"Just The Facts."

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Tom Hanks, Christopher Plummer, Harry Morgan, Alexandra Paul, Jack O'Halloran, Elizabeth Ashley, Dabney Coleman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"There are two things that clearly differentiate the human species from animals. One, we use cutlery. Two, we're capable of controlling our sexual urges." - Sgt. Joe Friday

Why watch this? It's so much fun watching deadpan Aykroyd and flippant Hanks.

Plot Summary: Joe Friday is the meticulously by-the-book nephew of the original Detective Sergeant Joe Friday. He's reluctantly partnered with Pep Streebek, a free-spirited detective who chafes at Friday's strict adherence to procedure. The two mismatched cops must overcome their clashing personalities to investigate a series of strange crimes seemingly committed by a mysterious cult.

Dad's Preview: Most films using 1960's TV shows as a reference point fail badly. Not so with this stellar effort. The show Dragnet was very serious and dry. This film, however, is light-hearted and fun. Hanks is at the tail-end of his comedic film run. But it is Dan Aykroyd who steals the show as deadpan Joe Friday, nephew of the TV show's main detective. They even brought in Harry Morgan, from the TV show, and he's great as their grumpy commanding officer! It's a bit crude, but very funny.

Applied Action; Universal Pictures

This holiday season, discover your inner elf.

Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart, Daniel Tay, Faizon Love

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup." - Buddy

Why watch this? You'll fall for Buddy immediately - his innocence is infectious.

Plot Summary: This Christmas fantasy follows Buddy, a human who was mistakenly raised as an elf at the North Pole. Feeling out of place due to his size and lack of elf-like skills, Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father. Buddy attempts to connect with his cynical father and spread Christmas cheer in a world that has forgotten the magic of the holiday season.

Dad's Preview: Perhaps the most original Christmas movie in the last 20 years. Director Jon Favreau brings us a magical story of an adopted elf, Buddy. Ferrell breathes wonder, humor and life into the character, as only he can. It's heart-warming to watch the 6 ft. 2 in. Buddy embrace people, eat the bubble gum under the railings, and not be embarrassed to show holiday enthusiasm. It's so good, it transcends its Christmas genre and stands well on its own.

Guy Walks Into a Bar; New Line Cinema

Every summer Chevy Chase takes his family on a little trip. This year he went too far.

Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, John Candy, Christie Brinkley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Clark, let's just skip the house of mud. I think Dodge City was enough fun for one day." - Ellen Griswold

Why watch this? This is the Griswald family origin story - this started it all.

Plot Summary: Clark Griswold, hoping to bond with his family, decides to take his wife Ellen and their two children on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to the renowned Walley World amusement park in California. Despite Ellen's preference for flying, Clark insists on driving, believing it will be a memorable experience for the family. However, the journey quickly devolves into a series of comedic mishaps and escalating frustrations as everything that can go wrong seems to do so.

Dad's Preview: Chevy Chase exited SNL after one season. His first film was Vacation. Nice move. He will be forever remembered as the bumbling, Clark Griswald, a over-zealous dad who just wants the perfect family event, in this case, a cross-country trip to Wally World. He is a steady stream of bad dad jokes, secret lusts, and a burning desire to impress his family. Of course, nothing goes according to plans, but it's certainly memorable, and that's great for the movie audience. 

Matty Simmons; Warner Bros.

His news is bigger than your news.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, David Koechner, Fred Willard, Chris Parnell, Kathryn Hahn, Fred Armisen

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Let's go over the ground rules. Rule number 1: No touching of the hair or face... AND THAT'S IT!" - Ron Burgundy

Why watch this? This is one of the funniest Will Ferrell films to date.

Plot Summary: In the 1970s, San Diego's top-rated anchorman, Ron Burgundy, finds his position challenged by the arrival of an ambitious female co-anchor, Veronica Corningstone. Their initial attraction is complicated by Ron's old-fashioned views and Veronica's determination to climb the ranks. Their rivalry and clashes lead to a bitter feud that ultimately impacts Ron's career.

Dad's Preview: Not since Blazing Saddles (1974) has a comedy pushed the limits of offensive satire like this newsroom farce. It's centered on an unredeemable narcissist who anchors the daily news in the 1970's. I had to keep telling myself. "It's satire... it's satire..." If you don't have a thick skin, then you might want to steer clear. Otherwise, the cast features a comedic all-star roster, and this is one hilarious film that endlessly pokes fun at news networks, male chauvinists and the people who love/hate them.

Apatow Productions; DreamWorks Pictures

They'll never get caught. They're on a mission from God.

Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher, Aretha Franklin, Henry Gibson, James Brown, John Candy, John Lee Hooker, Twiggy, Charles Napier, Steve Lawrence, Frank Oz

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues Brothers HAS been approved." - Police Dispatcher

Why watch this? Great blues music, edgy humor and the car crashes are off the charts!

Plot Summary: Newly released convict brothers, Jake and Elwood Blues, embark on a "mission from God" to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised from foreclosure. To do this, they must reunite their old band and perform to raise the $5,000 needed to pay the property taxes. Their efforts lead them on a chaotic adventure across Illinois, encountering a series of zany characters and being pursued by various groups, including the police, a vengeful ex-girlfriend, and a neo-Nazi group.

Dad's Preview: How is it possible to take an Saturday Night Live skit and turn it into this spectacle?! On the heels of the raunchy Animal House, John Belushi had more cred with the studio execs, so he brought in John Landis to direct. Beside being a wonderful homage to Chicago blues, it manages to be a road/buddy, car-chase-filled action/comedy. Hell, there are even Nazi's. Not to mention cameo's from Carrie Fisher, James Brown, Twiggy, Ray Charles and the goddess of soul herself, Aretha Franklin.

Robert K. Weiss; Universal Pictures

Yule crack up!

Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, E. G. Marshall, William Hickey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell." – Clark Griswold

Why watch this? ... to see Chevy lose this mind after receiving his Jelly of the Month Christmas bonus.

Plot Summary: Clark Griswold is determined to create a perfect old-fashioned family Christmas, complete with a massive light display and a festive dinner. However, his plans are consistently derailed by a series of unfortunate events, including a problematic Christmas tree, dysfunctional relatives, and the delayed arrival of his expected Christmas bonus. As the holiday descends into chaos, Clark struggles to maintain his sanity while trying to find the true meaning of Christmas amidst the mayhem.

Dad's Preview: After European Vacation (1985), I lowered my standards on the franchise. However, this side-splitting third film is perhaps the funniest of them all. "The holidays" is great fodder for comedy anyway, but the Griswald family takes it to a new level of excess. Every scene is hilarious. When Clark and his multi-generational, highly-dysfunctional family is chasing the squirrel, destroying the entire house, oh man, I can't stop laughing.


Hughes Entertainment; Warner Bros.

Yesterday They Were Businessmen. Today They're Cowboys. Tomorrow They'll Be Walking Funny.

Starring: Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby, Jack Palance, Patricia Wettig, Helen Slater, Patricia Wettig, Noble Willingham, Tracey Walter

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Have you ever had that feeling that this is the best I'm ever gonna do, this is the best I'm ever gonna feel... and it ain't that great?" – Mitch Robbins

Why watch this? A comedy about three grown men questioning their lives... so they sign up to drive cattle on a dude ranch.

Plot Summary: In the midst of mid-life crisis', three Manhattan best friends decide to visit to a "Dude ranch" and herd some cattle from Colorado to New Mexico. Lacking any ranch skills, they are joined by more novices, guided by two drunken cowpokes and the grizzled, grumpy trail boss, Curly.

Dad's Preview: Growing up on a cattle ranch, we used to chuckle under our breath at "city folks". In this film, our lovable, flawed men are up for some "male bonding", but they are in store for some serious life lessons. Screen legend Jack Palance finally won his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor with his portrayal of Curly. He is a memorable character.

Castle Rock Ent., Face Productions, Nelson Ent.; Columbia Pictures

Sometimes you have to go halfway around the world to come full circle

Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Fumihiro Hayashi, Akiko Takeshita, Take

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You're probably just having a mid-life crisis. Did you buy a Porsche yet?" - Charlotte

Why watch this? So little happens, but it's still so amazing to watch.

Plot Summary: An aging movie star and a young woman, both feeling adrift and disconnected in their lives, find themselves coincidentally staying at the same Tokyo hotel. Facing their own personal crises amidst the bustling, unfamiliar city, they forge an unexpected and comforting bond. Their brief, intense connection provides solace and a shared understanding, offering a momentary escape from their individual feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

Dad's Preview: On rare occasions, genius is found in something quiet and subtle. In a nod or a wink. Sometimes the story emerges from what doesn't happen. Restraint. Longing. Silence. This film follows an odd plot in an foreign city where two lonely American characters connect, thus finding someone with whom they can communicate. It's not outrageous... or loud. It just is what it is, and that is delightful.

American Zoetrope, Elemental Films; Focus Features

You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll hurl.

Starring: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Laura Flynn Boyle, Donna Dixon, Meat Loaf, Chris Farley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"That bass player's a babe. She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class." – Garth Algar, speaking of Cassandra

Why watch this? Don't over-think it. Just sit back, and let this movie make you laugh.

Plot Summary: Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar host a popular public-access television show from Wayne's parents' basement. A slick television producer discovers the show and offers them a chance to bring "Wayne's World" to a wider audience. However, their journey from basement to big time is fraught with challenges, testing their friendship and artistic integrity.

Dad's Preview: There's much to love in this frolic through, rock and roll, as seen from the couch of two goofy teens, just trying to set the standard for slackery. Myers' positivism is as infectious as Carvey's sheepish lack of confidence; all traits many guys can relate to. What started as an excellent skit on SNL, WW seamlessly transitioned to the big screen. It's a heck of a fun ride when Bohemian Rhapsody is blasting!

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures

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

Get ready for a different breed of heavy metal hero.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Gwyneth Paltrow, Faran Tahir, Leslie Bibb, Clark Gregg

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I saw young Americans killed by the very weapons I created to defend them and protect them. And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero-accountability." – Tony Stark

Why watch this? This kicked off the MCU and brilliantly cast Robert Downy Jr. as Ironman.

Plot Summary: Following his kidnapping and escape from a terrorist group using a makeshift armored suit, brilliant industrialist Tony Stark returns home and vows to change his ways. He devotes his resources to perfecting this technology to fight global threats and protect the innocent. However, he soon discovers a dangerous conspiracy within his own company, forcing him to confront a powerful adversary in his new role as Iron Man.

Dad's Preview: This amazing origin film kicked off a film series that would eventually lead to The Avengers (2012), and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the role seemingly made for him, Downey excels as the eccentric, quirky, millionaire genius Tony Stark, the ideal man to invent an amazing iron suit. Even as a DC comics kid, I was drawn to Marvel's Iron Man, whose suit was cool as heck. Thanks to some incredible CGI regarding said suit, this stellar film more than lives up to any expectations.

Marvel Studios; Paramount Pictures

If at first you don't succeed, lower your standards.

Starring: Chris Farley, David Spade, Bo Derek, Brian Dennehy, Dan Akyroyd, Rob Lowe, Julie Warner, Sean McCann, Zach Grenier

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I can practically hear you getting fatter." – Richard

Why watch this? ... to learn to never load an injured deer in your car's back seat.

Plot Summary: Tommy Callahan Jr., a somewhat naive and underachieving son of a successful auto parts magnate, returns home to work in the family business. However, after the sudden death of his father, the company faces financial ruin and a potential takeover. To save the factory and the jobs of its employees, Tommy embarks on a cross-country sales trip to secure a large order for a new brake pad division. He is begrudgingly accompanied by his father's tightly wound assistant, Richard.

Dad's Preview: This lovable film is simply great fun. Farley and Spade are having a helluva great time. It really captures the chemistry between the unpredictable Farley and deadpan Spade. It's almost like watching Abbott and Costello in their heyday. Or Laurel and Hardy. For a low budget flick, there is a lot going on, plot-wise. It is part comedy, part romance, and part road film. Farley's genius was leaning into his faults, and getting folks to laugh at him. It will always sadden me that he followed his idol, John Belushi, too perfectly, and now we have to mourn two amazing comedians.

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures

Meet the little voices inside your head.

Starring: (the voices of) Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"We should lock the door and scream that curse word we know. It's a good one!" - Anger

Why watch this? This may be the most creative film yet from Disney and Pixar.

Plot Summary: An 11-year-old girl, Riley, moves with her family from Minnesota to San Francisco. The story explores the inner workings of her mind, where her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust — live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley's brain, and guide her actions. As Riley struggles to adjust to her new life, turmoil ensues in Headquarters, leading Joy and Sadness on an adventure through Riley's mind.

Dad's Preview: The creators of this wonderful Pixar offering take us into the mind of a teenage girl, just as her simple, happy life is about go haywire thanks to a move from Minnesota to California. Her first day of school does not go well. Meanwhile, we are transported into her brain's control room. There, the five emotions, Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Disgust, are in charge. Well, sort of. The emotions are voiced by some great stars. You will love this film, and its perspective, regarding how the mind works. You'll shed a few tears, as well.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Who ya gonna call?

Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I've only been with the company for a couple of weeks, but I gotta tell you: these things are real. Since I joined these men, I have seen shit that'll turn you white! – Winston Zeddemore

Why watch this? It may be the best SNL-cast film ever. It's delightfully creative and fun!

Plot Summary: Three eccentric parapsychologists are fired from their university jobs and decide to start a unique ghost removal service in New York City. As supernatural occurrences escalate throughout the city, they attract a growing clientele and become famous. They must ultimately confront an ancient entity threatening to unleash destruction upon the world.

Dad's Preview: I remember seeing this in a theater in Dimmitt, Texas. I was completely beside myself. It was way more sophisticated than I expected, especially from a couple of SNL lugnuts like Murray and Aykroyd. I realized that these guys were more than just TV comedians - they were real movie-makers, and the world was about to take notice. Once again, Sigourney Weaver shows that she can portray any role given and, with grace and strength, make it her own.

Columbia-Delphi Productions, Black Rhino; Columbia Pictures

Save the Date

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, Ellie Kemper, Jill Clayburgh, Wendy McLendon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This is such a stone-cold pack of weirdos, and I am so proud!" - Lillian

Why watch this? ... the bridal shop scene after spicy Mexican food. OMG!

Plot Summary: Annie's BFF is getting married. Though marriage has eluded Annie, she's happy for her friend and eager to meet the bridesmaids. One in particular, Helen, a rich, snobby trophy wife, seems determined to oust Annie as maid-of-honor. As the pre-wedding plans enfold, poor Annie seems to cause more harm than good.

Dad's Preview:  Every time I watch this comedy, I realize how damn good it really is. My heart smiles seeing these ladies act opposite one another. Scene after scene plays out all the classic tropes pertaining to wedding disasters - from the female perspective. Wiig is such a comedic force, and McCarthy devours every scene she's in. These two may be the funniest two humans on the planet.

Apatow Productions, Relativity Media; Universal Pictures

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

They're not just getting rich... They're getting even.

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, Paul Gleason

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Yeah. You know, it occurs to me that the best way to hurt rich people is by turning them into poor people." – Billy Ray Valentine

Why watch this? I love the premise. I love the cast. I love the execution.

Plot Summary: Two incredibly wealthy brothers, the Dukes, make a bet about whether a person's surroundings or genetics determines their success. To settle this, they orchestrate a complete life swap between their successful, high-society commodities broker, Louis Winthorpe III, and a street-smart hustler, Billy Ray Valentine. The film then follows the hilarious chaos that ensues as both men navigate their drastically altered lives and eventually discover the Duke brothers' cynical scheme.

Dad's Preview: I was not an Eddie Murphy fan - after this film, I came around. The basic plot is two uber-rich old guys select one poor person and one rich person, then reverse their settings, all to settle a bet. In this well-written, smart, John Landis comedy, we are blessed with ex-SNL'ers Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, plus the stunning force of veteran actress, Jamie Lee Curtis. The scene where Aykroyd disguises himself as Santa is one of my all-time favorites. I'll pass on the smoked salmon...

Aaron Russo; Paramount Pictures

Some People Just Don't Belong.

Starring: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O’Keefe, Bill Murray, Cindy Morgan, Sarah Holcomb, Henry Wilcoxen, Scott Colomby

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Oh, this your wife, huh? A lovely lady. Hey baby, you must've been something before electricity." – Al Czervik

Why watch this? It's an all-star cast, but Mr. Dangerfield steals every scene.

Plot Summary: At its center is a feud between two rich fellows: One an uptight snob, the other an easy-going slob. Their dislike for one another comes to a head, with all to be settled in a single round of golf at the country club. Meanwhile, the club's deranged groundskeeper prepares to finally blow up a pesky gopher who has been destroying the course.

Dad's Preview: This raunchy comedy launched the movie careers of Chase and Murray, and it made Rodney Dangerfield a household name. Every scene is a mini-SNL-skit about golf. The rest is horny teens, Chevy's dry wit and a water-logged Baby Ruth bar. This iconic comedy classic sets the course record for laughs.

Orion Pictures; Warner Bros.

It was the Deltas against the rules... the rules lost!

Starring: John Belushi, Tim Matheson, John Vernon, Verna Bloom, Thomas Hulce, Donald Sutherland, Stephen Furst, Bruce McGill, Karen Allen

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"What? Over? Did you say "Over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!" - Bluto Blutarsky

Why watch this? This film was THE FILM for me and all my McMurry College frat brothers. We could not get enough of it.

Plot Summary: At Faber College in 1962, the rowdy Delta Tau Chi fraternity finds themselves on "double secret probation" under the strict Dean Wormer, who is determined to expel them from campus. The Deltas, known for their unruly antics and low academic standing, clash with the snobby Omega Theta Pi fraternity, who collaborate with the Dean to achieve their expulsion. Despite the escalating pressure and mischievous pranks, the Delta brothers remain defiant.

Dad's Preview: Irreverent, absolutely. Tasteless, yep. Gratuitous, oh yea. It is also one of the funniest films ever made. Landis wanted to capture the wanton fraternity life that raged on college campuses during the 1960's, and he used SNL's bright young comic, John Belushi, to accomplish that feat. It is one uproarious scene after another, building to an unforgettable climax that leaves Dean Wormer and Faber College wounded forever.


Universal Pictures

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