Inspired by a True Friendship

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco, Dimiter D. Marinov, Mike Hatton, P.J. Byrne, Von Lewis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"So if I'm not black enough and if I'm not white enough, and not man enough, then tell me, Tony, what am I?" - Dr. Don Shirley

Why watch this? In a country divided by race, we just need to rub elbows to find our common ground.

Plot Summary: In 1962, a working-class Italian-American bouncer named Tony "Lip" Vallelonga is hired to drive renowned African-American classical pianist Don Shirley on a concert tour through the Deep South. Facing widespread racial segregation and prejudice, they must rely on "The Negro Motorist Green Book" to navigate safe havens for Black travelers. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, the two men form an unlikely bond and friendship as they confront adversity and learn from each other during their journey.

Dad's Preview:  This film was based on a true story, and won the Oscars for Best Picture and Supporting Actor (Mahersala). This thoroughly enjoyable film held my attention for every single second. The two lead characters could not be more different, yet their journey together carries the film forward to where we hope it goes. In the end, both men emerge with a larger world-view and a lot more empathy.

Participant Media, DreamWorks Pictures, Innisfee Pictures, Cinetic Media,
Alibaba Pictures; Universal Pictures

First dance. First love. The time of your life.

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Jack Weston, Jane Brucker, Jack Weston, Lonny Price

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner." - Johnny

Why watch this? A great coming-of-age story centered on summer camp and dancing.

Plot Summary: Frances "Baby" Houseman is a young woman vacationing with her family at a Catskills resort in the summer of 1963. There, she becomes infatuated with Johnny Castle, the resort's dance instructor. As Baby steps in to help Johnny with a performance, their relationship deepens, exploring themes of love, class differences, and personal growth.

Dad's Preview: Much has been written about this romantic dance movie, and with good reason. It's smart, fun and very saucy. The leads are great. It has been rumored that Swayze and Grey fought the duration of filming. On screen, though, they make beautiful music. I also must tip my hat to supporting actors Jerry Orbach, as Baby's concerned father, and Cynthia Rhodes, a pregnant dancer with no one to turn to. Finally, my sweet Mom loved this little flick about naughty dancing. Perhaps Mom wasn't as sweet as I thought! And yes, I'm blushing.

Great American Films, Limited Partnership; Vestron 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

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

The greatest gift of entertainment the screen has ever brought you!

Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes, Johnny Grant, John Brascia, Anne Whitfield

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Oh, Vermont should be beautiful this time of year, with all that snow." - Judy Haynes

Why watch this? ... superb musical numbers, talented dancers, and holiday cheer!

Plot Summary: Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are two best friends who host a TV musical show. Years before, they served in WWII together under General Waverly. They learn the General owns an Inn in Vermont, but business is not very good because, well, they don't have any snow. The pair concoct a scheme to take their famous TV variety show to the Vermont Inn and help out their old commander. They partner with the sassy Haynes Sisters to pull it off.

Dad's Preview: A lot makes this holiday film a classic. The chemistry between the four leads is so seamless, it's hardly like they are acting. The vocal numbers are catchy, but the dance routines are magical. It will melt your heart as Phil plays match-maker for his "I'm too old for love" buddy Bob. It has certainly become one of our annual Christmas must-watch gems. 

Paramount Pictures

The greatest adventure of all is finding our place in the circle of life.

Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly, Ernie Sabella, Nathan Lane, Robert Guillaume, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life." - Mufasa

Why watch this? ... It is one of the best of the 90's Disney classics.

Plot Summary: A young lion cub, Simba, is destined to rule the Pride Lands, but his bitter uncle, Scar, plots against him and his father, King Mufasa. Simba is led to believe he is responsible for his father's death and flees into exile, where he befriends Timon and Pumbaa. Years later, his past returns to haunt him, and he must decide whether to reclaim his rightful place and face his demons.

Dad's Preview: We wore out this Disney VHS tape. Our kids were mesmerized by the cute animals and catchy tunes. It really is a magical story of families and growing up to face responsibility. To that, you only have to add a wise mandrill, a witty lemur and a smelly warthog. And viola! - A great animated flick! Today, I still cry numerous times during this musical romp through Africa.

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Her voice became his passion. Her love became his obsession. Her refusal became his rage...

Starring: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver, Ciarán Hinds, Simon Callow

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Pitiful creature of darkness, what kind of life have you known? God, give me courage to show you you are not alone!" - Christine

Why watch this? It wowed Broadway audiences for years. This film version is exceptional.

Plot Summary: Christine Daaé is a talented chorus girl at the Paris Opéra, who is secretly coached by a mysterious tutor she calls her "Angel of Music". This unseen mentor, a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom, becomes obsessed with Christine and terrorizes the opera house to ensure her success. Complications arise when Christine's childhood sweetheart, Raoul, re-enters her life, sparking a dangerous love triangle and escalating the Phantom's jealousy and manipulation.

Dad's Preview: I enjoy musicals, but this one, as it has for many people, touched me very deeply. This film is so passionate, beautiful, haunting and tragic. The phantom, who epitomizes sullen loneliness, carefully plots revenge on those who have betrayed him. Then, unexpectedly, he sees the lovely Christine, a vision of Venus with the voice of an angel. Can she can restore his lost faith in humanity and heal his twisted heart? Every song is so powerful.

Joel Schumacher Prod., Odyssey Ent., Really Useful Films, Scion Films;
Entertainment Film Dist.

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

Robert Duvall is Mac Sledge, His fight for respect was just beginning.

Starring: Robert Duvall, Tess Harper, Betty Buckley, Wilford Brimley, Ellen Barkin, Allan Hubbard, Lenny von Dohlen, Paul Gleason

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Is there a reason that happened? And Sonny's daddy died in the war, my daughter killed in an automobile accident. Why? See, I don't trust happiness. I never did, I never will." - Mac Sledge

Why watch this? Duvall finally gets an Oscar for this bittersweet tale of redemption.

Plot Summary: Mac Sledge is a washed-up, alcoholic country singer at rock bottom, who finds himself working off a debt at a run-down Texas motel. He builds a new life with the motel's widowed owner, Rosa Lee, and her son, but his past soon comes calling, threatening to unravel his newfound stability. Mac is then forced to confront his demons and choose between the life he once had and new life he's acquired.

Dad's Preview: Robert Duvall never ceases to amaze. At first, I could not understand all the hubbub; he doesn't appear to be acting at all. But slowly I began to get it. He's so good, so natural, that it appears he's not acting. He takes on the role, and makes it his own. Here he plays a former country singer/songwriter who has lost his way to pain and alcohol. He finds a little salvation in a loving woman's arms and her son's need for a father figure. But does he really deserve a second chance in the music business? Will it bring back all the demons? Duvall learned to play guitar and sing, solely for this part.     

EMI Films, Antron Media; Universal Pictures, Associated Film Dist. Corp.

Pathetic Earthlings... Who Can Save You Now?

Starring: Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Ornelia Muti, Max Von Sydow, Topol, Timothy Dalton, Brian Blessed, Peter Wyngarde

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Pathetic earthlings. Hurling your bodies out into the void, without the slightest inkling of who or what is out here." – Emperor Ming

Why watch this? ... to enjoy some swashbuckling action, and jam with Queen!

Plot Summary: To escape Earth, which is being tormented by alien attacks, Flash Gordon, Dale Arden, and Dr. Hans Zarkov unwillingly embark on a space journey and land on the planet Mongo. There, they are immediately confronted by the tyrannical Emperor Ming the Merciless, whose desire is to destroy Earth. Ming's actions force the trio to join forces with the various inhabitants of Mongo to thwart the emperor's plan and save Earth from annihilation.

Dad's Preview: This is a colorful, campy fantasy film, offering a fitting homage to the old Flash Gordon serials of the 1930's. It's a welcome return to innocence. Von Sydow is perfectly cast as the ultra-evil Ming The Merciless. It may seem hokey at times, but never stops being fun. The movie's soundtrack was performed by Queen, and they do a stellar job of blending eerie, other-worldly sounds with good old hard rock!

Starling Productions, Famous Films; Universal Pictures

The year's most revealing comedy.

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy, William Snape, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer, Lesley Sharp, Emily Woof

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Anti-wrinkle cream there may be, but anti-fat-bastard cream there is not." - Dave

Why watch this? I have never loved a film more than this one I fully expected to hate.

Plot Summary: Featuring the most unlikely of topics for a comedy, this film centers on a group of unemployed English steel workers who are desperate to find work. When Gaz spies women lined up at a male strip club, he develops a desperate plan. That's right, he'll gather up his mates and give it a jolly old go. How hard could it be?

Dad's Preview: Some of the greatest comedies are spawned from the most unlikeliest of subjects. By all accounts, unemployed British men should not be funny, yet it is. I mean, we got garden gnomes, folks. This is a huge tribute to some fine direction, and a solid script. There are also great performances through-out, leads to supporting cast. It truly is a dream ensemble. There are laughs throughout, and, trust me, the film's fully-gratifying ending will be one you won't soon forget.

Redwave Films, Channel Four Films; Fox Searchlight Pictures

Somewhere under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in fantasy.

Starring: Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat Carroll, Kenneth Mars, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Buddy Hackett

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Hmm... Teenagers. They think they know everything. You give them an inch, they swim all over you." – Sebastian

Why watch this? This film revitalized Disney's animated film reputation.

Plot Summary: A curious young mermaid named Ariel dreams of experiencing life beyond the sea and falls in love with a human prince she rescues from a shipwreck. Desperate to join his world, Ariel makes a dangerous pact with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for human legs. With her new form, Ariel embarks on a quest to win the prince's love, but she faces challenges and a ticking clock as Ursula has a hidden agenda.

Dad's Preview: Disney animated films had lost something. This gem felt like they had returned to basics, and found the magic again. It has humor and loveable characters, but it is the music that stands out as iconic. Those numbers just make you want to stand up, sing and even dance! So my youngest son did just that - he was select to portray Sebastian in his high school musical. And, he killed it - we were so proud of him and all the cast!

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

The Happiest Sound In All The World!

Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Charmian Carr, Eleanor Parker, Angela Cartwright, Ben Wright

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I can't seem to stop singing wherever I am. And what's worse, I can't seem to stop saying things - anything and everything I think and feel." - Maria

Why watch this? It is deservedly the standard by which all family musicals are measured.

Plot Summary: Set in Austria on the cusp of World War II, a high-spirited young woman named Maria, considering a life as a nun, is sent to be a governess to the seven children of the widowed and strict Captain Georg von Trapp. Maria's love for music and kind nature gradually bring joy and warmth back into the children's lives, and eventually the Captain's as well.

Dad's Preview: Set in Austria in the late 1930's, this delightful Disney musical follows a precocious nun, Maria, who just doesn't fit in at the abbey. Her Mother Abbess sends her to take care of a family of seven, lorded over by their stern Austrian father, Naval Captain Georg Von Trapp. There are musical numbers galore, and it almost goes without saying that the Austrian mountain scenery is incredible. However, it's Julie Andrews, and her innocent, fun-loving personality, who wins our hearts.    

Argyle Enterprises, Inc.; 20th Century Fox

The most beautiful love story ever told.

Starring (voices): Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Oh, it's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm... Well, look at me!" - Beast

Why watch this? This magical Disney effort just made the world seem right again.

Plot Summary: In this fairy tale, the beautiful Belle offers her freedom to a cursed prince who has been transformed into a Beast. The Beast, along with his castle and its enchanted staff, are under a spell that can only be broken if he learns to love and be loved in return. Belle gradually gets to know the Beast and sees beyond his outward appearance, while the Beast strives tame his impatient temper.

Dad's Preview: Disney animation had a quality problem in the 1980's. This film changed all that immediately. It's exciting, funny and a beauty to behold. There are many memorable characters and incredible musical numbers. Memorable characters include the French candlestick Lumiere, the British tea kettle Mrs. Potts and the unforgettably conceited huntsman Gaston. This musical is big and bold, yet tender and intimate. It restored Disney's reputation as a quality producer of cinematic animation.

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Inc.

It's Scrumdidilyumptious!

Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn Cole, Leonard Stone

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #48 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple." - Willie Wonka

Why watch this? A tour through a mysterious chocolate factory. What could happen?

Plot Summary: Young Charlie Bucket, from an impoverished family, dreams of finding one of the five coveted Golden Tickets hidden in Willy Wonka's chocolate bars. Winning a ticket grants a tour of Wonka's mysterious and magical chocolate factory, along with a lifetime supply of candy. Charlie, joining four other children, embarks on a fantastical adventure within the whimsical factory.

Dad's Preview: As addicting as its namesake dessert flavor, this children's film has a lot to say. Not only is this trip as magical as the journey to Oz, it also takes special care to pass along valuable lessons to kids and parents alike: Don't overeat. Too much candy is bad for you. Don't spoil your children. Don't watch too much TV. These "bad" little kids get their cod liver oil. I always thought of myself as the sweet, innocent, and honorable Charlie... but am I? The verdict is still out.

Wolper Pictures, The Quaker Oats Co.; Paramount Pictures

Amadeus (1984), Director: Miloš Forman, rated PG for some sensuality, crudeness

The man... The music... The madness... The murder... The motion picture...

Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Roy Dotrice, Simon Callow, Christine Ebersole, Jeffrey Jones, Charles Kay

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"That was Mozart. That! That giggling dirty-minded creature I had just seen, crawling on the floor!" - Antonio Salieri

Why watch this? Well, 8 Oscars is why - plus it IS a brilliant, exceptional film.

Plot Summary: Mozart is blessed with natural musical ability. Though a musical genius, he is outwardly childish and crass. That is until he thinks of his father, a stern man who was constantly disappointed in his son. Juxtapose Mozart to Salieri, a reserved man plays by the rules. He's true to his craft, loyal to his employers, and faithful to God, yet always denied greatness. In his anger, Salieri, forsakes God and becomes obsessed with destroying the young composer.

Dad's Preview: The theme is the prodigy versus the journeyman. This masterpiece is steeped in symbolism and details a haunting subtext of one man's guilt, and another's relentless quest for retribution. Both are tragic figures, yet very interesting as a case study. This period piece has elaborate costumes and sets, and it's realism rings through, as well. There may not ever be another film quite like this.

The Saul Zaentz Company; Orion Pictures

Mighty Miracle Show Of 1000 Delights!

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Clara Blandick, Terry (as Toto)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #29 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Wizard of Oz

"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! The Great Oz has spoken!" - The Wizard

Why watch this? Because it has been a warm, wise, family classic - like forever.

Plot Summary: After a tornado sweeps her away from her Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale embarks on a quest to find the powerful Wizard of Oz who can help her return home. Along the Yellow Brick Road, she encounters a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Man desiring a heart, and a Cowardly Lion longing for courage, who all join her on this journey. Together, they face the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks revenge on Dorothy for an accident upon her arrival

Dad's Preview: This is one of the greatest fantasy films of all time. On the surface, it's wonderful and magical - a treat for every wide-eyed child, ablaze with a new film enhancement they called Technicolor. It was also lovely escapism that was layered with symbolism and hope, just what America needed after the devastating Great Depression of the early 1930's. Early in the film, a tornado carries Dorothy Gale and her farmhouse into the sky. When the house lands with a thud, Dorothy opens the front door and Oz is revealed in its vivid, fantastical splendor! It is a scene that will always emotionally impact this ol' Texas farm boy. 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.

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.

The man. The music. The movie.

Starring: Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, Clarence Williams III, Jerome Benton, Billy Sparks, Jill Jones

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I can make you happy. If you just believed in me." - Francis L.

Why watch this? One of the best movies ever about an artist and his band.

Plot Summary: A talented but troubled musician, known as The Kid, struggles with a difficult home life and intense rivalries with other performers in the Minneapolis club scene. He attempts to forge a career with his band, The Revolution, while navigating a complex romance with an aspiring singer named Apollonia. The story explores The Kid's artistic journey as he confronts his personal demons, deals with a rival band, and learns to collaborate with his own band members.

Dad's Preview: I will forever maintain that Prince, and this film, helped me to find my sex appeal. Men I grew up around were pretty closed off about that topic. Prince helped me find my way. He exuded sexual charisma and confidence. Some of it was not completely masculine, yet women still loved him. It took the pressure off a need to appear macho, and that was more true to who I really am. The concert scenes are unforgettable. The soundtrack sat at No. 1 for 24 weeks! It's world-wide sales made it one of the best-selling albums of all time, and it won the Oscar for Best Original Song Score.

Purple Films; Warner Bros.

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