7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964), Director: George Pal, rated Approved

Bolt the doors! Lock the windows! Dr. Lao's coming to town!

Starring: Tony Randall, Arthur O’Connell, Barbara Eden, John Ericson, Noah Berry Jr., Kevin Tate, Royal Dano

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"This is the circus of Dr. Lao. We show you things that you don't know. We've spared no pains and spared no dough, but we wanted to give you one helluva show!" - Dr. Lao

Why watch this? For its time, this was a strange, wonderful film to behold.

Plot Summary: In the dusty town of Abalone, Arizona, the arrival of a mysterious circus led by the enigmatic Dr. Lao disrupts the lives of its inhabitants. Through his fantastical acts and mythical creatures, Dr. Lao's circus challenges the townspeople to confront their flaws, desires, and personal truths. Most people walk away spooked, but a little wiser. For others, the lesson can be more terrifying.

Dad's Preview: Tony Randall (of TV's The Odd Couple) gives an amazing performance as he portrays seven different characters in this morality tale. There is nothing better than seeing people, like us, hit upside the head with the truth about we really are. Still today, this is a great fantasy film to watch... but don't stare into the eyes of the Gorgon!

George Pal; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

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.

Dad's Preview: Though this was released by Disney, this is not a Disney film, and I suggest that it's not really for children. It is a wonderful fable about a young girl's dream-like transition from child to young adult. Then throw in a lot of creative symbolism, some of which has meaning, some not so much. It is visually wild, and you'll wonder, "Who thinks up this stuff?" Director Miyazaki apparently, and thank goodness for his unique perspective.

Studio Ghibli; Toho

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.

Dad's Preview: TV's legendary Jim Henson (Sesame Street and The Muppet Show) created this imaginative world for his first film. All scenes, beings, and masterful details are amazing to take in - all characters, beings and creatures were crafted before CGI was a thing. You don't have to be a fantasy or sci-fi nerd to enjoy this treasure, with it's universal themes of good and evil.

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

An epic of epic epicness.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

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

Plot Summary: Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician living in Toronto, finds his comfortable life disrupted when he falls for the mysterious and enigmatic Ramona Flowers. To win her heart, however, he must defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. This journey forces Scott to confront his own flaws, past relationships, and insecurities, ultimately pushing him toward self-discovery.

Dad's Preview: I had sorta lost faith in the next generation of movies; maybe I was getting old and out of touch. Then I discovered Scott Pilgrim, and my faith was restored! Nestled sweetly within this video game of a story is a very fresh and interesting romance. It's so much fun! The lovingly odd Michael Cera is an amazing understated actor. I love the action, the songs (watch a video of all All Scott Pilgrim musical performances), the premise, its creativity - EVERYTHING!

Marc Platt Prod., Big Talk Films, Closed on Mondays Ent., Dentsu;
Universal Pictures

... they didn't make history, they stole it!

Starring: John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Ian Holm, Katherine Helmond, Michael Palin, David Warner

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"God is not interested in technology... He's obsessed with making the grass grow and getting rainbows right. Look at what he spends his time on: Forty-three species of parrot! Nipples for men!" - Evil

Why watch this? It's a fantasy comedy. Plus most of the Monty Python players have roles!

Plot Summary: Kevin, a young boy fascinated by history, is unexpectedly drawn into a fantastical adventure through time when a group of thieving dwarfs escape into his bedroom through a time portal. The dwarfs, former employees of the Supreme Being, have stolen a map detailing all of the time holes, which they use to jump through different eras to steal treasures. Pursued by both the Supreme Being and the powerful Evil Genius, Kevin joins the dwarfs on their journey, encountering various historical figures along the way.

Dad's Preview: Written and directed by the creative mind of Monty Pythoner Terry Gilliam, this magical journey takes us to many places in both history and fantasy, each populated by a cast of quirky characters. You will wonder, "Did this film's creator do some mushrooms?!" We witness Napoleon's madness, an Ogre with a backache, and heck, even Sean Connery battles a towering Minotaur! David Warner is excellent as the personification of evil. It's witty, imaginative fun for the whole family.

HandMade Films; HandMade Films Dist. Ltd.

The story of a man and a woman who lived happily ever after. Even though the courtship almost killed them.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

Why watch this? ... True 'tis a fairy tale, but it's laced with wisdom adults will enjoy.

Plot Summary: The story unfolds as a grandfather reads a fantastical tale to his sick grandson about a beautiful woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley. After Westley is believed lost at sea, Buttercup is unwillingly betrothed to the nefarious Prince Humperdinck. However, Buttercup is kidnapped by a trio of outlaws, but is relentlessly pursued by a mysterious man in black and Humperdinck himself, leading to a series of unexpected encounters and adventures.

Dad's Preview: This wonder found me late in life, and long after its theatrical debut. I could not believe how much I loved what I thought would be somehow childish. It's 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, too. Each scene is memorable including small cameos from Billy Crystal and Wallace Shawn. And be sure to keep an eye out for the R.U.S.'s!

Act III Communications, Buttercup Films; 20th Century Fox

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emily Watson, Rubert Grint, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Well, Well, Lupin. Out for a little walk... in the moonlight are we?" - Professor Snape

Why watch this? This film notably changed in tone from the first two. It's more grown-up.

Plot Summary: In their third year at Hogwarts, Harry, Ron, and Hermione learn that a dangerous prisoner named Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban, a wizarding prison guarded by the terrifying Dementors. It is widely believed that Black, a supposed follower of Lord Voldemort, intends to harm Harry, causing a heightened sense of danger throughout the wizarding world and Hogwarts itself. As the year progresses, Harry and his friends unravel a complex web of events surrounding Black's imprisonment and the true nature of the threat he poses, ultimately revealing a story of betrayal.

Dad's Preview: There is so much that works in the third film. A new Academy Award-winning director takes things in a darker, more moody direction. The lead actors feel more at home in their roles. It's always a good idea to add Gary Oldman to a cast. Where the first two films are bright, the third gets scary as an escaped manic appears to be hunting Harry. The ghastly, black dementors are circling Hogwarts, and also have a thing for Mr. Potter. All this feels like a stage is being readied for the return of the evil Voldemort.

Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures

It All Ends Here

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emily Watson, Rubert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Warwick Davis, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Silence! Stupid girl. Harry Potter is dead. From this day forth, you put your faith in me." - Lord Voldemort

Why watch this? The pinnacle film, about the legendary Harry Potter, does satisfy!

Plot Summary: Our Hogwarts heroes and heroines continue their dangerous quest to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, the magical items that grant Voldemort immortality. As they close in on their mission, a major battle erupts at Hogwarts, forcing them to return and defend the school from Voldemort's evil forces. Ultimately, Harry must face his destiny and confront Voldemort in a final, climactic showdown to determine the fate of the wizarding world.

Dad's Preview: All that led up to the final film had me a little worried. There were so many story lines, so many sub-plots to wrap up. How could they pull it off? I think it was wise to use Part 1 as the calm before the storm, and have part 2 feature the final, epic wizard battle. But they also made sure to give the audience what it deserved: Nevel's heroic emergence, Molly Weasley's battle with Bellatrix, and the one I waited for most of all: Ron and Hermione's first kiss.

Heyday Films; Warner Bros. Pictures

There can be only one.

Starring: Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart, Alan North, Beatie Edney, Sheila Gish, Jon Polito, Hugh Quarshie

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"The Kurgan. He is the strongest of all the immortals. He's the perfect warrior. If he wins the Prize mortal man would suffer an eternity of darkness." - Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez

Why watch this? ... the wonderful blend of history and sci-fi sets this action film apart.

Plot Summary: Connor MacLeod, a 16th-century Scottish Highlander, discovers that he is immortal after surviving a seemingly fatal battle wound. He is trained by another immortal named Ramirez, who explains that immortals can only be killed by decapitation and are destined to fight each other until only a few remain for The Gathering. In 1985 New York City, Connor must face his ancient nemesis, the evil Kurgan, in a final battle for the ultimate Prize.

Dad's Preview: The mid 80's hatched a sea of action films ranging from good to bad, most of the bad films being rip-offs of something that was a surprise success. Highlander was definitely one of the good ones thanks to its creative plot and, of course, Sean Connery. It is part old-world adventure, science fiction and gritty crime drama. It covers a lot ground (and time periods), but never stops being fun. I love the performances from Connery and the over-the-top Clancy Brown, as the demonic immortal, Kurgan.

Thorn EMI Screen Ent., Highlander Productions, Davis-Panzer Productions;
20th Century Fox

A Fantastic And Spectacular Voyage... Through The Human Body... Into The Brain.

Starring: Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch, Edmond O’Brien, Donald Pleasence, Arthur O'Connell, William Redfield

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"The medieval philosophers were right. Man is the center of the universe. We stand in the middle of infinity between outer and inner space, and there's no limit to either." – Dr. Peter Duval

Why watch this? The special effects... and its creative plot.

Plot Summary: When a defecting scientist falls into a coma due to a brain clot, a team of specialists embarks on a mission to save him. A submarine carrying the team and their specialized equipment is miniaturized and injected into the scientist's bloodstream. They must navigate the complexities of the human body and perform delicate surgery to remove the clot within a limited time before returning to their normal size.

Dad's Preview: This is the COOLEST concept for a Sci-Fi film. I just learned that it's being remade by Guillermo del Toro, and that is awesome news! This became an instant classic for me the first time I saw it. It blew me away and served to fan my flaming pre-teen crush on the buxom Raquel Welch. As the miniaturized ship ventures through "inner space" (aka the human body), we witness things we've only seen in science books: red blood cells, lung tissue, a beating heart. The Oscar-winning special effects are breath-taking even by today's standards.

Saul David; 20th Century Fox

All his life, Ray Kinsella was searching for his dreams. Then one day, his dreams came looking for him.

Starring: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster, Gaby Hoffman, Timothy Busfield

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Ray, people will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom." - Terence Mann

Why watch this? It's both so American... and so magical.

Plot Summary: Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he hears in his cornfield to build a baseball diamond. Despite skepticism and financial hardship, he pursues this vision with the support of his wife. His journey leads him to encounter figures from the past and present, all linked by their dreams and the game of baseball.

Dad's Preview: In the late '80's Costner was on fire. This classic followed Bull Durham (1988), another flick about baseball. Well, this is more about the legends of baseball. A good, ordinary man feels called to follow a crazy idea. And for once, he trusts it, even when things don't make sense. That is where the magic happens. This sentimental movie is beautifully shot and acted. Thank you, Burt Lancaster, for your lovely performance as Doc "Moonlight" Graham.

 Gordon Company; Universal Pictures

In darkness, there can be light. In misery, there can be beauty. In death, there can be life...

Starring: Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Ariadna Gil, Álex Angulo, Manolo Solor

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I've had so many names. Old names that only the wind and the trees can pronounce. I am the mountain, the forest and the earth. I am... I am a faun. Your most humble servant, Your Highness." - Pan to Ofelia

Why watch this? As wise critic Roger Ebert penned, "It is a fairy tale for grown-ups".

Plot Summary: Set in Spain during WWII, a young girl, Ofelia, and her pregnant mother move into the compound where her ruthless father-in-law, Captain Vidal, resides. Vidal, a sadistic leader, is responsible for suppressing a band of rebels who resist the Francoist regime. He is cruel, especially to Ofelia. To cope, the girl escapes to an imaginary world of fairies and creatures. Within a nearby stone maze, she encounters the bizarre, horned Pan, a faun who gives her three tasks to prove her worthiness to become a princess.

Dad's Preview: There is a mood that del Toro brings to his films. It is dark, dirty, and very scary. It is very intentional that the audience is uncertain whether our young protagonist is dreaming or lucid. Perhaps it is a little of both. I was impressed with the performance by Ivana Baquero as Ofelia, a girl searching for comfort in a world of pain. This allegorical, fantastic film won buckets of awards, and sits atop many lists as greatest fantasy film.

Estudios Picasso, Tequila Gang, Esperanto Filmoj, Sententia Ent.;
Warner Bros. Pictures

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 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

Prepare to be blown out of the water.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce, Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally, Zoe Saldana

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #49 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Curse of the Black Pearl

"You best start believin' in ghost stories, Miss Turner. You're in one!" - Capt. Barbossa

Why watch this? It's piraty. It's spooky. It's Knightley. It's Deppy.

Plot Summary: Blacksmith Will Turner and eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow team up to rescue Elizabeth Swann, the daughter of Governor Swann, after she is kidnapped by pirates of the Black Pearl. This perilous journey involves commandeering a ship, recruiting a motley crew, and confronting the treacherous Captain Barbossa, a former ally of Jack, who stole his ship.

Dad's Preview: I like heroes. I also like them covered in dirt. They need a murky past. Tattoos are good - and a quirky personality. This film struck a gold mine by casting Johnny Depp (BTW, Hugh Jackman was the first choice) as Captain Jack Sparrow, and his performance knocks the film out of the Disney theme park ride that inspired it. The plot and special effects are superb in this swashbuckling, supernatural, pirate adventure.

Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

It's Scrumdidilyumptious!

Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn Cole, Leonard Stone

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #48 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple." - Willie Wonka

Why watch this? A tour through a mysterious chocolate factory. What could happen?

Plot Summary: Young Charlie Bucket, from an impoverished family, dreams of finding one of the five coveted Golden Tickets hidden in Willy Wonka's chocolate bars. Winning a ticket grants a tour of Wonka's mysterious and magical chocolate factory, along with a lifetime supply of candy. Charlie, joining four other children, embarks on a fantastical adventure within the whimsical factory.

Dad's Preview: As addicting as its namesake dessert flavor, this children's film has a lot to say. Not only is this trip as magical as the journey to Oz, it also takes special care to pass along valuable lessons to kids and parents alike: Don't overeat. Too much candy is bad for you. Don't spoil your children. Don't watch too much TV. These "bad" little kids get their cod liver oil. I always thought of myself as the sweet, innocent, and honorable Charlie... but am I? The verdict is still out.

Wolper Pictures, The Quaker Oats Co.; Paramount Pictures

Forged by a god. Foretold by a wizard. Found by a King.

Starring:  Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Nicol Williamson, Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Cherie Lunghi

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #38 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Excalibur

"You will be the land, and the land will be you. If you fail, the land will perish; as you thrive, the land will blossom." - Merlin

Why watch this? ... because it is the Arthurian legend in vivid, wonderful detail.

Plot Summary: Told here is the epic tale of King Arthur, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to the throne of a unified Britain. Guided by the enigmatic wizard Merlin, Arthur establishes the legendary Round Table and builds the realm of Camelot, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity. However, the kingdom's glory is threatened by internal strife, including betrayal, forbidden love, and the insidious plots of Arthur's treacherous half-sister, the sorceress Morgana.

Dad's Preview: You've heard the stories... the wise King Arthur... the sword in the stone... the mysterious sorcerer Merlin... Sir Lancelot the brave. British director John Boorman masterfully wrought this film about those legends, and it is perfection to behold. Like a spell's dream, we witness each event in many instances through Merlin's eyes. It's hypnotic, heroic, tragic, and wonderfully allegorical. It really is a fable come to life.

Orion Pictures, Cinema '84; Warner Bros.

From the imagination of director Tim Burton. An adventure as big as life itself.

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, Danny DeVito

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #37 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Big Fish

"A man tells so many stories, that he becomes the stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal." Will Bloom

Why watch this? It is a visually stunning, creative tale about a wounded son and his eccentric father.

Plot Summary: Will returns home to visit his dying father, Edward Bloom, a man known for his incredible, larger-than-life stories. Frustrated by his father's constant tall tales, Will attempts to uncover the truth behind them, seeking to reconcile the imaginative narratives with the real life his father lived. Through flashbacks and Will's investigation, much is gleaned about the relationship between fact and fiction, the nature of legacy, and a son's journey to understanding his father.

Dad's Preview: Father-Son relationships can be strained. This fantastical, allegorical film deals with this topic. A young man feels he doesn't really know his father. His Dad was an eccentric man who always told wild, farcical stories about his lifey. The Son, now about to be a father himself, is exhausted for the truth. There is a lovely, whimsical quality at play in this true work of cinematic art, and it is thoroughly enjoyable... and Ewan McGregor wins you over.

Columbia Pictures, Jinks-Cohen Co., The Zanuck Co.; Sony Pictures Releasing

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

Dad's Preview: This is one of the greatest fantasy films of all time. On the surface, it's wonderful and magical - a treat for every wide-eyed child, ablaze with a new film enhancement they called Technicolor. It was also lovely escapism that was layered with symbolism and hope, just what America needed after the devastating Great Depression of the early 1930's. Early in the film, a tornado carries Dorothy Gale and her farmhouse into the sky. When the house lands with a thud, Dorothy opens the front door and Oz is revealed in its vivid, fantastical splendor! It is a scene that will always emotionally impact this ol' Texas farm boy. 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.

Sets the Cinema Back 900 Years!

Starring: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Connie Booth, Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes, Bee Duffell

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #22 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Rabbit Hole of Monty Python and the Holy Grail

"We better not risk another frontal assault. That rabbit's dynamite!" - King Arthur

Why watch this? This irreverent, Medieval comedy from Python is legendary.

Plot Summary: King Arthur gathers his Knights of the Round Table and is instructed by God to embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Their journey is filled with absurd and surreal encounters, including taunting French soldiers, the Black Knight, a killer rabbit, and the Knights Who Say Ni. The film follows their individual and collective misadventures as they brave various obstacles in pursuit of the mythical relic.

Dad's Preview: This may seem adolescent, but I am certain there is genius within some offensive comedies. Said genius is on par with classic films, the likes of Casablanca (1942), Pulp Fiction (1994), Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010). However, critics will always dismiss these gems as "in poor taste", "vulgar" or "you need therapy". I get it - not classy enough... One too many jokes about flatulence. Fie! What a disservice! Holy Grail is entertaining from start to finish. It will always make ME laugh, and therein lies its genius.

Python Pictures, Michael White Prod., National Film Trustee Co; EMI Films

Indiana Jones - the new hero from the creators of JAWS and STAR WARS.

Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #6 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Raiders of the Lost Ark

"An army which carries the Ark before it... is invincible." - Marcus Brody

Why watch this? This ode to actions serials of the past combined the '80's hottest star and director.

Plot Summary: In 1936, archaeologist Indiana Jones is tasked by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis, who believe its power could make their army invincible. He embarks on a thrilling adventure, navigating treacherous locations like Nepal and Egypt while facing off against dangerous adversaries and overcoming perilous obstacles. Joined by his spirited ex-flame Marion Ravenwood, Indy races against time to secure the legendary relic and prevent its devastating power from falling into the wrong hands.

Dad's Preview: George Lucas (Star Wars) and Steven Spielberg (Jaws) worked together on this little side project for the hunky Harrison Ford. The result was a cinematic homage to the one-reel, action-packed serials of the 1930's. Raiders transcends its own genre and stands alone as a masterpiece of the white-knuckle adventure film. It features a stellar supporting cast and an amazing John Williams' soundtrack. The result was solid gold. This film catapulted Ford's career as a legitimate international superstar, and gave Spielberg the power to make any film he wanted.

Lucasfilm Ltd.; Paramount 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.

Dad's Preview: This IS the most wonderful fantasy trilogy ever made. In the first film, Middle Earth's diverse main characters are introduced, and the epic journey begins. It starts in the green shire, then traverses fields, quiet hamlets, dank forests, expansive plains, snowy mountains, and finally the dark, goblin-infested labyrinths of the Mines of Moria. It's epic and emotionally taxing, as the fragile Fellowship trudges onward on its quest to destroy the one thing that is evil manifested, which makes it a target of the burning eye of Sauron, the evil Lord who craves it the most.

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.

Dad's Preview: The brave Fellowship has been torn asunder, their wise leader dragged into fiery darkness. Director Peter Jackson continued his beloved film adaptation of J. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings with determination to get it right. The middle film adds richness to each Fellowship member, and brings new players (some heroic, some tragic) into focus. We also are introduced to a key antagonist, the sinister Golem, who desires the return of his ring. The massive battle at Helm's Deep is unforgettable. But the war is not over and we are left wanting a conclusion to this fantastical tale.

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.

Dad's Preview: As the principal characters inch ever closer to their fates, we feel the weight, Frodo's weight, and it is almost too much to bear. With Gimli, Legolas and Aragon lost inside the mountain pass, the army of man, led by Gandalf and King Théoden, must prevail in the final battle at the foot of towering Minas Tirith, the White City. All this is to buy time for two hobbits, Frodo and Sam, to reach the fires of Mount Doom and destroy the ring. They encounter danger at every turn, the worst being the betrayal of Golem.This Oscar-winning final chapter is without question the finest fantasy film ever made.

WingNut Films; New Line Cinema