Climb aboard for the adventure of your life!

Starring: (the voice talents of) Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley, Pete Postlethwaite, Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Miriam Margolyes, Susan Sarandon, David Thewlis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"When I had a problem, my mom and dad would tell me to look at it another way." – James

Why watch this? Sometimes an abused child's only escape is their imagination.

Plot Summary: Based on Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, this film tells the story of a young orphan named James, who lives with his two cruel and abusive aunts. James dreams of escaping his unhappy life and finds a chance when he befriends a group of anthropomorphic insects inside a magical giant peach. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey to New York City, facing various adventures and challenges along the way.

Dad's Preview: This starts an adventure that will carry James to New York City, a place he wanted to visit with his parents. It becomes a story of the importance of friends and support. Its stunning animation style brings forward a wonderful fantasy story. And yes, it feels a lot like a Tim Burton movie. The delightful music was written by Randy Newman.  

Walt Disney Pictures; Allied Filmmakers, Skellington Productions; Buena Vista Dist.

The greatest fairy tale never told.

Starring: (the voice talents of) Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Peter Dennis, Chris Miller, Cody Cameron

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I'm making waffles!" - Donkey

Why watch this? Just when you think Disney owns everything, Shrek hits the scene and starts a franchise.

Plot Summary: The grumpy ogre Shrek wants his swamp back after the diminutive Lord Farquaad banishes fairytale creatures to it. Shrek, accompanied by a talkative Donkey, strikes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower in exchange for his solitude. Their journey to bring Fiona back to Farquaad leads to unexpected adventures and a burgeoning connection between Shrek and the princess.

Dad's Preview: Thanks to Dreamworks Animation, we received this animated treasure. Here, the traditional "villain", a green ogre, becomes the most honorable of heroes. The premise is creative and tons of fun. Though made for kids with many sight-gags based on familiar fairy tales, it also features some mature humor. The talented voice work performed by Myers, Murphy, Diaz and Lithgow make this film easy to sit back and enjoy.

DreamWorks Animation, PDI/Dreamworks; DreamWorks Pictures

71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. That's a lot of space to find one fish.

Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen Degeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Stephen Root

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Well, you can't never let anything happen to him. Then nothing would ever happen to him. Not much fun for little Harpo." - Dory

Why watch this? Another home run for Pixar. It's creative, funny, warm, and inspirational.

Plot Summary: Marlin, a highly protective clownfish, embarks on a journey across the ocean to rescue his adventurous son, Nemo, after he is taken by a diver. Marlin teams up with Dory, a friendly but forgetful fish, and together they navigate a vast and perilous ocean encountering various sea creatures, while Nemo attempts to find his own way back home from a fish tank in a dentist's office.

Dad's Preview: This film is just so darn heartfelt. We quickly grow to love our damaged main characters. We likewise fall for each creature met along the journey. Be it friendly sharks, surfer dude sea turtles, stingy seagulls, or a group of imprisoned fish called the "Tank Gang". Ellen Degeneres is remarkable Dory, a lovable fish with short-term memory loss. Dive into the tank and enjoy. "Shark bait! Ooh, Ha-Ha!"

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

The Jungle is JUMPIN'!

Starring: (the voices of) Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway, John Abbott, Louis Prima, Bruce Reitherman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Man village? They'll ruin him. They'll make a man out of him." – Baloo, the Bear

Why watch this? This is one of Disney's greatest films, pre Beauty and the Beast, that is.

Plot Summary: This children's classic follows Mowgli, an orphaned boy raised by wolves, who is forced to leave his jungle home due to the threat of Shere Khan, a man-eating tiger. Accompanied by the wise panther Bagheera, Mowgli resists returning to the human village, preferring his life with the animals. Along the way, he encounters a variety of colorful characters, including Baloo the bear and King Louie of the Apes, while also facing dangers from Kaa the snake and the persistent Shere Khan.

Dad's Preview: This is a great animated film musical about an orphaned boy who is raised by wolves, and mentored by a friendly big-bellied bear and watchful black panther. The boy is also being stalked by the notorious Bengal tiger, Shere Khan. For a cartoon, it's wonderfully complex and filled with lots of great songs, laughs, and even a few scary moments.

Walt Disney Productions; Buena Vista Dist.

The story of a nobody who saved everybody

Starring: (the voices of) Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Hey, I can be dark and brooding too - Guys, look, a rainbow!" - Emmet

Why watch this? A movie... using Legos... to make characters... and I love it. Wow.

Plot Summary: Emmet is an ordinary, rules-following construction worker in Bricksburg who is mistakenly identified as "The Special" – a prophesied hero destined to save the world. He is recruited by a group of Master Builders to stop the tyrannical Lord Business from using a super-weapon called the Kragle to freeze the entire Lego universe into eternal stasis. Despite being completely unprepared for such a task, Emmet embarks on an epic journey to prove that even an ordinary mini-figurine can be extraordinary.

Dad's Preview: There is no way a mature film critic such as myself can become emotionally involved with a bunch of Lego creations. That would be INCORRECT! It is so easy to enjoy this film. It's crazy, chock full of pop and comics references, witty... and so darn funny! Hats off to the script writers and animators. And Will Arnett may be the second best Batman voice in all of nerd-dome (nobody can touch Kevin Conroy's Batman). Here - Everything is Awesome - literally. Pew, pew, pew!

Warner Animation Gp., DC Ent., RatPac-Dune Ent., Lego System A/S,
Lin Pictures, Lord Miller Prod.; Warner Bros.

The Dark Knight fights to save Gotham City from its deadliest enemy.

Starring: Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Dana Delaney, Stacy Keach, Hart Bochner, Abe Vigoda, Dick Miller, John P. Ryan, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Vengeance blackens the soul, Bruce. I've always feared that you would become that which you fought against." – Alfred

Why watch this? This animated classic is one of the best Batman stories ever.

Plot Summary: A new vigilante, known as the Phantasm, begins eliminating Gotham City's crime bosses, and Batman is wrongly accused of the murders. While trying to solve the mystery and clear his name, Bruce Wayne reconnects with an old love, Andrea Beaumont, whose return stirs up complex emotions and raises questions about his decision to become Batman. The film explores Batman's past and present, as he grapples with the escalating violence and the resurfacing feelings for Andrea, leading him to confront difficult choices about his future.

Dad's Preview: After the incredible Batman: The Animated Series, the same creators finally gave audiences this full-length animated film. It delivers big time. It features two legendary voice actors in Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill (yes, Luke Skywalker) as The Joker. The plot is, of course, a who-done-it, with everyone intent on stopping the mysterious Phantasm, a devious villain, murdering folks in Gotham City. The Caped Crusader will have to look deep within to solve this confounding caper.

Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation; Warner Bros.

From the makers of Chicken Run.

Starring (Voice): Peter Sallis

"They're techno-trousers, ex-NASA, fantastic for walkies!" - Wallace

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

Why watch this? ... it's a delightfully British claymation misadventure that will leave quite an impression.

Plot Summary: Due to financial strain, Wallace and his clever dog Gromit decide to take in a lodger – a seemingly innocent penguin who quickly takes a keen interest in Wallace's new "Techno Trousers". Gromit grows suspicious of the penguin's unusual behavior, especially after being displaced from his own room to accommodate the new guest. It soon becomes clear that the penguin has a sinister plan involving the robotic pants.

Dad's Preview: This Oscar-winning animated short film, at only 29 minutes, will have you laughing, while simultaneously amazed at the efforts of its creators. The plot is not really the point. It's about Wallace's new invention, mechanical pants, and a really evil penguin who plots to steal the bionic britches to pull of a jewel heist. It's a joy to watch. You will be amazed at the amount of emotion that stone-beaked penguin exudes! If you want more, I whole-heartedly recommend all other W&G films and shorts including: A Close Shave (1995), The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008).

Aardman Anamations, Wallace and Gromit Ltd., BBC Bristol, Lionheart TV,
BBC Children's Int'l; BBC Enterprises

It Came From Outer Space!

Starring: (the voices of) Jennifer Aniston, Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel, Cloris Leachman, James Gammon, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I know you feel bad about the deer, but it's not your fault. Things die. That's part of life. It's bad to kill, but it's not bad to die." - Hogarth Hughes

Why watch this? ... a boy finds an unlikely friend when a mysterious metal giant becomes sentient.

Plot Summary: Set in 1957, during the Cold War, a young boy named Hogarth Hughes discovers and befriends a giant robot that has crash-landed near his town in Maine. Hogarth attempts to protect the robot from a paranoid government agent and the U.S. military, who are determined to find and destroy the giant. With the help of beatnik artist Dean McCoppin, Hogarth tries to teach the Giant about life and prevent him from becoming the weapon his creators intended.

Dad's Preview: This is one of the best non-Disney animated efforts from the 90's. When a massive iron robot crash lands on earth, the bump on the head somehow causes it to become "alive". A fatherless boy, Hogarth, stumbles upon the friendly giant. Their interactions are fun and wonderful, as the iron man becomes more and more human. As par for the course, the Army wants to reclaim their "project" (designed for warfare), even if it means destroying him. The all-star voice cast hits every mark. This heart-warming flick will also leave a mark on your heartstrings.

Warner Bros. Feature Animations; Warner Bros.

A little pig goes a long way.

Starring: James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine Cavanaugh, Dann Mann, Miriam Margolyes, Hugo Weaving, Roscoe Lee Brown

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"The Boss's husband is just playing a little game with you. Believe me, sooner or later, every pig gets eaten. That's the way the world works. Oh, I haven't upset you, have I?" - Dutchess (the cat)

Why watch this? It's so sweet and endearing. You will love this pink little piglet.

Plot Summary: This is the story of a piglet won by Farmer Hoggett at a county fair. The pink porker finds a home on the farm and bonds with a sheepdog named Fly. Babe, against the expectations of his kind, learns that he too can herd sheep. He must then gain acceptance from the other farm animals who question his unusual abilities.

Dad's Preview: This is another film my kids loved. It's about a delightful little orphaned pig who is trained to, of all things, herd sheep. The film-makers deployed CGI technology to enable the barnyard animals to speak to each other. It's done well and not over-the-top. I enjoyed hearing the thoughts and feelings of common farm animals. James Cromwell's performance as Farmer Hogget is really special. Babe, voiced by Christine Cavanaugh, steals the show. "Baa Ram Ewe!"

Kennedy Miller Productions; Universal Pictures

Hang on for the comedy that goes to infinity and beyond!

Starring: (the voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"YOU - ARE - A - TOY! You aren't the real Buzz Lightyear, you're... you're, you're an action figure! You are a child's plaything!" - Woody to Buzz on day one

Why watch this? This is the origin story where Woody and Buzz first become friends.

Plot Summary: Andy's longtime favorite toy, Woody the cowboy doll, faces an existential crisis when a new, flashy spaceman toy named Buzz Lightyear becomes Andy's new favorite. Driven by jealousy, Woody attempts to get rid of Buzz, but a series of mishaps strands them both far from home. The two must then overcome their rivalry and work together to escape a toy-destroying neighbor and reunite with Andy before he moves.

Dad's Preview: This was the first great Disney-Pixar film. It combines a superb, original plot, excellent CGI, and an all-star case of voice actors. This film certainly appeals to kids, but therein is interjected lots "grown up" humor. It's cute, funny and warm.  A sequel only seemed natural. (which, of course, was delivered - 3 more times).

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

In Space, No One Can Hear You Clean

Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I can't just sit here and... and do nothing. That's all I've ever done! That's all anyone on this blasted ship has ever done - nothing!" - Captain

Why watch this? Wall-E will work his electronic way into your heart.

Plot Summary: Earth is a trash-filled wasteland, centuries after humanity evacuated due to an uninhabitable environment on the ship Axiom. WALL-E, the last remaining trash-compacting robot, discovers a tiny living plant, initiating a chain of events that could potentially allow humanity to return to Earth. He follows a probe named EVE to the Axiom, where they must overcome challenges posed by the ship's autopilot.

Dad's Preview: How can a film set after the end of the Earth be warm, poignant, and even inspiring? Pixar pulls it off, as we follow the adventures of a lone, trash-gathering robot. His (we assume it is a "he") one simple job is to pick up trash and compact it into cubes. When a probe, named EVE, comes to earth, "she" encounters Wall-E. When Wall-E presents her with the first sign of plant life, things get crazy. It's ingenious, visibly stunning and so darn cute.  

Pixar Animatoin Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion 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

It's the story of a man, a woman, and a rabbit in a triangle of trouble.

Starring: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer (voice), Joanna Cassidy, Kathleen Turner (voice)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way." – Jessica Rabbit

Why watch this? ... to watch, in awe, the genius it took to intertwine humans and cartoons into the same celluloid space.

Plot Summary: In 1947 Los Angeles, where cartoons and humans coexist, a private detective who loathes toons takes a case involving a rabbit toon star accused of murder. As the detective investigates, he uncovers a complex conspiracy that threatens the existence of Toontown, the animated metropolis where toons reside.

Dad's Preview: I am always a fan of something new and inventive, even if the effort sometimes falls short. This film is an example where expectations were exceeded. Director Zemeckis creates a 1950s-ish world where humans and cartoons co-exist, and it's business-as-usual. This is an easy film to love. It has all our favorite cartoon characters (Mickey, Donald, Daffy, Porky, etc.), zany slapstick bits, devious villains, a wonderful ending... and let's not forget naughtily-drawn bombshell, Jessica Rabbit.  

Touchstone Pictures, Amblin Ent., Silver Screen Partners III;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in fantasy.

Starring: Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Kenneth Mars, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Buddy Hackett

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Hmm... Teenagers. They think they know everything. You give them an inch, they swim all over you." – Sebastian

Why watch this? This film revitalized Disney's animated film reputation.

Plot Summary: A curious young mermaid named Ariel dreams of experiencing life beyond the sea and falls in love with a human prince she rescues from a shipwreck. Desperate to join his world, Ariel makes a dangerous pact with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for human legs. With her new form, Ariel embarks on a quest to win the prince's love, but she faces challenges and a ticking clock as Ursula has a hidden agenda.

Dad's Preview: Disney animated films had lost something. This gem felt like they had returned to basics, and found the magic again. It has humor and loveable characters, but it is the music that stands out as iconic. Those numbers just make you want to stand up, sing and even dance! So my youngest son did just that - he was select to portray Sebastian in his high school musical. And, he killed it - we were so proud of him and all the cast!

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

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

The Toys Are Back in Town.

Starring: (the voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Annie Potts, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Wayne Knight

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you." – Jessie

Why watch this? I really do like this film more than the original; it digs deeper.

Plot Summary: During a yard sale while Andy is away at summer camp, Woody is stolen by a toy collector hoping to sell him to a museum. This forces Buzz Lightyear and Andy's other toys to embark on a rescue mission to find Woody and bring him back home. Woody, meanwhile, learns about his history as a collectible from a famous television show and meets other toys from his past, making him question where his loyalties lie.

Dad's Preview: Everyone loved the OG Toy Story (1995). So did I. This has all that, plus it's more poignant. Perhaps I feel this way because my kids grew up and left home. Of course, we're happy for them, but I'd be lying if I did not cast occasional thoughts back to when they were young and we were a contained family, taking on the world. Here, Andy is growing up, too. Perhaps he has outgrown Buzz and Woody. Nothing could be more painful for a toy. Then comes along the energetic Jessie, a toy in Woody's collector set. She's been there and knows that kids hurt you, and toys need to stick together. Get out a box of hankies, cause you're gonna need them.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

The most beautiful love story ever told.

Starring (voices): Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Oh, it's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm... Well, look at me!" - Beast

Why watch this? This magical Disney effort just made the world seem right again.

Plot Summary: In this fairy tale, the beautiful Belle offers her freedom to a cursed prince who has been transformed into a Beast. The Beast, along with his castle and its enchanted staff, are under a spell that can only be broken if he learns to love and be loved in return. Belle gradually gets to know the Beast and sees beyond his outward appearance, while the Beast strives tame his impatient temper.

Dad's Preview: Disney animation had a quality problem in the 1980's. This film changed all that immediately. It's exciting, funny and a beauty to behold. There are many memorable characters and incredible musical numbers. Memorable characters include the French candlestick Lumiere, the British tea kettle Mrs. Potts and the unforgettably conceited huntsman Gaston. This musical is big and bold, yet tender and intimate. It restored Disney's reputation as a quality producer of cinematic animation.

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, 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.

Dad's Preview: We wore out this Disney VHS tape. Our kids were mesmerized by the cute animals and catchy tunes. It really is a magical story of families and growing up to face responsibility. To that, you only have to add a wise mandrill, a witty lemur and a smelly warthog. And viola! - A great animated flick! Today, I still cry numerous times during this musical romp through Africa.

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

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

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

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.