Mystery runs in the family

Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter, Louis Partridge, Burn Gorman, Adeel Akhtar, Susie Wokoma, Hattie Morahan, David Bamber

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Sometimes you must dangle your feet in the water in order to attract the sharks." - Sherlock Holmes

Why watch this? This is the perfect film for young girls. It's very empowering.

Plot Summary: Upon her sixteenth birthday, Enola Holmes discovers her mother has vanished, leaving behind mysterious gifts but no clue as to her whereabouts. Refusing to be sent to finishing school by her brothers Sherlock and Mycroft, Enola escapes to London to search for her mother. Along the way, she becomes entangled with a young runaway Lord and must outwit her famous brother while unraveling a dangerous conspiracy.

Dad's Preview: Who knew that Sherlock Holmes, the famed, elementary detective had a little sister? Well, he does, and she's as intelligent, and, dare I say, even more determined and precocious. Millie Brown, whose previous roles have been quite serious, lights up the screen with wit, curiosity and strength. She's clearly having a good time, jaunting around England, solving the question: why has her mother vanished?

Legendary Pictures, PCMA Productions; Netflix

Nature just got gangsta

Starring: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rhys Darby, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Oscar Kightley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm not going back to jail, I'm better off up here. This is no place for a kid. You're gonna have to go back, Ricky." - Hec

Why watch this? I instantly fell for this uniquely warm and oddly funny flick.

Plot Summary: After the sudden death of his loving foster aunt, rebellious city kid Ricky Baker finds himself on the run in the vast New Zealand wilderness with his grumpy foster uncle Hec. A series of misunderstandings leads child services to believe Hec has kidnapped Ricky, sparking a national manhunt. The unlikely duo must learn to work together and survive in the challenging bush while evading capture and forming an unexpected bond.

Dad's Preview: You will enjoy this little independent film that came up out of nowhere thanks to director Taika Waititi. Young Julian Dennison is great as the sharp-witted lad with a wanna-be gansta attitude. Sam Neill is likewise awesome as grumpy old Hec, forced to take care of a kid who really annoys him. The plot is great and there are many laugh-out-loud moments.

Defender Films, Piki Films, Curious, New Zealand Film Comm.; Madman Films, Piki Films

Meet the little voices inside your head.

Starring: (the voices of) Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"We should lock the door and scream that curse word we know. It's a good one!" - Anger

Why watch this? This may be the most creative film yet from Disney and Pixar.

Plot Summary: An 11-year-old girl, Riley, moves with her family from Minnesota to San Francisco. The story explores the inner workings of her mind, where her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's brain, and guide her actions. As Riley struggles to adjust to her new life, turmoil ensues in Headquarters, leading Joy and Sadness on an adventure through Riley's mind.

Dad's Preview: The creators of this wonderful Pixar offering take us into the mind of a teenage girl, just as her simple, happy life is about go haywire thanks to a move from Minnesota to California. Her first day of school does not go well. Meanwhile, we are transported into her brain's control room. There, the five emotions, Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Disgust, are in charge. Well, sort of. The emotions are voiced by some great stars. You will love this film, and its perspective, regarding how the mind works. You'll shed a few tears, as well.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

At Ridgemont High Only the Rules get Busted!

Starring: Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian Backer, Robert Romanus, Ray Walston, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Relax, all right? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." – Spicoli

Why watch this? As a teen I loved this crude flick. As an adult, I appreciate it even more.

Plot Summary: The school year of several Southern California teenagers is chronicled as they navigate the challenges and excitements of adolescence. The film explores themes of romance, first jobs, and self-discovery, showing how these young people cope with the ups and downs of growing up. It captures the atmosphere of 1980s youth culture, highlighting social trends like mall culture and the shift towards more casual relationships.

Dad's Preview: This could have been just another irreverent, nudity-filled 80's high school comedy (which it is), but it's also much better than that. There's a great story being told about teenagers coming of age, struggling to date each other and learning their painful lessons. This film introduced the world to both Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Sean Penn, who is everyone's ultimate stoner, Spicoli.

Refugee Films; Universal Pictures

We accept the love we think we deserve.

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Joan Cusack, Paul Rudd

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You can't just sit there and put everybody's lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love." - Samantha "Sam" Button

Why watch this? It is an interesting, relevant, coming-of-age story that most of use can relate to.

Plot Summary: The film follows un-extraordinary Charlie, a freshman high school student. He suffers from clinical depression and is therefore incredibly shy. He meets two seniors, Patrick (an extremely animated and rebellious gay boy) and his step-sister Samantha "Sam" (a quite, awkward and adorable girl who is in a steady relationship). Patrick and Sam decide it's a good idea to bring Charlie into their small group of social outcasts; sorta take him under their wings. The brainy Patrick quickly develops a crush on Sam, and he helps her study to improve her SAT score. Then normal high school stuff occurs and starts to un-repress Charlie's mental issues.

Dad's Preview: About ten minutes into this film, I felt it grab me. It felt fresh, creative and from the heart. This often-poignant story centers on the over-blown concepts of being "cool", and the ever-present pressures of high school. Why can't kids just be who they are? It has a lot to do with parents who demand that their kids stand out, make A's, be exceptional. How will mediocre get the scholarship or big job? This film begs to differ. Life is wonderful because of these "wallflowers" exist, filling the spaces and giving many delightful misfits a place to feel safe... and even loved.

Mr. Mudd Productions; Summit Entertainment thru Lionsgate

Come and Get Some

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac, Loe Lo Truglio

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Gimme that. All right, you look like a future pedophile in this picture, number 1. Number 2: it doesn't even have a first name, it just says "McLovin"!" - Seth

Why watch this? One simple word: McLovin.

Plot Summary: Three nerdy high school seniors, Seth, Evan, and Fogell, set out on a misadventure to purchase alcohol for a party in the final weeks before graduation. Their plan to impress girls and get laid takes an unexpected turn when Fogell, armed with a questionable fake ID under a dumb name is busted by two incompetent police officers. Separated from their friend and facing increasingly chaotic obstacles, Seth and Evan navigate a wild night that tests the boundaries of their friendship.

Dad's Preview: Me and my basketball buddies, now called the Old Men's Club, can't get enough of this movie. It is a quite hilarious, and extremely crude, coming-of-age film about three college-bound dudes who just want to be "cool", while scoring with the ladies. The under-aged fellows are tasked with getting the alcohol for a big party. Aha! A chance to impress, and enhance their street cred. This quest becomes an epic adventure in and of itself. "Chicka chicka yeah!"

Columbia Pictures, The Apatow Company; Sony Pictures Releasing

Life is a Terrible Thing to Sleep Through.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Darlene Cates, Laura Harrington, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Kevin Tighe, John C. Reilly

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm not gonna let her be a joke." - Gilbert, speaking about his mother

Why watch this? This heart-rendering story is superb thanks to its incredible cast.

Plot Summary: Gilbert Grape is a young man burdened by the weight of caring for his morbidly obese mother and his intellectually disabled younger brother, Arnie, in their small, stagnant Iowa town. Gilbert struggles to balance his family responsibilities with his own desires for happiness and freedom, feeling trapped by his circumstances. His life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Becky, a free-spirited woman who challenges his perspective and offers him a glimpse of a different future.

Dad's Preview: A lot of warranted attention went to 19-year-old Leo DiCaprio, who garnered a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination, but it's Johnny Depp who makes it all work. You can just feel the weight he bears each and every day supporting his dysfunctional family. Yet, for as bad as it is, he still manages to keep going, hoping that things will someday change for all of them. Why the Academy disrespect Depp is beyond me.  

Matalon Teper Ohisson; Paramount Pictures

No uniforms. No problem. No girls. No problem. No ball. BIG problem!

Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Shane Obedzinski, Denis Leary, Karen Allen, James Earl Jones

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong." - The Babe

Why watch this? ... to remember, and cherish, the days before organized youth sports.

Plot Summary: In the summer of 1962, a shy new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, struggles to make friends until he's accepted into a group of neighborhood kids who play daily at a local sandlot. The boys embark on a series of adventures throughout their summer, bonding over baseball, sleepovers, and a sexy lifeguard. Their biggest challenge arises when a prized baseball is hit over a fence into the backyard of a mysterious, legendary, and supposedly fearsome dog known as The Beast.

Dad's Preview: A great film, similar to Stand By Me (1986), about growing up in a simpler age, before electronics and a thousand TV channels. Our "gang" loves to play baseball at the local field. The problem occurs when a fly ball lands in the backyard of "The Beast". This film has a sweet innocence, and a lesson about overcoming fears and insecurities. 

Island World; 20th Century Fox

You're only young once!

Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jared Rushton, Jon Lovitz, David Moscow, Mercedes Ruehl

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm your best friend. What's more important than that, huh?" - Billy

Why watch this? It's a modern day fairy tale about a wish that actually comes true.

Plot Summary: This tale centers on a young boy named Josh Baskin who, frustrated with his young age, makes a wish to be "big". He wakes up the next day to find himself transformed into an adult. He now must navigate the challenges and wonders of adulthood while trying to find a way to reverse the magical transformation. With the help of Billy, his best friend, he must find the mystical machine that granted his wish.

Dad's Preview: Early in Tom Hanks' film career this comedic role was a perfect fit. His shtick then was essentially acting like a kid in an adult's body, so Big was ideal. Through some strange magic, Josh gets his wish, and wakes up an adult. Let the hilarity ensue. It's a lot of fun watching Hanks - how he interacts with this 10-year-old best friend; his innocence at a toy store; his excitement (and inexperience) with an adult woman who shows affection for him. There are many warm and funny moments in this superb coming-of-age classic.

Gracie Films; 20th Century-Fox

Capture every moment.

Starring: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogan, Gabriel LaBelle, Judd Hirsch, Jeannie Berlin, Robin Bartlett, Sam Rechner, Chloe East

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"In this family, it's the scientists versus the artists. Sammy's on my team, he takes after me, except he's got real talent."– Mitzi Fabelman

Why watch this? How and why would a boy want to make movies? Here's one way...

Plot Summary: Based on Steven Spielberg's childhood, The Fabelmans follows Sammy Fabelman, a young aspiring filmmaker, as he navigates his coming-of-age in post-World War II America. He discovers a profound family secret, forcing him to confront difficult truths about his parents and those around him. Ultimately, Sammy explores how the power of film helps him understand his family and pursue his dream of becoming a storyteller.

Dad's Preview: There are two films that evoke the power of motion pictures. The first is the treasure Cinema Paradiso (1988). This is the second. The great Steven Spielberg finally gives us his story in this film based loosely on his life. Thank God he does not sugarcoat it. This has all the pains he experienced: the disappointment of his father, anti-Semitic bullying and his parent's divorce. Yet through all that, and maybe to some degree because of all that, one of our generations greatest storytellers was born.

Amblin Ent., Reliance Ent.; Universal Studios

A celebration of youth, friendship, and the everlasting magic of the movies.

Starring: Phillippe Noiret, Salvatore Cascio, Marco Leonardi, Agnese Nano, Antonella Attili, Enzo Cannavale

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Whatever you end up doing, love it. The way you loved the projection booth when you were a young squirt." - Alfredo

Why watch this? This single film, more than any other, explains why I love movies.

Plot Summary: This story follows Salvatore, a celebrated film director, who returns to his Sicilian hometown for the funeral of his childhood mentor and friend, Alfredo. The film is told through a flashbacks, reflecting on Salvatore's youth and his bond with Alfredo, the projectionist at the local cinema. Through their shared love for movies and the lessons Alfredo imparts, Salvatore finds guidance and inspiration that shapes his path to becoming a filmmaker.

Dad's Preview: It is impossible for me to explain this film with getting emotional. This wonderful film traverses through time and tragedy, with "moving pictures" as a constant backdrop for everything that happens during the boy's journey to adulthood. Especially poignant is his love affair with the beautiful Elena. This powerful film's ending is incredibly emotional, and I tear up just thinking about.

Les Films Ariane, RAI, TF1, Cristaldi Film, Forum Picture; Titanus, Ariane Dist.

Every family has its own language.

Starring: Emilia Jones, Eugenio Derbez, Troy Kotsur, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Daniel Durant, Marlee Matlin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You know why God made farts smell? So deaf people could enjoy them too." - Frank Rossi

Why watch this? It's so unique, and necessary, to watch such a wonderful film!

Plot Summary: CODA follows Ruby, a high school senior who is the only hearing member of her deaf family. She helps her family run their struggling fishing business, acting as their interpreter and connecting them to the hearing world. When Ruby discovers her passion and talent for singing, she finds herself torn between her obligations to her family and her aspirations to pursue her dreams.

Dad's Preview: CODA grabbed me from the first minute. It pulls you in. You cannot take your eyes off the screen. It requires your dedicated focus and concentration. That's the point. The film exposes us to the stark reality that the deaf community lives with every second of every day. This soulful film is funny, painful, inspirational, light, heavy - everything. Troy Kotsur, as Ruby's father, really captured my heart; man, I felt every pang of anguish emanating from his eyes... and his deepest soul.

Vendôme Pictures, Pathé; Apple Original Films

He's out to prove he's got nothing to prove.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"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. Gosh!

Plot Summary: In a small Idaho town, the awkward and socially isolated Napoleon Dynamite navigates high school life while dealing with his eccentric family, which includes his internet-obsessed older brother Kip and get-rich-quick scheming uncle Rico. He finds unexpected friendships with a shy, artistic girl Deb and a quiet exchange student who decides to run for class president, Pedro. Napoleon's journey involves supporting his friends and discovering his own unique way of belonging in a world that often misunderstands him.

Dad's Preview: You'll either get this film, or you won't. When I laud this, some folks look at me like I'm crazy (hint: that's how I can tell you grew up as a bully). The plot is really about nothing, just some kids at high school. They are nerds. One in particular, Napoleon, just won't accept that he's not destined for greatness. My kids and I watched this film over and over. We still quote its lines. We rejoice when the nerds actually win one! Because, honestly, there's alotta nerd in many of us.

Napoleon Pictures; Fox Searchlight thru 20th Century Fox

He was their inspiration. He made their lives extraordinary.

Starring: Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Josh Charles, Kurtwood Smith, George Martin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world." – John Keating

Why watch this? It shows the wonder found in new, controversial ideas; and the lengths some people will go to suppress them.

Plot Summary: At a strict all-boys preparatory school in 1959, an unconventional English teacher uses poetry to inspire his students to embrace individuality and challenge societal expectations. He encourages them to "seize the day" and pursue their passions, leading to both inspiring self-discovery and direct confrontation with school officials used to doing things more conservatively.

Dad's Preview: Robin Williams really changed his career trajectory with this film. It established him as more than just a comedic actor. It is a wonderful, albeit painful, story of a prep school English teacher who is ahead of his time. He desperately strives to tap into the passions within his young male students (using his witty comedy style). The film is uplifting, wonderful and simultaneously tragic. Everyone will forever remember the phrase, "Carpe Diem!"

Touchstone Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

For some, it's the last real taste of innocence, and the first real taste of life.
But for everyone, it's the time that memories are made of.

Starring: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Casey Siemaszko, Frances Lee McCain, Richard Dreyfuss

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Boy, you don't know nothing. Mighty Mouse is a cartoon. Superman's a real guy. There's no way a cartoon could beat up a real guy!" - Teddy

Why watch this? I was one of these kids, going on long adventures, playing in the woods, worrying my mom.

Plot Summary: Four young friends are on a journey through the Oregon wilderness in the summer of 1959, as they search for a missing boy. During their quest, they face various adventures and challenges, which test their bonds and force them to confront personal struggles. This journey becomes a coming-of-age experience, shaping their individual paths and deepening their understanding of friendship and loss.

Dad's Preview: This is yet another film created from a Stephen King story (The Body). It follows four 12-year-old boys who venture to find the body of a boy who was killed along a remote stretch of railroad tracks. The strength of this film is simply the mannerisms and interactions between the boys. Each one is different, with unique skills and problems. Yet they stick together, as they get closer to their grim destination.

Act III Productions; Columbia Pictures

Sometimes Christmas is about getting what you really want.

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, Tedde Moore, Ian Petrella, Tedde Moore, R. D. Robb, Zack Ward

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." - adult Ralphie, narrating

Why watch this? It's packed with memories we all experienced growing up.

Plot Summary: Set in the 1940s, the film follows a young boy named Ralphie whose fervent Christmas wish is a Red Ryder BB gun. Despite warnings that he'll shoot his eye out, Ralphie embarks on various humorous attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus. The film also features relatable childhood experiences and family dynamics leading up to Christmas Day.

Dad's Preview: This film captures the holidays for many families from the end of World War II through the early 1970's - certainly a simpler time in the USA. Ralphie and his little brother can't wait until Christmas. He must endure school his annoying sibling, bullies, parents that won't listen, and a full-body pink bunny suit. This warm family classic offers a lot of comedic yuletide cheer, year after year.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; MGM/UA Entertainment Company

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

The greatest adventure is just getting back home.

Starring: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #35 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Up

"My name is Dug. I have just met you, and I love you." - Dug

Why watch this? I feel-good story that requires your imagination and suspension of belief.

Plot Summary: Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a journey to the wilds of South America in his house, lifted by thousands of balloons, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He unintentionally takes along a stowaway and young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. The unlikely duo encounters adventure, strange creatures, and a surprising revelation about Carl's childhood hero on their journey towards Paradise Falls.

Dad's Preview: In a crowded stable of excellent Pixar-Disney films, this one stands out for me. Perhaps it's Carl, the grumpy old man looking to get away from a world that doesn't want him. Maybe it's Russell, the plump young scout trying to earn his merit badges. It could be Dug, the delightful dog able to "talk" using a voice modulator. Combine these quirky characters with a high-flying, creative premise and you have a winner in my book. It packs a punch, too - You'll be bawling before the opening credits are over.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

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

Almost Famous (2000), Director: Cameron Crowe, rated PG-13 for language, sexual situations

Stillwater Runs Deep!

Starring: Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Frances McDormand, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Philip S. Hoffman, Zooey Deschanel

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #31 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Almost Famous

"Aw, man. You made friends with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you. They want you to get drunk on feeling like you belong." - Lester Bangs

Why watch this? It's the swan song about rock and rock in my era, you know, the awesome 70's!

Plot Summary: William Miller, at 15-years-old, is an aspiring journalist who gets a dream assignment: to write a cover story for Rolling Stone magazine. He embarks on a tour leg with the up-and-coming rock band Stillwater, experiencing the highs and lows of life on the road. William navigates the world of rock and roll, forming relationships with the band members and a groupie named Penny Lane, all while trying to maintain his journalistic integrity.

Dad's Preview: Much of the film's earnestness comes from the film's director, Cameron Crowe, who lived a life similar to young William Miller. He too was a Rolling Stone writer, and his wife is none other than Nancy Wilson, guitarist for Heart - So the man knows the rock world. Bill Crudup, as the incendiary Russell Hammond, is unforgettable. Kate Hudson's pretty darn good, too. It has great musical performances and a wonderful soundtrack documenting the last great years of Rock 'n' Roll.

DreamWorks Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Vinyl Films; DreamWorks Dist. LLC