Starring: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Jim Doughan, Orestes Matacena, Jeremy Roberts

"Kiss me, my dear, and I will reveal my croissant. I will spread your pate. I will dip my ladle in your vichyssoise." - The Mask

Why watch this? Carrey is a force of nature in this zany role.

Dad's Review: Similar to Robins Williams' portrayal of the Genie in Alladin, this is the perfect marriage between a comic book character and real-life comedian. Jim Carrey IS The Mask! Add to that some cutting-edge CGI, and the result is pure movie mojo. As The Mask, Carrey can change, literally, into anything he desires. Lucky for us, this means countless personas and film references. You'll catch a lot on the second viewing of this comedy classic.  

Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior, Russ Fega, Jorja Fox, Stephen Tobolowsky

"We all need mirrors to remind ourselves who we are. I'm no different." – Leonard Shelby

Why watch this? Creative film storytelling 101. Its unorthodoxy is its strength. 

Dad's Review: Once in a while a film comes along that defies logic. It is so shockingly original. Think of Fargo, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Time Bandits. Memento’s story is told out of order; characters are thrown at us; scenes are restarted over and over. As I describe the film, it sounds maddening to sit through. But it's not. It follows a private investigator trying to solve a crime. The problem-our detective has short-term memory loss. To accommodate his affliction, he leaves himself notes, takes Polaroid photos, and even tattoos his own body. By the end, we question our protagonist’s sanity, and maybe our own.

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Florentino, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rip Torn, Tony Shalhoub, Carel Struycken, Siobhan Fallon Hogan

"This definitely rates about a 9.0 on my weird-shit-o-meter." - Jay

Why watch this? Will Smith - man, can he carry a film when he's hot.

Dad's Review: I'm a sci-fi guy. I crave well-done science fiction on screen. Here we meet two agents, Jay and Kay (their real identities have been permanently removed), who work for a secret agency that tracks aliens who live on Earth, undetected. Most are benevolent, but not all. This film is packed with slimy aliens of all shapes/sizes, lots of action, a count-down to the Earth's destruction, and the sexy Linda Florentino. There's a pleasant wit and charm. And I really enjoyed Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of the ruthless "bug".    

Starring: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano

"Well if you don't shut up, pretty soon you're gonna suffer from fistaphobia." – Jack Walsh

Why watch this? The exchanges between Grodin and De Niro are priceless.

Dad's Review: A superb buddy and road film featuring two polar opposite characters, a tough bail bondsman and a meek mob accountant. I enjoy films that starts off one way, then takes unexpected turns, leading to surprises along the journey. Here we have top-tier stars and a great supporting cast. I expected exciting crime action, but what really impressed me was the film's humor, especially De Niro whose comedic timing was incredible.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow, Neal McDonough, Peter Stormare

"Don't trust anyone. Just find the Minority Report." – Dr. Iris Henimen

Why watch this? This futuristic thriller is one of Spielberg's many masterpieces.

Dad's Review: Early on, Tom Cruise was just too cocky for me. Then I watched this on a lark, and I quickly became a fan. The utopian look and feel of this film is mesmerizing. The plot centers on a crime agency that arrests people for future crimes. It uses the thought-patterns of three telepathic triplets; called "Pre-Cogs" and in medicated comas; who can predict future murders. The plot is uber-creative and Spielberg makes is exciting. Cruise's character is flawed and complex. This engaging, fast-paced and full of surprises.

Starring: Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Joy, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine, Kathleen Comegys, John Bliss

"The rooms a wreck but she folded her napkin!" - Ann Sullivan

Why watch this? The clash of two indomitable wills is more than worth the price of admission.

Dad's Review: Unforgettable and painful journey through the incredible education of Helen Keller, who lost her hearing and sight in infancy. Her desperate family hires Ann Sullivan to teach her. Ann instantly surmises that Helen's family has done nothing but spoil her. This film (please stick it out) is transformative. You will see two great performances that both won Academy Awards. It may also help you better deal with a spoiled child.

Starring: Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif, R. Lee Emery, Gailard Sartain, Michael Rooker

"Down here, things are different; here, they believe that some things are worth killing for." - Anderson

Why watch this?  Gene Hackman's visit to the private social club.

Dad's Review: This film is great for two reasons. It tells the true story of three missing civil right college students who went missing in Mississippi - a story that needs to be told. It also unleashes Gene Hackman on a bunch of Southern racist morons who think they are above the law because the local sheriff is in on their bullying. This film is an exposé on the Klan and deep hate in Old South. The cast is superb.

Starring: Bill Bob Thornton, Halle Berry, Heath Ledger, Sean Combs, Mos Def, Peter Boyle, Gabrielle Witcher, Amber Rules

"I've always believed that a portrait captures a person far better than a photograph. It truly takes a human being to really see a human being." - Lawrence Musgrove

Why watch this? Most of the film is about pain, its aftermath, how folks move on.

Dad's Review: This is a brutally hard film to watch at times. There are many tragedies that befall the characters... A prisoner is executed. A young man takes his own life. A mother's child is hit by a car. All are impacted or poisoned by racism. Yet amid all that, two lost people find each other and try to salvage something from the carnage. Performances are stellar all the way around, including Thornton and the late Heath Ledger. Halle Berry, who pain is palpable, justifiably won the Oscar for Best Actress.

Starring: Cher, Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello, Julie Bovasso, John Mahoney

"When you love them they drive you crazy because they know they can." - Rose

Why watch this? There is genius in stories about the most unlikeliest of romances.

Dad's Review: Cher, in my limited opinion, was not much of an actress. With this quirky film, she more than won me over. There is so much in it: the joys and pains of New York Italian families, the ever-present complications love, the passions that won't be denied. Olivia Dukakis’s Academy Awarding winning performance is a real treat, too. It's essentially the Italian fairy tale about amore!

Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Robert Prosky, Polly Holliday, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson

"Ever wish you could freeze frame a moment in your day, and look at it and say "this is not my life"?"- Daniel Hillard

Why watch this? The Bridges Restaurant scene. Pure comedic genius. Kills me every time.

Dad's Review: So creative, so many great lines. Smart directors learned to rein in Robin Williams' natural tendency to be a comedic lunatic. They put him in funny situations, then allow him to play off that. This divorce film does not hand us the sappy Hollywood ending we all expect (The Parent Trap, Liar Liar, Chef). Instead, Dad and Mom don’t mend their fences and get back together. They really are better people without each other, and that is more real.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, William H. Macy, Greg Kinnear, Janeane Garofalo, Paul Reubens, Wes Studi, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Waites, Lena Olin, Kel Mitchell, Claire Forlani, Eddie Izzard

"We're not your classic heroes. We're the other guys." - Eddie, The Shoveller

Why watch this? I think the "Membership Drive" is one really hilarious scene.

Dad's Review: I'd never make it as a real super-hero, but here, I'd have a chance. This cobbled-together team of misfits must find a way to save the day. This flick manages to develop its characters and be completely snarky funny and along the way. The actors, even the stern Wes Studi, seem to be having a great time. I do so enjoy the wonderful Geoffrey Rush as the villain Casanova Frankenstein (such a cool name). 

Starring: Leslie Nielsen, Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalbán, George Kennedy, O. J. Simpson

"It's true what they say: Cops and women don't mix. It's like eating a spoonful of Drano. Sure, it'll clean you out, but it'll leave you hollow inside." – Frank Drebin

Why watch this? To laugh... A lot. It's non-stop.

Dad's Review: I thought the silly Airplane! was marginally funny with its puns and goofy skits and gags. It also starred straight-faced Leslie Nielsen. Why Naked Gun impacted me so differently I cannot guess, but I love this film. It is a spin-off from a failed TV show that was cancelled after 8 episodes. Nielsen plays dead-pan police Lt. Frank Drebin. He bumbles his way through every scene with hilarious skill. Every sight gag, and funny line feels new. You'll find it hard to stop laughing. I DO recommend the two sequels - they are almost as funny as the original.

Starring: Sean Connery, F. Murray Abraham, Feodor Chaliapin Jr., Christian Slater, Ron Perlman

"Laughter kills fear, and without fear there can be no faith because without fear of the Devil, there is no more need of God." - Jorge de Burgos

Why watch this? Sean Connery as a crime-solving Franciscan friar! What's not to like?!

Dad's Review: Friar William and his young apprentice are called upon to solve a murder mystery in a medieval abbey. Nothing is what is seems as the two speak with monks and others involved. There are many secrets at the abbey, and it a trail appears to lead to the very top of the order.

Connery is dependably solid, but I really enjoy F. Murray Abraham as the villainous inquisitor.

Starring: Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Diedrich Bader

"Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter." - Kip

Why watch this? The quote-ability. I literally know every line from this film qqq

Dad's Review: You either get it your you don't. I tell folks I love this film and they look at me like I'm crazy (it's how I know you were a bully). It is about nothing, just some kids at high school. They are nerds. One in particular, Napoleon, just won't accept that the not destined for greatness. My kids and I watched this film repeatedly. We still quote its lines. We rejoice when the nerds actually wins one. Because, honestly, there a lotta nerd in all of us.

Starring: John Belushi, Tim Matheson, John Vernon, Verna Bloom, Thomas Hulce, Donald Sutherland, Stephen Furst, Bruce McGill, Karen Allen

"What? Over? Did you say "Over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!" - Bluto

Why watch this? This film was THE film for me and all my McMurry buddies. We loved it.

Dad's Review: Irreverent, absolutely. Tasteless, yep. Gratuitous, oh yea. It is also one of the funniest films ever made. Landis wanted to capture the wanton fraternity life that raged on college campuses during the 1960’s, and he used SNL’s bright young comic, John Belushi, to accomplish that feat. It is one funny scene right after another, building to an unforgettable climax that leaves Faber College changed forever. 

Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, John Candy, Christie Brinkley

"Clark, let's just skip the house of mud. I think Dodge City was enough fun for one day." - Ellen Griswold

Why watch this? This is the Griswald origin story.

Dad's Review: Chevy Chase exited SNL after one season. His first film was Vacation. Nice move. He will be forever remembered as the bumbling Clark Griswald, a dad that just wants the perfect family vaca. Bad dad jokes, secret lusts, and a burning desire to impress his family lead our hero and his family on a cross-country quest for the ultimate vacation destination.

Starring: Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, Robert Prosky, Richard Farnsworth

"I guess some mistakes you never stop paying for." - Roy Hobbs

Why watch this? This is the greatest baseball, and maybe sports, movie ever made.

Dad's Review: There is something so grand about this story of a great baseball player who made one mistake and it almost cost him is life. A few years later, he tries to make a comeback. Of course we're rooting for him as the ultimate underdog. The stellar film crew and cast made of of the enduring films of our lifetime. You will be inspired, and at the same time, yearn for a earlier era in time where things like this might have actually happened. 

Starring: Clint Walker, Martha Hyer, Keenan Wynn, Jack Elam, Nancy Kulp, Leo Gordon, Ron Ely, Ellen Corby, Med Flory

"Adam's dead. Phil won't have a left arm, ever again. They got on old Satan's trail before we did. And he doubled back on 'em." - Jed Curry

Why watch this? Old Satan. This bear is seriously threatening.

Dad's Review: A family of homesteaders set up their new ranch only to find the area is the feeding-ground of a nasty, rogue grizzly bear called "Old Satan". This film reminds me a lot of Old Yeller and it features one of my favorite Western stars, Clint Walker. There are parts that scarier than they should be. I really enjoyed this as a kid, and was terrified by the killer bear!

Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Jessie Royce Landis, Martin Landau, Leo G. Carroll, Edward Platt

"I've got a job, a secretary, a mother, two ex-wives and several bartenders that depend upon me, and I don't intend to disappoint them all by getting myself slightly killed." - Roger Thornhill

Why watch this? Cary Grant is superb as a mistaken man forced to survive a nasty situation.

Dad's Review: I love anything from Mr. Hitchcock. That said I keep coming back to this one. This is the ultimate movie on mistaken identity. Except this time, the man involved just might be smart enough to make it out alive. There are many iconic film moments: the bi-plane attack, scaling Mr. Rushmore. It's tense and tightly written, which makes is a superb suspense film.

Starring: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern, Leopoldine Konstantin, Reinhold Schunzel, Moroni Olsen

"Every time you look at me, I can see it running over its slogans: 'Once a crook, always a crook,' 'Once a tramp, always a tramp.' Go on. You can hold my hand. I won't blackmail you for it afterwards." – Alicia Huberman

Why watch this? The suspenseful within this film is palpable.

Dad's Review: In my eyes, what elevates this Hitchcock thriller is its elegant suspense. Everybody is so damn polite, and rarely says what they really feel or intend. So much so, that when it finally occurs, it is like long-awaited reward. The film reunites Claude Rains and Ingrid Bergman from Casablanca, and throws in Cary Grant. The climax of the film is a master class on building suspense and delivering the payoff.

Starring: George Burns, John Denver, Teri Garr, Donald Pleasence, Ralph Bellamy, Paul Sorvino, Carl Reiner, Bernard Hughes, William Daniels

"The last miracle I did was the 1969 Mets. Before that, I think you have to go back to the Red Sea." – God

Why watch this? It's nice to see a rendition of God that is not so fiery and intimidating. 

Dad's Review: Maybe the sweetest movie ever about our creator. It’s a simple premise: God appears to a regular guy; a supermarket manager named Jerry. God tells him to spread the Word. It doesn’t take long before all around him, chiefly religious experts, begin to become quite angry over his proclamations. This all lands in a courtroom, where Jerry has to prove that God does exist. I am so impressed with singer John Denver. He’s so honest and genuine.

Starring: Dorothy McGuire, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Spike, Jeff York, Chuck Connors, Beverly Washburn, Spike the dog

"If that don't beat all. I never saw such a dog." - Katie Coates

Why watch this? Every once in a while, a grown man needs to bawl his heart out.

Dad's Review: There once was only Disney shows on TV once a week on Sunday nights. This wonderful Western story about a flop-eared yellow dog. We meet a small frontier family with two young boys, Travis and Arlis. Dad has to leave the family and will be gone several weeks. During this time, they find the dog, and he becomes the family pet and protector. This heartwarming family film is a treasure. You will be inspired. You will love that dang dog! And you will literally bawl your eyes out. It is, however, worth it.  

Starring: Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Jason Robarbs, Charles Bronson, Woody Strode, Cabriele Ferzetti, Jack Elam

"He's whittlin' on a piece of wood. I've got a feeling when he stops whittlin'... Somethin's gonna happen." - Cheyenne

Why watch this? This is the best Sergio Leone Western film, hands down.

Dad's Review: Sergio Leone directed many spaghetti Westerns, but this is by far his magnum opus. There are many Western themes present, but the line between good and bad is blurred enough to really make it interesting. The film is large and epic, and Charles Bronson is wonderful as the harmonica player. The soundtrack is amazing.

Starring: Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Benning, Michael Gambon, Michael Jeter, Diego Luna

"Men are gonna get killed here today, Sue, and I’m gonna kill ‘em." - Charley Waite

Why watch this? The great relationship between Costner and Duvall.

Dad's Review: Costner (as actor and director) and Duvall deliver one of the best Westerns ever. This film has breath-taking scenery, great action sequences (one of the best, and most realistic gun battles ever filmed), and many of the classic Western elements. That said, the film’s true strength is the numerous, little interactions between the characters. This is expert character development. Costner should have taken home at least one Oscar for effort.    

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, Timothy Hutton, M. Emmet Walsh, Elizabeth McGovern, Dinah Manoff

"A little advice about feelings kiddo; don't expect it always to tickle."-  Dr. Berger

Why watch this? It's an engrossing film about tragedy and its long-lasting affects.

Dad's Review: Who knew Robert Redford could direct? After this Oscar winning film we all found out. It is a poignant story that deals with many difficult subjects: a young boy's death, the aftermath this has on his family, suicide, and the critical valuable of psychiatric council. The performances are stellar, as is Redford's tender direction. There are some scenes that are almost too painful to watch. Regardless, you need to stick it out, and see the journey to its end.