Desire, passion, lust... It's a deadly game of obsession.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Ray Liotta, Madeleine Stowe, Roger E. Mosley, Ken Lerner, Deborah Offner, Carmen Argenziano, Andy Romano, Dina Anello

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"What are you gonna do, tough guy? You gonna make a citizen's arrest?" – Officer Pete Davis

Why watch this? What do you do when a policeman decides he wants your wife?

Plot Summary: After a home invasion leaves a couple shaken, they find comfort in a seemingly helpful police officer. However, the officer's interest in the couple, particularly the wife, escalates into an intense and dangerous obsession. He begins to manipulate their lives and insert himself into their marriage, creating a terrifying and escalating power struggle.

Dad's Preview: After a break-in, a young couple makes the decision to install a home security system. Officer Davis takes a specific liking to the couple, and performs the install himself. We quickly learn that Davis has a crush on the wife and plans to get rid of her husband. Davis is a decorated officer, who now knows the couple's home security codes. This taut thriller will keep you on edge all the way to its rewarding conclusion. Nobody does crazy better than Liotta - it's all in his eyes.

Largo Entertainment; 20th Century Fox

If this one doesn't scare you... You're Already Dead!

Starring: Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Josh Brolin, Marley Shelton, Jeff Fahey, Michael Biehn, Rebel Rodriguez, Bruce Willis, Fergie, Naveen Andrews

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"You think when you die, you go to heaven. You come to us!" - The Tall Man

Why watch this? This unique horror movie is so creatively bizarre that it's infinitely engrossing.

Plot Summary: Teenager Mike discovers that the local mortician, known as the Tall Man, is involved in suspicious activities involving dead bodies. He teams up with his older brother Jody and friend Reggie to investigate the sinister secrets of the Morningside Mortuary. As they delve deeper, they uncover a terrifying plot and face otherworldly threats in their quest to stop the Tall Man.

Dad's Preview: The late Seventies was a sort of horror film renaissance. Screen's across the nation were littered with zombies, vampires, animal attacks, mutated creatures, demons and devils. Then there was Phantasm. It's villain is The Tall Man, an evil undertaker responsible for a series of grisly acts, on the living and dead alike. The independent film, mostly the brain-child of novice director Don Coscarelli, was shot on a meager budget with unknown stars. Early film reviewers did not know what to do with it. Today it stands as a cult classic, that spawned an enduring film franchise (there are four sequels). I can attest that its creative plot, surrealistic narrative and iconic imagery will literally leave an impression in your head. (pun intended)

New Breed Productions; AVCO Embassy Pictures

Wonderful surprises await you all.

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Paul Adelstein, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, John Leguizamo, Aimee Carrero, Reed Birney, Rebecca Koon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"So once again, thank you for dining with us tonight. You represent the ruin of my art and my life, and now you get to be a part of it. Part of what I hope is my... masterpiece." - Chef Slowik

Why watch this? This will not be what you expect, but it's one clever film about food and its obsessions.

Plot Summary: A young couple travel to a remote island to dine at an exclusive and very expensive restaurant, Hawthorne. Run by a celebrity chef, the restaurant boasts a lavish tasting menu promising a unique culinary experience. However, as the evening progresses, the guests realize the chef has some shocking surprises planned that go far beyond haute cuisine.

Dad's Preview: The film's introduction is similar to an Agatha Christie novel, which begs the viewer to figure out the purpose of assembling this cast of characters. As the evening enfolds, we learn that each diner is somewhat unlikable, and the Chef has things specifically designed to expose their detestable natures. Poor Margot, who is there only by chance, is stuck in the middle. This film introduced me to Anya Taylor-Joy, as Margo, and, wow, what an actress. She stands toe-to-toe with veteran actor Ralph Fiennes, and never flinches. This mind field of revenge and obsessions will shock you, thrill you, and completely entertain you, each course more delicious than the last. 

Hyperobject Industries, Gary Sanchez Productions; Searchlight Pictures

If they survive...will we?

Starring: Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Lilli Palmer, Uta Hagen, Steve Guttenberg, Denholm Elliott, Rosemary Harris, John Dehner, John Rubinstein, Anne Meara, Jeremy Black, Bruno Ganz, Walter Gotell, David Hurst, Wolfgang Preiss

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You are born of the noblest blood in the world. You have it within you to fulfill ambitions one thousand times greater than those at which you presently dream, and you shall fulfill them, Bobby. You shall." - Dr. Josef Mengele to young Bobby Wheelock

Why watch this? It's an incredibly gripping tale about Nazi war criminals scheming in South America.

Plot Summary: A young Nazi hunter in Paraguay uncovers a disturbing meeting of former SS officers, led by the notorious Dr. Josef Mengele. This discovery alerts a skeptical but seasoned Nazi hunter, Ezra Lieberman, who investigates the bizarre plot to understand its terrifying goal. Ultimately, he unravels a horrific conspiracy to revive the Third Reich through a chilling application of genetic engineering.

Dad's Preview: This tight thriller is like a complex ball of twin; as more is unraveled, more of the plot is revealed. It all leads to an incredible, terrifying revelation. Two veteran actors, in Peck and Olivier, give excellent performances. On a side note, it's impossible for me two write a preview on a film centered on a raging narcissist, enacting his evil plan, without seeing the undeniable parallels to America's political situation. Critics of the day couldn't understand that Dr. Mengele's plan wasn't more fleshed out. Well, duh, these men wantonly execute their concepts of plans and damn the consequences. The only thing the rest of us can do is count the bodies. 

ITC Films, Producer Circle; 20th Century-Fox

If Nancy doesn't wake up screaming she won't wake up at all.

Starring: Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, Johnny Depp, Ronee Blakley, John Saxon, Amanda Wyss, Nick Corri, Lin Shaye

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"We took gasoline and poured it all around the place and made a trail of it out the door. We lit the whole thing up and watched it burn. He's dead now. He's dead because Mommy killed him." – Marge Thompson

Why watch this? Freddie is right up there with Michael Myers, Jason and Chucky.

Plot Summary: On Elm Street, teenager Nancy Thompson and her friends are being targeted by a clawed killer named Freddy Krueger in their dreams. If they die in the dream world, they die in real life. Nancy must uncover the truth about Krueger and find a way to stop him before he kills them all.

Dad's Preview:  I am generally not a fan of simple "slasher" films. It's just murder-porn, and I don't need that. This is aptly categorized as a "supernatural slasher" film. The killer, a knife-gloved deformity named Freddie Krueger, can murder you, but only in your dreams. Now that is terrifying! Robert Englund inhabits Freddie, and he honestly loves the character (he'd reprise the role at least eight more times). Also, look for a very young Johnny Depp. This chiller is really scary, as Freddie works his revenge list with brutal, nocturnal care.

Media Home Ent., Smart Egg Pictures; New Line Cinema

They were warned...They are doomed...And on Friday the 13th, nothing will save them.

Starring: Adrienne King, Harry Crosby, Jeannine Taylor, Laurie Bartram, Kevin Bacon, Mark Nelson, Rex Everhart, Walt Gorney, Betsy Palmer, Ari Lehman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"You see, Jason was my son, and today is his birthday..." – Mrs. Voorhees

Why watch this? It's not the first slasher film, but it IS one of the best.

Plot Summary: Twenty-two years after a double murder, a new group of counselors arrives at Camp Crystal Lake to prepare for its reopening. Despite warnings from locals about the camp's tragic past and a supposed "death curse," the counselors remain unfazed. As they begin their work, they are systematically stalked and murdered one by one by an unseen killer.

Dad's Preview: In 1980, any self-respecting red-blooded male was on the lookout for scary films to encourage his date to clutch our arms in mortal terror. Luckily the movie industry agreed and this film helped start a horror sub-genre called the "slasher movie". This classic is set at a summer camp. When several camp counselors arrive early, it's only a matter of time before they a) have sex, and b) are murdered one by one in the most grisly of manners. Males and females alike are hacked, poked, sawed and axed. Yes, I know it glorifies violence to an extent, but it is a legitimately scary experience for the audience. In that respect, it accomplishes its goal, and I proudly sport the scared arms to prove it.

Georgetown Productions Inc.; Paramount Pictures

He's not Freddy, He's Not Jason... He's Real.

Starring: Michael Rooker, Tom Towles, Tracy Arnold, Mary Demas, Anne Bartoletti, Elizabeth Kaden, Ted Kaden

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"You strangle one, stab another, and one you cut up, and one you don't, then the police don't know what to do. They think you're four different people. What makes their job so much easier, is pattern. What they call a modus operandi. That's Latin. Bet you didn't know any Latin, did you?" - Henry

Why watch this? WARNING - this film is tough to watch and disturbing... not for the squeamish.

Plot Summary: Henry, a nomadic ex-con, lives with his former cellmate Otis and embarks on a random killing spree. Otis's sister Becky moves in with the two men, creating an unusual dynamic where Henry seems to develop a connection with her while still engaging in violent acts with his accomplice Otis.

Dad's Preview: This is the shocking story of real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, who was convicted of 11 murders. This film is deeply disturbing. The gut-punch is the family that Henry and Otis murder. They just pick a random house in a suburb, break in, and sadistically kill everyone inside. No motive. No reason. It was just that family's unlucky night. There is no way to be safe from such brutality. Michael Rooker is haunting as the emotionally devoid Henry.

Maljack Productions; Greycat Films

CHILLING SUSPENSE in the screen's most gripping war of nerves!

Starring: Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen, Lori Martin, Martin Balsam, Jack Kruschen, Telly Savalas, Barrie Chase, Paul Comi, Page Slattery, Will Wright

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I got somethin' planned for your wife and kid that they ain't nevah gonna forget. They ain't nevah gonna forget it... and neither will you, Counselor! Nevah!" - Max Cady

Why watch this? This is a law-abiding citizen's worst nightmare.

Plot Summary: Max Cady, an ex-convict, is released from prison and travels to a small town to seek revenge on Sam Bowden, the lawyer who testified against him. Cady begins a menacing campaign of intimidation, stalking Bowden and his family while exploiting the limits of the law to avoid arrest. With his family's safety at risk and the police unable to help, Bowden is forced to take matters into his own hands in a final confrontation.

Dad's Preview: From the minute Mitchum saunters onto the screen, this thriller oozes noir and dread. The way he wears that Panama hat and slithers into this helpless family's life, like watching cancer in accelerated motion. That's all Robert Mitchum, tapping again into his menacing side, ala Night of the Hunter (1955). Peck and newcomer Lori Martin also give fine performances. This tense classic builds and builds to a memorable ending, thanks to a superb, intense musical score. 

Melville Productions, Talbot Productions; Universal-International

A Masterpiece of Modern Horror

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson, Philip Stone, Joe Trukel, Anne Jackson, Tony Burton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm not gonna hurt ya. You didn't let me finish my sentence. I said, I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm just going to bash your brains in!" - Jack Torrance

Why watch this? The setting at the empty grand hotel, the gigantic snow-covered maze, all creates one hell of an eerie atmosphere.

Plot Summary: Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies. He moves in with his wife, Wendy, and son, Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as "the shining". As a winter storm leaves the family snowbound, the hotel's sinister presence begins to influence Jack, threatening the safety of his family.

Dad's Preview: It took me a while to figure this one out. Jack, a writer, agrees to stay a deserted hotel in Colorado for the winter. He takes along his wife and son. What I realized is that the film, like Jack's sanity, becomes more and more deranged with each passing minute. The visions and apparitions are real in Jack's (and the audience's) mind. The bigger question: is there something manipulating him... something evil. Is he crazy or possessed? Finding out is the point.

The Producer Circle Co., Peregrine Prod., Hawk Films; Warner Bros.

Put on a happy face.

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, Glenn Fleshler

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"For my whole life, I didn't know if I even really existed. But I do, and people are starting to notice." – Arthur Fleck

Why watch this? Could Joaquin Phoenix possibly top Heath Ledger? Well, it's pretty darn close.

Plot Summary: This film tells the story of Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian and clown-for-hire living in a gritty Gotham City during the early 1980s. Battling mental illness, poverty, and isolation, Arthur's grip on reality slowly unravels as society continuously rejects and demeans him. His descent into madness culminates in a series of violent acts, transforming him into a notorious figure who unwittingly ignites an uprising against the city's corrupt and indifferent elite.

Dad's Preview: Warner Brothers decided to green light this stand-alone origin story outside of its DC Extended Universe. Arthur Fleck, a failed clown and comedian, descends into mental illness, becoming more and more twisted and violent. In a final desperate act, he rallies the disenchanted of Gotham City to revolt against the wealthy class. The Crown Prince of Crime is born. Phoenix gives a master class on method acting as the damaged, insane Arthur Fleck.

DC Films, Village Roadshow Pictures, Bron Creative, Joint Effort;
Warner Bros.

A duel is about to begin between a man, a truck, and an open road.
Where a simple battle of wits is now a matter of life and death.

Starring: Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott, Eddie Firestone, Lou Frizzell, Gene Dynarski, Tim Herbert, Carey Loftin, Eugene Dynarski, Lucille Benson, Charles Seel

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'd like to report a truck driver who's been endangering my life." – David Mann

Why watch this? Few actors so show utter terror better than Dennis Weaver.

Plot Summary: David Mann is a traveling salesman, driving through the rural California desert to a business meeting. During his journey, he finds himself terrorized and pursued by the unseen driver of a rusty 18-wheeler semi-truck. What starts as an ordinary trip escalates into a relentless cat-and-mouse game between David and the unseen driver, pushing David to his limits as he fights for survival against the monstrous truck.

Dad's Preview: This made-for-TV movie was Steven Spielberg's directorial debut. This tense thriller gave folks an early taste of his genius. I also really enjoyed Dennis Weaver, a TV actor with his own show called McCloud. His portrayal an ordinary man, attacked for no reason, is stellar. We never see the truckers face, and that makes it more terrifying. This thriller cores major points for realism.

Universal Studios; ABC

A chase through time -- to catch Jack the Ripper!

Starring: Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, Mary Steenburgen, Charles Cioffi, Patti D'Arbanville, Kent Williams, Joseph Maher, Corey Feldman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"We don't belong here? On the contrary, Herbert. I belong here completely and utterly. I'm home."- Jack the Ripper, on being transported to New York City, 1979

Why watch this? As a fan of The Time Machine (1960), this takes things one more, horrifying step.

Plot Summary: English writer H.G. Wells, having invented a functional time machine, finds himself chasing notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper through time. Jack has escaped to the year 1979 in Wells' own creation. Upon arriving in a future he did not anticipate, Wells encounters a woman named Amy Robbins and enlists her help in his pursuit of the infamous murderer, now turned loose in San Francisco.

Dad's Preview: I love the concept of time-travel, so this film caught my eye. In this creative spin, H.G. Wells' fictional machine is hijacked by none other than the infamous Jack the Ripper! The London butcher uses it to travel to current time. Wells, of course, pursues him, feeling responsible. This hidden treasure is intelligent and packed with suspense. Kudos to great performances by the three leads. This compelling crime-drama is a must-see for sci-fi buffs and time-travel enthusiasts.

Orion Pictures; Warner Bros.

The girl is 12. The guy is a taxi driver. What happens to both of them will shock you.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, Albert Brooks, Leonard Harris, Peter Boyle, Harry Northup, Victor Argo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Loneliness has followed me my whole life. Everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There's no escape. I'm God's lonely man..." – Travis Bickle

Why watch this? If you ever wondered what a big city does to some people, this gritty film is for you.

Plot Summary: Travis Bickle is a lonely Vietnam War veteran suffering from insomnia. He works as a night-shift taxi driver in New York City, becoming increasingly disgusted by the city's crime and perceived moral decay. He develops an misguided obsession with a political campaign worker and later an underage prostitute, who he feels a need save from the streets.

Dad's Preview: Martin Scorsese takes us on a semi-dreamlike ride into the scum-crusted, wet streets of New York City. For all its glam and glitter, this place has an underbelly where common folk are ground up and spit out. From this cauldron rises Travis Bickle, a person sleepwalking through an existence absent of meaning. From the start, we feel this story is heading to ruin. Taxi Driver showcases the incredible acting range of Robert De Niro, as a man slowly descending into madness. His social awkwardness evokes both our sympathy and horror. It's pure genius. Jodie Foster also captivates as a vulnerable streetwalker. When this tale reaches its end, we're spent, and all we can do is look away.

Bill/Phillips Prod., Italo-Judeo Prod.; Columbia Pictures

The terror starts the moment he stops.

Starring: Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, Jeffrey DeMunn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, John M. Jackson, Billy Greenbush, Jack Thibeau

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I want you to stop me." - John Ryder

Why watch this? It's as dreadfully suspenseful as a movie can get.

Plot Summary: Driving a car across country, young Jim Halsey picks up a hitchhiker who reveals himself to be a dangerous serial killer. After Jim narrowly escapes, the relentless hitchhiker proceeds to stalk him, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake and framing Jim for his crimes. Now pursued by the police and the killer, Jim's only hope for survival and clearing his name lies in the aid of a truck stop waitress named Nash.

Dad's Preview: This is the ultimate cautionary tale regarding why you should never pick up a hitchhiker. It is brutal and a little unrealistic, but that's what movies are for. No matter what the young protagonist does, he cannot escape the homicidal maniac who enjoys toying with his prey. I must point out that there is a "I can't believe that just happened" moment... and it is very disturbing. It also makes the film exceptional.

HBO Pictures, Silver Screen Productions; TriStar Pictures

A couple alone at sea. When a stranger called for help, they made a fatal mistake... they answered.

Starring: Sam Neill, Nicole Kidman, Billy Zane
 

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Please don't shout. That's always been one of my problems. I can never tell people's real motives until it's too late." - Hughie Warriner

Why watch this? A tense sea tale about rescuing the wrong survivor.

Plot Summary: A young couple, John and Rae. after a life tragedy, seek solace on a yacht. John, after all, is an Austrailian Navy captain, so it should be smooth sailing. Their isolation is shattered when they rescue a lone survivor from a sinking ship, only to discover his chilling secret. The encounter sets off a terrifying ordeal at sea where they both must fight for survival.

Dad's Preview: This taut thriller features some extraordinary ocean-based cinematography. This is a three-actor film is essentially a game of cat and mouse as ordinary people become the prey of a madman. Sam Neill is excellent, and I can't say enough about Billy Zane, as the charming, yet psychotic, kidnapper. That said, I walked away enamored with newcomer Nicole Kidman. She can emote sheer terror one minute, then feminine strength the next. Her performance is impressive.

Kennedy Miller; Warner Bros.

There Are No Clean Getaways

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Tess Harper, Barry Corbin, Beth Grant

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #16 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of No Country For Old Men

"If the rule you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule?" - Anton Chigurh

Why watch this? This tour de force examines the dangers surrounding the Mexican drug world.

Plot Summary: While hunting in the West Texas desert, Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong and finds a briefcase containing millions of dollars, which he takes. His decision sets in motion a violent chase with a ruthless and enigmatic killer, Anton Chigurh, pursuing Moss and the money across the landscape. Meanwhile, a jaded, tired Sheriff Ed Tom Bell investigates the mounting casualties, grappling with the escalating violence and the unsettling nature of the criminals involved.

Dad's Preview: This Texas story's backdrop is the harsh scrub-brush lands near the Mexican border, where life is cheap, especially when you are entwined within the drug trade. The great performances by the film's cast are almost too many to mention. Jones, Bardem and Brolin certainly own the film, but the supporting actors and actresses also contribute, injecting tons of realism. Every time I watch this, it feels fresh, cutting-edge, and pertinent in its masterful simplicity.

Paramount Vantage, Scott Rudin Prod., Mike Zoss Prod.; Miramax Films

The scenes... the story... The stars... BUT ABOVE ALL - THE SUSPENSE!

Starring: Robert Mitchum, Billy Chapin, Sally Jane Bruce, Shelly Winters, Lillian Gish, James Gleason, Evelyn Varden, Peter Graves, Don Beddoe, Gloria Castillo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Not that you mind the killings! There's plenty of killings in your book, Lord..." - Rev. Harry Powell, praying to God

Why watch this? Unique. Nightmarish. Visually Stunning. Ahead of its time. That's why.

Plot Summary: During the Great Depression, the imprisoned, self-proclaimed preacher finds out that his cellmate robbed a bank, taking $10,000, then hiding at his house in West Virginia. When the cellmate is executed, Powell thanks The Lord for this opportunity to woo the vulnerable wife, and get the two children, John-age 9 and Pearl-age 4, to confess where the loot is stashed.

Dad's Preview: This film is based on Davis Grubb's original novel of the same name. The film's director, the world famous British actor Charles Laughton (Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), Witness for the Prosecution (1957)), breaths an entirely new interpretation into this nightmarish, adult fairytale about the serially homicidal "Preacher" Harry Powell. The incredible genius of this black-and-white film is that director Laughton chose to intertwine German expressionism with noir naturalism to create a work of art that is both stylish and creepy in its economies of simplicity. The film, much of it from the children's perspective, centers on duality: shadow and light, love and hate (on Powell's knuckles), good and evil. At the box office, it was a flop, which crushed its director. The actors all deliver excellent performances, but it is Robert Mitchum, as the hymn-singing, slow-strolling pastor, who both captivates and terrifies. To close, it's unique that a film stays with me. It has to be memorable and unique. This influential film really stands firm, even after all these years. It, and I can state this with full confidence, is a perfect film.

Paul Gregory Productions; United Artists

Why So Serious?

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #20 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Dark Knight

"Some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn." – Alfred

Why watch this? This Nolan effort set a new, grittier standard for comic book films.

Plot Summary: Following the events of Batman Begins (2005), the emergence of a criminal mastermind known as the Joker throws Gotham City into a state of chaos and anarchy. Batman, along with Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, try to combat the escalating threat, but the Joker's unpredictable nature challenges their methods and forces Batman to confront his own beliefs. The film explores the fine line between hero and vigilante as Batman faces his most personal and challenging struggle yet.

Dad's Preview: This iconic masterpiece has so much: great action sequences, compelling characters, twists and turns, heroes and villains. Bale continues perfection in the dual role of millionaire Bruce Wayne and the crusading Batman. Then there's Heath Ledger's Joker - his defining career performance. The actor received the Best Actor award after his death at the young age of 28. If this is not the best super-hero film ever made, it's in the top three.

Legendary Pictures, Syncopy; Warner Bros. Pictures

To enter the mind of a killer she must challenge the mind of a madman.

Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, Anthony Heald, Brooke Smith, Diane Baker, Kasi Lemmons, Charles Napier

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #13 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Silence of the Lambs

"A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti. You fly back to school now, little Starling." – Dr. Hannibal Lecter

Why watch this? ... it's a lethal combination of everything important to great filmmaking.

Plot Summary: FBI trainee Clarice Starling seeks the help of the imprisoned, cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to gain insight into the mind of another elusive murderer known as Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill has been abducting and murdering young women, removing their skin as part of his twisted scheme.

Dad's Preview: This film... damn! It's part psychological thriller, part pure horror-fest. Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for his portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lector, a brilliant forensic psychiatrist AND serial killer. Also excellent is the performance by Jodie Foster, the eager FBI trainee who interfaces with Lecter. This film is simply one of those movies that bumps past all others on its way to the top. It is a perfect film.  

Strong Heart Productions; Orion Pictures

The Night HE Came Home!

Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nick Castle, P. J. Soles, Nancy Loomis, Tony Moran, Nancy Keyes, Brian Andrews, Charles Cyphers, Kyle Richards

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up for I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... evil." – Dr. Sam Loomis

Why watch this? It's the scariest film I have ever seen. 

Plot Summary: Welcome to Haddonfield, Illinois. A few years back a young boy, Michael, killed his teenage sister on Halloween night. He was sent away. Fifteen years later, Michael escapes and returns to his hometown. Hot on his trail is Dr. Samuel Loomis, a psychiatrist who has studied Michael Myers all his life. The doctor knows that Michael is mentally beyond reach, and he will leave a lot of bodies in his wake.

Dad's Preview: In 1979, I was always looking for a way to get a date to dig her hands into my arm. Horror movies were ideal for that purpose. This film, holy crap, it made previous "scary" movies seem like a Disney flick. This journey into terror, may be the scariest film ever made. After Halloween, the term "slasher film" became a thing, even its own horror genre. For all the jumps and murders, there is very little blood on screen. When we see Michael Myers, in that freakin' white mask, it still sends chills up our spines! Luckily, Jamie Lee Curtis was there to survive, and go on to star in several of the many sequels to follow.

Compass Int'l Pictures, Falcon Int'l Productions; Aquarius Releasing