Dad's Top
20 Rom-Combos Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1. This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
#20 |
 |
Dan
in Real Life
(2007),
Director: Peter Hedges, rated PG-13
Something's happening to Dan. It's confusing. It's
awkward. It's family.
 Starring: Steve
Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Dianne Wiest, John Mahoney,
Allison Pill, Brittany Robertson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"You... are a murderer of
love!" - Cara Burns
Why watch this?
It's a low-key, yet sophisticated, comedy about trying to move on.
Plot Summary: This
charming comedy-drama centers on a widower and advice columnist
who falls for a woman he meets while on a family vacation. The
unexpected twist is that this captivating woman is actually his
brother's new girlfriend, creating a complicated romantic
entanglement within the dynamics of his close-knit family. This
situation forces Dan to confront his own feelings and navigate
the complexities of love, loss, and his three very bright
daughters.
Dad's Preview:
One wonderful aspect of this amazing film is that Dan (ironically an advice columnist)
just can't figured out how to
navigate the dating world. Carell brilliantly portrays a man,
desperate to set a good example as a man in control, but he
ain't fooling anybody. Then love, real love, wallops him
upside the head. He's awkward, like a schoolboy... unsure what
to do next, vulnerable, captivated. The pairing of Carell and Binoche, two of my favorite
actors,
was pure genius. This is a perfect date night movie.

Touchstone
Pictures, Focus Features, NALA Films,
Jon Shestack Prod.; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
|
|
#19 |
 |
This
Is 40 (2019),
Director: Judd Apatow, Rated R for language, crude
humor, drug use
The Sort-of
Sequel to 'Knocked Up'
 Starring: Paul Rudd,
Leslie Mann, John Lithgow, Megan Fox, Albert Brooks, Maude
Apatow, Iris Apatow, Jason Segel, Annie Mumolo, Robert Smigel,
Graham Parker, Charlyne Yi, Melissa McCarthy
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Stop eating cupcakes!!" -
Debbie
Why watch this?
A great slice of life film where aging, and parenting, get
hilariously real.
Plot Summary:
This film focuses on the lives of Pete and Debbie as they
navigate the challenges of turning 40, including career
struggles and raising children. The film explores the ups and
downs of a long-term marriage and the complexities of parenthood
in modern society. Ultimately, the couple strives to overcome
their midlife crises and find ways to appreciate their lives.
Dad's Preview:
This sequel to the hit comedy,
Knocked Up (2007), is a dang funny movie about getting older, the trials
associated with middle age, and raising teen
daughters. Rudd and Mann are perfect as spouses trying to manage
careers, kids and life milestones. Director Judd Apatow (who is
Leslie Mann's husband) is a master
at building his characters, and giving them realness. I
already loved Mrs. Mann (thanks
George of the Jungle
(1997) and she is hilarious here. This film
can be credited with starting my
Paul Rudd man-crush, too. He's my brother from another mother.

Apatow
Productions; Universal Pictures |
|
#18 |
 |
Waitress
(2007),
Director: Adrienne Shelly, rated PG-13 for mild
language
The Year's Most Delicious Romantic Comedy
 Starring:
Keri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Cheryl Hines, Adrienne Shelly,
Eddie Jemison, Jeremy Sisto, Andy Griffith, Lew Temple, Darby
Stanchfield
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Pregnant Miserable Self
Pitying Loser Pie... Lumpy oatmeal with fruitcake mashed in.
Flambé of course" -
Jenna
Why watch this?
Keri Russell carries this film about a woman finding her
strength and
identity.
Plot Summary:
Jenna is a good waitress. Her true gift is crafting unique pies
(I Hate My Husband pie, Naughty Pumpkin pie,
Lonely Chicago pie). She's also in an abusive marriage, and
pregnant to a man whose baby she doesn't want. She finally finds
the strength to re-invent her life, but it's not going to be
easy due to her horrible husband's iron rule.
Dad's Preview: Keri Russell's portrayal of Jenna is
impressive. She soldiers on with dignity, charm,
and a deep determination. Veteran actor Andy
Griffith adds a sweet touch as the grumpy old restaurant owner who endears
himself to Jenna and her delicious pies. Will she find
the strength to break free? And what about the baby?

Night & Day
Pictures; Fox Searchlight Pictures |
|
#17 |
 |
Seems Like Old Times
(1980),
Director: Jay Sandrich, Rated PG-13 for language
Her ex-husband
just robbed a bank... and she's taking his case.
 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.
Dad's Preview:
Chevy and Goldie demonstrated some on-screen chemistry in
Foul Play (1978). They re-teamed for this wonderful Neil
Simon romantic comedy.
He's a down-on-his-luck writer who manages to become a wanted
man. She's
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 one works out is a joy to watch.

Raster; Columbia
Pictures |
|
#16 |
 |
Love Actually
(2003),
Director: Richard Curtis, rated R for language,
sexual situations
Love actually
is all around.
 Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura
Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine
McCutcheon, Bill Nighy
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect "Hiya kids. Here is
an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs.
Become a pop star, and they give you them for free!" –
Billy Mack
Why watch this?
Bill Nighy shines as the sassy old rock star who retains the
charisma of a teen idol.
Plot Summary:
Set in London during the frantic five weeks leading up to
Christmas, the story follows the interwoven lives of several
individuals navigating the complexities of love in its various
forms. From romantic entanglements and unrequited desires to
familial bonds and the grief of loss, the film explores how
these relationships evolve and intersect during the festive
season.
Dad's Preview:
A darling British holiday film that features multiple stories
that are loosely tied together. I must admit that this film has
grown on me and now, well, here it is. I really love all the stories, however it's Hugh Grant, as the young Prime
Minister with a crush on his aide, that really gets me. Put this
on for the holidays and you will not be disappointed. But
remember, it's rated R, and some scenes are too adult for kids.

Studio Canal,
Working Title Films, DNA Films; Universal Pictures |
|
#15 |
 |
The Philadelphia Story
(1940),
Director: George Cukor, rated Approved
The things they
do among the playful rich. Oh Boy!
 Starring: Cary
Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John
Howard, Virginia Weidler, John Halliday, Mary Nash, Rex Evans
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"That's the gist of it;
because you'll never be a first-class human being or a
first-class woman,
until you've learned to have some regard for
human frailty." – C. K. Dexter Haven
Why watch this?
Witty banter, social snobbery, misplaced affection, what's not
to love?
Plot Summary:
Socialite Tracy Lord is about to marry for the second time, but
her upcoming wedding plans are complicated by the unexpected
arrival of both her charming ex-husband and an inquisitive
magazine reporter. As the wedding approaches, Tracy finds
herself questioning her carefully constructed image and her
feelings towards the three men in her life. The film explores
themes of class, self-discovery, and the complexities of love as
Tracy navigates these turbulent waters.
Dad's Preview: This
superb little story explores the life of a spoiled adult brat.
She's rich, headstrong, and takes a certain joy in toying with people. On
the eve of her marriage, an old boyfriend shows up alongside a
handsome young reporter who is infatuated with her. Let the fun
begin. This is a quick-witted, endearing romantic comedy that winds along to
a satisfying finish. This is Kate Hepburn at her finest. Grant
and Stewart are also wonderful in their supporting roles.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's, Inc. |
|
#14 |
 |
Groundhog Day (2005),
Director: Harold Ramis, rated PG
He's having the
worst day of his life... over, and over...
 Starring: Bill
Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky,
Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, Angela Paton, Rick Overton
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I was in the Virgin
Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster and drank pina
coladas. At sunset
we made love like sea otters. That was a
pretty good day.
Why couldn't I get that day over and over and
over?" – Phil Connors
Why watch this?
Put Bill Murray in any situation and he'll make it funny.
Plot Summary:
Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman, travels to Punxsutawney,
Pennsylvania to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities.
After a blizzard strands him in the small town, he wakes up the
next morning to discover that it is February 2nd all over again.
Phil is caught in a mysterious time loop, forcing him to relive
the same day repeatedly, and he's the only one aware of the
phenomenon. He attempts various methods to escape his
predicament, eventually leading him to explore the possibilities
and consequences within this looping reality.
Dad's Preview:
A modern fairy tale of sorts about a self-centered man who is
forced to re-live one day, Groundhog day, over and over. It is a
great premise for a comedy, especially in the hands of veteran
actor-director Harold Ramis and his buddy, comedian Bill Murray. The film delivers great performances, and
plenty of really funny moments as Murray approaches each
repeated day a little different than the day before. At first,
it's kinda fun, but eventually it starts to drive him nuts. This
experience might also help him learn what is really important in
life.

Trevor Albert,
Harold Ramis; Columbia Pictures |
|
#13 |
 |
It Happened One Night (1934),
Director: Frank Capra, rated Approved
Two great lovers
of the screen in the grandest of romantic comedies!
 Starring:
Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, Roscoe Karns, Alan Hale,
Jameson Thomas, Arthur Hoyt, Blanche Friderici
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Any guy that'd fall in
love with your daughter ought to have his head examined." -
Pete Warne
Why watch this?
It's one of those sweet, innocent films that don't get made
today.
Plot Summary:
Heiress Ellie Andrews escapes her domineering father, who
disapproves of her impulsive marriage, and attempts to travel to
New York to reunite with her new husband. On a cross-country bus
trip, she meets a cynical, unemployed newspaper reporter, Peter
Warne, who recognizes her from news reports about her
disappearance. He offers to help her evade the detectives in
exchange for an exclusive tell-all story. As they navigate their
journey, encountering various adventures and misadventures,
their initial animosity evolves into a mutual appreciation.
Dad's Preview:
As innocent as this little Rom-Com appears today, it caused
quite a ruckus back in 1934. On the big screen, men and women never slept in the
same room. Heaven forbid! The confident Clark Gable and witty
Claudette Colbert
are certainly fun to watch, as they banter back and forth in
this screwball comedy. The film won
the Best Picture Oscar. My mother old me that this film
was the origin of her lifelong crush on the handsome Gable.

Frank Capra, Harry
Cohn; Columbia Pictures |
|
#12 |
 |
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010),
Director: Edgar Wright, Rated PG-13 for adult themes
An epic of
epic epicness.
 Starring: Michael
Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Ellen
Wong, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Um, I guess... if we're gonna date, you may have to defeat my seven evil exes." –
Ramona Flowers
Why watch this?
There is not a second in this film that I don't love.
Plot Summary:
Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician living in Toronto, finds his
comfortable life disrupted when he falls for the mysterious and
enigmatic Ramona Flowers. To win her heart, however, he must
defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own unique abilities
and personalities. This journey forces Scott to confront his own
flaws, past relationships, and insecurities, ultimately pushing
him toward self-discovery.
Dad's Preview:
I had sorta lost faith in the next generation of movies; maybe I
was getting old and out of touch. Then I discovered Scott Pilgrim,
and my faith was restored! Nestled sweetly within this video game of a story
is a
very fresh and interesting romance. It's so much fun! The
lovingly odd Michael Cera is an amazing understated actor. I love the
action, the songs (watch a video of all
All
Scott Pilgrim musical performances), the premise, its
creativity - EVERYTHING!

Marc Platt Prod.,
Big Talk Films, Closed on Mondays Ent., Dentsu;
Universal Pictures |
|
#11 |
 |
The Quiet Man (1952),
Director: John Ford, rated Approved
Action...
Excitement... Romance... Fill the Screen!
 Starring: John
Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Barry Fitzgerald, Ward Bond, Victor
McLaglen, Ward Bond, Mildred Natwick
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"There'll be no locks or
bolts between us Mary Kate, except those in your own mercenary
little heart." – Sean Thornton
Why watch this?
Wayne could also carry a romantic film; this one set in verdant
Ireland.
Plot Summary:
An Irish-American boxer, Sean Thornton, returns to his native
Ireland to escape his past and buys his family home,
encountering resistance from a formidable neighbor, Will
Danaher. Sean quickly falls for Will's spirited sister, Mary
Kate, but their burgeoning romance is complicated by local
customs and Will's disapproval. Their courtship and eventual
marriage become entwined with a dispute over a dowry, ultimately
leading to a confrontation that tests their love.
Dad's Preview:
This is director John Ford's great ode to Ireland. It is chock full
o' beautiful stonewall fields, trout streams, thatched-roofs,
and a host of delightful, brogue-speakin' Irish-townsfolk. It is
also such a great backdrop for the complicated romance between
Wayne and the beautiful and feisty Maureen O'Hara (They would
make two more films together and remain livelong friends). This
movie will make you feel good, and wish your ancestors hailed
from Éire.

Argosy Pictures;
Republic Pictures |
|
#10 |
 |
Moonstruck
(1987),
Director: Norman Jewison, rated PG for mild language
Blame it on
the moon.
 Starring: Cher,
Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello,
Julie Bovasso, John Mahoney
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"When you love them
they drive you crazy because they know they can." -
Rose
Why watch this?
There is genius in stories about the most unlikeliest of romances.
Plot Summary:
Loretta Castorini, a widowed Italian-American bookkeeper,
accepts a marriage proposal from her well-meaning but
unremarkable boyfriend. However, before the wedding, her fiancé
asks her to reconcile with his estranged younger brother. This
task leads Loretta to a passionate and unexpected encounter that
challenges her ideas about love and commitment, while also
revealing the tangled romances within her family.
Dad's Preview:
Cher, in my early limited opinion, was not much of an actress. With this quirky
film, she more than won me over.
There is so much emotion within it: the joys and pains of New York Italian families, the
ever-present complications of love, the forbidden passions that won't be
denied.
Olivia Dukakis' Academy Awarding-winning performance is a real
treat, too. This is essentially the Italian fairy tale about
amore!

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Star Partners II Ltd.; MGM/UA
Communications Co. |
|
#9 |
 |
Singin' in the Rain (1952),
Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, rated G
What a
Glorious Feeling!
 Starring:
Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Millard Mitchell, Cyd
Charisse, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno, Dawn Addams
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Gee, I'm glad you
turned up, we've been looking inside every cake in town." -
Cosmo
Why watch this?
I had a wide smile from beginning-to-end during this
acclaimed musical.
Plot Summary:
This musical centers on Hollywood's tumultuous transition from
silent films to talking pictures. Silent movie idol Don
Lockwood, along with his onscreen partner Lina Lamont, face the
challenge of adapting to the new technology, especially when
Lina's voice proves unsuitable for sound films. An aspiring
actress named Kathy Selden enters their lives, becoming integral
to their career aspirations.
Dad's Preview:
This will forever be the lofty standard by which musicals are
compared, and with good reasons. The songs are catchy and fun. The dance
numbers are extravagant. The leads are endearing and clearly
having a good time. This was not Hollywood's first musical, but
it is one of the best. I was really impressed with
Debbie Reynold's dance skills - she tore it up. I also sit in awe
of Gene Kelly - what an graceful athlete! He glides on air and
is sublime to watch.

Metro-Goodwyn-Mayer;
Loew's Inc. |
|
#8 |
 |
Bull Durham
(1988),
Director: Ron Shelton, rated R for language,
sexual situations
A
Major League Love Story in a Minor League Town
 Starring: Kevin
Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Trey Wilson, Robert Wuhl,
William O'Leary, David Neidorf, Jenny Robertson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I
believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your
presents Christmas morning
rather than Christmas Eve and I
believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three
days." - Crash
Davis
Why watch this?
It's a great sports romance; Sarandon and Costner are at their
best.
Plot Summary: The
Durham Bulls minor league baseball team brings in a seasoned
catcher, Crash, to mentor a hotshot young pitcher. A lovely
baseball groupie, Annie, takes a special interest in the
players, particularly the rookie and his veteran mentor. The
relationship between these three individuals unfold in two
directions: helping the rookie play better, and hatching a
romance between Annie and Crash.
Dad's Preview:
True, this is a baseball movie, but it's really about two
baseball veterans. One is a past-his-prime catcher, Crash Davis, who is
tasked with mentoring a new, hot-shot pitcher, Nuke. The other is the
team's "new pitcher" mistress, Annie, whose duty is to take on
Nuke and make sure he is
romantically satisfied. The flick's fun is watching these two veterans wise
up and find their way each other. At my house: "We go
for the Durham Bulls!"

Thom
Mount, Mark Burg; Orion Pictures |
|
#7 |
 |
Pretty Woman (1990),
Director: Garry Marshall, rated R for sexuality, adult
situations
She walked off the street, into his life and stole his
heart.
 Starring: Richard
Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy, Jason Alexander, Héctor
Elizondo, Laura San Giacomo
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I appreciate this whole
seduction thing you've got going on here, but let me give you a
tip -
I'm a sure thing." - Vivian, our beloved hooker
Why watch this? ...
'cause this is how the world fell in love with Julia.
Plot Summary:
A wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis, finds himself lost and
hires Hollywood escort Vivian Ward to accompany him for a week
of social functions. Initially, their relationship is a business
arrangement, but as they spend more time together, they develop
a genuine connection that challenges both their expectations of
love and life. The film explores themes of love, transformation,
and self-worth as Vivian navigates Edward's world and helps him
open his heart.
Dad's Preview:
After a few smaller roles, this is the film what made Julia
Roberts the new superstar. Here, she is the whore with a heart
of gold. After a night together, she agrees to a week long business
arrangement with Richard Gere,
a very rich corporate raider (who hates what his job entails). There is just something about
Vivian that he can't shake. This
modern day fairy tale will warm you up like hot cocoa.

Touchstone
Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV; Regency Int'l Pictures;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist. |
|
#6 |
 |
The Apartment
(1960),
Director: Billy Wilder, rated PG
Movie-wise, there has never been anything like "THE
APARTMENT" love-wise, laugh-wise or otherwise-wise!
 Starring: Shirley
McLaine, Jack Lemmon, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston, David Lewis,
Jack Kruschen, Edie Adams, Hope Holiday
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"When you're in love with a
married man, you shouldn't wear mascara." -
Fran Kubelik
Why watch this? What
did romance look like in the '50's? This charming film sheds
some insight.
Plot Summary: C.C.
"Bud" Baxter is a lonely man working at a large insurance
company. He tries to climb the corporate ladder by lending his
apartment key to executives for their extramarital affairs. This
arrangement complicates matters when he falls for an elevator
operator, Fran Kubelik, who becomes involved with his
manipulative boss.
Dad's Preview:
Once I discovered this gem, it grew on me. In this romantic comedy drama, McLaine and
Lemon are so stinkin' loveable. They are two lost souls,
doing what they can, to navigate through the ruthless high-rise office culture. Both are
being used by those in power. That's why you will root for
Bud and Fran, hoping they can somehow find a way to each other.

The
Mirisch Company; United Artists |
|
#5 |
 |
Crazy, Stupid, Love
(2011),
Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, rated PG-13 for sexual content, language
This
is crazy. This is stupid. This is Love.
 Starring: Ryan
Gosling, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei, Lio Lipton, Kevin Bacon,
Jonah Bobo, Joey King, John Carroll Lynch
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I have loved her even when
I hated her... only married couples will understand that one..."
- Cal
Why watch this? ...
for the film's climax, where all plots and secrets are hilariously
revealed.
Plot Summary: This
story is about Cal Weaver, who is devastated when his wife asks
for a divorce. At a local singles bar, a suave womanizer named
Jacob Palmer takes Cal under his wing to help him navigate the
dating world. Meanwhile, Jacob, unexpectedly finds himself
falling for a woman who doesn't fall for his usual moves.
Dad's Preview:
This was another brilliant career choice for Steve Carell. He impresses me film
after film. This wonderful romance is about falling out of
love, adult dating, teen crushes, and falling back in love again.
Whew! That's a lot. There's great dialog between our
various characters.
Nothing is funnier than Carell at a singles bar... trying
to look cool and pick up women. I was also impressed by the
performance of young Jonha, Bobo, as Carell's teen son who has a
crush on his babysitter.

Carousel
Productions, Di Novi Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures |
|
#4 |
 |
As
Good as It Gets
(1994),
Director: James L. Brooks, rated PG-13 for
language
Brace yourself for Melvin.
 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.
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.

TriStar
Pictures, Gracie Films; Sony Pictures Releasing |
|
#3 |
 |
Sideways (2004),
Director: Alexander Payne, rated R for language, sex,
nudity In
Search of Wine. In Search of Women. In Search of Themselves.
 Starring: Paul Giamatti,
Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke,
Jessica Hecht, MC Gainey
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#42 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Sideways
"Half my life is over
and I have nothing to show for it. Nothing. I am a thumbprint on
the window of a skyscraper.
I'm a smudge of excrement on a
tissue surging out to sea with a million tons of raw sewage." –
Miles
Why watch this?
... comedy, wine, romance, golf, depression, infidelity, more
wine...
Plot Summary:
Two middle-aged friends, Miles and Jack, are on a week-long road
trip through California's Santa Barbara wine country as a
celebration of Jack's upcoming wedding. Miles, a wine enthusiast
and struggling writer, hopes for a peaceful escape from his
recent divorce and stalled career. Jack, a carefree actor, is
more focused on having one last fling before getting married.
Dad's Preview:
Set in Santa Barbara wine country, this film's heart is
wine-tasting, however its soul is the relationship between two
best friends, Miles and Jack. One is an intelligent, struggling
writer. The other is an over-confident, calloused, has-been
actor. They are nothing alike. They fight a lot, as many best
friends do, and they are often brutally
honest. Yet deep down, the lugs love each other. Giamatti is
quickly becoming my go-to actor, and Haden Church never
disappoints.

Michael London
Productions; Fox Searchlight Pictures |
|
#2 |
 |
Almost Famous (2000),
Director: Cameron Crowe, rated PG-13 for language, sexual
situations
Stillwater
Runs Deep!
 Starring:
Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Frances McDormand,
Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Philip S. Hoffman,
Zooey Deschanel
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#31 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Almost Famous
"Aw, man. You made friends
with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you.
They want
you to get drunk on feeling like you belong." - Lester Bangs
Why watch this?
It's the swan song about rock and rock in my era, you know, the
awesome 70's!
Plot Summary:
William Miller, at 15-years-old, is an aspiring journalist who
gets a dream assignment: to write a cover story for Rolling
Stone magazine. He embarks on a tour leg with the up-and-coming
rock band Stillwater, experiencing the highs and lows of life on
the road. William navigates the world of rock and roll, forming
relationships with the band members and a groupie named Penny
Lane, all while trying to maintain his journalistic integrity.
Dad's Preview:
Much of the film's earnestness comes from the film's director, Cameron Crowe,
who lived a life
similar to young William Miller. He too was a Rolling Stone
writer, and his wife is none other than Nancy Wilson, guitarist
for Heart - So the man knows the rock world. Bill Crudup, as the incendiary Russell
Hammond, is unforgettable. Kate Hudson's pretty darn good, too. It has great
musical performances and a wonderful
soundtrack documenting the last great years of Rock 'n' Roll.

DreamWorks
Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Vinyl Films; DreamWorks
Dist. LLC |
|
#1 |
 |
When Harry Met Sally...
(1989),
Director: Rob Reiner, rated PG
Can men and women
be friends or does sex always get in the way?
 Starring:
Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Burno Kirby, Carrie Fisher, Steven Ford, Lisa Jane Persky,
Michelle Nicastro, Harley Kozak
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#18 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of When Harry Met
Sally...
"No man can be friends
with a woman he finds attractive. He always
wants to have sex
with her." - Harry Burns
Why watch this?
The heartfelt and completely real performances by Crystal
and Ryan are a thing of beauty.
Plot Summary: Harry
Burns and Sally Albright, over the course of several years,
repeatedly cross paths after a contentious initial car ride
together. They eventually forge a deep friendship while
navigating their individual romantic relationships and the ups
and downs of life in New York City.
Dad's Preview:
There is no better film that deals with the fragile, and often
comical, entity known as the 'human relationship'. It really is
a thing that's unclassifiable. The courtship (mating ritual?)
between men and women follows no rules. Each encounter is
different. There's no perfect recipe. Some work, some don't.
It's a crap shoot; a roll of the dice. However, if you play, and
don't rush it, it just might work out. Once again Rob Reiner
proves that he's a great director.

Castle Rock
Entertainment, Nelson Ent.; Columbia Pictures |
|
|