this film, back in the 90’s. I was not a huge McConaughey or Kristofferson fan, but man, did they both won me over. They really shine. That said, the rock of this south Texas crime drama is Chris Cooper. He’s quiet and complex. The plot is rich and developed. We follow several unrelated stories, working on old mysteries with new information. It all leads to a rewarding revelation. This is fine film-making by director John Sayles.

Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Fumihiro Hayashi, Akiko Takeshita, Take

"You're probably just having a mid-life crisis. Did you buy a Porsche yet?" - Charlotte

Why watch this? So little happens, but it's just so amazing to watch. 

Dad's Review: On rare occasions, genius is found in something quiet and subtle. In a nod or a wink. Sometimes the story emerges from what doesn’t happen. Restraint. Longing. Silence. This film follows an odd plot in an foreign city where two lonely characters connect and find a new person with whom they can communicate. It’s not outrageous, or loud. It just is what it is, and that is delightful.

Starring: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Mike Preston, Max Phipps, Vernon Wells, Emil Minty, Kjell Nilsson, Virginia Hey, William Zappa

"We've all lost someone we love. But we do it my way! Fear is our ally. The gasoline will be ours. Then you shall have your revenge.” – Lord Humungus

Why watch this? The bigger budget helped second Max film cement is place in post-apocalyptic film lore.  

Dad's Review: This is a brutal and violent film set in a future where the powerful extract their will upon those unable to defend themselves. People are raped, tortured and murdered; this is not a world for the weak. Into this world rides Max, a loner, a damaged man who reluctantly must help those in need. This is a powerful film, and Gibson is at his brooding best. The chase scenes are breath-taking.

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough

"If I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die historic on the Fury Road!" - Nux

Why watch this? I never saw this greatness coming. But it is GREAT!

Dad's Review: Instant classic. As a huge fan of the 80’s Mad Max films, I really thought the franchise was over, and I was OK with that. Then comes this tour de force again from the talents of George Miller. It blows you away with each action sequence. Tom Hardy amply filled Mr. Gibson’s shoes, but it is Charlize Theron who steals the show as Furiosa. She is one bad-ass chick. It’s visually stunning. Let’s hope this is the first in another trilogy for Max.

Starring: Kirk Douglas, Tom Burlinson, Jack Thompson, Sigrid Thornton, Lorraine Bayly, Terrence Donovan, Tony Bonner

"You've got to treat the mountains like a high-spirited horse; never take it for granted." - Jim Craig

Why watch this? The horsemanship used to make this film will amaze you.

Dad's Review: This Western features Aussie actors, and the wonderful Kirk Douglas playing two roles: Tough landowner, Mr. Harrison, and his peg-legged brother, Scar. The real stars of the film are two young actors, Tom Burlinson and Sigrid Thornton. This rich story of a young man's journey to manhood, set against the backdrop of rugged 1880's Australian mountain ranges, will warm your heart. The scenery is breath-taking, as is the herd of wild horses used for the film.    

Starring: James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin, Edmond O’Brien, Andy Devine, Woody Strode, Strother Martin, Lee Van Cleef

"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact...print the legend." – Maxwell Scott

Why watch this? Finally Wayne and Stewart together on screen - it was worth the wait.

Dad's Review: This allegorical film chronicles the decline the Wild West and the hard men who thrived there. Wayne's Tom Doniphon, an old-school cowboy, is set in his ways. Yet the world is changing as the West becomes more civilized. He reluctantly helps out green-horn lawyer Ranse Stoddard, portrayed by Stewart, who refuses to use a gun. Always wonderful is Lee Marvin as the cruel, sadistic title ruffian.  

Starring: Steve Martin, Kathleen Turner, David Warner, Paul Benedict, George Furth, James Cromwell, Merv Griffin

"The only time we doctors should accept death is when it's caused by our own incompetence!" – Dr. Hfuhruhurr

Why watch this? This is Steve Martin at the pinnacle of his "wild and crazy" era. 

Dad's Review: I instantly loved this film, which was a pleasant surprise. From this film's opening, we are bombarded with skit after skit following the life of a world famous brain surgeon. After the death of his wife, he meets a beautiful woman intent only on using him for his money. Then, he finds a brain. He then falls in love with it.. her... it's name is Anne...Anne Uumellmahaye. And beware those Austrian drunk driving tests!

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Helmsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgard, Samuel L. Jackson

"You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing." Captain America

Why watch this? The first great super-hero team-up film. It was long overdue. 

Dad's Review: As a DC Comics fan, I was sad that Marvel created the first “team-up” movie franchise. I wanted to hate this flick, but Kevin Feige’s efforts proved truly amazing. The set-up started way back in the post-credits of Ironman. The planning, the build-up, all led us to this pivotal moment in comic film history. Gotta love a studio with a plan! And they got Hulk right!

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt

"I offered a solution… With all six stones, I could simply snap my fingers; they would all cease to exist. I call that... mercy." – Thanos

Why watch this? Its span and scope are huge, yet it still has a lot of funny moments. 

Dad's Review: Marvel teased Thanos, an intergalactic bad guy, for a while. This film is the pay off. Josh Brolin is excellent as the purple villain. He's convincing enough for viewers to sympathize with his cause. It is wonderful to bring all our wandering heroes back to Earth for this huge battle save the planet one more time. The ending, and setup for Endgame, is amazing!

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt

"I think you look great, Cap. As far as I'm concerned, that's America's ass." - Scott Lang

Why watch this? The perfect ending for the MCU's Phase Three. 

Dad's Review: I can't say enough about this film, and those that preceded it. This amazing conclusion set a new high bar. Our beaten heroes find a way to reverse the damage done by Thanos. It only requires a little time travel! No problem. Back they go to re-access the Infinity stones and restart our universe. But can humanity and their allies stop the legions of Thanos a second time? The ending will blow you away!  

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp

"Even when I had nothing, I had Bucky." - Steve Rogers

Why watch this? This is the best of the MCU movies - it's just awesome on every level. 

Dad's Review: This is the ninth Marvel Studios film and you can really feel the filmmakers are hitting their stride with these characters. There is a deadly new assassin called named Winter Soldier causing a lot of problems. Cap enlists help from Black Widow and Falcon to stop him. Cap learns that the soldier is none other than his best friend, Bucky Barnes, who somehow has been turned into a killing machine. It will take all the heroes Cap can muster to rescue Barnes, un-brainwash him, and find out who is responsible. True to form, the film is non-stop, incredible action. Bring on the popcorn! 

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Gwyneth Paltrow, Faran Tahir, Leslie Bibb, Clark Gregg

"I saw young Americans killed by the very weapons I created to defend them and protect them. And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero-accountability." – Tony Stark

Why watch this? This kicked off the MCU and gave us Downey Jr. as Tony Stark - awesome!

Dad's Review: This amazing origin film kicked off a film series that would eventually lead to The Avengers, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the role seemingly made for him, Downey excels as the quirky, jerky millionaire genius Tony Stark, the perfect man to lead and finance the super team. Even as a DC comics kid, I was drawn to Iron Man, whose suit was cool as heck. Thanks to some incredible CGI regarding that suit, this film more than lived up to any expectations I had.