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Dad's top
20 Action Romance Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1.
This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
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Honorable
Mention |
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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
(1991)
Sometimes the
only way to uphold justice...is to break the law.
Director: Kevin Reynolds, rated PG
  Starring:
Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Alan Rickman,
Christian Slater, Nick Brimble
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"I've seen knights in
armor panic at the first hint of battle. And I've seen the
lowliest, unarmed squire pull a spear
from his own body, to
defend a dying horse. Nobility is not a birthright. It's defined
by one's actions." - Robin
of Locksley
Why watch this?
It is Costner's turn at the Robin Hood legend.
Plot Summary:
Returning to England from the Crusades, nobleman Robin of
Locksley finds his father murdered and his estate seized by the
tyrannical Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin, with the help of a
Moorish companion whose life he saved during the Crusades,
retreats to Sherwood Forest and forms a band of outlaws
dedicated to fighting the Sheriff's oppression and protecting
the common folk. Together, they steal from the wealthy to aid
the poor.
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Dad's Preview:
There is a lot to like about this action film set in and around
Sherwood Forest. Costner is a pretty good heroic Robin, but he
seems a little uncomfortable with the English accent. At times
the film is trying to be historically accurate, then a phrase is
uttered that feels unfitting for the period. There were many
liberties taken adapting the screenplay from the original story,
but it's an entertaining Medieval romp. Alan Rickman role is
evil enough, yet over-the-top at times. It was the
second-highest grossing film of 1991. |
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Morgan Creek
Productions; Warner Bros.
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#20 Top |
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Baby Driver (2017)
All
you need is one killer track.
Director: Edgar Wright, Rated R for language and
violence
Starring:
Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Eiza González, Micah
Howard, Lily James, Morgan Brown, Kevin Spacey
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Sometimes all I want
is to head West on 20 in a car I can't afford, with a plan I
don't have, just me, my music, and the road." - Deborah
Why watch this? This
fast-paced crime flick has a beating heart.
Plot Summary:
Miles, called "Baby" is a getaway driver for a heist crew led by
Doc. Baby just drives and he has a real knack for it. He also is
aloof, always wearing sunglasses and listening to music on his
earbuds (he suffers from tinnitus). Some members of the gang, namely Bats and Griff,
don't like or trust the somber kid. What they all don't know is
that he's got a new girlfriend and wants out of the robbery
business.
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Dad's Preview:
This fast-paced crime thriller will hold your attention. The
characters are right out of a Tarantino film, quirky and
dangerous. The car chases, showcasing Baby's skills as the
gang's driver, are
incredible. The movie's real strength is the way everything is all tied together into such watchable package. An
action film like this, dealing with
some really nasty people, can easily devolve and lose focus.
Baby Driver leans into all the meanness and madness, keeps
its path true, and manages to find a little romance
along its way. |
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TriStar Pictures/MRC/Big
Talk Productions/
Working Title Films;
Sony Pictures
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#19 Top |
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Six Days, Seven Nights
(1998)
After this week
in paradise, they're going to need a vacation.
Director: Ivan Reitman, rated PG-13
Starring:
Harrison Ford, Anne Heche, David Schwimmer, Jaxqueline Obradors,
Temuera Morrison, Danny Trejo
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"You know how a woman gets
a man excited? She shows up. That's it. We're guys, we're easy.
Of course, for that you can't charge six bucks an issue, now can
you?" – Quinn
Harris
Why watch this?
It's refreshing to watch the reliable Ford and sexy newcomer Anne Heche.
Plot Summary:
On a romantic vacation with her fiancé, a busy New York magazine
editor is called away for an urgent work assignment in Tahiti.
She hires a gruff, laid-back cargo pilot with whom she shares a
mutual dislike to fly her to the neighboring island. A sudden
storm forces them to crash-land on a deserted island, where they
must survive the wilderness and each other's company while
awaiting rescue.
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Dad's Preview:
Ford and Heche are such an unlikely couple both on and off the
screen. However, they're more than convincing, and their chemistry is the
heart of this film. These two people become stranded
on an island fraught with dangers, including modern-day pirates.
He's trying to forget a past relationship, while she's a
fast-moving executive unsure of her current fiancé (portrayed
hilariously by David Schwimmer). This
well-done Action Rom-Com will have you giggling and ooh-ing at the island
scenery. Anne, dear sweet girl, you left us too soon. |
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Touchstone
Pictures, Caravan Pictures,
Northern Lights Ent.,
Roger Birnbaum Prod.;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#18 Top |
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True Romance
(1993)
Stealing.
Cheating. Killing. Who Said Romance is Dead?
Director: Tony Scott, Rated R for language, violence
Starring:
Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer,
Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken,
Samuel L. Jackson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"We're gonna have a
little Q&A, and at the risk of sounding redundant, please...
make your answers genuine."
- Vincenzo Coccotti
Why watch this? This
violent cross-country chase combined a Tarantino script and Tony
Scott's brutal action direction.
Plot Summary:
Clarence Worley is a comic book enthusiast who falls in love
with and marries Alabama Whitman, a call girl hired to spend the
night with him. Their whirlwind romance takes a dangerous turn
when Clarence confronts Alabama's former pimp, leading to
violence and an accidental acquisition of a suitcase full of
cocaine. The young lovers then embark on a chaotic cross-country
journey to California, hoping to sell the drugs and start a new
life, all while being pursued by mobsters seeking their stolen
property.
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Dad's Preview:
When two young, toxic lovers stumble
upon a bag of cocaine, they decide to keep it. That's when the carnage begins.
The bad people always
wants their drugs and money back. This fast-paced crime drama was deemed "gutter
poetry" by Rolling Stone's Pat Travers, and that sums it up
perfectly. It's a smorgasbord of dope violence buoyed up by strong,
quirky performances by Slater and the amazing Patricia Arquette. |
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Morgan Creek
Prod., Davis Films; Warner Bros.
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#17 Top |
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A Knight's Tale
(2001)
WE WILL ROCK
YOU
Director: Ridley Scott, rated PG-13 for language,
medieval violence
Starring: Heath
Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Paul Bettany,
Laura Fraser, Alan Tudyk
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"You have been weighed, you
have been measured, and you have been found wanting.
In what
world could you possibly beat me?" – Adhemar
Why watch this?
This is an olde tale of medieval jousting, infused with modern
music and
personalities.
Plot Summary:
Upon his master's untimely death, a peasant squire with a
passion for jousting seizes the opportunity to pursue his dreams
by posing as a knight in 14th century Europe. Aided by his loyal
friends and a struggling writer, who helps forge his noble
lineage, he embarks on a journey to compete in tournaments
across Europe. Along the way, he encounters romance and faces
challenges that test his courage and the true meaning of honor,
despite his humble origins.
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Dad's Preview:
I will say this for A Knight's Tale, it's unconventional,
and that is one of it's key strengths. The setting is the days of yore and knights
in armor. The
soundtrack is 1980's rock. Of course... this is a marriage made in heaven! The
dangerous, and sometimes deadly, game of jousting blends well
with rock 'n
roll. The hunky Ledger and his band of merry misfits are so
entertaining. The ballroom dance scene, set to David Bowie's Golden
Years, is my favorite moment, yet the entire film is superbly
fun. |
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Columbia Pics,
Escape Artists, Finestkind
Prod.;
Sony Pictures Releasing
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Genres:
Action-Adv,
Action-Comedy,
Action-Romance,
Adv-Swordplay,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-Sports,
Drama-Sports,
Historical-Adv,
Musical-Great-Soundtrack,
Romance-Comedy,
Romance-Drama,
War-Medieval
Dad's
Genres:
Game-Day,
Sweet-Revenge |
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#16 Top |
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King Kong
(2005)
Behind every
great love is a love story.
Director: Peter Jackson, rated PG-13
Starring: Naomi
Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Colin
Hanks, Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"That's
the thing you come to learn about Carl, his undying ability
to
destroy the things he loves." –
Jack Driscoll
Why watch this?
A worthy remake of the original 1933 classic.
Plot Summary:
Filmmaker Carl Denham leads a voyage to the mysterious Skull
Island to film a movie, taking along actress Ann Darrow and
playwright Jack Driscoll. On the island, they encounter
prehistoric creatures and the gigantic ape, Kong, who develops a
bond with Ann. Driven by ambition, Denham captures Kong and
brings him to New York City, where the ape escapes and searches
for Ann amidst the urban chaos.
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Dad's Preview:
Peter Jackson tackled this immediately after his
Lord of the Rings trilogy, and he went all out. He faithfully remakes
the original 1931 film, and beefs the story up quite a bit. He coaxed some wonderful performances
out of the fine actors (Watts, Brody and Black), then turned his CGI gurus loose. They
delivered almost too well (the vine-swinging T-Rexs were a bit
much). Regardless, it's a great film as a whole and very
enjoyable for a nerdy guy like me. Naomi Watts is such a great
on screen persona - that gal can act! |
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WingNut Films;
Universal Pictures
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#15 Top |
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Quigley Down Under
(1990)
The West Was
Never This Far West
Director: Simon Wincer, rated PG-13 for Western violence
Starring: Tom
Selleck, Laura San Giacomo, Alan Rickman, Chris Haywood, Roger
Ward, Ron Haddrick, Tony Bonner, Jerome Ehlers, Ben Mendelsohn
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Major. We already run the
misfits outta our country. We sent 'em back to England." –
Matthew Quigley
Why watch this?
Selleck fits this role like a pair of old comfortable kangaroo-skin boots.
Plot Summary:
Sharpshooter Matthew Quigley travels from America to Australia
after being hired by a wealthy rancher named Elliot Marston.
Quigley discovers Marston expects him to use his skills to
eradicate the local Aboriginal population, a task the principled
American refuses. After a clash with Marston, Quigley finds
himself stranded in the harsh Australian outback alongside a
troubled woman, and together they navigate the unforgiving
wilderness.
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Dad's Preview:
Set in Australia, Quigley is a man not to be pushed around or
betrayed. When he runs afoul with a wealthy land owner, he's beaten
up and left for dead in the harsh outback, along with a slightly
crazed saloon girl. I feel this is the best of Selleck's Western
films. It's fun, beautifully shot, and "nice and dusty".
Alan Rickman is once again superb as the villain - this time a
greedy Aussie land-owner.
Watch
the full movie free with ads
HERE on YouTube. |
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Pathé
Entertainment; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#14 Top |
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
(2000)
A
timeless story of strength, secrets, and two warriors
who would never surrender.
Director: Ang Lee, rated PG-13
Starring: Chow Yun-Fat,
Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen, Sihung Lung, Cheng
Pei-pei, Wang Deming, Li Li, Hai Yan
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"The
things we touch have no permanence. My master would say: there
is nothing we can hold onto in this world.
Only by letting go
can we truly possess what is real." - Li Mu Bai
Why watch this?
The fight scenes are legendary, flowing like Cantonese ballet.
Plot Summary: Two
skilled warriors, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, track a stolen
legendary sword known as the Green Destiny. This quest leads
them to a young woman, Jen Yu, who possesses incredible martial
arts abilities and a mysterious past. Their pursuit of the sword
becomes intertwined with Jen's journey of self-discovery and her
pursuit of freedom, while also uncovering a connection to an old
nemesis.
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Dad's Preview:
This epic film can be appreciated solely for its graceful,
swordplay
choreography. Each sword fight is a work of art. This
beautifully-shot masterpiece also happens to be a great fantasy
tale about family, honor, betrayal and redemption. Michelle Yoeh
is a force to be noticed - here she is
practically a super-heroine. |
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Columbia
Pictures Film, Prod. Asia, Good
Machine
Intl., Edko
Films,
Zoom Hunt Prod.;
Sony Pictures Classics
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#13 Top |
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North By Northwest (1959)
The Master of
Suspense presents a 2000-mile chase across America!
Directors: Alfred Hitchcock, rated Approved
Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Jessie
Royce Landis, Martin Landau, Leo G. Carroll, Edward Platt
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I've got a job, a
secretary, a mother, two ex-wives and several bartenders that
depend upon me,
and I don't intend to disappoint them all by
getting myself slightly killed." - Roger Thornhill
Why watch this?
Cary Grant is superb as a mistaken man forced to survive a
nasty situation.
Plot Summary:
Manhattan advertising executive Roger Thornhill is mistakenly
identified as a government agent named George Kaplan by foreign
spies. He is thrust into a dangerous world of intrigue, pursued
across the country by the spies and the police who believe him
to be a murderer. As he tries to unravel the mystery and clear
his name, he encounters a beautiful, enigmatic woman whose
allegiances are unclear.
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Dad's Preview:
I keep coming back
to this Alfred Hitchcock classic. It really is perfect. In the ultimate case of mistaken identity,
Roger Thornhill, an ordinary
advertising executive, finds himself pursued by murderous
henchmen, dodging a crop-dusting bi-plane attack, and scaling
the heights of Mount Rushmore. It's tense and tightly
written, with superb dialogue. This film works because of
Cary Grant, who, at the time, was at the top of his game in Hollywood. |
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Alfred Hitchcock;
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#12 Top |
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Avatar (2009)
From
the director of Terminator 2 and Titanic
Director: James Cameron, rated PG-13 for sci-fi
violence, language
Starring: Sam
Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang,
Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Dileep
Rao
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Everything is backwards
now, like out there is the true world, and in here is the
dream." – Jake
Sully
Why watch this?
Visually, it's breath-taking, and so organically beautiful. It's a solid
story, too.
Plot Summary: Set in
the future on the moon Pandora, a paraplegic former Marine named
Jake Sully joins a program where humans can inhabit
genetically-engineered Na'vi bodies. These human/hybrid bodies,
called Avatars, are used to explore the hazardous moon's
environment. While living among the indigenous Na'vi people,
Jake becomes deeply connected to their culture and, in
particular, princess Neytiri. This connection leads him to
question his mission and eventually side with the Na'vi in their
struggle against military exploitation.
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Dad's Preview:
What film project does James Cameron take on as a follow-up
to
Titanic
(1997)?
It's this futuristic CGI-fest set on a gorgeous moon-planet inhabited by
native blue beings.
Was he nuts? Nope. This film, many years in the
making, is jaw-dropping incredible. The story stings of European expansionism
only on a grander and more devastating scale. The visual effects
are ground-breaking. |
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Dune Ent.,
Ingenious Film Partners,
Lightstorm Ent.,
20th Century
Fox
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#11 Top |
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Romancing the Stone (1984)
She's a girl from
the big city. He's a reckless soldier of fortune. For a fabulous
treasure,
they share an adventure no one could imagine... or survive.
Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG
Starring: Michael
Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Alfonso Arau, Manuel
Ojeda, Zack Norman
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"What did you do, wake up
this morning and say, 'Today, I'm going to ruin a man's life?'"
- Jack Colton
Why watch this?
It's a fun film that plays like a trashy romance novel.
Plot Summary:
Joan Wilder is a shy romance novelist who must travel to
Colombia to ransom her kidnapped sister. The ransom involves a
treasure map sent to Joan by her sister's murdered husband. Lost
in the Colombian jungle, Joan encounters Jack T. Colton, a
rugged American bird smuggler. Jack helps Joan navigate the
perilous jungle as they are pursued by a corrupt Colombian
police colonel and the criminals who kidnapped Joan's sister.
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Dad's Preview:
Hot on the heels of
Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981,
this treasure-seeking adventure film was more light and romantic, but
still quite exciting. Our heroine, Joan Wilder, ends up in the jungles of Central
America looking for her missing sister. There she meets roust-a-bout,
Jack T. Colton, who is always looking for a quick fortune. They
decide to secure a lost jewel to insure her sister's safe
return. It's
a wonderful, enjoyable
film for date night, and the chemistry between Douglas and
Turner heats up the screen. Danny DeVito provides a lot of comic
relief. |
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El Corazon
Producciones S.A.;
20th Century Fox
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#10 Top |
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Spider-Man 2
(2004)
This summer a
man will face his destiny. A hero will be revealed
Director: Sam Raimi, Rated PG-13 for Sci-fi violence
Starring: Tobey
Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina, Rosemary
Harris, Donna Murphy
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I believe there's a hero
in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us
noble,
and finally allows us to die with pride, even though
sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing
we want
the most. Even our dreams." – Aunt May Parker
Why watch this?
This is the best Spider-Man film EVER - Spidey vs. Doctor Octopus!
Plot Summary:
Two years after becoming Spider-Man, Peter Parker struggles to
balance his superhero responsibilities with his crumbling
personal life, leading him to question his commitment to being a
hero. Meanwhile, a brilliant scientist, Dr. Otto Octavius,
suffers a devastating accident, transforming him into the
villainous Doctor Octopus. Spider-Man must then confront this
new threat, all while battling the potential loss of his
relationship with Mary Jane.
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Dad's Preview:
Director Sam Raimi understood Spider-Man. The second film shows
it. Maguire hits the right mix
of immature school boy and quirky-quipping hero. The CGI is
amazing, and really necessary, to make this kind of movie work. I
was pleasantly surprised by Molina's stellar performance as the
villain-in-conflict, Doctor Octopus. It's not easy to elicit
sympathy for a bad guy, but Molina more than pulls that off. I
rank this right up there with
The Dark Knight
(2008). |
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Columbia Pictures,
Marvel Ent., Laura
Ziskin Prod.;
Sony Pictures Releasing
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#9 Top |
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King Kong (1933)
A Monster of
Creation's Dawn Breaks Loose in Our World Today!
Directors: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack,
rated Approved
Starring: Fay Wray,
Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher, Sam Hardy, Noble
Johnson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"He was a king and a god in
the world he knew, but now he comes to civilization merely a
captive - a show to gratify your curiosity. Ladies and
gentlemen, look at Kong,
the Eighth Wonder of the World!" -
Carl Denham
Why watch this?
It is a classic. It's the first great giant monster film, and so fun
to watch.
Plot Summary:
Adventurous filmmaker Carl Denham embarks on an expedition to a
remote, uncharted island with his film crew and actress Ann
Darrow. Upon arrival, they discover the island is inhabited by
prehistoric creatures and a colossal ape named Kong, worshipped
by the local natives. The natives kidnap Ann and offer her as a
sacrifice to Kong, who becomes infatuated with her. After
pursuing Kong and Ann through the perilous island jungle, Denham
manages to capture Kong and brings him back to New York City to
exhibit him to the public.
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Dad's Preview:
This is the original Kong film that was created using stop-motion animation by
Willis O'Brien. It opened to rave reviews and audiences could
not believe their eyes. It's the fantastic tale of a giant ape
who falls in love with a girl (the screaming Fay Wray)
sacrificed to him. The beast is then captured and transported to
New York City. Kong escapes, grabs the girl and scurries to the
top of the iconic Empire State building. There we witness the
film's tragic aerial finale. We cannot help but feel pity for
Kong - out of his element, afraid, fighting for his life - more
human than most of us. |
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Merian C. Cooper,
Ernest B. Schoedsack;
RKO Radio Pictures
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#8 Top |
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The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
The Best
Loved Bandit Of All Time!
Directors: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley, rated PG
Starring: Errol
Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, Una
O'Connor, Patrick Knowles, Alan Hale, Ian Hunter
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I'll organize revolt,
exact a death for a death, and I'll never rest until every Saxon
in this shire can stand up free men, and strike a blow for
Richard and England." -
Robin Hood
Why watch this?
Nobody draws a bow like Errol Flynn. Watch and be dazzled.
Plot Summary:
In King Richard's absence, Prince John oppresses the Saxon
people, so Robin Hood, a Saxon nobleman turned outlaw, leads a
resistance movement from Sherwood Forest. He steals from the
rich, gives to the poor, and defends the downtrodden against
Prince John and his men, including Sir Guy of Gisbourne and the
Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin also finds romance with the lovely
Maid Marian, and together they work to foil the Prince's plans
and ensure the return of the rightful king.
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Dad's Preview:
This is the classic by which all swashbuckler films are
compared. It stars the dashing, charming Errol Flynn. The
adventurous tale takes us through Sherwood Forest, where we meet
Robin and the members of his Merry Men. We also meet the maid
Marion, Robin's true love. The land is ruled by the traitorous
Prince John, and his evil cohort Sir Guy (deliciously
played by Basil Rathbone). The romance is dear, but the stunts,
arrow shots and swordfights are amazing! |
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Hal B.
Wallis, Henry Burke; Warner
Bros. Pics
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#7 Top |
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Open Range (2003)
No place to
run. No reason to hide.
Director: Kevin Costner, rated R for Western violence
Starring: Robert
Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Benning, Michael Gambon, Michael
Jeter, Diego Luna
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Men are gonna get killed
here today, Sue, and I'm gonna kill 'em." - Charley Waite
Why watch this? ...
the
respect-filled relationship between cowhands Costner and Duvall.
Plot Summary:
Boss Spearman and his cattle crew, as free-grazers, are driving
their herd across the vast prairies of the Old West. When they
encounter a town ruled by a corrupt rancher and sheriff, their
peaceful existence is threatened. Forced to defend their values
and way of life, Boss and his second-in-command, Charley Waite,
find themselves drawn into an inevitable confrontation.
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Dad's Preview:
Kevin
Costner (as actor and director) and Robert Duvall deliver one of the
best Westerns ever made. And I mean EVER! This film has breath-taking scenery, great
action sequences (with one of the most realistic gun
battles), and many of the classic Western elements.
That said, the film's true strength is its attention to character-building. There
are numerous, small
interactions that acquaint us with Charley, Boss, Sue, and the
rest. Costner should have taken home at least one Oscar for
his directing efforts here. |
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Touchstone
Pics, Cobalt Media Group, Beacon
Comm.,
Tig Prod.;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#6 Top |
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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
An epic of
epic epicness.
Director: Edgar Wright, Rated PG-13 for adult themes
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.
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Dad's Preview:
I had sorta lost faith in the next generation of film-making; 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. And - it's so much fun! The
lovingly odd Michael Cera is an amazing, understated actor. I love the
film's action, its songs (watch a video of all
All Scott Pilgrim musical performances), the premise, its
creativity - EVERYTHING! |
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Marc Platt Prod.,
Big Talk Films, Closed on
Mondays Ent.,
Dentsu;
Universal Pictures
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Genres:
Action-Comedy,
Action-Romance,
Adv-Swordplay,
Animation-Live-Action,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Dark,
Comedy-Fantasy,
Comedy-Physical,
Fantasy-Low,
Musical-Comedy,
Musical-Great-Soundtrack,
Romance-Comedy,
Romance-Fantasy
Dad's Genres:
Likable-Irreverence,
Queer-Tier |
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#5 Top |
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Speed (1994)
Get Ready For
Rush Hour.
Director: Jan de Bont, Rated R for language,
violence
Starring: Keanu
Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper, Jeff Daniels, Joe Morton,
Alan Ruck, Glenn Plummer, Richard Lineback, Beth Grant
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"A bomb is made to explode.
That's its meaning. Its purpose. Your life is empty because you
spend it trying to stop the bomb from becoming. And for who? For
what? You know what a bomb is, Jack, that doesn't explode? It's
a cheap gold watch, buddy." – Howard Payne
Why watch this? ...
it's
the high-speed action film to beat all others... and without CGI.
Plot Summary:
Speed features LAPD SWAT officer Jack Traven who finds himself
in a deadly game with a vengeful bomber named Howard Payne.
Payne rigs a city bus with an explosive device that will
detonate if its speed drops below 50 miles per hour. Traven
boards the speeding bus to try and disarm the bomb and save the
passengers, with a passenger named Annie Porter forced to take
the wheel after the driver is injured.
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Dad's Preview:
This action, and I mean ACTION, thriller broke open the careers
of hunky Keanu Reeves and spit-fire Sandra Bullock. A city bus is rigged
with a bomb. It has to stay above
55 mph or the bus will explode. Only explosive expert Jack Travern, and
this bomb-squad team, can save the passengers and catch the mad bomber. This
flick
is intense from its onset. Bullock is so damn cute as the
passenger unwillingly forced to drive the huge city bus. Buckle your seat belts
and hang on, 'cause it's a ton of fun! |
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Mark Gordon
Company; 20th Century Fox
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#4 Top |
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The
Princess Bride (1987)
The story of a
man and a woman who lived happily ever after. Even though the
courtship almost killed them.
Director: Rob Reiner, rated PG
Starring: Cary Elwes,
Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace
Shawn, André the Giant, Robin Wright, Peter Faulk, Fred Savage
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Hello, my name is Inigo
Montoya. You killed my father.
Prepare to die.”– Indigo
Montoya
Why watch this?
... True 'tis a fairy tale, but it's laced with wisdom adults
will enjoy.
Plot Summary:
The story unfolds as a grandfather reads a fantastical tale to
his sick grandson about a beautiful woman named Buttercup and
her true love, Westley. After Westley is believed lost at sea,
Buttercup is unwillingly betrothed to the nefarious Prince
Humperdinck. However, Buttercup is kidnapped by a trio of
outlaws, but is relentlessly pursued by a mysterious man in
black and Humperdinck himself, leading to a series of unexpected
encounters and adventures.
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Dad's Preview:
This wonder found me late in life, and long after its theatrical
debut. I could not believe how much I loved what I thought would
be a children's fairytale. You'd think I would learn. It's directed by Rob Reiner, and has an
almost Monty-Python-esc feel to it. Kids will love the action
and comedy, but
there's a lot of intelligent wit, too. Each scene is memorable
including small cameos from Billy Crystal and Wallace Shawn.
And be sure to keep an eye out for the R.U.S.es! |
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Act III
Communications, Buttercup Films;
20th Century Fox
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Genres:
Action-Romance,
Adv-Swordplay,
Comedy-Fantasy,
Fantasy-Adv,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-FairyTale,
Fantasy-Heroic,
Fantasy-Sword-&-Sorcery,
Romance-Comedy,
Romance-Fantasy
Dad's Genres:
SNL-Alumni,
Sweet-Revenge |
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#3 Top |
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The
African Queen
(1951)
Bogart
the King is back with the 'Queen!'
Director: John Huston, rated PG for some war violence
Starring: Humphrey
Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Robert Morley, Peter Bull, Theodore
Bikel, Walter Gotell, Peter Stanwick
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I never dreamed that any
mere physical experience could be so stimulating!" – Rose
Sayer
Why watch this? It's
a wonderful adventure film from the 50's with two Hollywood
icons.
Plot Summary:
Set during World War I, in German East Africa, Charlie Allnut, a
rough-and-tumble Canadian riverboat captain, finds himself
thrown together with a strait-laced British missionary named
Rose Sayer. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey down a
treacherous river on Charlie's dilapidated boat, the African
Queen, facing natural dangers and German forces. Despite
their vastly different personalities and frequent arguments, an
unlikely bond develops as they navigate their perilous mission.
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Dad's Preview:
I've always been a lover of unlikely romances. Here we have the
uptight, religious spinster, Rose, and the rough, solitary chug boat captain,
Charlie.
Thrown together by circumstances beyond their control, they are
forced to brave a mighty African river known as the Ulonga-Bora.
Their journey is full of
obstacles that bring our two lead actors closer together. Casting
Humphrey Bogart and Kate Hepburn was pure genius. This is definitely one of my
top 10 romantic films. |
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Horizon
Pictures, Romulus Pics;
United Artists
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#2
Top |
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Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
The
strangest damned gang you ever heard of. They're young.
They're in love. They rob banks.
Director: Arthur Penn, rated R for violence, language
Starring: Warren
Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle
Parsons, Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Gene Wilder
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"This here's Miss Bonnie
Parker. I'm Clyde Barrow. We rob banks." -
Clyde Barrow
Why watch this?
To many Southwestern poor folks, the Barrow gangsters were heroes. Texas
lawmen saw it differently.
Plot Summary: During
the Great Depression, a bored waitress named Bonnie Parker meets
ex-con Clyde Barrow and they begin a crime spree across America.
As they rob banks and evade law enforcement, their exploits
become more violent. The film follows their love story and
growing notoriety as they become infamous criminals.
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Dad's Preview:
This story chronicles real-life, Texas-born, bank robbers Bonnie Parker and
Clyde Barrow, who pillaged in the South during the Great
Depression. This flick all but immortalized actors Faye Dunaway and
Warren Beatty for their
performances. This film introduced a more realistic type of
film-making, breaking more grittier ground. The gang's mayhem
and violence is sometimes hard to watch. The film's brutal ending
is now considered one of cinema's most iconic moments. |
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Warner
Bros. Pics; Warner Bros.-Seven Arts
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Genres:
Action-Crime,
Action-Romance,
Crime-Caper,
Crime-Crooks,
Crime-Drama,
Crime-NeoNoir,
Drama-Tragic,
Historical Biopic,
Historical Drama,
Romance-Tragic
Dad's Genres:
Road-Trip,
Texas-Tales |
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Top 20 Action
Romance Films
#1 Top |
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The Last of the Mohicans
(1992)
An epic
adventure and passionate romance unfold against the panorama of
a frontier wilderness ravaged by war.
Director: Michael Mann, rated R for frontier violence
Starring:
Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Russell Means, Eric Schweig, Jodhi May,
Steven Waddington, Wes Studi,
Maurice Roëves
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#21 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of The Last of
the Mohicans
"When the Grey Hair is
dead, Magua will eat his heart. Before he dies, Magua will put
his children
under the knife, so the Grey Hair will know his
seed is wiped out forever." - Magua
Why watch this?
This classic American frontier story is a flawless work of art.
Plot Summary:
During the French and Indian War in 1757, three trappers must
escort a British colonel's daughters through the dangerous
American wilderness to the safety of Fort William Henry. Their
journey is complicated by the betrayal of a treacherous Huron
guide, leading to an intense struggle for survival against
hostile enemy forces. As the group battles through the rugged
frontier landscape, the eldest daughter, Cora, and the Mohican
scout, Hawkeye, form a profound connection amidst the escalating
conflict.
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Dad's Preview:
On rare occasions, a classic story will find the perfect
director, screenwriter and cast. Mohicans has it all,
plus an expansive, haunting soundtrack. The filmmakers wisely
focused on historical details, which has a huge impact on the
film's cohesiveness. Daniel Day-Lewis' stern charisma breathes
new life into Hawkeye, the white adopted son of Chingachgook,
the last of his tribe. Wes Studi also excels as the bitter Huron
chief, Magua, a man hell bent on revenge. I was surprised how seamlessly the
film's love
story meshed with classic prose by the great
James Fenimore Cooper. |
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Michael Mann, Hunt
Lowry; 20th Century Fox
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