The force is calling to you. Just let it in.

Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Jupita Nyong'o, Anthony Daniels

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I used to wonder about that myself. Thought it was a bunch of mumbo jumbo. A magical power holding together good and evil, the dark side and the light. Crazy thing is... it's true. The Force, the Jedi. All of it. It's all true." - Han Solo

Why watch this? The big moment, by a mile, was the return of Han and Chewy. So... Damn... Awesome!

Plot Summary: Three decades after the Galactic Empire's collapse, a new tyrannical force known as the First Order seeks to dominate the galaxy and eliminate the last remaining Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker. A young scavenger named Rey, a rogue stormtrooper named Finn, and a Resistance pilot named Poe Dameron find themselves drawn into the conflict when they encounter a droid carrying a vital piece of a map to Skywalker's whereabouts.

Lucasfilm Ltd., Bad Robot; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Everyone deserves the chance to fly.

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage (voice), Michelle Yoeh, Jeff Goldblum, Andy Nyman, Courtney Mae-Briggs, Bronwyn James

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"And I've just had a vision, almost like a prophecy. I know, it sounds truly crazy. And true, the vision's hazy. But I swear, someday there'll be a celebration throughout Oz. That's all to do.. with me!" – Elphaba

Why watch this? It is a spectacular prequel to the endearing Oz story.

Plot Summary: This is the untold story of witches in Oz, focusing on green-skinned Elphaba and popular Galinda's unlikely friendship at Shiz University, their contrasting paths as Elphaba uncovers the Wizard's corruption and seeks to save oppressed animals, and how their choices ultimately lead to Elphaba becoming the feared Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda becomes the good witch.
 

Dad's Preview: If this film doesn't leave a legacy, it's not from lack of hype, advertising and extravagance. The sets, CGI and musical numbers are huge and easy to enjoy. The performance by Cynthia Erivo is superb, as is Ariana Grande's turn at Galinda/Glenda. Frankly their interactions are the strength of the film. What surprised me was how devious and ruthless the Wizard behaves, channeling an authoritarian, plotting his evil take-over. He's not a man to be trusted, and I felt Jeff Goldblum was miscast. It did get very heavy towards the final act, probably to set up the next film. Perhaps it was time to darken the tone of the magical kingdom of Oz, but, call me old-fashioned, I'll never stop missing the old kingdom's sense of hopefulness.

Marc Platt Productions; Universal Pictures

A Hayao Miyazaki Film

Starring: (the voice (English) talent of:) Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Karen Fukuhara, Gemma Chan, Christian Bale, Mark Hamill, Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe, Dave Bautista

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"A gray heron once told me that all gray herons are liars. Is that a lie, or is it the truth?" - Kiriko

Why watch this? A masterfully animated offering full of fantasy and discovery.

Plot Summary: After losing his mother during World War II, a young boy named Mahito moves to the countryside, where he struggles to adjust to a new life with his father and stepmother. He is soon haunted by a mischievous talking heron who lures him into an abandoned, ancient tower, leading him into a fantastical, surreal world shared by the living and the dead. While navigating this dangerous new realm to find his missing stepmother, Mahito embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Studio Ghibli; Toho

The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), Director: Nathan Juran, rated G

The Sheer Magic of DYNARAMA Now Re-creates the Most Spectacular Adventures Ever Filmed!

Starring: Kerwin Mathews, Torin Thatcher, Kathryn Grant, Richard Eyer, Alec Mango, Danny Green, Alfred Brown

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"From the land beyond beyond. From the world past hope and fear. I bid you, genie, now appear." - Sokurah the Magician

Why watch this? The mythical creatures are a treat, especially the hungry Cyclops!

Plot Summary: When an evil wizard shrinks a princess, Sinbad must journey to a dangerous island to find the only cure. This perilous quest is crucial, not only to save the princess, but also to prevent a war between two kingdoms. Sinbad and his crew face terrifying creatures and overcome magical obstacles in their quest to restore the princess to her normal size.

Morningside Productions; Columbia Pics

Every Saga As A Beginning

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Pernilla August, Samuel L. Jackson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ - above average

"Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts." – Qui-Gon Jinn, to young Anakin

Why watch this? The prequel buzz was overwhelming. The film itself... wasn't.

Plot Summary: When the peaceful planet of Naboo is blockaded by the Trade Federation, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, are sent to resolve the dispute. They encounter a young slave boy named Anakin Skywalker who possesses a strong connection to the Force and join forces with Queen Amidala to expose the plot behind Naboo's invasion.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

A Jedi Shall Not Know Anger. Nor Hatred. Nor Love.

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Temuera Morrison

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of a dark lord of the Sith?" – Count Dooku, to his captive Obi-Wan

Why watch this? Prequel Part 2 IS better than part 1, and Yoda finally gets his moment.

Plot Summary: As thousands of planetary systems threaten to secede from the Galactic Republic, Senator Padmé Amidala's life is put at risk by an assassination attempt. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates the attack while his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, is assigned to protect Padmé and falls in love with her. Kenobi's investigation uncovers a secret clone army and leads the Jedi to confront the growing Separatist threat, led by former Jedi Master Count Dooku.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

The saga is complete.

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Ian McDiarmid, Jimmy Smits, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Christopher Lee

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"If you're not with me, then you're my enemy." – Anakin Skywalker

Why watch this? We meh'ed the prequels: Episodes I and II. This dark, disturbing film gave us what we needed.

Plot Summary: Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker struggles with a difficult choice after growing weary of the Jedi Council and being tempted by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's promises of power. The Clone Wars wage on, but a dark plot threatens the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order itself. As Obi-Wan Kenobi hunts a dangerous foe, Anakin's fate hangs in the balance, with the potential to dramatically reshape the galaxy forever.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

From the smallest beginnings come the greatest legends.

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis, Ken Stott, Ian Holm, Graham McTavish, Aidan Turner, Dean O-Gorman, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Ccallen, Peter Hambleton, William Kircher, Cate Blanchett

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead." - Gandalf

Why watch this? It's a cinematic return to Middle Earth.

Plot Summary: In this fantasy adventure, a home-loving hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join a company of thirteen dwarves on a quest. They embark on a perilous journey across treacherous lands to reclaim the dwarves' lost kingdom from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo must find the courage he never knew he had while facing orcs, goblins, and a creature named Gollum.
 

Dad's Preview: This film was originally planned as a two-film adaptation of Tolkien's The Hobbit (1937), and Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy (2004)) was slated to direct. As things will happen, del Toro exited the project and Peter Jackson took over as director. The result is a film that divided critics. There is a lot to like: Freeman is excellent as Bilbo Baggins, Ian McKellen returns as Galdalf, the ending is the film's strongest segment. However, there are some negatives, too. It feels rushed, probably a result of Jackson stepping in to direct at the last minute. The opening of the film, where the dwarfs gather at Bilbo's house, is overtly silly and just too long, as is the film as a whole. Tolkien purists will probably be in their glory here, but as a casual film-goer, I expected more from the same team that gave us the amazing original Lord of the Rings trilogy.

New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
Wingnut Films; Warner Bros. Pics

Greatest Odyssey Of The Ages - for the first time on the screen

Starring: Todd Armstrong, Nancy Kovack, Gary Raymond, Laurence Naismith, Niall MacGinnis, Michael Gwynn, Nigel Green, Douglas Wilmer

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Rise up, you dead, slain of the hydra. Rise from your graves and avenge us. Those who steal the Golden Fleece must die." – King Aeetes

Why watch this? Many consider this Ray Harryhausen's best film. He thought so, too.

Plot Summary: Young Jason returns to claim his rightful throne, only to be challenged by his uncle, King Pelias, to seek the legendary Golden Fleece. Jason gathers a crew of heroes, the Argonauts, and embarks on a perilous voyage filled with monstrous creatures and unforeseen dangers across uncharted seas. Guided by the goddess Hera and encountering allies and betrayals, the crew faces incredible obstacles in their quest to find the fleece and ultimately determine Jason's destiny.

Morningside Productions; Columbia Pictures

A rebellion built on hope.

Starring: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang, Ben Mendelsohn, Guy Henry, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Jimmy Smits

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"We have hope. Rebellions are built on hope!" - Jyn Erso

Why watch this? Disney has since over-saturated the Star Wars brand, but this early film shines as interesting and even necessary.

Plot Summary: Jyn Erso is a young woman with a troubled past, who is recruited by the Rebel Alliance. Alongside Rebel officer Cassian Andor and a diverse team of fighters, Jyn undertakes a daring mission to steal the plans of the Death Star, the Galactic Empire's devastating super-weapon. Their perilous journey takes them across the galaxy, encountering both allies and adversaries, as they race against time to deliver hope to the galaxy.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures

A magician, a witch, a castle that has life. A fantastic journey into the world of imagination.

Starring: (the American voice talents of) Emily Mortimer, Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Billy Crystal, John Hutcherson, Blythe Danner, Jena Malone, Mari Devon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Knowing you'd be there gave me the courage to show up. That woman terrifies me. I can't face her on my own. You saved me, Sophie. I was in big trouble back there." - Howl's reply to Sophie's question why she had to go meet with the sorceress Suliman

Why watch this? It's a creative, beautiful fantasy to behold.

Plot Summary: After being cursed with old age by a witch, a timid young hat maker named Sophie seeks a cure and finds refuge in the strange, walking castle of the notorious but insecure wizard, Howl. Assuming the role of a cleaning lady, she gradually grows closer to Howl and his quirky companions, while also trying to break a mysterious contract he has with a fire demon that powers the castle. As Sophie begins to develop her own confidence, she helps Howl confront his deepest fears and protect them both from the dangers of a senseless war engulfing their world.

Studio Ghibli; Toho

A boy who needs a friend finds a world that needs a hero in a land beyond imagination!

Starring: Barret Oliver, Noah Hathaway, Tami Stonach, Patricia Hayes, Sydney Bromley, Gerald McRaney, Moses Gunn

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"He doesn't understand that he's the one who has the power to stop it. He simply can't imagine that one little boy could be that important." - The Empress

Why watch this? Fairytale films are usually just for kids. This will inspire adults as well.

Plot Summary: Young Bastian, escaping from bullies, finds refuge in a bookstore and steals a mysterious book titled "The NeverEnding Story". This magical book transports him to the whimsical world of Fantasia. As Bastian reads, he becomes immersed in the adventures of Atreyu, a young warrior tasked with saving Fantasia from a malevolent force known as the Nothing.

Neue Constantin Film, Bavaria Film,
Producers Sales Org.; Warner Bros.

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Epic.

Starring: (the voices of) Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Brenda Vaccaro, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, George Takei, Rooney Mara, Meyrick Murphy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"He looked into my eyes and uttered four simple words. These words changed everything... You are my quest." - Monkey

Why watch this? This is a superb, and visually stunning, animated fable.

Plot Summary: In ancient Japan, a young boy named Kubo lives a quiet life caring for his ailing mother and captivating his village with magical origami stories and music. This peaceful existence is shattered when a spirit from the past reignites an old vendetta, forcing Kubo to embark on a perilous journey to find his late father's enchanted armor. Joined by a protective Monkey and an amnesiac Beetle, Kubo faces formidable foes and discovers the power of his family's legacy.

Laika; Focus Features

What started as fire and fury will become friendship.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Jay Baruchel, Randy Thom, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, David Tennant

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Most people would leave. Not us. We're Vikings. We... have stubbornness issues." - Hiccup

Why watch this? It's a wonderful, action-filled tale about Vikings and air-borne dragons.

Plot Summary: Viking 101: They kill dragons - all of the many kinds. On the island village of Berk, chieftain Stoick the Vast, has a teen son, Hiccup, who is a wiz with creating mechanical devices, yet weak by dad's brawny standards. When Hiccup shoots down a rare Night Fury dragon, nobody believes him. After searching the nearby forest for the dragon's body, Hiccup finds the downed beast very alive and kinda friendly. Meanwhile, Stoick enrolls the lad in dragon-fighting class, as he once sails away to destroy the monsters' nests. Hiccup desperately seeks his dad's approval, but can he actually take a dragon's life?

DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures

Another World, Another Time... In the Age of Wonder.

Starring: Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw, Percy Edwards, Barry Dennen, Michael Kilgarriff, Sean Barrett, Joseph O'Conor

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"When single shines the triple sun / What was sundered and undone / Shall be whole, the two made one / By gelfling hand or else by none." - Jen

Why watch this? This wonderful fantasy movie is visually stunning.

Plot Summary: This fantasy film, directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, is set on the fantastic alien world of Thra. It tells the story of Jen, a young Gelfling, who is tasked with a quest to find a missing shard splintered from a powerful crystal and heal his world. This endeavor is crucial to ending the tyrannical reign of villainous, bird-like creatures known as the Skeksis.

ITC Ent., Henson Associates;
Universal Pictures Assoc. Film Dist.

The Fate Of The World Rests On The Courage Of One Warrior.

Starring: (English voice cast:) Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Billy Bob Thornton, John DeMita, John DiMaggio, Jada Pinkett Smith, Gillian Anderson, Debi Derryberry, Keith David, Tara Strong

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Now watch closely, everyone. I'm going to show you how to kill a god. A god of life and death. The trick is not to fear him." - Lady Eboshi

Why watch this? It is yet another wonderful animated treasure from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki.

Plot Summary: Set in the Muromachi period of Japanese history, young Prince Ashitaka is cursed by a demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure. There, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between Iron Town, a community encroaching upon the forest and its inhabitants, and the forest spirits, led by the enigmatic Princess Mononoke. Ashitaka attempts to mediate between the opposing forces, seeking a path to coexistence before the escalating violence consumes both humans and nature.

Studio Ghibli; Toho

An entire universe. Once and for all.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"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 intimate moments.

Plot Summary: A powerful being known as Thanos seeks to collect six ancient and incredibly powerful artifacts called the Infinity Stones. He believes that by using the stones to eliminate half of all life in the universe, he can save it from inevitable destruction. The Avengers and their allies across the galaxy must band together to stop him, leading to the ultimate confrontation for the fate of existence.

Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics

Avenge the fallen.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"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.

Plot Summary: After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the remaining Avengers must find a way to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe. With the help of allies and a potential new method, they embark on a crucial mission to undo the chaos caused by the Mad Titan. This final stand will determine the fate of the universe and conclude a long-running story arc.

Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics

Prepare to be spirited away.

Starring: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takeshi Naito, Yasuko Sawaguchi
English dub - Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette, Lauren Holly, Michael Chiklis, David Ogden Stiers

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Three days of eating our food and her smell will go away. And if she doesn't work hard, roast her, boil her, do whatever you want. Now get back to work." - Haku

Why watch this? You need to experience this visual wonder conveyed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Plot Summary: During her family's move, a sullen 10-year-old girl named Chihiro wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and spirits. Her parents are transformed into pigs after eating unattended food in an abandoned amusement park, leaving Chihiro trapped in this strange realm. To survive and find a way back, Chihiro must secure employment at a bathhouse for spirits, where she encounters various magical beings and faces numerous challenges.

Studio Ghibli; Toho

Mighty Miracle Show Of 1000 Delights!

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Clara Blandick, Terry (as Toto)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #29 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Wizard of Oz

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! The Great Oz has spoken!" - The Wizard

Why watch this? Because it has been a warm, wise, family classic - like forever.

Plot Summary: After a tornado sweeps her away from her Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale embarks on a quest to find the powerful Wizard of Oz who can help her return home. Along the Yellow Brick Road, she encounters a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Man desiring a heart, and a Cowardly Lion longing for courage, who all join her on this journey. Together, they face the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge on Dorothy for an accident upon her arrival.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.

The greatest adventure of all is finding our place in the circle of life.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"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? ... It is one of the best of the 90's Disney classics.

Plot Summary: A young lion cub, Simba, is destined to rule the Pride Lands, but his bitter uncle, Scar, plots against him and his father, King Mufasa. Simba is led to believe he is responsible for his father's death and flees into exile, where he befriends Timon and Pumbaa. Years later, his past returns to haunt him, and he must decide whether to reclaim his rightful place and face his demons.

Walt Disney Feature Animation;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Sinbad Battles the Creatures of Legend in the Miracle of Dynarama!

Starring: John Phillip Law, Tom Baker, Takis Emmanuel, Caroline Munro, Douglas Wilmer, Martin Shaw

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Trust in Allah, but tie up your camel." - Sinbad

Why watch this? This is vintage, wonderful Ray Harryhausen - it may be his best work.

Plot Summary: Sinbad discovers a magical golden amulet that sets him on a dangerous quest to find the legendary Fountain of Destiny located on the uncharted island of Lemuria. He is joined by a vizier and a mysterious slave girl as they embark on a journey filled with mythical creatures, tempests, and dark interference from the evil sorcerer Koura. Sinbad must battle Koura and his magical creations to unlock the amulet's power and reach the fabled fountain.
 

Dad's Preview: This treasure almost made DML Top50, but lost out to Valley of Gwangi (1969). This is the best of Ray's Sinbad films. As Sinbad and his crew work to restore the Grand Vizier to this rightful throne, they must battle a sorcerer and his powerful magic and monstrous giant creatures. The acting feels natural, the villain is deliciously evil, and the special effects - well... they're freakin' awesome! Also, an un-credited Robert Shaw lent his talents to portray the ghastly "Oracle of All Knowledge" (The British actor felt this cameo was "beneath him", so he insisted on being uncredited).

Morningside Productions; Columbia Pictures

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), Director: Peter Jackson, Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence

ONE RING TO RULE THEM ALL.

Starring: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Sean Bean, Ian Holm

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #5a - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring

"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing." - Boromir, about the ring Frodo has found

Why watch this? The first of Jackson's Tolkien film adaptations will lock you in for more.

Plot Summary: The fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance as the Dark Lord Sauron seeks to regain the One Ring, a powerful object containing a part of his might. The Ring has fallen into the hands of young hobbit Frodo Baggins, who learns from the wizard Gandalf that it must be destroyed. Frodo and eight companions, forming the Fellowship of the Ring, embark on a perilous journey to Mordor, the only place where the Ring can be unmade in the fires of Mount Doom.

WingNut Films; New Line Cinema

THE BATTLE FOR MIDDLE-EARTH BEGINS!

Starring: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #5b - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of LOTR: The Two Towers

"So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" – King Théoden before the Battle of Helm's Deep

Why watch this? The second film perfectly stands on its own with attention to story and amazing battle sequences.

Plot Summary: The Fellowship is now scattered as the fight against Sauron and his allies intensifies. Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, while being trailed by the enigmatic creature Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli unite with a resurrected Gandalf to rally the forces of Rohan against Saruman's growing army and defend the stronghold of Helm's Deep. The hobbits Merry and Pippin find themselves in the ancient Fangorn Forest and encounter the tree-like Ents, whom they must convince to join the fight against the encroaching darkness.

WingNut Films; New Line Cinema

THE EYE OF THE ENEMY IS MOVING.

Starring: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #5c - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of LOTR: The Return of the King

"We come to it, at last. The great battle of our time." - Gandalf the White

Why watch this? After two massive films, this delivers on all open plot threads and every moment is a treasure.

Plot Summary: The forces of good launch a final, desperate struggle against Sauron's overwhelming armies as Frodo and Sam undertake the harrowing final stages of their quest to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn embraces his destiny as the rightful king of Gondor and leads the forces of men in battle, while Frodo and Sam, guided by the treacherous Gollum, navigate the perilous lands of Mordor towards Mount Doom. As the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance, each character faces their own trials of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice in the hope of defeating the Dark Lord and restoring peace to the land.

WingNut Films; New Line Cinema

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #10a - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Star Wars

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." – Han Solo

Why watch this? This is the film that started everything: Jedis. Wookies. Skywalkers. Lucas. Ford. Industrial Light & Magic.

Plot Summary: A young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, gets swept up in a galactic rebellion after discovering a message from a captured princess. With the help of a wise mentor, a roguish pilot, his furry co-pilot, and two droids, Luke embarks on a mission to rescue the princess and join the fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire. This unlikely band of heroes must confront the Empire's powerful new weapon, the Death Star.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

The Star Wars Saga Continues

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #10b - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Empire Strikes Back

"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm?" - Master Yoda

Why watch this? It's bigger, better, and more emotionally impactful than its predecessor.

Plot Summary: Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, the Rebel Alliance is forced to flee their base on the ice planet Hoth when it's discovered and attacked by the Galactic Empire. As Darth Vader relentlessly pursues the Rebellion across the galaxy, Luke Skywalker trains with Jedi Master Yoda, while Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca seek refuge and repairs for the Millennium Falcon.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

The Empire Falls...

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Ian McDiarmid

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

DML Top 50 #10c - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Return of the Jedi

"I've accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father." - Luke, after he surrenders to Darth Vader

Why watch this? It successfully rounds out the Star Wars trilogy!

Plot Summary: Following the rescue of Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance learns of a new, more powerful Death Star under construction. To strike a crucial blow against the Galactic Empire, the Rebellion plans a daring attack on the incomplete station and its shield generator on the Forest Moon of Endor. While the Rebel fleet engages the Imperial forces in a fierce space battle, Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and the Emperor, hoping to redeem his father.
 

Dad's Preview: This trilogy finale delivers a tour de force of science fiction action. We finally get to meet Darth Vader's superior, the powerful and demented Emperor. He's more than a match for Luke and his novice Jedi powers. Can the rag-tag band of rebels defeat the massive space army of the Empire? There are a lot of great moments in the final film (the opening sequence with Jaba The Hutt; Luke's final confrontation with the Emperor). However, the space battles are too busy, and I really wanted less Ewoks and more Wookies. This film is one thing though - a must see for all Star Wars fans.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox