Dad's Movie Lists

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.

Film ClipStarring: 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'

Film ClipStarring: 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

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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!

Film ClipStarring: 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...

Film ClipStarring: 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!

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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!

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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!

Film ClipStarring: 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

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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!

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

Film ClipStarring: 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!

Film ClipStarring: 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?

Film ClipStarring: 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

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