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Dad's top
20 Pet Sounds Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1.
This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
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Honorable
Mention |
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The Incredible Journey (1963)
Three against the
wilderness... nothing could stop them -
only instinct to guide them across 200 perilous miles of
Canadian wilderness!
Director: Fletcher Markle, Rated G
 Starring:
Emile Genest, John Drainie, Sandra Scott, Marion Finlayson,
Ronald Cohoon, Tommy Tweed, Robert Christie, Beth Lockerbie,
Beth Amos
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"The cat was uneasy.
He had a strange feeling he was being followed. There was
nothing in sight,
yet his sense told him there was something
there, something evil." -
Narrator
Why watch this? This
family action film is, well, incredible! All set in the American
wilderness.
Plot Summary:
Three family pets – a young Labrador Retriever, Luath, an older
Bull Terrier, Bodger, and a Siamese cat, Tao – are left with a
friend while their owners go on vacation. Missing their family,
the trio escape and embark on a long, challenging journey
through the Canadian wilderness to find their way home. Faced
with a vast and unfamiliar landscape, the animals must overcome
various perils and rely on each other to survive.
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Dad's Preview:
In the 50's and 60's, Disney was second-to-none regarding films
featuring animals, such as
Old Yeller
(1957) and
Swiss
Family Robinson (1960). Here the excitement comes from
our heroic animals as they encounter an angry mother bear, a raging river, a
pissed-off porcupine,
and cold wintry conditions. Your heart-strings will be maxed out
as our traveling trio trudges on to get home.
Can they survive the journey? Will it be too much for the old
terrier? |
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Walt Disney
Prod.; Buena Vista Dist.
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#20 Top |
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The Art of Racing in the Rain
(2019)
Meet the
Dog Who Will Show the World How to Be Human
Director: Simon Curtis, rated PG
Starring: Milo
Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Gary
Cole, Kevin Costner (voice of Enzo)
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"He
picked me out of a pile of pups, a tangled mass of paws and
tails.
He'd stopped at the farm on his way home from the
speedway at Yakima.
Even back then, I knew I was different than
other dogs. My soul just felt more human." –
Enzo
Why watch this?
Dog movies always get to me, and this one sure does!
Plot Summary: This
dog tale is told from the perspective of a loyal golden
retriever named Enzo, who believes he's meant to be reborn as a
human. He chronicles the life of his human, race car driver
Denny, observing his journey through love, family, and the
challenges they face together.
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Dad's Preview:
It is a well-known fact that our family loves dogs. (We
affectionately call them
"Woogs" - it's a long story...) This sweet canine tale follows the life of Enzo, a
delightful Golden Retriever, who loves this master with all his
heart (show me a dog who doesn't). Enzo accepts his master's new
bride, but more than anything, he loves to ride in his master's
speedy race cars. It's safe to state that you will need to bring a
box of tissues. |
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Fox 2000
Pics, Original Film, Starbucks Ent.,
TSG Ent.;
20th
Century Fox
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#19 Top |
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The Sandlot (1993)
No uniforms.
No problem. No girls. No problem. No ball. BIG problem!
Director: David Mickey Evans, rated PG
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.
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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" in this flick loves to play baseball at the local
ball 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. |
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Island World; 20th
Century Fox
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#18 Top |
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Ladyhawke
(1985)
The magical legend of an unforgettable love.
Director: Richard Donner, rated PG-13 for medieval
violence
Starring:
Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Leo McKern, John Wood,
Alfred Molina, Ken Hutchison
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Do you know that hawks and
wolves mate for life? The Bishop didn't even leave us
that...
not even that." - Etienne
Why watch this?
This fantasy film is tragic, sad, then finally enrapturing.
Plot Summary:
Phillipe "The Mouse" Gaston is a young thief who escapes prison
in medieval Aquila. He becomes intertwined with Captain Navarre
and Lady Isabeau, a pair of star-crossed lovers under a powerful
curse. This curse, inflicted by a wicked Bishop, causes Navarre
to become a wolf at night and Isabeau a hawk during the day,
keeping them eternally together yet apart. Phillipe, an unlikely
ally, joins their quest to confront the Bishop and break the
enchantment.
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Dad's Preview:
Rutger
Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Broderick were at the height of their
popularity in the mid 80's. This small film saw only moderate
success and was deemed a box office failure. Regardless, I am
captivated by its plot - a cruel curse keeps two lovers from
ever being together. The quest in this lovely fairytale is to
find a way to break the spell. The film was praised for its
photography, and nominated for two Oscars for Sound and Sound
Effects Editing. And seriously, is there anyone more beautiful
than
Michelle Pfeiffer? |
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20th Century Fox,
Laren Shuler
Prod.; Warner Bros.
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#17 Top |
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Babe (1995)
A little
pig goes a long way.
Director: Chris Noonan, rated G
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.
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Dad's Preview:
This is another film my family and I loved. It's about a delightful
little orphaned pig who is trained by his observant owner 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, earns the blue ribbon. "Baa Ram
Ewe!" |
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Kennedy Miller Productions;
Universal Pictures
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#16 Top |
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Superman (2025)
IT BEGINS
Director: James Gunn, rated PG-13
Starring:
David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi,
Nathan Fillion, Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio,
Wendell Pierce, Mikaela Hoover, María Gabriela de Faría, Alan Tudyk (voice)
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Your choices, your
actions, that's what makes you who you are." -
Jonathan Kent to Clark
Why watch this?
James Gunn's official start to a new DC Universe is
exceptional in all the right places.
Plot Summary: Clark
Kent has been Superman for three years. There are already other
super-heroes on Earth. He works at the Daily Planet, and the
gang is all there: Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Cat Grant and Perry
White. Superman takes a beating at the hands of a metahuman
called The Hammer of Boravia. This appears to be backlash from
Superman's interference in a Middle Eastern conflict between
Boravia and Jarhanpur, where he prevented a war. Meanwhile, Lex
Luthor, as usual, appears to be involved in all things against
the Man of Steel.
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Dad's Preview:
After Warner Bros. ended the Snyder-verse, the reins were handed
over to quirky director James Gunn (Guardians
of the Galaxy,
Suicide Squad), and he wisely opted to not rehash
Superman's origin story. This film is spectacular. As expected, it is
packed with action, special effects, and thrilling scenes. What
really surprised me was the careful attention paid to the tender
moments that help the viewers see the human side of an
alien being who possesses enough power to, frankly, scare
people. The moments with his pooch Krypto, Lois and his parents
are heart-warming. The most important aspect is that this
film gets the essence of Superman right - no matter what, he
will not kill - EVER. This is the Superman that the
Iron Giant
wanted to be. Some will say this film is over-stuffed -
disregard that negative noise. I could not get enough of it, and
wanted more. And more is coming...
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DC Studios, Troll
Court Ent., The Safran Co.;
Warner Bros. Pictures
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Genres:
Action-Comedy,
Action-Sci-fi,
Action-Superhero,
Animation-CGI,
Fantasy-High,
Romance-Sci-fi,
Sci-fi-Adv,
Sci-fi-Extraterrestrial,
Thriller-Political
Dad's Genres:
Are you afrAID?,
Pet
Sounds,
Slime-Time,
SNL-Alumni |
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#15 Top |
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Seems Like Old Times
(1980)
Her ex-husband
just robbed a bank... and she's taking his case.
Director: Jay Sandrich, Rated PG-13 for language
Starring: Chevy
Chase, Goldie Hawn, Charles Grodin, Robert Guillaume, Yvonne
Wilder, Harold Gould, T. K. Carter
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I hope they shoot you! I
hope they shoot you in my kitchen! And when they drag your dead
body out of here,
I hope they shoot you again!" - Glenda
Parks
Why watch this?
This is my favorite Chevy Chase film. Goldie Hawn is adorable.
Plot Summary:
Nick Gardenia, a writer, is kidnapped and forced to rob a bank,
becoming a fugitive from the law. He seeks refuge with his
ex-wife, Glenda, a public defender who is now married to the
District Attorney, Ira, who happens to be pursuing Nick's case.
Glenda hides Nick in their home, leading to a series of comedic
misunderstandings and near-discoveries as she tries to protect
him from her husband and the authorities.
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Dad's Preview:
Chevy and Goldie demonstrated some real on-screen chemistry in
Foul Play (1978). They re-teamed for this wonderful Neil
Simon romantic comedy.
Chevy is a down-on-his-luck writer who manages to become a wanted
man. Goldie is
his ex-wife, and an attorney, therefore he comes to her for help. Her
current husband is the District Attorney. The hilarity
ensues as she tries to keep Chevy's presence a secret because
the bad press would sink her husband's election campaign. How
this plot plays out is a joy to laugh along with. |
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Raster; Columbia
Pictures
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#14 Top |
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Princess Mononoke (1997)
The Fate Of The World
Rests On The Courage Of One Warrior.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki,
rated PG-13
Starring:
(English voice cast:) Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Billy Bob
Thornton, John DeMita, John DiMaggio, Jada Pinkett Smith, Gillian Anderson, Debi
Derryberry, Keith David, Tara Strong
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Now watch closely,
everyone. I'm going to show you how to kill a god. A god of life
and death. The trick is not to fear him."
- Lady Eboshi
Why watch this? It
is yet another wonderful animated treasure from the mind of
Hayao Miyazaki.
Plot Summary:
Set in the Muromachi
period of Japanese history, young Prince Ashitaka is cursed by a
demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure.
There, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between Iron Town, a
community encroaching upon the forest and its inhabitants, and
the forest spirits, led by the enigmatic Princess Mononoke.
Ashitaka attempts to mediate between the opposing forces,
seeking a path to coexistence before the escalating violence
consumes both humans and nature.
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Dad's Preview:
If you enjoyed Dorothy's journey in Oz, or Charlie's adventure
in Willie's factory, then this amazing fantasy might be right up
your alley. Director/Writer Miyazaki creates such incredible
visuals that, at first, you might be overwhelmed. This quest
through Japanese mythology, where demons and forest gods hold
considerable power over humans, plays like a Greek tragedy. As
man's dominion expands, nature and the gods
of nature, must be destroyed to enable man to rape
the natural world of its resources. Standing in the way are a
brave warrior and a wolf-whisperer, both determined to stop the
human's rampant destruction. The animation is off-the-charts
amazing, and the story rich with allegory. A visit to this world
will leave you wondering about humankind, and our role in
preserving the natural world we live in. James Cameron said this
film influenced his meta-hit,
Avatar
(2009).
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Studio Ghibli;
Toho
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#13 Top |
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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Prepare to be
blown out of the water.
Director: Gore Verbinski, rated PG-13 for undead violence, scary scenes
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.
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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 Disney's 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. "Yo ho!" |
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Walt Disney
Pics, Jerry Bruckheimer Films;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.
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#12 Top |
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The Mask (1994)
FROM ZERO
TO HERO
Director: Chuck Russell, rated PG-13
Starring: Jim
Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene, Amy Yasbeck,
Richard Jeni, Jim Doughan, Orestes Matacena, Jeremy Roberts
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Kiss
me, my dear, and I will reveal my croissant. I will spread your
pate.
I will dip my ladle in your vichyssoise." - The
Mask
Why watch this?
Carrey is a force of nature in this zany role.
Plot Summary:
Stanley Ipkiss is a shy and unlucky bank clerk who stumbles upon
a magical mask that transforms him into a zany, green-faced,
cartoon-like alter ego. This new persona empowers Stanley to
seek revenge on those who mistreat him and pursue the glamorous
singer Tina Carlyle. However, his actions also attract the
attention of both the police and a dangerous gangster seeking to
exploit the mask's power.
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Dad's Preview:
Similar to Robins Williams' portrayal of the Genie in
Aladdin
(1992), this is the perfect marriage between
an outrageous comic book character and real-life comedian. Jim Carrey
literally IS
The
Mask! Add to that some cutting-edge CGI, and the result is pure
movie mojo. While wearing the mask, Carrey can change, literally, into
anything he desires. Lucky for us, this means countless personas and film
references. You'll catch a lot on the second viewing of this
comedy classic. |
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Dark Horse Ent.,
Katja Motion Pics
Corp.; New Line Cinema
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#11 Top |
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The Man from Snowy River
(1982)
The story of a boy suddenly alone in the world. The men
who challenge him.
And the girl who helps him become a man.
Director: George T. Miller, rated PG for Western
violence
Starring: Kirk
Douglas, Tom Burlinson, Jack Thompson, Sigrid Thornton, Lorraine
Bayly, Terrence Donovan, Tony Bonner
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"You've got to treat the
mountains like a high-spirited horse; never take it for
granted." - Jim Craig
Why watch this?
The horsemanship used to make this film is amazing and
a thing of beauty.
Plot Summary:
Following the death of his father, young Jim Craig leaves his
mountain home to work on a cattle ranch in the lowlands where he
falls for the wealthy rancher's daughter. Treated poorly by the
other ranch hands, Jim must prove his worth and integrity when
he is wrongly accused of setting a valuable horse free. He joins
a thrilling pursuit to recover the horse, hoping to clear his
name and earn the right to the woman he loves, all against a
backdrop of breathtaking Australian wilderness.
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Dad's Preview:
This Aussie-Western features the wonderful Kirk
Douglas playing two roles: Tough landowner, Mr. Harrison, and
his peg-legged brother known only as Scar. Also turning
in fine performances are the two young lead actors (and
the subjects of the film's romance), Tom Burlinson and Sigrid Thornton. This rich story
follows a young man's tragedy, and his eventual journey to manhood.
It's all set against the backdrop of
rugged 1880's Australian mountain ranges, and the tough people who
call it home.
The scenery is breath-taking, as are the horses used
in the film. I think it is one of the best modern Westerns to
date.
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Cambridge
Prod., Edgley Int'l, Snowy River
Investment Pty. Ltd.;
20th Century Fox
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#10 Top |
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The Thin Man
(1934)
Dashiell Hammett's
Master Mystery
Director: W.S. Van Dyke, rated TV-PG
Starring:
William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan, Nat Pendleton, Minna Gombell,
Porter Hall, Henry Wadsworth, William Henry, Harold Huber, Cesar Romero, Skippy
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Waiter, will you
serve the nuts? I mean, will you serve the guests the nuts?" -
Nora Charles
Why watch this?
This is screwball comedy ground zero, and it's wonderful.
Plot Summary:
When an eccentric inventor mysteriously vanishes and his former
associate is found murdered, his desperate daughter pleads with
a retired private detective to take the case. Although initially
reluctant, the laid-back investigator and his sharp, wealthy
wife dive into the increasingly tangled investigation for their
own entertainment. The couple navigates a web of eccentric
suspects and dangerous encounters, ultimately hosting an elegant
dinner party to expose the true culprit.
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Dad's Preview:
This lovely film, based on the Dashiell Hammett novel, harkens
back to a time when it was considered cheeky to solve mysteries
while half drunk. We are introduced to Nick and Nora Charles
(William Powell and Myrna Loy), a
leisurely (and married) detective team always reluctantly
looped into crime cases. The star of this caper is the endless
witty banter from Nick and Nora. I remember thinking I wanted my
marriage to be like theirs. This popular film series spawned
five sequels - quite a feat for those days. Of course, I must
mention Asta, the wonder terrier - the most famous Hollywood
mutt since Lassie! Without that furry sleuth, they would never
have solved a crime. |
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Hunt Stromberg,
Cosmopolitan Prod.,
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.
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#9 Top |
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Best in Show
(2000)
Some
pets deserve a little more respect than others.
Director: Christopher Guest, rated PG-13 for
language, sexual topics
Starring: Jennifer
Coolidge, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Michael
Hitchcock, Eugene Levy, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, Catherine
O'Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I went to one of those
obedience places once... it was all going well until
they
spilled hot candle wax on my private parts." - Buck Laughlin
Why watch this? ...
it's an oddball comedy about oddballs, and it's so rewardingly humorous.
Plot Summary: This
story follows a quirky group of dog owners and their beloved
canines as they compete in the prestigious Mayflower Kennel
Club Dog Show. It highlights the eccentric personalities and
relationships of the participants in this competitive world.
Through a series of interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses,
we see the various preparations, anxieties, and comical
situations that arise on their journey to win "Best in Show".
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Dad's Preview:
This is such a wonderful effort from the warped minds of
Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy. It follows the strange cult
of the Dog Show circuit and the quirks of show canine owners.
Present are over-obsessive yuppies, the gay power couple, the old
country boy and his bloodhound - just to name a few. As they
enthusiastically compete for the grand prize, there are plenty
of laughs for us to chew on. So "Sit!"... and enjoy this spoof
comedy. |
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Castle Rock Entertainment;
Warner Bros.
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#8 Top |
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Ben-Hur (1959)
A
Tale of the Christ
Director: William Wyler, Rated G
Starring:
Charlton Heston, Haya
Harareet, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy
O'Donnell, Sam Jaffe
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#15 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Ben-Hur
"We keep you alive to serve
this ship. Row well, and live." - Quintus Arrius
Why watch this? It's
epic scale is hard to comprehend in this CGI digital age.
Plot Summary: Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy
Jewish prince in Roman-occupied Jerusalem, is falsely accused of
an assassination attempt by his childhood friend, the ambitious
Roman tribune Messala. After being sentenced to the galleys as a
slave, Ben-Hur vows to seek vengeance for his family's
destruction and his own unjust suffering. His quest for justice
eventually leads him to a dramatic confrontation with Messala in
a high-stakes chariot race.
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Dad's Preview:
This is one of the few films that still impacts me spiritually.
The epic religious tale centers on a Jewish man's quest to get
revenge on the Roman leader who devastated his life and
family. It is set in Judea at the time of Christ. Its
massive scope outdoes the early
1925 silent film by the great Cecile B. DeMille. Here, there were 15,000 extras employed during filming. The
chariot race segment is still breath-taking. It's one of
my very favorites and I highly recommend it. |
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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.
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#7 Top |
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How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
What started as fire and
fury will become friendship.
Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, rated PG
Starring:
(the voice talents of:) Jay Baruchel, Randy Thom, America
Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher
Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, David Tennant
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Most people would leave.
Not us. We're Vikings. We... have stubbornness issues." -
Hiccup
Why watch this? It's
a wonderful, action-filled tale about Vikings and air-borne
dragons.
Plot Summary:
Viking 101: They kill dragons - all of the many kinds. On the
island village of Berk, chieftain Stoick the Vast, has a teen
son, Hiccup, who is a wiz with creating mechanical devices, yet
weak by dad's brawny standards. When Hiccup shoots down a rare
Night Fury dragon, nobody believes him. After searching the
nearby forest for the dragon's body, Hiccup finds the downed
beast very alive and kinda friendly. Meanwhile, Stoick enrolls
the lad in dragon-fighting class, as he once sails away to
destroy the monsters' nests. Hiccup desperately seeks his dad's
approval, but can he actually take a dragon's life?
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Dad's Preview:
This beloved
animated treasure features misunderstood flying monsters, and
the Scottish norse-folk, who have killed the beasts for as long
as they can remember. There's also a loveable cadre of teenage
Vikes who strive to be the best dragon-slayers. However, for me,
the core of this film is a broken relationship between a father
and his son. Once again, DreamWorks has put forth a delightful,
high-quality children's film. It also should resonate with many
adults, especially fathers who might have been too hard on their
sons. But rest assured folks, in this colorful adventure,
all will be put right by the end credits.
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DreamWorks
Animation; Paramount Pictures
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Genres:
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Family,
Fantasy-Adv,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-FairyTale,
Fantasy-Heroic,
Fantasy-High,
Fantasy-Sword-&-Sorcery,
Historical-Fantasy
Dad's
Genres:
Kiddie-Rides,
Pet
Sounds |
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#6 Top |
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As
Good as It Gets
(1994)
Brace yourself for Melvin.
Director: James L. Brooks, rated PG-13 for
language
Starring: Jack
Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet
Ulrich, Shirley Knight, Yeardley Smith, Lupe Ontiveros, Jill the
Dog
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"When you first entered the
restaurant, I thought you were handsome...
and then, of course,
you spoke." - Carol
Why watch this?
The transformation of Nicholson's character is unbelievable.
Plot Summary: Meet
Melvin Udall, a misanthropic romantic novelist with severe
obsessive-compulsive disorder. His life is disrupted when he's
forced to care for his gay neighbor Simon's dog after Simon is
brutally beaten and hospitalized. Melvin also develops an
unexpected connection with Carol, a kind waitress at his usual
diner who is struggling with her son's illness.
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Dad's Preview:
How the hell does Jack Nicholson do it? He takes a character,
who is an completely unlikable, neurotic chauvinist; and by the movie's end... you love him!
This film centers on the acting chops of Nicholson
and Hunt who won both Academy and Golden Globe awards for
Best Actor/Actress. Greg Kinnear also stands out as a gay
artist having a bad run of luck. It's a pleasure to watch
these pros make movie magic with a really superb script. |
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TriStar
Pictures, Gracie Films;
Sony Pictures Releasing
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#5 Top |
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Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
Just One Man Can
Make A Difference.
Director: George Miller, rated R for
violence, language, rape
Starring: Mel
Gibson, Bruce Spence, Mike Preston, Max Phipps, Vernon Wells,
Emil Minty, Kjell Nilsson, Virginia Hey, William Zappa
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"We've all lost someone we
love. But we do it my way! Fear is our ally. The gasoline will
be ours.
Then you shall have your revenge.” – Lord Humungus
Why watch this? A bigger budget helped
the second Max film cement its place in
post-apocalyptic film lore.
Plot Summary:
Following a global war and civilization's collapse, loner Max
scavenges the Australian wasteland for fuel and supplies. He
encounters a small community defending their oil refinery from a
ruthless biker gang led by deformed Lord Humungus. Max,
initially seeking only his own advantage, eventually agrees to
help the community transport their precious fuel in a desperate
bid for freedom and survival.
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Dad's Preview:
This is a mercilessly violent film set in a future where the
powerful enact their will upon those unable to defend
themselves. Good people are raped, tortured and murdered by
roving bands of brutal psychopaths; this is not
a place for the weak. Into this hell-scape rides Max, a
damaged ex-road cop who reluctantly helps those in need. It's a powerful film,
with Gibson at his brooding best. Director George Miller knows that
compelling villains make a film great, here we are graced with
the massive gang leader, called The Humongous, a man of
incredible strength; and his main henchman, the mohawked-maniac,
Wez. The vehicle stunts are
incredible. The road's open, see you in the wasteland... |
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Kennedy Miller
Productions; Roadshow
Film Dist., Warner Bros.
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#4 Top |
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Ace
Ventura: Pet Detective
(1994)
To
Serve and Protect... Your Pets!
Director: Tom Shadyac, rated PG-13 for off-color
humor, sexual content
Starring: Jim
Carrey, Courtney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, Dan Marino, John
Capodice, Troy Evans, Noble Willingham, Troy Evans, Raynor
Scheine
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"It's
all that Dan Marino's fault, everyone knows that. If he had held
the ball, laces out, like he was supposed to, Ray would never
have missed that kick. Dan Marino should die of gonorrhea and
rot in hell. Would you like a cookie, son?" – Mrs. Finkle
Why watch this?
...
'cause it is one of the funniest films ever made.
Plot Summary:
Ace Ventura is a flamboyant, eccentric pet detective. He is
hired to find Snowflake, the missing mascot of the Miami
Dolphins. Ace employs his rather unique methods to track down
the aquatic mammal and finds himself entangled in a wider
mystery along the way.
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Dad's Preview:
I heard there was this outrageous young new comic named Jim Carrey
on the cable
show
In Living Color. This low-budget, comedic melee
was his first
feature film. Carrey's style sort of assaults you, and it
takes some getting used to.
This gut-buster is scene after scene of outrageousness. It also
is genius at work. Incidentally, the great
film critic Roger Ebert absolutely HATED this film. Like many
critics and viewers alike, he
just didn't get it. For me, it
never gets old. (Sidenote: the sequel just wasn't as funny.) |
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Morgan
Creek Productions; Warner Bros.
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#3 Top |
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Dances With Wolves (1990)
Lt. John Dunbar is about to discover the
frontier...within himself.
Director: Kevin Costner, rated PG-13 for frontier
violence
Starring:
Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney Grant,
Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Tantoo
Cardinal, Jimmy Herman
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#2 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Dances With Wolves
"I've never known a people so
eager to laugh, so devoted to family, so dedicated to each other. And,
the only word that came to mind was harmony." - John Dunbar
Why watch this?
This "Western" finally depicts Native Peoples with accuracy.
Plot Summary: This
epic Western film, starring and directed by Kevin Costner, was
adapted from Michael Blake's novel of the same name. It tells
the story of a Union Army lieutenant who requests duty on the
American frontier and develops a profound connection with a
tribe of Sioux Indians. The film explores themes of cultural
exchange, prejudice, and the conflict between expanding American
civilization and Indigenous ways of life.
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Dad's Preview:
For five years Costner established himself as a leading man
in such films as
Silverado
(1985) and
Bull Durham
(1988).
Dances changed all that, by proving that he was a also a serious
filmmaker. This beautiful work of frontier art strips
away many previous notions of the American
West as portrayed on film in classic Westerns. A lone Northern soldier heads West.
There he encounters Native Americans, namely a Lakota Sioux tribe. He
learns that all the rumors about these people are false, and he
embraces the relationship. However, in America, it's never that
simple. The scenery is breath-taking, all set to an incredible
musical score. This Oscar-winner is a glorious epic to behold,
and serve as a reminder regarding those who land we
took. |
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Tig
Productions, Majestic Films Int.;
Orion Pictures
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#2 Top |
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Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
A true
story of faith, devotion and undying love.
Director: Lasse Hallström, rated G
Starring: Richard
Gere, Joan Allen, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Sarah Roemer, Robbie
Collier Sublett, Erick Avari, Jason Alexander
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
DML Top 100
#98 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Hachi: A Dog's Tale
"When I hear about him and
Hachi, I feel like I know him. They taught me the meaning of
loyalty.
That you should never forget anyone that you loved." -
Ronnie
Why watch this?
This bittersweet canine tale introduces the magnificent Akita
breed.
Plot Summary:
Quite by accident, a college professor, Parker Wilson, finds a
lost puppy at the railroad station near his home. The dog's tag
reads simply, "Hachi". Parker takes him home. Over time the dog
becomes a trusted member of the family, following Parker
everywhere. Hachi soon begins the daily habit of trotting to the
rail station each day to await Parker's return from work. Then
one evening, unexpectedly, Parker does not get off the train...
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Dad's Preview:
Like the plot of the film, my family, through pure luck,
became Akita owners and, eventually, lovers. We've enjoyed Keegan, Conan, Miko
and Kenji (so far).
We love this aloof, protective, and wonderful breed. I was pleasantly surprised when this lovely movie came out.
What I did not expect was for it to be so dog-gone good! The
film features top stars in Gere and Allen, but it is the plot (loosely based
on the true story of a real Japanese Akita named
Hachikō) that will draw you in, and help you understand
the loyalty of these unique canines. Warning, tissues will be
needed. I'm bawling just watching the trailer for the tenth
time. |
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Affirm Films,
Hachiko LLC, Grand Army Ent. LLC,
Opperman
Viner Chrystyn Ent.,
Scion Films, Inferno
Prod.;
Stage 6 Films, Sony Pictures Ent.
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#1 Top |
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Old Yeller (1957)
A deeply
moving story of a remarkable family and a wonderful homely old
yellow dog!
Director: Robert Stevenson, rated G
Starring: Dorothy
McGuire, Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Jeff York, Chuck
Connors, Beverly Washburn, Spike the dog
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"If that don't beat
all. I never saw such a dog." - Katie Coates
Why watch this?
Because, every once in a while, a grown man needs a good cry.
Plot Summary:
In late 1880's Texas, teenage Travis Coates is left in charge of
his family's homestead while his father is away on a cattle
drive. A stray yellow dog, initially unwanted by Travis,
befriends his younger brother, Arliss, and slowly wins over the
entire family through its bravery and loyalty. However, the
family's bond with Old Yeller is challenged by the threat of
rabies spreading through the area.
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Dad's Preview:
In the 1970s, most families tuned their TV's to The
Wonderful World of Disney, one night a
week on Sundays. That is where I first saw this wonderful Western film
about a flop-eared yellow dog. Old Yeller, as they called him, soon becomes the
family's loving pet and fierce protector. This is a family film treasure. You will be inspired. You will fall in love with that dang dog. This
flick will make even the toughest of macho men bawl like a baby.
I've seen it (in the mirror)! If you have a family, and
you love dogs, this has to be on the top of your list to
watch. |
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Walt Disney
Prod.; Buena Vista Dist.
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