(DML Top 20 Lists - Family Dramedy Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

The Florida Project (2017), Director: Sean Baker, rated R for language

Find Your Kingdom.

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Kimberly Prince, Bria Vinaite, Valeria Cotto, Christopher Rivera, Caleb Landry Jones, Aiden Malik, Josie Olivo, Edward "Punky" Pagan, Patti Wiley, Mela Murder

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"These are the rooms we're not supposed to go in... But let's go anyways!"– Moonie

Why watch this? Florida ain't all parks, resorts and golf courses... this looks at many of the locals who live there.

Plot Summary: Six-year-old Moonie, and her single, poorly-equipped, crass mother, Halley, currently reside at the Magic Castle Inn and Suites, a budget hotel in Kissimmee, Florida. The establishment's manager, Bobby, does his best to handle all the woes of dealing with low-income folks who struggle to pay the rent. Meanwhile, Moonie and her young cohorts basically terrorize the area unsupervised. She's adorable, but certainly a troublemaker. Luckily, Bobby, though firm, remains protective of the youngsters. One day, Moonie's pal Scooty, who stays at the Futureland Inn, finds a lighter and the kids start a fire which burns down an abandoned condominium complex. This only brings new hardships upon Moonie's mom, who must resort to prostitution to make enough money to get by.

Dad's Preview: This film somehow finds a way to be enjoyable, even if the subject leaves you feeling hopeless. These characters, all abandoned by society, are heartbreaking. They are lost in a spider web of problems they can never rise above. Poverty. Crime. Violence. All in the shadow of Walt Disney World - a haven of happiness and good times, all neatly purchased by people who have no idea what it means miss a rent payment or go hungry. The film's joy mostly comes from two actors: young Brooklynn Prince - her sassy, precocious performance is a pleasure to watch; and what can I say about Willem Dafoe. He crafts such a subtle, caring performance as Bobby, the one person who endures all challenges, yet remains the steady hand upon whom all can depend. So, the next time you visit Florida, remember those who occupy the Magic Castle, Futureland, and similar haunts, where folks barely eke out an existence.

Cre Film, Freestyle Picture Co., Cinereach,
June Pictures; A24

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #20 Top

Chef (2014), Director: Jon Favreau rated R for language (should be PG-13)

Starting from scratch never tasted so good.

Starring: John Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt, Emjay Anthony, Robert Downey Jr.

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I may not do everything great in my life, but I'm good at this. I manage to touch people's lives with what I do and I want to share this with you." - Carl Casper to his son, Percy

Why watch this? It's a wonderful father/son film, and most is onboard a food truck!

Plot Summary: A talented chef loses his job at a Los Angeles restaurant after a clash with a food critic. Determined to rediscover his passion for cooking and reconnect with his family, he decides to start a food truck. With the help from his ex-wife, teen son and a friend, he travels across the country, selling delicious grub.

Dad's Preview: You can literally taste the love that director Jon Favreau puts into this little cinematic gem. He portrays Carl, a perfectionist chef who blows up at a restaurant critic (all wonderfully filmed and posted online) and loses his job. With some urging from his ex-wife, he starts a food truck. He's also urged to take along his preteen son, for some badly needed bonding. The film is fun and heart-warming to watch, and afterwards you will be craving a real Cubano sandwich!

Aldamisa Ent., Fairview Ent., Fetisov Teterin
Films, Prescience, Altus Media, Kilburn Media;
Open Road Films

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #19 Top

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), Directors: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, rated R for some language, adult themes, violence

A Film from Daniels

Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong, Tallie Medel, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., Biff Wiff, Sunita Mani, Brian Le

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Every rejection, every disappointment has led you here to this moment." - Waymond Wang

Why watch this? There are mind-trip films - then there is this chaotic eye-candy.

Plot Summary: This mind-bending story centers on Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner who feels her life has been filled with missed opportunities and regrets. During a stressful IRS audit, she discovers, with help from her husband, the existence of the multi-verse. To her amazement, she can access the memories, skills, and experiences of her alternative selves across countless universes. Evelyn is tasked with using these newfound abilities to fight against a powerful being threatening to destroy the multiverse, while also navigating complex family relationships, particularly with her daughter, Joy.

Dad's Preview: I read about this film, and purchased the Blu-ray disc before seeing it. I was THAT sure a) it would be great, and b) I would love it. Both were correct. It's unlike any film I have ever seen, anywhere, anytime. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning 7 including Best Picture, Director, Actress (Yeoh), Supporting Actor (Quan), Supporting Actress (Curtis), Original Screenplay and Editing. It is one hell of a mind-trip.

IAC Films, Gozie AGBO, Year of the Rat,
Ley Line Ent.; A24

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #18 Top

CODA (2021), Director: Sian Heder, rated PG-13 for language

Every family has its own language.

Starring: Emilia Jones, Eugenio Derbez, Troy Kotsur, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Daniel Durant, Marlee Matlin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You know why God made farts smell? So deaf people could enjoy them too." - Frank Rossi

Why watch this? It's so unique, and necessary, to watch such a wonderful film!

Plot Summary: CODA follows Ruby, a high school senior who is the only hearing member of her deaf family. She helps her family run their struggling fishing business, acting as their interpreter and connecting them to the hearing world. When Ruby discovers her passion and talent for singing, she finds herself torn between her obligations to her family and her aspirations to pursue her dreams.

Dad's Preview: CODA grabbed me from the first minute. It pulls you in. You cannot take your eyes off the screen. It requires your dedicated focus and concentration. That's the point. The film exposes us to the stark reality that the deaf community lives with every second of every day. This soulful film is funny, painful, inspirational, light, heavy - everything. Troy Kotsur, as Ruby's father, really captured my heart; man, I felt every pang of anguish emanating from his eyes... and his deepest soul.

Vendôme Pictures, Pathé; Apple Original Films

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #17 Top

Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Director: David O. Russell, rated R for language

Watch for the signs

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, Chris Tucker

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You know, I used to think that you were the best thing that ever happened to me, but now I think that you might maybe be the worst thing. And I'm sorry that I ever met you." - Tiffany

Why watch this? I love it when two screwed-up people find a little happiness together.

Plot Summary: Following a stay in a mental institution, Pat Solitano Jr. moves back in with his parents and is determined to win back his estranged wife. He meets Tiffany, a mysterious young widow with problems of her own, and they embark on a journey that will challenge their perspectives and reshape their lives.

Dad's Preview: Every film with Cooper and Lawrence together convinces me how damn good these young actors are. This superb anti-rom-com is disturbing, warm, funny and eventually triumphant. De Niro also nails his part as the obsessive-compulsive Eagles fan whose illogical superstitions rule his household. For everyone whose family is not picture perfect, like mine, you will love this often hilarious trip down Dysfunction Lane.

Donna Gigliotti, Bruce Cohen,
Jonathan Gordon; The Weinstein Co.

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #16 Top

The Descendants (2011), Director: Alexander Payne, rated R for language

From the Director of About Schmidt and Sideways

Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges, Amara Miller, Nick Krause, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, Robert Forster

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"On the phone he can escape. In person, he's got nowhere to go. I wanna see his face." - Matt King, regarding a meeting with his dying wife's lover.

Why watch this? It's heart-warming, heart-breaking, painful, and often really funny.

Plot Summary: In Hawaii, Matt King must navigate family turmoil and reconnect with his daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident. While grappling with his wife's coma, he also faces pressure to make a decision about selling land wrapped up in a large family land trust.

Dad's Preview: For years I just did not like George Clooney. To me, he seemed a cocky, handsome jerk living off his family name (his aunt is Rosemary Clooney). This film, however, changed all that for me. He plays a man whose wife is in a terminal coma. Set in Hawaii, the film's heart is this man's pain, and his daughter's reluctant support. You will laugh, then cry, then laugh again. Nick Krause, as Sid, gets an honorable mention for his perfectly delivered, and quite dumb-ass, comedic lines.

Ad Hominem Ent.; Fox Searchlight Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #15 Top

Parasite (2019), Director: Gong Joon-ho, rated R for language, disturbing topics

Act like you own the place

Starring: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun, Jang Hye-jin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"So, there's no need for a plan. You can't go wrong with no plans. We don't need to make a plan for anything. It doesn't matter what will happen next. Even if the country gets destroyed or sold out, nobody cares. Got it?" - Ki-Taek

Why watch this? ... it starts to build, gets crazier, crazier, until the jaw-dropping finale.

Plot Summary: The impoverished Kim family schemes to become employed by the wealthy Park family, eventually infiltrating their household one by one by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. This deception allows the Kims to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle of the Parks, living off their resources without the Parks realizing their true intentions. However, this carefully constructed plan faces a threat when an unexpected discovery within the Park household destabilizes the Kims' newfound comfort.

Dad's Preview: You'll need to get used to subtitles to watch this Korean film (called a "black comedy thriller") about a poor Korean family in Seoul. The entire family schemes their way into the employment of a wealthy family, the Parks. When the Parks go on vacation, the Kim's party in the luxurious home. That is just the beginning! After that we are taken on a rollercoaster ride into the expected, bordering on surreal. This is the first non-English film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. It's that good!

Barunson E&A; CJ Entertainment

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #14 Top

Parenthood (1989), Director: Ron Howard, rated PG-13 for adult themes

The director of "Splash," "Willow" and "Cocoon" brings you a comedy about life, love and the gentle art of raising children.

Starring: Steve Martin, Tom Hulce, Jason Robarbs, Diane Wiest, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, Mary Steenburgen, Joaquin Phoenix

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

“My whole life is have to." - Gil Buckman

Why watch this? ... it's great film about a normal family with its traumas, issues and events.

Plot Summary: The film follows the chaotic and often humorous lives of the Buckman family, showcasing the joys and tribulations across multiple generations as they navigate the complexities of raising children. The film explores various parenting styles and the challenges each family member faces, including career pressure, marital difficulties, and the struggle to understand and guide their children through different stages of life.

Dad's Preview: Steve Martin plays an excellent father in many flicks. Ironically, in real-life he bore no children. This film touches on the things that parents do to deal with "family things" that are often out of their control: a child who lacks confidence; an adult son who always makes bad decisions; parents who obsess with perfection. Those are serious topics, and Parenthood covers them in a way that makes you laugh. You'll enjoy the warm performances from a stellar all-star cast.

Imagine Entertainment; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #13 Top

Inside Out (2015), Director: Peter Docter, rated PG

Meet the little voices inside your head.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

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

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

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

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #12 Top

Coco (2017), Director: Lee Unkrich, rated PG

The celebration of a lifetime

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Edward James Olmos, Alfonso Arau, Selene Luna, Jaime Camil, Natalia Cordova-Buckley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Our memories, they have to be passed down by those who knew us in life - in the stories they tell about us. But there's no one left alive to pass down Cheech's stories... Hey, it happens to everyone eventually." - Héctor

Why watch this? A wonderful children's film about life, and death, and the important in-between.

Plot Summary: A young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family's long-standing ban on music. On Día de Muertos, a series of events leads him to the vibrant Land of the Dead. There, he embarks on a journey to find his deceased great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer, and uncover the truth about his family's past.

Dad's Preview: Why are we so afraid of death? It is human nature and fear of the unknown. This delightful, colorful Latino-based film explores death, and many more very adult topics such as: the impact a missing father can have, old grudges and the damage they do, and the importance of pursuing your heart's dream, regardless of the many naysayers. Yet, children will love it, too. The Pixar animation, once again, out-does itself. The choice to zip up and infuse brightness, and life, into the land of the dead was brilliant. In many ways it is as creative as Up (2009) or Inside Out (2015). The concept of the hereafter is unique and well-done. We all get to experience Miguel's arduous journey to be himself, while honoring his family. This film is about as good as it gets if you are looking for an experience to make you feel really good inside.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #11 Top

American Beauty (1999), Director: Sam Mendes, rated R strong sexuality, nudity, language, violence

... look closer

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Wes Bentley, Allison Janney, Peter Gallagher, Chris Cooper

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I feel like I've been in a coma for the past twenty years. And I'm just now waking up." – Lester Burnham

Why watch this? It's such a uniquely American tragedy, both beautiful and brutally painful.

Plot Summary: Lester Burnham is a man slogging through a suburban marriage, and a midlife crisis, who becomes infatuated with his daughter's best friend. This sexual obsession leads him to question and significantly change his life, including his career and his relationships. These changes are a bit too radical for his wife to handle.

Dad's Preview: This film takes a critical look at the American way of life, and how the insatiable quest for material happiness can screw people up. We have a man in the midst of a mid-life crisis. His tightly wound wife is losing her mind, and having an affair, too. Their teenage daughter desperately just wants to be seen. Their neighbor is a hard-ass ex-military man, who's hell-bent on toughing up his sensitive son. Mix this all together, and the result is a cinematic climax you won't soon forget.

Jinks/Cohen Co.; DreamWorks Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #10 Top

Moonstruck (1987), Director: Norman Jewison, rated PG for mild language

Blame it on the moon.

Starring: Cher, Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello, Julie Bovasso, John Mahoney

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"When you love them they drive you crazy because they know they can." - Rose

Why watch this? There is genius in stories about the most unlikeliest of romances.

Plot Summary: Loretta Castorini, a widowed Italian-American bookkeeper, accepts a marriage proposal from her well-meaning but unremarkable boyfriend. However, before the wedding, her fiancé asks her to reconcile with his estranged younger brother. This task leads Loretta to a passionate and unexpected encounter that challenges her ideas about love and commitment, while also revealing the tangled romances within her family.

Dad's Preview: Cher, in my early limited opinion, was not much of an actress. With this quirky film, she more than won me over. There is so much emotion within it: the joys and pains of New York Italian families, the ever-present complications of love, the forbidden passions that won't be denied. Olivia Dukakis' Academy Awarding-winning performance is a real treat, too. This is essentially the Italian fairy tale about amore!

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Star Partners II Ltd.;
MGM/UA Communications Co.

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #9 Top

The Lion King (1994), Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, rated G

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 classic is born! Today, I still cry numerous times during this musical romp through scenic Africa.

Walt Disney Feature Animation;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #8 Top

Dan in Real Life (2007), Director: Peter Hedges, rated PG-13

Something's happening to Dan. It's confusing. It's awkward. It's family.

Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Dianne Wiest, John Mahoney, Allison Pill, Brittany Robertson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You... are a murderer of love!" - Cara Burns

Why watch this? It's a low-key, yet sophisticated, comedy about trying to move on.

Plot Summary: This charming comedy-drama centers on a widower and advice columnist who falls for a woman he meets while on a family vacation. The unexpected twist is that this captivating woman is actually his brother's new girlfriend, creating a complicated romantic entanglement within the dynamics of his close-knit family. This situation forces Dan to confront his own feelings and navigate the complexities of love, loss, and his three very bright daughters.

Dad's Preview: One wonderful aspect of this amazing film is that Dan (ironically an advice columnist) just can't figured out how to navigate the dating world. Carell brilliantly portrays a man, desperate to set a good example as a man in control, but he ain't fooling anybody. Then love, real love, wallops him upside the head. He's awkward, like a schoolboy... unsure what to do next, vulnerable, captivated. The pairing of Carell and Binoche, two of my favorite actors, was pure genius. This is a perfect date night movie.

Touchstone Pics, Focus Features, NALA Films,
Jon Shestack Prod.; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pics

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #7 Top

Forrest Gump (1994), Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG-13 for language, sensuality, war violence

The world will never be the same once you've seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field, Mykelti Williamson, Haley Joel Osment

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #14 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Forrest Gump

"Stupid is as stupid does." - Forrest Gump

Why watch this? There is something to be said for seeing a story through the eyes of the unsophisticated.

Plot Summary: This epic story follows the incredible and often serendipitous life of a kind-hearted but slow-witted man from Alabama. He recounts his experiences, which intertwine with significant historical events and figures of the 20th century, to strangers at a bus stop. Throughout his extraordinary journey, his only constant desire is to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny.

Dad's Preview: This film is America. We get everything... all its shimmer and warts, it's beauty and imperfections. Be it peaceful Alabama cypress trees, napalm exploding in Vietnam, a quiet desert highway at sunset, a devastating storm at sea. We follow the life events of childlike Forrest Gump. On him we pin our hopes and dreams. This simple man shows us so much about ourselves. Hanks makes another wise role choice. It won 5 Oscars including Best Picture, Director and Actor.

The Tisch Company; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #6 Top

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, rated PG-13 for sexual content, language

This is crazy. This is stupid. This is Love.

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Marisa Tomei, Lio Lipton, Kevin Bacon, Jonah Bobo, Joey King, John Carroll Lynch

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I have loved her even when I hated her... only married couples will understand that one..." - Cal

Why watch this? ... for the film's climax, where all plots and secrets are hilariously revealed.

Plot Summary: This story is about Cal Weaver, who is devastated when his wife asks for a divorce. At a local singles bar, a suave womanizer named Jacob Palmer takes Cal under his wing to help him navigate the dating world. Meanwhile, Jacob, unexpectedly finds himself falling for a woman who doesn't fall for his usual moves.

Dad's Preview: This was another brilliant career choice for Steve Carell. He impresses me film after film. This wonderful romance is about falling out of love, adult dating, teen crushes, and falling back in love again. Whew! That's a lot. There's great dialog between our various characters. Nothing is funnier than Carell at a singles bar... trying to look cool and pick up women. I was also impressed by the performance of young Jonha, Bobo, as Carell's teen son who has a crush on his babysitter.

Carousel Productions, Di Novi Pictures;
Warner Bros. Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #5 Top

Big Fish (2003), Director: Tim Burton, rated PG-13 for language, some scary scenes

From the imagination of director Tim Burton. An adventure as big as life itself.

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, Danny DeVito

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #37 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Big Fish

"A man tells so many stories, that he becomes the stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal." Will Bloom

Why watch this? It is a visually stunning, creative tale about a wounded son and his eccentric father.

Plot Summary: Will returns home to visit his dying father, Edward Bloom, a man known for his incredible, larger-than-life stories. Frustrated by his father's constant tall tales, Will attempts to uncover the truth behind them, seeking to reconcile the imaginative narratives with the real life his father lived. Through flashbacks and Will's investigation, much is gleaned about the relationship between fact and fiction, the nature of legacy, and a son's journey to understanding his father.

Dad's Preview: Father-Son relationships can be strained. This fantastical, allegorical film deals with this topic. A young man feels he doesn't really know his father. His Dad was an eccentric man who always told wild, farcical stories about his lifey. The Son, now about to be a father himself, is exhausted for the truth. There is a lovely, whimsical quality at play in this true work of cinematic art, and it is thoroughly enjoyable... and Ewan McGregor wins you over.

Columbia Pics, Jinks-Cohen Co., The Zanuck Co.;
Sony Pictures Releasing

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #4 Top

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Director: Chris Columbus, rated PG-13 for language

Sometimes the perfect woman for the job... is a man.

Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Robert Prosky, Polly Holliday, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 100 #92 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Mrs. Doubtfire

"Ever wish you could freeze frame a moment in your day, and look at it and say "this is not my life"?"- Daniel Hillard

Why watch this? ... the Bridges Restaurant scene - pure comedic genius. Kills me every time.

Plot Summary: After a bitter divorce and limited custody of his children, a loving but irresponsible father disguises himself as an elderly British nanny to spend more time with his kids and ex-wife. He adopts the persona of Mrs. Doubtfire and becomes the children's housekeeper. As he navigates this complicated double life, he endeavors to become a more responsible parent and cope with his ex-wife's handsome new boyfriend.

Dad's Preview: Smart directors learned to rein in Robin Williams' natural tendency to be a comedic spaz. This divorce film has hilarious moments, but it also does not hand us another sappy Hollywood divorce film we might expect (The Parent Trap (1998) or Liar Liar (1997)). Williams was a great actor. One minute he's a cross-dressing granny with a British accent... the next he's a wounded divorcee who just wants to be with his three kids again. But here, Dad and Mom don't get back together. They're really better people without each other, and that is more real.

Blue Wolf Productions; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #3 Top

The Truman Show (1998), Director: Peter Weir, rated PG

The World is Watching

Starring: Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Natascha McElhone, Holland Taylor, Ed Harris

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented, it's as simple as that." - Christof

Why watch this? This is a masterpiece for director Peter Weir and star Jim Carrey.

Plot Summary: Truman Burbank is an average man who lives a seemingly normal life in a picturesque town. Unknown to him, his entire world is a meticulously constructed set, and everyone he knows – his family, friends, and neighbors – are actors in a globally-televised reality show called The Truman Show. As strange occurrences begin to disrupt his routine, Truman slowly starts to question the reality of his existence and seeks to discover the truth about his life.

Dad's Preview: This is exactly the kind of reality-bending film that attracts me. Truman is the unknowing star of a TV show about his fabricated life. He lives in a bubble, all his interactions are with actors. This "project" is the vision of the mysterious Christof. There is so much wrong with this concept, but hey, the ratings are through the roof. Truman starts to wonder about his life, and wants more. It's creative, brilliant and deeply thought-provoking. Carey dials down the zany antics and it really pays off.

Scott Rudin Prod.; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #2 Top

A Christmas Story (1983), Director: Bob Clark, rated PG

Sometimes Christmas is about getting what you really want.

Starring: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, Tedde Moore, Ian Petrella, R. D. Robb, Zack Ward

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 100 #100 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of A Christmas Story

"In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." - adult Ralphie, narrating

Why watch this? It's packed with memories we all experienced growing up.

Plot Summary: Set in the 1940s, the film follows a young boy named Ralphie whose fervent Christmas wish is a Red Ryder BB gun. Despite warnings that he'll shoot his eye out, Ralphie embarks on various humorous attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus. The film also features relatable childhood experiences and family dynamics leading up to Christmas Day.

Dad's Preview: This film captures the holidays for many families from the end of World War II through the early 1970's - certainly a simpler time in the USA. Ralphie and his little brother can't wait until Christmas. He must endure school his annoying sibling, bullies, parents that won't listen, and a full-body pink bunny suit. This warm family classic offers a lot of comedic yuletide cheer, year after year.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; MGM/UA Ent. Co.

Top 20 Family Dramedy Films #1 Top

Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, rated R for language, adult topics

A family on the verge of a breakdown

Starring: Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Beth Grant

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #33 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Little Miss Sunshine

"I'd like to dedicate this to my grandpa, who showed me these moves." - Olive Hoover

Why watch this? Imagine the family road trip from hell. Then multiply it by 100.

Plot Summary: The Hoover family embarks on a chaotic cross-country road trip to get their young daughter, Olive, to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant in California. Along the way, the eccentric family faces a series of setbacks and personal struggles that force them to re-evaluate their notions of success and happiness. The journey culminates in Olive's unconventional performance at the pageant.

Dad's Preview: This film is a superb ode to the wonderfulness that resides in families that are blessed to be 'non-normal'. I am proud to say this fits my family. Each family member is thoroughly fleshed out, and it's pretty clear that every one of them (except sweet tween Olive) is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Together they load up their yellow VW van to take Olive to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. You will laugh until you cry during this dysfunction-laden road trip. It's pure genius - mostly because it reminds us our own family dynamics.

Big Beach Films, Bona Fide Prod., Third
Gear Prod.; Fox Searchlight Pictures