(DML Top 20 Lists - Comedy Fantasy Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

The Addams Family (1991), Director: Barry Sonnenfeld, rated PG-13 for comedic violence

It's not the same old Thing.

Starring: Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci, Christopher Lloyd, Carel Struycken, Judith Malina, John Franklin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Don't torture yourself, Gomez. That's my job." – Morticia Addams

Why watch this? This film pays superb homage to the original TV series. Well done!

Plot Summary: The eccentric Addams family, known for their macabre tastes, welcomes back a man claiming to be their long-lost Uncle Fester, who has been missing for 25 years. However, this individual is part of a scheme to swindle the family out of their fortune. The Addams must decide the true identity of the Fester imposter.

Dad's Preview: Based on the 1960's TV show, this romp is creepy fun from start to finish. You can tell that the actors are having a blast. Deserving of technical praise is "Thing" - everyone's favorite severed hand. The CGI magicians successfully gave Thing a delightful personality, and he (it?) gets some of the film's biggest laughs. I must also recognize the performance of the late Raul Julia. He more than channels John Astin's Gomez, as literally becomes him! Rest in peace, Raul. You left us too soon.

Scott Rudin; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #20 Top

Elf (2003), Director: Jon Favreau, rated PG

This holiday season, discover your inner elf.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

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

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

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

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

Guy Walks Into a Bar; New Line Cinema

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy 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 Comedy Fantasy Films #18 Top

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), Director: Woody Allen, rated PG

She's finally met the man of her dreams. He's not real but you can't have everything.

Starring: Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello, Edward Herrmann, John Wood, Deborah Rush, Zoe Caldwell, Dianne Wiest, Paul Herman, Van Johnson, Karen Akers, Milo O'Shea

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Last week I was unloved. Now, two people love me - and it's the same two people." - Cecilia

Why watch this? This unique film is speaks of love, longing and old Hollywood.

Plot Summary: Cecilia is a woman struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression. The passionate young woman is tied down by a deadbeat, abusive husband and a diner job she is not very good at. Her true love is attending movies at the local theater. The settings are usually exotic, the stars dashing and handsome. When a new feature begins its run, The Purple Rose of Cairo, she becomes enamored with an adventurous character, Tom Baxter. As her life gets harder, she retreats to the theater, again and again. Then something truly unbelievable occurs: In a critical scene, Tom Baxter looks into the audience, addresses Cecilia directly, and does the impossible - he walks off the screen and into her life, eagerly escaping the fictitious film universe.

Dad's Preview: As I slowly come around to director Woody Allen's cinematic works, I found this tribute to nostalgic creativity. The film's premise alone should blow your mind, as the fantastical tale rockets onward, exploring the concepts of love and heartbreak. It is Cecilia's story - a meek woman, caught in-between two realities, determined to find her true strength in a life of hardships. Mia Farrow (Allen's wife at the time) is captivating, and Jeff Daniels does a nice job playing the dual roles of Tom Baxter and Gil Shepherd. This magical story says a lot about our big screen heroes juxtaposed to people in the real world - and it leaves it up to us to decide which is better or worse.

Robert Greenhut; Orion Pictures

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #17 Top

My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Director: Hayao Miyazaki, rated G

This strange creature is still in Japan. Maybe.

Starring: Voices: Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Tim Daly, Leo Salonga, Frank Welker, Pat Carroll, Kath Soucie, Ashley Rose Orr

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Trees and people used to be good friends. I saw that tree and decided to buy the house. Hope Mom likes it too." – Tatsuo Kusakabe

Why watch this? It's a beautiful, panging vision of childhood and imagination.

Plot Summary: When two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move with their father to a new home in the Japanese countryside to be closer to their ailing mother in the hospital, they discover that their new home and the nearby woods are filled with strange and delightful creatures. They soon befriend a giant and gentle forest spirit known as Totoro. Totoro and his friends introduce the girls to a world of magical adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus.

Dad's Preview: This wonderful film, from the mind of the masterful Hayao Miyazaki, takes us inside the brains of two children who move into a new house to be closer to their ailing mother. When their father boards the bus to work, the children's fantasies, to explore, to learn, to be sad, come to life. They encounter benevolent spirits to accompany them. It's a warm film that will touch your memories of childhood and the joys you had. It will perhaps also flush out some perhaps painful memories, too. Both are a valuable part of who we are. The genius here is that all those thoughts are better dealt with as a big fluffy, bouncy-bellied cat-creature. That should give you comfort.

Studio Ghibli; Toho

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #16 Top

Toy Story 3 (2010), Director: Lee Unkrich, rated G

The Breakout Comedy Of The Summer

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, Ned Beatty, Michael Keaton, Jodi Benson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You can unlock doors, sneak past guards, climb the wall - but if you don't take out that Monkey, you ain't goin' nowhere. You wanna get outta here? GET RID OF THAT MONKEY!" - Chatter Telephone

Why watch this? I did not expect this to have such an emotional impact... but, it did.

Plot Summary: As Andy prepares for college, his toys face an uncertain future as they are mistakenly sent to Sunnyside Daycare instead of the attic. Believing they've been abandoned, the toys initially welcome the new environment, but soon discover a sinister truth behind the daycare's facade. Woody must then convince the others of their mistake and lead a daring escape to return home to Andy before he leaves for college.

Dad's Preview: It's an accomplishment when the third film in a franchise remains engaging and delivers an emotional gut-punch, especially for a cartoon. Andy is 17 and heading to college. This event throws the toys into crisis-mode. Mom bags our favorite toys, then donates them to a local daycare. There, they encounter Losto, a stuffed, pink bear who rules the roost with an iron paw. It's up to Woody and Buzz to pull off an escape and get back to Andy! It's a wonderful ride, but brace yourself for the bittersweet ending... wow, I was a sobbing mess.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #15 Top

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Director: Tim Burton, rated PG

A ghoulish tale with wicked humor & stunning animation.

Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, Ed Ivory

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Well, well, well. What have we here? Sandy Claws, huh? Ooo, I'm really scared! So you're the one everybody's talking about?" – Oogie Boogie Man

Why watch this? The animation is superb, and the songs are really catchy.

Plot Summary: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, feels a growing sense of ennui with the annual traditions of Halloween. Driven by a yearning for something new, he discovers Christmas Town and becomes enchanted by its unfamiliar festivities. Inspired, Jack decides to take over Christmas and attempts to bring the holiday to Halloween Town, leading to unexpected and spooky interpretations of Christmas traditions.

Dad's Preview: What a concept! Let's merge Halloween into Christmas, and have our hero be a terrifying, yet well-meaning, skeleton. What?! This unique film is magical and humorously wonderful. This is for the "warped of mind", which is probably why I fell head-over-bones in love with this holiday flick. I suits me just fine to embrace a creepy journey through the creative mind of Tim Burton, and the music of Oingo Boingo's Danny Elfman. Kids... watch out for Mr. Oogity-Boogity, he's a bit scary!

Touchstone Pictures, Skellington Prod.;
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #14 Top

How to Train Your Dragon (2010), Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, rated PG

What started as fire and fury will become friendship.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Jay Baruchel, Randy Thom, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, David Tennant

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Most people would leave. Not us. We're Vikings. We... have stubbornness issues." - Hiccup

Why watch this? It's a wonderful, action-filled tale about Vikings and air-borne dragons.

Plot Summary: Viking 101: They kill dragons - all of the many kinds. On the island village of Berk, chieftain Stoick the Vast, has a teen son, Hiccup, who is a wiz with creating mechanical devices, yet weak by dad's brawny standards. When Hiccup shoots down a rare Night Fury dragon, nobody believes him. After searching the nearby forest for the dragon's body, Hiccup finds the downed beast very alive and kinda friendly. Meanwhile, Stoick enrolls the lad in dragon-fighting class, as he once sails away to destroy the monsters' nests. Hiccup desperately seeks his dad's approval, but can he actually take a dragon's life?

Dad's Preview: This beloved animated treasure features misunderstood flying monsters, and the Scottish norse-folk, who have killed the beasts for as long as they can remember. There's also a loveable cadre of teenage Vikes who strive to be the best dragon-slayers. However, for me, the core of this film is a broken relationship between a father and his son. Once again, DreamWorks has put forth a delightful, high-quality children's film. It also should resonate with many adults, especially fathers who might have been too hard on their sons. But rest assured folks, in this colorful adventure, all will be put right by the end credits.

DreamWorks Animation; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #13 Top

Big (1988), Director: Penny Marshall, rated PG

You're only young once!

Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jared Rushton, Jon Lovitz, David Moscow, Mercedes Ruehl

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm your best friend. What's more important than that, huh?" - Billy

Why watch this? It's a modern day fairy tale about a wish that actually comes true.

Plot Summary: This tale centers on a young boy named Josh Baskin who, frustrated with his young age, makes a wish to be "big". He wakes up the next day to find himself transformed into an adult. He now must navigate the challenges and wonders of adulthood while trying to find a way to reverse the magical transformation. With the help of Billy, his best friend, he must find the mystical machine that granted his wish.

Dad's Preview: Early in Tom Hanks' film career this comedic role was a perfect fit. His shtick then was essentially acting like a kid in an adult's body, so Big was ideal. Through some strange magic, Josh gets his wish, and wakes up an adult. Let the hilarity ensue. It's a lot of fun watching Hanks - how he interacts with this 10-year-old best friend; his innocence at a toy store; his excitement (and inexperience) with an adult woman who shows affection for him. There are many warm and funny moments in this superb coming-of-age classic.

Gracie Films; 20th Century-Fox

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #12 Top

Groundhog Day (2005), Director: Harold Ramis, rated PG

He's having the worst day of his life... over, and over...

Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, Angela Paton, Rick Overton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster and drank pina coladas. At sunset we made love like sea otters. That was a pretty good day. Why couldn't I get that day over and over and over?" – Phil Connors

Why watch this? Put Bill Murray in any situation and he'll make it funny.

Plot Summary: Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman, travels to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities. After a blizzard strands him in the small town, he wakes up the next morning to discover that it is February 2nd all over again. Phil is caught in a mysterious time loop, forcing him to relive the same day repeatedly, and he's the only one aware of the phenomenon. He attempts various methods to escape his predicament, eventually leading him to explore the possibilities and consequences within this looping reality.

Dad's Preview: A modern fairy tale of sorts about a self-centered man who is forced to re-live one day, Groundhog day, over and over. It is a great premise for a comedy, especially in the hands of veteran actor-director Harold Ramis and his buddy, comedian Bill Murray. The film delivers great performances, and plenty of really funny moments as Murray approaches each repeated day a little different than the day before. At first, it's kinda fun, but eventually it starts to drive him nuts. This experience might also help him learn what is really important in life.

Trevor Albert, Harold Ramis; Columbia Pics

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #11 Top

Toy Story 2 (1999), Director: John Lasseter, rated G

The Toys Are Back in Town.

Starring: (the voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Annie Potts, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Wayne Knight

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you." – Jessie

Why watch this? I really do like this film more than the original; it digs deeper.

Plot Summary: During a yard sale while Andy is away at summer camp, Woody is stolen by a toy collector hoping to sell him to a museum. This forces Buzz Lightyear and Andy's other toys to embark on a rescue mission to find Woody and bring him back home. Woody, meanwhile, learns about his history as a collectible from a famous television show and meets other toys from his past, making him question where his loyalties lie.

Dad's Preview: Everyone loved the first Toy Story (1995). So did I. This has all that, plus it's more poignant. Perhaps I feel this way because my kids grew up and left home. Of course, we're happy for them, but I'd be lying if I did not cast occasional thoughts back to when they were young and we were a contained family, taking on the world. Here, Andy is growing up, too. Perhaps he has outgrown Buzz and Woody. Nothing could be more painful for a toy. Then comes along the energetic Jessie, a toy in Woody's collector set. She's been there and knows that kids hurt you, and toys need to stick together. Get out a box of hankies, cause you're gonna need 'em.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #10 Top

The Little Mermaid (1989), Directors: John Muskar, Ron Clements, rated G

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

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

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

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

Dad's Preview: During the 1980s Disney's animated films had lost something. Then came The Little Mermaid. This gem felt like they had returned to basics, and found the magic again. It has humor and loveable characters, but it is the music that stands out as iconic. Those numbers just make you want to stand up, sing and even dance (or well, swim). So my youngest son did just that - he was selected to portray Sebastian in his high school musical! And, (parental brag warning) he killed it - we were so proud of him and all the play's cast!

Walt Disney Feature Animation; Buena
Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #9 Top

Ghostbusters (1984), Director: Ivan Reitman, rated PG-13 for some language

Who ya gonna call?

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

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

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

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

Columbia-Delphi Productions, Black Rhino;
Columbia Pictures

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #8 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 Comedy Fantasy Films #7 Top

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Director: Edgar Wright, Rated PG-13 for adult themes

An epic of epic epicness.

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Um, I guess... if we're gonna date, you may have to defeat my seven evil exes." – Ramona Flowers

Why watch this? There is not a second in this film that I don't love.

Plot Summary: Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician living in Toronto, finds his comfortable life disrupted when he falls for the mysterious and enigmatic Ramona Flowers. To win her heart, however, he must defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. This journey forces Scott to confront his own flaws, past relationships, and insecurities, ultimately pushing him toward self-discovery.

Dad's Preview: I had sorta lost faith in the next generation of movies; maybe I was getting old and out of touch. Then I discovered Scott Pilgrim, and my faith was restored! Nestled sweetly within this video game of a story is a very fresh and interesting romance. It's so much fun! The lovingly odd Michael Cera is an amazing understated actor. I love the action, the songs (watch a video of all All Scott Pilgrim musical performances), the premise, its creativity - EVERYTHING!

Marc Platt Prod., Big Talk Films, Closed on
Mondays Ent., Dentsu; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #6 Top

The Princess Bride (1987), Director: Rob Reiner, rated PG

The story of a man and a woman who lived happily ever after. Even though the courtship almost killed them.

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.

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 somehow childish. It's directed by Rob Reiner, and has an almost Monty-Python-esc feel to it. Kids will love it, 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!

Act III Communications, Buttercup Films;
20th Century Fox

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #5 Top

Time Bandits (1981), Director: Terry Gilliam, rated PG

... they didn't make history, they stole it!

Starring: John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Ian Holm, Katherine Helmond, Michael Palin, David Warner

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"God is not interested in technology... He's obsessed with making the grass grow and getting rainbows right. Look at what he spends his time on: Forty-three species of parrot! Nipples for men!" - Evil

Why watch this? It's a fantasy comedy. Plus most of the Monty Python players have roles!

Plot Summary: Kevin, a young boy fascinated by history, is unexpectedly drawn into a fantastical adventure through time when a group of thieving dwarfs escape into his bedroom through a time portal. The dwarfs, former employees of the Supreme Being, have stolen a map detailing all of the time holes, which they use to jump through different eras to steal treasures. Pursued by both the Supreme Being and the powerful Evil Genius, Kevin joins the dwarfs on their journey, encountering various historical figures along the way.

Dad's Preview: Written and directed by the creative mind of Monty Pythoner Terry Gilliam, this magical journey takes us to many places in both history and fantasy, each populated by a cast of quirky characters. You will wonder, "Did this film's creator do some mushrooms?!" We witness Napoleon's madness, an Ogre with a backache, and heck, even Sean Connery battles a towering Minotaur! David Warner is excellent as the personification of evil. It's witty, imaginative fun for the whole family.

HandMade Films; HandMade Films Dist. Ltd.

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #4 Top

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, rated PG for mild violence, rabbit-induced gore

Sets the Cinema Back 900 Years!

Starring: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Connie Booth, Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes, Bee Duffell

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #22 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Rabbit Hole of Monty Python and the Holy Grail

"We better not risk another frontal assault. That rabbit's dynamite!" - King Arthur

Why watch this? This irreverent, Medieval comedy from Python is legendary.

Plot Summary: King Arthur gathers his Knights of the Round Table and is instructed by God to embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Their journey is filled with absurd and surreal encounters, including taunting French soldiers, the Black Knight, a killer rabbit, and the Knights Who Say Ni. The film follows their individual and collective misadventures as they brave various obstacles in pursuit of the mythical relic.

Dad's Preview: This may seem adolescent, but I am certain there is genius within some offensive comedies. Said genius is on par with classic films, the likes of Casablanca (1942), Pulp Fiction (1994), Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010). However, critics will always dismiss these gems as "in poor taste", "vulgar" or "you need therapy". I get it - not classy enough... One too many jokes about flatulence. Fie! What a disservice! Holy Grail is entertaining from start to finish. It will always make ME laugh, and therein lies its genius.

Python Pictures, Michael White Prod., National
Film Trustee Co; EMI Films

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #3 Top

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Director: Mel Stuart, rated G

It's Scrumdidilyumptious!

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

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

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

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

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

Wolper Pictures, The Quaker Oats Co.;
Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #2 Top

Up (2009), Director: Pete Docter, rated PG

The greatest adventure is just getting back home.

Starring: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #35 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Up

"My name is Dug. I have just met you, and I love you." - Dug

Why watch this? I feel-good story that requires your imagination and suspension of belief.

Plot Summary: Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a journey to the wilds of South America in his house, lifted by thousands of balloons, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He unintentionally takes along a stowaway and young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. The unlikely duo encounters adventure, strange creatures, and a surprising revelation about Carl's childhood hero on their journey towards Paradise Falls.

Dad's Preview: In a crowded stable of excellent Pixar-Disney films, this one stands out for me. Perhaps it's Carl, the grumpy old man looking to get away from a world that doesn't want him any more. Maybe it's Russell, the cheeky, plump young Boy Scout trying to earn his merit badges. It could be Dug, the delightful dog who is enabled "talk" thanks to a voice modulator. Combine these quirky characters with a high-flying, creative premise, and you have a winner in my book. It packs a punch, too - You'll be bawling before the opening credits have finished rolling.

Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures

Top 20 Comedy Fantasy Films #1 Top

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG

It's the story of a man, a woman, and a rabbit in a triangle of trouble.

Starring: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer (voice), Joanna Cassidy, Kathleen Turner (voice)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way." – Jessica Rabbit

Why watch this? ... to watch, in awe, the genius it took to intertwine humans and cartoons into the same celluloid space.

Plot Summary: In 1947 Los Angeles, where cartoons and humans coexist, a private detective who loathes toons takes a case involving a rabbit toon star accused of murder. As the detective investigates, he uncovers a complex conspiracy that threatens the existence of Toontown, the animated metropolis where toons reside.

Dad's Preview: I am always a fan of something new and inventive, even if the effort sometimes falls short. This film is an example where expectations were exceeded. Director Zemeckis creates a 1950s-ish world where humans and cartoons co-exist, and it's business-as-usual. This is an easy film to love. It has all our favorite cartoon characters (Mickey, Donald, Daffy, Porky, etc.), zany slapstick bits, devious villains, a wonderful ending... and let's not forget naughtily-drawn bombshell, Jessica Rabbit.

Touchstone Pics, Amblin Ent., Silver Screen
Partners III; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.