In our time no foreign army has ever occupied American soil. Until now.

Starring: Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Ben Johnson, Harry Dean Stanton, Ron O'Neal, William Smith, Powers Boothe

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I don't know. Two toughest kids on the block, I guess. Sooner or later, they're gonna fight." – Col. Andy Tanner, when asked who started the war

Why watch this? ... it's World War III, and this time on American soil. It could happen.

Plot Summary: In an alternate 1980s, the United States is invaded by the Soviet Union and its allies. When a small Colorado town is occupied, a group of high school students escapes to the mountains. They form a guerrilla resistance force called the Wolverines, fighting back against the invading forces to defend their home and country.

Dad's Preview: Not that I really want to think this could happen, but I was immediately drawn to the premise of this film. The USA is attacked by Russian and Cuban forces, as World War III kicks off. The film follows a small group of teenagers who hide out in the Colorado mountains, then begin to wage guerilla warfare against the invaders. The story and characters are fully developed as is the heart-rendering climax. The Brat Pack is fully represented by Swayze, Howell, Thompson and Sheen, however I thought the best performance was delivered by the commanding Powers Boothe.

United Artists, Valkyrie Films; MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

When it's a fight to the death, there is no coming second.

Starring: Rutger Hauer, Joan Chen, Delroy Lindo, Vincent D'Onofrio, Anna Katarina, Justin Monjo, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Max Fairchild

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I don't like brutality. I like heroics. I like the blood of heroes." - Mara

Why watch this? It's a hidden gem in the post-apocalyptic film genre.

Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic future, a group of travelers, called "Juggers", participate in a brutal sport loosely resembling lacrosse, but with a dog skull. Led by a disgraced former star, they journey across the desolate landscape, hoping to earn glory and redemption by competing in the professional league located in an underground city.

Dad's Preview: A brutal sport in a apocalyptic hell-scape... this exciting adventure was literally tailored for my demented tastes. "The Game", which is a barbaric version of "capture the flag". Teams, called jugs, compete - there are no rules and many are killed. When I first experienced this rare movie, I could not believe more people weren't talking about it. This underrated actioner is well-done with a noteworthy cast, including the amazing Rutger Hauer, and young Vincent D'Onofrio.

Kings Road Ent., Handistom Investment, Kamisha Corp.; New Line Cinema

What is the secret of Soylent Green?

Starring: Charlton Heston, Leigh Taylor-Young, Chuck Connors, Joseph Cotten, Brock Peters, Paula Kelly, Edward G. Robinson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I was there, I can prove it! When I was a kid, you could buy meat anywhere! Eggs they had, real butter! Not this... crap!" - Sol

Why watch this? This is a thought-provoking film about a possible, horrible, dystopian future.

Plot Summary: In an overpopulated and resource-depleted 2022, Detective Thorn investigates the seemingly routine murder of a powerful executive at the Soylent Corporation, which provides the world's dwindling food supply. As Thorn delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers layers of powerful forces attempting to obstruct his efforts. Driven by a desire for truth in a world seemingly devoid of it, Thorn follows a trail that leads to a chilling and shocking secret/

Dad's Preview: Chuck Heston, later in his career, took on intellectual science fiction films, such as Planet of the Apes (1968) and The Omega Man (1971). This really boosted his career. This mind-bending dystopian flick, about a future world starving its people, is sci-fi, and Heston, at their best!  

Walter Seltzer, Russell Thacher; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Fight Your Way To The Front

Starring: Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris, Sang Kang-ho, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer, Ewen Bremner, Alison Pill

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"My friend, you suffer from the misplaced optimism of the doomed." - Mason

Why watch this? ... it's a creative, intense spin on a dystopian Earth in a frozen future.

Plot Summary: In a frozen post-apocalyptic world, the last remnants of humanity live aboard the Snowpiercer, a massive train perpetually circling the globe. Within the train, a rigid class system has emerged, with the impoverished lower classes relegated to the tail sections and the wealthy elite residing in the front. A group of tail section inhabitants, led by a determined revolutionary, decides to fight their way through the train's cars and overthrow the oppressive ruling class.

Dad's Preview: This film is a fresh take on its genre. Thanks to it's superb character development, we feel a definite sense of connection to the weary back-enders, and their revolt to storm the train's engine. Unlike the students at Kent State years ago, let's hope our film's usurpers find the answers they are seeking. At least, they will be free.

CJ Ent., Moho Film, Opus Pictures, Stillking Films; Radius-TWC thru The Weinstein Co.

The World Will Be Watching

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Helmsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci 

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Hope, it is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective, a lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it's contained." - President Snow

Why watch this? This debut is a perfect start to the exciting film series.

Plot Summary: In a dystopian future, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send two teenage representatives to fight to the death in the televised Hunger Games as punishment for a past rebellion. When her younger sister is selected, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her place, representing District 12 alongside Peeta Mellark. The film follows Katniss as she prepares for and participates in the brutal competition, navigating alliances and betrayals, while fighting for survival in the arena.

Dad's Preview: This film introduced me to Jennifer Lawrence. At first I didn't understand all the hype. By the film's end, I had no more questions. She is perfect as the heroine Katness; strong, vulnerable, smart, and, most critically, capable of carrying the weight of this post-apocalyptic film franchise. This is Katness' story, as she battles to rid the world of the fascist organization lording over the starving population.

Color Force; Lionsgate

Remember Who The Enemy Is

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Helmsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Phillip Seymour Hoffman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"From now on, your job is to be a distraction so people forget what the real problems are!" - Haymitch Abernathy

Why watch this? ... because it is the best film of the series.

Plot Summary: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark return to District 12 following their unprecedented dual victory in the 74th Hunger Games, however, their actions have unintentionally sparked dissent throughout Panem. President Snow, fearing a rebellion, forces Katniss and Peeta on a Victor's Tour to quell the unrest and maintain the Capitol's control, threatening their loved ones if they fail. Despite their efforts, the uprising intensifies, leading to the announcement of a special Quarter Quell, forcing them back into a deadly arena against other past victors.

Dad's Preview: The second film in this futuristic romp amps up everything we loved about the first. There a new contest called the Third Quarter Quell. This time the contestants are all past winners, thus upping the skill level. The most exciting element for me is the evolution of Katniss herself. The poor girl from District 12 is becoming a determined, engaging leader. Likewise, Jennifer Lawrence is becoming an actor to be noticed.

Color Force; Lionsgate

The courage of one will change the world

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Helmsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Miss Everdeen, it is the things we love most that destroy us." - President Snow

Why watch this? Another solid entry in the Battle for Panem.

Plot Summary: Katniss Everdeen is recovering in the supposedly destroyed District 13, which has become the center of the growing rebellion against the Capitol. Reluctantly, she agrees to become the symbolic leader, or "Mockingjay," inspiring the districts to unite against President Snow's tyrannical rule. Amidst this fight for freedom, Katniss also grapples with the Capitol's capture of Peeta Mellark, who is being used for propaganda and mental torture through a process called "hijacking".

Dad's Preview: Thematically, this is a tonal shift to focus more on the Second Rebellion and the war. Katniss is taken to District 13, and there finds her mother and sister. She also meets Alma Coin, the rebellion's leader who presses Katniss to become a Mockingjay, the symbol of the rebels. She agrees and we see Katniss' become a fine leader and recruiter. The stakes are higher, and it's hard to watch Peeta's betrayal. Part 1 is a great set-up for an epic showdown.

Color Force; Lionsgate

Nothing can prepare you for the end

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Helmsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Phillip Seymour Hoffman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Stop killing for him! Tonight, turn your weapons to the Capitol! Turn your weapons to Snow!" - Katniss Everdeen

Why watch this? This is the action-packed finale to a darn good sci-fi film series.

Plot Summary: Katniss leads the rebellion into the Capitol for a final confrontation with President Snow. She and her squad navigate a city filled with deadly traps and enemies as the war for Panem's future intensifies. Ultimately, Katniss faces a series of difficult decisions and challenges that test her resolve and determine the fate of millions.

Dad's Preview: Katniss and a small team of rebels from District 13 venture to the Capitol, now barricaded by numerous sadistic death traps. Her main goal is to assassinate President Snow and bring peace back to Panem. A lot of story plots are resolved including the frustrating love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and Gale. I found the culmination of the series to be very satisfying, especially with the twists at the end. I won't spoil it here, but it was worth the wait.

 
Color Force; Lionsgate

Horror in the Streets

Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox, Daniella Kertesz, David Morse, Peter Capaldi, Fana Mokoena, Peter Capaldi

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"The clue's there. Sometimes the thing you thought was the most brutal aspect of the virus, turns out to be the chink in its armor. And she loves disguising her weaknesses as strengths. She's a bitch." - Andrew Fassbach

Why watch this? These zombies swarm like huge locusts; it's really horrifying to watch.

Plot Summary: A rapidly spreading global pandemic turns the majority of the world's population into dangerous, fast-moving zombies. Recalled to duty, Gerry Lane, a former UN Investigator, must leave his family and embark on a perilous, globe-spanning mission to uncover the source of the outbreak and find a way to halt its devastating spread. His journey takes him to various locations and challenges him to confront the terrifying hordes and unravel the mystery before humanity is entirely consumed.

Dad's Preview: There are zombie movies, then there is this tour de force. Something (we never learn the cause) affects humans, and it spreads hyper-quickly. These "zombies" exist for one purpose: to find humans and turn them. They are fast, brutal and immediately lethal. Brad Pitt portrays a government "special agent" whose talent is finding out things; kind of a super spy-sleuth. There's nobody better equipped to figure out a solution amid the madness - I want to be reincarnated as Brad Pitt. You will love this spectacle.  

Plan B Ent., Skydance Prod., Hemisphere Media Capital, GK Films, 2DUX;
Paramount Pictures

In Space, No One Can Hear You Clean

Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I can't just sit here and... and do nothing. That's all I've ever done! That's all anyone on this blasted ship has ever done - nothing!" - Captain

Why watch this? Wall-E will work his electronic way into your heart.

Plot Summary: Earth is a trash-filled wasteland, centuries after humanity evacuated due to an uninhabitable environment on the ship Axiom. WALL-E, the last remaining trash-compacting robot, discovers a tiny living plant, initiating a chain of events that could potentially allow humanity to return to Earth. He follows a probe named EVE to the Axiom, where they must overcome challenges posed by the ship's autopilot.

Dad's Preview: How can a film set after the end of the Earth be warm, poignant, and even inspiring? Pixar pulls it off, as we follow the adventures of a lone, trash-gathering robot. His (we assume it is a "he") one simple job is to pick up trash and compact it into cubes. When a probe, named EVE, comes to earth, "she" encounters Wall-E. When Wall-E presents her with the first sign of plant life, things get crazy. It's ingenious, visibly stunning and so darn cute.  

Pixar Animatoin Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Some will kill to have it. He will kill to protect it.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Frances de la Tour, Michael Gambon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"People had more than they needed, people didn't know what was precious and what wasn't, people threw away things they kill each other for now." - Eli

Why watch this? Denzel adds a level of gravitas to this post-apocalyptic thriller.

Plot Summary: In a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, a solitary wanderer named Eli journeys westward with a precious, mysterious book. He is driven by a mission to protect this book, which he believes holds the key to humanity's future. Along the way, he encounters challenges from a ruthless leader who desperately wants the book for himself.

Dad's Preview: Set after the end of the world (and filmed in muted tones), a lone man wanders the brutal wasteland. He is stoic, independent, and lethally capable of defending himself. This is not a world for the weak. Denzel gives this loner a humanistic side, as he fights to survive in this dystopian landscape. His inspiration, an ear-marked old book he carries with him. A warlord called Carnegie wants the book and is willing to kill for it.

Alcon Entertainment, Silver Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures

Fury Is Born.

Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Lachy Hulme, Alyla Browne, George Shevtsov, John Howard, Angus Sampson, Nathan Jones, Josh Helman, Charlee Fraser

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You may be raw but you have a badge of purposeful savagery. You give me time, I'll teach you everything you need to know about road war. If you survive everything we take on together, you'll have all the skills you'll need to get wherever you want to go. No questions asked." – Praetorian Jack, to Furiosa

Why watch this? Fury Road was an impossible Max re-start. This is it's most compelling character's origin story.

Plot Summary: Young Furiosa is kidnapped by the Great Biker Horde, led by the charismatic tyrant, Dementus, who forces her to watch her mother's crucifixion. When Dementus learns of the Citadel, he decided to attack the towering stronghold. It's leader, Immortan Joe, and his army of white-skinned War Boys, defend the attack while Furiosa escapes Dementus and joins Immortan's ranks. All this happens before Taylor-Joy even comes on screen.

Dad's Preview: In a post-apocalyptic world of utter madness, George Miller once again cobbles together some of the best storytelling on big screens today. It's bombastic, heart-wrenching, and thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Every scene is choreographed like the finest Sydney Ballet, and the cinematography is breathtaking. It delivers in every moment. Taylor-Joy fills the Furiosa role nicely, but it is Hemsworth who stands out and more than gives this wasteland saga the fun-filled, nasty villain that every blockbuster needs.

Kennedy Miller Mitchell, Domain Ent.; Warner Bros. Pictures

No children. No future. No hope.

Starring: Clive Owen, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Pam Ferris, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Charlie Hunnam, Peter Mullan, Danny Huston

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"As the sound of the playgrounds faded, the despair set in. Very odd, what happens in a world without children's voices." - Miriam

Why watch this?  This film shows us a future you might not want to see, but rather need to see.

Plot Summary: The story is set in dystopian 2027, twenty years since the last baby was born due to a mysterious infertility in women. This has led to war, global chaos, and a general sense of dread. England remains an isolated country still holding onto some form of government. It is now a police state, rounding up refugees, deporting them, or worse. Theo Faron, a former activist, is forcibly taken by a group of militants, called the Fishes, led by his ex-wife Julian. They want him to use his connections to acquire transit papers for a young girl named Kee. Theo quickly becomes the only chance Kee has to get her out of a crumbling country.

Dad's Preview: This incredible film may be the most realistic depiction of humanity's possible future. It is presented in several genres: apocalyptic war zone, nail-biting thriller, and cautionary tale - all in a world without hope. There is incredible talent possessed by director Alfonso Cuarón - I didn't just watch from afar; I was a part of each scene, experiencing it on the ground. This is an intense experience.

Strike Ent., Hit and Run Productions, Toho-Towa; Universal Pictures

A chilling, bold, mesmerizing, futuristic detective thriller.

Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmett Walsh, Daryl Hannah, William Sanderson, Brion James

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I need ya, Deck. This is a bad one, the worst yet. I need the old blade runner, I need your magic." - Bryant

Why watch this? It's haunting, brooding and dark... and a mesmerizing sci-fi classic.

Plot Summary: In a dystopian future Los Angeles, a burnt-out detective (aka: a "blade runner"), Rick Deckard, is tasked with hunting down and "retiring" a group of advanced androids called replicants, who have escaped from off-world colonies. These replicants seek to find their creator and extend their limited life-spans, while the blade runner wrestles with the complex morality of his job and his growing connection to a beautiful replicant who believes she is human.

Dad's Preview: This great sci-fi noir crime film features Ford and a fine supporting cast. It's a visual feast showing Earth's future as an over-crowded, technologically-advanced dystopia darkened by the constant drizzle of acid rain. Advanced robots, called replicants, are so lifelike, they are indistinguishable from humans. Some in fact, are so sentient that they don't even know they are robots. This certainly blurs the line between A.I. and humanity. Steely-eyed Rutger Hauer steals every scene as the psychotic replicant, Roy.

The Ladd Company, Shaw Brothers; Warner Bros.

They stole his mind, now he wants it back.

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox, Marshall Bell, Mel Johnson Jr.

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Who gives a shit what you believe? In thirty seconds you'll be dead, and I'll blow this place up and be home in time for cornflakes." - Cohaagen

Why watch this? Schwarzenegger and sci-fi - a very good combination on the red planet Mars.

Plot Summary: Douglas Quaid is a construction worker tormented by dreams of Mars and a mysterious woman. He visits Rekall, a company specializing in virtual memory implants for exotic vacations, hoping to experience a simulated Mars adventure. However, the procedure goes awry, uncovering evidence that Quaid's entire life might be a false memory and that he's being hunted by a powerful organization with secrets about Mars.

Dad's Preview: In 1990, Arnold was box office gold. This is one of his best. In the distant future, Quaid, is a regular guy with a mundane job, friends, and a wife. However, something just feels off - and there's an odd connection to Mars. He visits Rekall, where clients can experience implanted memories for their pleasure. During the procedure, Quaid goes nuts, believing that he's a double-agent! This film is mind-bending, as the plot takes several unexpected turns. Arnold must find the truth! Kudos to nasty villains Ronny Cox and Michael Ironsides, who make it fun. This was one of Sharon Stone's first big roles.

Carolco Pictures; Tri-Star Pictures

Just One Man Can Make A Difference.

Starring: Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Mike Preston, Max Phipps, Vernon Wells, Emil Minty, Kjell Nilsson, Virginia Hey, William Zappa

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"We've all lost someone we love. But we do it my way! Fear is our ally. The gasoline will be ours. Then you shall have your revenge.” – Lord Humungus

Why watch this? A bigger budget helped the second Max film cement its place in post-apocalyptic film lore.

Plot Summary: Following a global war and civilization's collapse, loner Max scavenges the Australian wasteland for fuel and supplies. He encounters a small community defending their oil refinery from a ruthless biker gang led by deformed Lord Humungus. Max, initially seeking only his own advantage, eventually agrees to help the community transport their precious fuel in a desperate bid for freedom and survival.

Dad's Preview: This is a brutal and violent film set in a future where the powerful enact their will upon those unable to defend themselves. Good people are raped, tortured and murdered by roving bands of merciless psychopaths; this is not a world for the weak. Into this hellscape rides Max, a damaged man who reluctantly helps those in need. It's a powerful film, with Gibson at his brooding best. Director Miller knows that a compelling villain makes the film and this film's bad guy is Vernon Wells, as the always intense Wez. The vehicle stunts are incredible. The road's open, see you in the wasteland...

Kennedy Miller Productions; Roadshow Film Dist., Warner Bros.

LIVE DIE REPEAT

Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Noah Taylor, Jonas Armstrong, Tony Way, Noah Taylor

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Find me when you wake up." -  Rita Vrataski

Why watch this? The film's premise will blow you away. That and Emily Blunt.

Plot Summary: In a future where Earth faces an alien invasion, a reluctant military public relations officer, Major William Cage, is thrust into a combat scenario. After dying in the ensuing battle, he finds himself in a time loop, repeatedly reliving the same day and being killed over and over. He seeks out a formidable Special Forces warrior, Sgt. Rita Vrataski. Together they must utilize the time loop to learn, adapt, and ultimately find a way to defeat the overwhelming extraterrestrial threat.

Dad's Preview: The hard-working Tom Cruise has done his share of sci-fi thrillers. Thanks to a creative story, excellent CGI effects and a stellar cast, this intense, time-jumping alien-infested fare is really a blast. You will have to re-watch it a few times to see what you missed. Cruise impresses, but Emily Blount caught me off guard - she oils up the muscles and makes a pretty good action hero herself! Bill Paxton, who portrays Master Sgt. Farell - and is one of my favorite actors and he's superb. Sadly, he would pass away three years later in 2017.

Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac Ent., 3 Arts Ent., Vis Productions; Warner Bros.

Welcome to the 23rd century. A perfect world of total pleasure...with just one catch.

Starring: Michael York, Jenny Agutter, Richard Jordan, Roscoe Lee Browne, Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Peter Ustinov

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I've never seen a face like that before. That must be the look of - of being old." - Logan, when looking at an old man's face for the first time.

Why watch this? ... to be reminded that there are some great sci-fi films from the 70's.

Plot Summary: In the 23rd century, humanity lives in a sealed city where every citizen's life is artificially limited to the age of thirty. A special assassin squad, called Sandmen, enforces this rule by eliminating those who attempt to escape the designated termination ritual known as "Carrousel". A Sandman named Logan 5 is tasked with infiltrating a rumored sanctuary outside the city walls, but he soon finds himself on the run with a woman named Jessica 6, questioning the very foundation of their seemingly idyllic society.

Dad's Preview: This film is set in a utopian future where the population is "renewed" when they reach age 30. I read this short paperback in the 7th grade, and thought, "Wow. Science Fiction is cool." It will get you thinking about humanity, and how sheepish humans can become if they blindly follow the ruling authorities.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; United Artists

In a moment the world changed forever.

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Molly Parker, Michael Kenneth Williams

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Each day is more gray than the one before. It is cold and growing colder as the world slowly dies." - Man

Why watch this? To witness real courage in the face of an uncertain future.

Plot Summary: In a desolate, ash-covered post-apocalyptic world, a father and his young son embark on a grueling journey southward in search of a warmer climate and a more hospitable environment. Along their perilous path, they must scavenge for food, avoid dangerous encounters with other desperate survivors, including cannibalistic gangs, and grapple with the constant threat of starvation and despair. Despite the pervasive bleakness, the father strives to instill in his son a sense of hope and the importance of clinging to their humanity.

Dad's Preview: This post-apocalypse slow burn, based on the Cormac McCarthy novel, is bleak upon bleak. Yet, there's a small glimmering light within this pale landscape, and that is the love between Man and Boy. They plod on to reach the coast, and perhaps to find the "good guys". This jumps from heart-felt, to terrifying, to hopeful, to hopeless and finally to absolution. I really think the book's author, McCarthy, may be the greatest writer of his generation.

2929 Productions; Dimension Films

A game nobody survives. But Schwarzenegger has yet to play.

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, María Conchita Alonso, Yaphet Kotto, Richard Dawson, Jim Brown, Jesse Ventura

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Americans love television... They love game shows, they love wrestling, they love sports and violence. So what do we do? We give 'em what they want! We're number one, Ben, that's all that counts, believe me." - Killian

Why watch this? This is a thrilling, dystopian film you will not forget.

Plot Summary: In a dystopian future, a wrongfully accused police officer named Ben Richards is forced to participate in a deadly reality television game show called The Running Man. On the show, convicts, known as Runners, must evade professional killers called Stalkers in a battle for their freedom and survival.

Dad's Preview: Arnold was quite the box-office terminator in the 90's. This futuristic film, adapted from the Stephen King novel, is one of his best. The titular game show pits political captives against brutal gladiators. As each captive dies, the bets, and ratings, get higher. This is the textbook definition of a futuristic thriller. Arnold is great, and I was really impressed with Richard Dawson's performance as the corrupt game show host. 

Braveworld Productions, Taft Ent. Pictures; TriStar Pictures

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE MAD

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"If I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die historic on the Fury Road!" - Nux

Why watch this? I never saw this greatness coming, but there's no question - it's great!

Plot Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce, Max is captured and enslaved by the tyrannical Immortan Joe. Simultaneously, Imperator Furiosa, one of Joe's lieutenants, defies him by absconding with five women, leading to a relentless pursuit across the desert. Max eventually becomes involved with Furiosa's escape, forging an uneasy alliance as they battle Joe and his forces in a desperate struggle for freedom and a better life.

Dad's Preview: Instant classic. As a huge fan of the 80's Mel Gibson Mad Max films, I really thought the franchise was over, and I was OK with that. Then comes this tour de force, again from the talents of director George Miller. It blows you away with each action sequence. Tom Hardy amply fills Mr. Gibson's steady shoes. That said, it is Charlize Theron who steals the film as Furiosa. She is one bad-ass survivor. This epic is visually stunning. Let's hope this is the first film in another trilogy for Max and company.

Village Roadshow Pictures, RapPac-Dune Ent., Kennedy Miller Mitchell; Warner Bros.

1997. New York City is now a maximum security prison. Breaking out is impossible. Breaking in is insane.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Adrienne Barbeau, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Are you crazy? Nobody gets to meet the Duke. You meet him once and then you're dead!" - Cabbie

Why watch this? Kurt Russell is so dope in that eye-patch!

Plot Summary: In a crime-ridden future of 1997, Manhattan Island is walled off and transformed into a maximum-security prison for the United States' worst criminals. When Air Force One is hijacked and crashes within the prison walls, the President of the United States becomes a hostage. Ex-soldier and criminal Snake Plissken is offered a pardon if he can retrieve the President from the dangerous environment within 24 hours.

Dad's Preview: Teen idol Kurt Russell successfully changed his "Disney nice guy" image in this gritty John Carpenter film. Russell portrayal as the anti-heroic, remorseless felon, Snake Plisken, is legendary. I love that this film essentially has a ticking clock for its entirely. Snake has 24 hours to save the President, who is lost in a smoldering, gang-infested hell-scape that used to be New York City. Tick. Tick. Tick. You're not going to want to miss this action thriller.

Int'l Film Investors, Goldcrest Films Int'l, City Films; AVCO Embassy Pictures

Free your mind

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong, Juian Arahanga

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #19 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Matrix

"Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet. You are a plague, and we are the cure." - Agent Smith to Morpheus, as he interrogates him

Why watch this? Conceptually, visually, creatively - this film set a new action sci-fi standard.

Plot Summary: Computer programmer and hacker, Neo, feels there is something wrong with the world around him. He is contacted by Trinity, another hacker, who introduces him to Morpheus, a legendary figure in the hacker underworld. Morpheus reveals the shocking truth about their reality, which compels Neo to join a rebellion against the forces controlling it.

Dad's Preview: A few short minutes into The Matrix, I realized I was seeing the future - it was like nothing I'd experienced before. By the end, I was completely inside my own head. What just happened?! I had to see it again. And again. It was revolutionary cinema that warped all senses of reality. What a mind trip! And the soundtrack is edgy, ass-kicking alternative music. This was a wise career move for Reeves, but the best performances were by newcomers Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity and Hugo Weaving as the digital assassin, Agent Smith.

Village Roadshow Pictures, Grouch II Film Partnership, Silver Pictures; Warner Bros.

Hunted... haunted... wanted... like beasts of prey!

Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowell, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly, Linda Harrison, Lou Wagner, Woodrow Parfrey

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #9 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Planet of the Apes

"Man is a nuisance. He eats up his food supply in the forest, then migrates to our green belts and ravages our crops. The sooner he is exterminated, the better." – Doctor Zaius

Why watch this? ... it's compelling through-out, but the last scene makes it a legend.

Plot Summary: After crash-landing on a seemingly alien planet, astronaut George Taylor and his crew discover a world where intelligent apes dominate, and humans are treated as primitive, mute beings. Taylor is captured and struggles to convince the ape society of his intelligence and humanity. With the help of sympathetic chimpanzee scientists, Zira and Cornelius, Taylor fights for his freedom and to uncover the truth about this mysterious planet.

Dad's Preview: This is the first science fiction film I remember watching, and what a primer!  It was certainly ahead of its time. I was so intrigued by the role reversal between ape and man. It's humbling to witness a planet where man is the lowest animal - being hunted, killed, enslaved and even domesticated. The film's extensive make-up and eerie, avant-garde soundtrack were nominated for Oscars. Like many of writer Rod Serling's Twilight Zone episodes, this masterwork of his is a real think-piece about humanity and our own pre-conceived, hubris-laden ideals.

APJAC Productions; 20th Century Fox