Starring: Clint Eastwood, Chief Dan George, Sondra Locke, Bill McKinney, John Vernon, Sam Bottoms

“You gonna pull them pistols or just whistle ‘Dixie’?” -  Josey Wales

Why watch this? Star and director Eastwood, hits his stride with this memorable Western.

Dad's Review: In a performance chock full of iconic quotes, director/star Eastwood created one of the great Westerns, and characters, of all time. Wales is a man driven by revenge, but also justice, as he hunts the men responsible for murdering his wife and son. It is set immediately after the Civil war when gangs of ex-Union soldiers roamed the West using their power to murder and pillage. The scene where Wales parlays with Chief Ten Bears is unforgettable.

Starring: Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, Harry Morgan, Frank Conroy, Anthony Quinn, William Eythe, Jane Darwell, Matt Briggs

"You don't even care whether you've got the right men or not. All you know is you've lost something and somebody's got to be punished." - Donald Martin

Why watch this? This is a twist on the old West's posse - what if they hang the wrong people?

Dad's Review: The Western is a great vehicle for the morality tale. It's easier to depict how people will act in a setting where many laws had to be enforced by the citizens, not the government. In this film a rancher has been murdered and a mob forms. They find three men with cattle and assume they are the murders. The mob, led by the tyrannical Major Tetley, sets to hang the men. This is a great exercise in the evils of groupthink.  

Starring: Steve Martin, Tom Hulce, Jason Robarbs, Diane Wiest, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, Mary Steenburgen, Joaquin Phoenix

“My whole life is have to." - Gil Buckman

Why watch this? A great film about a family with its normal issues, trials and wonders.

Dad's Review: Steve Martin plays an excellent father in many films. Ironically, in real-life he's not a father. This film touches on a lot that parents do to deal with family things that are often out of their control: a child who lacks confidence; a son who always makes bad decisions; parents who obsess with perfection. Those are serious topics, but this film covers them in a way that makes you laugh about it. Enjoy the warm performances from a stellar all-star cast. 

Starring: Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready, Wayne Morris, Richard Anderson, Joe Turkel, Peter Capell

"I apologize, sir, for not telling you sooner that you're a degenerate, sadistic old man. And you can go to hell before I apologize to you now or ever again!" - Colonel Dax

Why watch this? A very good film on World War I

Dad's Review: The significance of Kirk Douglas on American cinema cannot be overstated. Where his contemporaries (Wayne, Stewart, Peck, or Tracy) filled roles as the dependable hero, Douglas played the more complex man. He was usually conflicted, sullen, explosive, difficult to read. He was an incredible acting force. In this film he plays a French commander who refuses to send his men on a suicide attack and faces court-martial. This powerful anti-war effort is engrossing, mostly thanks to Douglas' powerful performance.

Starring: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, David Bauer, Edward Binns, John Doucette, Michael Strong

"Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." - General Patton

Why watch this? This is the role George C. Scott was destined to play.

Dad's Review: In real life, Patton was larger than life. This spanning epic somehow manages to paint an intimate portrait of the complicated man Patton was. He inspired his men, yet was brutally hard on them. He was such a prima donna that he was often at odds with his superiors. Regardless, he was a military genius who helped the US win the war.    

Starring: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Virginia Weidler

“That's the gist of it; because you'll never be a first-class human being or a first-class woman, until you've learned to have some regard for human frailty.” – C. K. Dexter Haven

Why watch this? Witty banter, social snobbery, misplaced affection, what's not to love?

Dad's Review: This superb little story explores the life of a spoiled little brat. She's rich, she takes a certain joy in toying with people. On the eve of her marriage, and old boyfriend shows up alongside a handsome young reporter who is infatuated with her. Let the fun begin. This one quick-witted, endearing tale that winds along to a satisfying finish. This is Kate Hepburn at her finest. Grant and Stewart are also wonderful in supporting roles. 

Starring: Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, John Malkovich, Danny Glover

"You took a no-account piece of land and a bunch of people that didn't know what they were doin' and you farmed that land better than anybody could - colored or white. You're the one that brought in the first bale of cotton this year. Don't you ever forget that." - Edna Spalding

Why watch this? Because Elsie loved it.

Dad's Review: My mom lived through the Great Depression in Texas. People today have no concept of a hard life. Oscar-winner Sally Field carries the story as a mother forced to take charge of her farm after the death of her husband. Amid all the hardships, she finds help from a black man, Mose, who helps work the 40 acres of cotton. A tornado hits the small Texas down, then the Clan attacks her farm. You will stand up and cheer at the courage and determination inside this little lady a she fights to defend her own. 

Starring: Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen, Keith David, Forest Whitaker, Francesco Quinn, Kevin Dillon

"Somebody once wrote: "Hell is the impossibility of reason." That's what this place feels like. Hell." - Chris Taylor

Why watch this? This is the apogee of Vietnam films. It's gut-wrenching and accurate.

Dad's Review: This is Chris Taylor's journey through war in Vietnam. He leaves college and enlists (most soldiers were drafted) in the infantry. The platoon he joins becomes embroiled in an internal civil struggle between the brutal Sgt. Barnes and compassionate Sgt. Elias. Tom Berenger's portrayal of Barnes is the most terrifying I have ever scene on film. The film is intense, harrowing, and very real. I can see how that war destroyed the men who fought there.

Starring: JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Beatrice Straight, Dominique Dunne, Heather O’Rourke, Zelda Rubinstein

"It lies to her, it tells her things only a child could understand. It has been using her to restrain the others. To her, it simply is another child. To us, it is the Beast." - Tangina

Why watch this? Nightmares come to life in this disturbing, apparition-filled experience.

Dad's Review: Everyone loves a good ghost story. This is Spielberg’s version and it is full of scary moments: a creepy clown doll, a little girl kidnapped, corpses in the swimming pool, a terrifying demon. One strength of the film is the family being besieged.  With all the crazy and unnatural things happening around them, they stick together.  A great reveal at the end explains why the spirits are so angry. This is certainly one to watch, with the lights on.

Starring: Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Red Buttons, Carol Lynley, Shelley Winters, Roddy McDowall, Stella Stevens, Jack Albertson, Pamela Sue Martin

"We're cut off from the rest of the world. They can't get to us. Maybe we can get to them. You've said enough, now get out of the way." -  Rev. Frank Scott

Why watch this? This is the disaster film which all others should be compared.

Dad's Review: This may be the best the disaster of the 70’s. A cruise ship is hit by a huge wave and capsized. A small band of survivors are lead upward to the hull by fiery preacher portrayed by Gene Hackman. It is tense and feels very real as they navigate through the narrow passage ways of a ship that is upside down. I love films where regular people find themselves in dire circumstances. Who will stand up, who will fold, who will fight, who will give up?

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, Jessie Ventura, Elpidia Carrillo, Sonny Landham

“There's something out there waiting for us, and it ain't no man…We're all gonna die.” - Billy

Why watch this? Schwartzie at the top of his game in this action-packer.

Dad's Review: This film stars out as an action movie, but quickly turns into something else entirely. Elite members of a well-armed mercenary group perform their mission and are working their way out of the jungle. Suddenly, something starts hunting them. It seems to be an invisible foe. Those killed are brutally mangled. Son the fleeing band will learn the truth about the mysterious hunter, who has plans to take a few human trophies.

Starring: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Héctor Elizondo, Laura San Giacomo

"I appreciate this whole seduction thing you've got going on here, but let me give you a tip: I'm a sure thing." - Vivian

Why watch this? This is where the world fell in love with Julia.

Dad's Review: After a few smaller hits, this is the film what made Julia Roberts a superstar. She is adorable as the whore with a heart of gold. She agrees to a business transaction with Richard Gere, a corporate raider, who hates what he does. After one night, there is just something about her that he can’t shake. This modern day fairy tale will warm you up like hot cocoa.

Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Robin Wright, Peter Faulk, Fred Savage

"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” – Indigo Montoya

Why watch this? This is a fairy tale, but it's wisely laced with adult humor.

Dad's Review: This film found me late in life, and long after its theatrical debut. I could not believe how much I loved what I thought would be a children's film! It is directed by Rob Reiner, and has an almost Monty-Python-esc feel to it. Kids will love it, but there’s a lot of intelligent wit. Each scene is memorable including small cameos from Billy Crystal and Wallace Shawn. Don't forget to watch out for the R.U.S.'s!

Starring: Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, Clarence Williams III, Jerome Benton, Billy Sparks, Jill Jones

"I can make you, happy. If you just believe in me." - The Kid's Father

Why watch this? One of the best movies about an artist and his band ever.

Dad's Review: I will forever say that Prince, and this film, helped me to find my sex appeal. My upbringing said sexy was a cowboy smoking a Marlboro. Prince helped me find my way. Prince exuded sexual charisma, and some of it was not completely masculine. Still the ladies loved it. It took the pressure off a need to appear macho, and that was true to who I really am. Say what you want, but he's so freakin' cool. Here, the concert scenes are unforgettable. The soundtrack sat at No. 1 for 24 weeks! It's world-wide sale made it one of the best-selling albums of all time. It won the Oscar for Best Original Song Score.

Starring: John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen, Ward Bond, Mildred Natwick

"There'll be no locks or bolts between us Mary Kate, except those in your own mercenary little heart." – Sean Thornton

Why watch this? Wayne could also carry a romantic film; this one set in verdant Ireland.

Dad's Review: This is John Ford’s great film about Ireland. It is chock full o’ beautiful stonewall fields, trout streams, thatched-roofs, and a host of delightful, brogue-speakin’ Irish-townsfolk. It is Ford’s nod to his Irish roots. It is also such a great backdrop for the complicated romance between Wayne and O’Hara (who would star together two more times). This movie will make you feel good, and wish you came from Erin.

Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter, Raymond Burr, Judith Evelyn, Frank Cady, Georgine Darcy, Ross Bagdasarian

"People do a lot of things in private they couldn't possibly explain in public." Lt. Doyle

Why watch this? Nobody did it like Hitchcock. This one drips suspense.

Dad's Review: Stewart is laid up with a broken leg in the city. In his boredom he watches the tenants around him through a high-power camera lens. I all seems quite innocent, if not a bit odd. Then his powers of perception notice that one man’s wife doesn't come home. One clue leads to another until a little simple voyeurism becomes a dangerous game. This is superb story-telling by the real master of manipulating the audience to build tension and dread.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison, Nicole Ari Parker, Hayden Panettiere, Kip Pardue

"If we don't come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed, just like they were. I don't care if you like each other of not, but you will respect each other. And maybe... I don't know, maybe we'll learn to play this game like men." - Coach Boone

Why watch this? I do like a good high school football movie. This is a great one.

Dad's Review: This may be a football movie, but the theme is unmistakably that racism is wrong. Furthermore, it's unproductive, especially when trying to build a team. As it builds up to the final big game, the team grows, sometimes by addition and sometimes by subtraction. By the end, the Titans stand together as brothers.

Starring: Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Fred Ward, Sam Shepard, Lance Henriksen, Kim Stanley, Barbara Hershey, Veronica Cartwright, Charles Frank, Pamela Reed

"It takes a special kind of man to volunteer for a suicide mission, especially when it's on national TV." – Chuck Yeager

Why watch this? It's an educational and thoroughly engaging film about the space program.

Dad's Review: This flick started the careers of many young stars including Scott Glenn, Ed Harris and Dennis Quaid. It details two parallel stories: the Mercury space program, and Chuck Yeager’s attempts to break the sound barrier in a jet. This film takes us back to a time when it was OK to get a little excited about our air and space programs. You will be inspired.

Starring: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson, Walter Brennan, Ward Bond, John Russell, Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, Estelita Rodriguez

"Well, they call it the "Degüello"... the cutthroat song. The Mexicans played it for those Texas boys when they had 'em bottled up in the Alamo." - Colorado

Why watch this? This is one of Wayne's best films.

Dad's Review: John Wayne is sheriff John T. Chance. He locks up the arrogant son of a wealthy landowner. He and his two deputies decide to hole up in the jail and wait for the federal marshal. The surprise to this well done movie is the performance of Dean Martin, who plays the town drunk. Walter Brennan is excellent as the crusty old sidekick, Stumpy.  

Starring: Peter Weller, Karen Allen, Daniel O’Herlihy, Ronny Cox, Kurtwood Smith, Miguel Ferrer, Jeff Goldblum

"Let me make something clear to you. He doesn't have a name. He has a program. He's product." - Bob Morton

Why watch this? It is an excellent sci-fi film about a possible future of law enforcement.

Dad's Review: In this shockingly violent film there are two competing companies striving to secure financial backing to create a "robotic policeman". One company creates a full robot. The other creates a cyborg, part machine, part man. Peter Weller is compelling the RoboCop, who's lingering memories return, causing a conflict between his directives and his humanity.  

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Thayer David, Joe Spinell, Jimmy Gambina

"Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood." - Rocky Balboa

Why watch this? One of the best underdog stories ever. Yo, Adrian!

Dad's Review: Stallone was a force who was determined to make is as a star in Hollywood. This was his vehicle to do that. He wrote the screenplay, and insisted that he play the lead. It was a big gamble that certainly paid off. Like Rocky himself, the underdog film won the Best Picture Oscar. It really is a great movie with strong performances by its cast. It also was a perfect role for long-time character actor Burgess Meredith, who portrayed Rocky’s grumpy trainer, Mickey.

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Ton Burton, Joe Spinell, Leonard Gaines

"You're gonna eat lightnin' and you're gonna crap thunder!" - Mickey

Why watch this? It really holds water against its predecessor; the ending is worth the wait.

Dad's Review: As with Rocky, Stallone wrote the Rocky II script and this time took over as the film's director. He does a very nice job in that seat. The film follows an excellent plot where the climax, again, ends in the ring with a rematch against the powerful Apollo Creed. This final bout, though bloody and brutal, is one for the ages. Can the underdog hang in there against the champ...again?

Starring: Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce

"Of course I'm afraid! You think I'm reluctant because I'm happy?" - Sam

Why watch this? This may be Frankenheimer’s best film. It’s smart, and full of intrique.

Dad's Review: This is a superb action film from the master himself. It features a group of people with special skills, assembled to seize a mysterious case in Europe. The fewer questions the better. De Niro and Reno join a stellar cast as the story, wrought with deception and double-crosses, unfolds. De Niro is one tough hombre. And what is in that case?

Starring: James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger, Joan Chandler, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Constance Collier, Edith Evanson

"I've always wished for more artistic talent. Well, murder can be an art, too. The power to kill can be just as satisfying as the power to create." - Brandon Shaw

Why watch this? This is my favorite Hitchcock film. It’s lean and twisted.

Dad's Review: There is just something about this film that I love. Perhaps it is the devious plot by two men to tempt fate. Perhaps it’s James Stewarts performance as their old college professor who immediately senses something is amiss. Perhaps it is Hitchcock’s unique techniques, where he used long takes, which in turn gives the viewer a sense of continues action. It was not popular upon release, but this is a bold, interesting film.

Starring: Steve Martin, Daryl Hannah, Shelley Duvall, Rick Rossovich, Fred Willard, Michael J. Pollard

"You still went to bed with him awfully fast! A few frilly words and you're counting ceiling tiles." - C. D. Bales

Why watch this? One of Martin's better romance films; his performance is incredible.

Dad's Review: This is a modern telling of Edmond Rostand's classic play "Cyrano de Bergerac". Steve Martin portrays C. D. Bales, a man with an unusual facial feature. Most men would be down, but not him. He makes the most of it and his life, as he runs a volunteer fire department. Then he meets Roxanne, and falls hopelessly in love. But how can she love a man like him? 

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick

"Um, I guess... if we're gonna date, you may have to defeat my seven evil exes." – Ramona Flower

Why watch this? There is not a second in this film that I don’t love.

Dad's Review: I was kinda giving up on the next generation of movies; maybe I was getting out of touch. Then I watched Scott Pilgrim, and my faith was restored! This sweet video game of a story is a perfect romance. It’s so much fun! Michael Cera is an amazing talent. I love the action, the songs, the premise, its creativity - EVERYTHING!