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Dad's top
20 Tough Gals 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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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
(2009)
A
Missing Girl. A Brutal Murder. An Unsolved Mystery.
Director: Richard Brooks, rated R for language,
violence, rape, nudity
  Starring: Michael
Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ingvar Hirdwall, Björn Granath, Lena
Endre, Ewa Fröling, Sven-Bertil Taube
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Shut up about the
victimization! He almost killed you. He raped and murdered and
he enjoyed it.
He had the same chances as us to choose what he
wanted to be. He was no victim." –
Lisbeth Salander
Why watch this?
This is one intense film - and Noomi Rapace - dag yo, what a
force!
Plot Summary:
After facing a libel conviction, journalist Mikael Blomkvist
takes on a case for industrialist Henrik Vanger to solve the
decades-old disappearance of his niece, Harriet. Unbeknownst to
Blomkvist, skilled computer hacker Lisbeth Salander conducts a
background check on him, ultimately getting drawn into the
investigation herself. Together, they delve into the dark
secrets of the Vanger family's past, discovering disturbing
connections to other grotesque murders.
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Dad's Preview:
This is the original Swedish film version, and it is the best of the film
trilogy. It follows an investigation into a family disappearance,
and weaves a complicated web regarding the truth. A journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, and freelance hacker, Lisbeth Salander, team-up
to solve the mystery. Salander herself is a compelling part of
the film, as she sports numerous body tattoos, a Mohawk, and
black leather clothing. Despite her goth-punk appearance, this
intelligent young lady
excels at crime investigation. Noomi Rapace absolutely kills the
part of Lisbeth, and her character is as compelling as the
film's plot itself. |
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Yellow Bird, ZDF
Ent., Sveriges Television,
Filmpool Stockholm-Mälardalen;
Nordisk Film
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#20 Top |
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Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
The
secret of life? The secret's in the sauce.
Director: John Avnet, rated PG-13 for language
Starring: Kathy
Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker,
Cicely Tyson, Chris O'Donnell, Stan Shaw
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"A heart can be
broken, but it will keep beating just the same." - Allison
Why watch this?
There is a richness to this film. Here it is from great
characters.
Plot Summary:
A frustrated housewife befriends an elderly woman in a nursing
home who shares captivating stories of two independent women,
Idgie and Ruth, who ran a café in 1920s Alabama. Through these
stories, the housewife finds inspiration to confront her own
dissatisfaction and embrace a more fulfilling life.
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Dad's Preview:
In the early '90s, this film was such a breath of freshness in a film
world dominated by masculinity, and I mean toxic masculinity.
The story spans two generations of women fighting the battles
common those days in a male dominated America, especially in the South.
It's courageous, inspiring, and a must-see for any lady,
young or old. But men need to watch it, too. It's good to be
reminded that we're just one generation from a time when it was
almost expected that men treat
women badly.
Men, me included, still need to do better. |
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Avnet/Kerner
Prod., Electric Shadow Prod.,
Act III;
Universal Pictures
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#19 Top |
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Wild
(2014)
Based on the
inspirational best seller.
Director:
Jean-Marc Vallée, rated R for language, sexuality,
nudity, drug use
Starring: Reese
Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Gaby Hoffman, Michiel Huisman, Thomas
Sadoski, Keen McRae, W. Earl Brown, Kevin Rankin
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"My mother used to say
something that drove me nuts, 'There's a sunrise and a sunset
every day, and you
can choose to be there for it. You can put
yourself in the way of beauty." - Cheryl Strayed
Why watch this?
The hike, the miles - it's about the journey to forgive oneself.
Plot Summary: Cheryl
Strayed went on a 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest
Trail in 1995. Driven by a desire to cope with the death of her
mother, the dissolution of her marriage, and a history of
self-destructive behavior, she embarks on the arduous journey
despite lacking experience.
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Dad's Preview:
Breath-taking scenery is the backdrop for Cheryl's journey. She is herself wild, self-destructive, used up,
tired. To shake her demons, or die trying, she sets off on her quest,
woefully unprepared, yet, determined. Witherspoon's portrayal of
Cheryl is angry, raw and vulnerable. We sense this is her last
chance to fix things; her physical journey parallels her mental one. I must admit,
this might be a
journey I need to take. Laura Dern also lends a superb,
free-spirited performance as Cheryl's late mom, Bobbie.
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Pacific Standard,
River Road Ent.,
TSG Ent.;
Fox Searchlight Pictures
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#18 Top |
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Erin Brockovich (2000)
She
brought a small town to its feet and a huge corporation
to its knees.
Director: Steven Soderbergh, rated R for language
Starring: Julia
Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Dawn Didawick, Conchata
Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, Tracey Walter, Peter Coyote
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Ya
know why everyone thinks that all lawyers are backstabbing,
bloodsucking scumbags? 'Cause they are!" -
Erin Brockovich
Why watch this?
This is Julia Roberts at the peak of her career. She is a force.
Plot Summary:
This is the true story of a tenacious single mother who, after
convincing her lawyer to hire her, stumbles upon suspicious
medical records hidden within real estate files. Despite lacking
formal legal training, she investigates and uncovers a massive
corporate cover-up involving the poisoning of a town's water
supply by a large utilities company. Driven by a fierce sense of
justice and empathy for the affected residents, Erin takes on
the powerful corporation in a landmark class-action lawsuit.
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Dad's Preview:
This film serves notice that women carry the heavier load. They
have to work harder, just to get on level footing. Roberts plays
a legal researcher who figures out that a big corporation is
poisoning the local water, its employees and the community around
them. She does all the research and, man, does she makes them pay.
It is a wonderful thing to see. Hats off to Albert Finney who
offers a nice balance to Robert's brutal determination. This
film is also based on a true story about the real
Erin Brockovich. |
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Columbia
Pic, Jersey Films; Universal Pictures
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#17 Top |
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The Color Purple (1985)
It's about life. It's about love. It's about us.
Director: Steven Spielberg, rated PG-13 for
language
Starring:
Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Adolph Caesar,
Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"A girl child ain't
safe in a family of mens, but I ain't never thought I'd have to
fight in my own house!
I loves Harpo, God knows I do. But I'll
kill him dead 'fo I let him beat me." - Sofia
Why watch this? This
incredible saga shows that courage can be silent and strength
is enduring.
Plot Summary: The
film follows timid Celie, an African-American woman in early
1900's rural Georgia, as she endures difficult circumstances,
including domestic violence and bigotry. Separated from her
beloved sister Nettie, Celie finds strength and hope through
various relationships, particularly with the strong-willed
singer Shug Avery and her own growing self-reliance. The story
spans forty years, depicting Celie's journey from oppression to
finding her voice.
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Dad's Preview:
This is a journey wrought with pain, cruelty and
oppression. This film was our introduction to the amazing Whoopi Goldberg, Danny
Glover and the indomitable Oprah Winfrey. Director Steven Spielberg, though he
took a lot of crap for it, again, hits
the cinematic mark. If you don't see only black and white, check
out this valuable, inspiring American story about a part of our history
that needs to be seen. And understood. |
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Amblin
Entertainment, The Guber-Peters
Company;
Warner Bros.
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#16 Top |
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Bridesmaids
(2011)
Save
the Date
Director: Paul Feig, rated R for crude humor,
language, sexual content
Starring:
Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, Ellie
Kemper, Jill Clayburgh, Wendy McLendon
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"This is such a stone-cold
pack of weirdos, and I am so proud!" -
Lillian
Why watch this? ...
the bridal shop scene after spicy Mexican food. OMG!
Plot Summary:
Annie's BFF is getting married. Though marriage has
eluded Annie, she's happy for her friend and eager to meet the
bridesmaids. One in particular, Helen, a rich, snobby trophy
wife, seems determined to oust Annie as maid-of-honor. As the
pre-wedding plans enfold, poor Annie seems to cause more harm
than good.
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Dad's Preview: Every time I watch this comedy, I realize
that this is a damn good movie.
My heart smiles seeing these ladies act opposite one
another. Scene after scene plays out all the classic tropes
pertaining to wedding disasters - from the female perspective. Wiig is
such a comedic force, and McCarthy devours every scene she's in.
These two may be the funniest two humans on the planet. |
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Apatow
Productions, Relativity
Media;
Universal Pictures
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#15 Top |
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Thelma & Louise (1991)
Somebody said
get a life... so they did.
Director: Ridley Scott, Rated R for language,
sexual situations
Starring: Susan
Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen,
Christopher McDonald, Brad Pitt
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"You said you 'n' me was
gonna get out of town and for once just really let our hair
down.
Well, darlin', look out, 'cause my hair is comin' down!" -
Thelma
Why watch this? ...
it has Elsie's "Golden Stamp of Approval". Ladies, time to cut loose!
Plot Summary:
Two best friends, Thelma and Louise, decide to escape their
mundane lives for a weekend getaway. Their plans take an
unexpected turn when an act of self-defense leads them on the
run from the law. As they flee towards Mexico, the women
rediscover their strength and the unbreakable bond of their
friendship while navigating a series of perilous encounters.
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Dad's Preview:
My mom absolutely loved this flick. When I finally watched it, I
could see why. It was fiercely female, and very personal to her.
It follows two women who are
tired of "taking it" from men and the male-centric system. They set
out on a road adventure determined to live... for possibly the first time in their lives!
My Mom was the perfect wife and mother. All that got her was a lousy divorce,
and a broken heart. Sarandon and Davis are perfect for the lead
roles. |
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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Pathé Ent., Percy Main Prod.,
Star Partners
III Ltd.;
MGM-Pathé Comm.
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#14 Top |
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Places in the Heart (1984)
The story of a
woman fighting for her children, for her land, for the greatest
dream there is... the future.
Director: Robert Benton, rated PG
Starring: Sally
Field, Lindsay Crouse, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, John Malkovich,
Danny Glover
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"You took a no-account
piece of land and a bunch of people that didn't know what they
were doin' and
you farmed that land better than anybody could -
colored or white. You're the one that brought in the
first bale
of cotton this year. Don't you ever forget that." - Edna
Spalding
Why watch this? ...
two reasons, 1) it's about Texas country folk, and 2) Mom loved it.
Plot Summary:
In Depression-era Texas, a newly widowed woman, Edna Spalding,
struggles to save her family's farm from foreclosure. Facing
immense hardship, she takes the advice of a Black handyman, Moze,
and decides to plant cotton, a crop she knows nothing about. To
make ends meet and keep her children, Edna also reluctantly
takes in a blind boarder, Mr. Will.
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Dad's Preview:
My mom, Elsie, lived through the Great Depression on a dirt farm in Texas. People today
have no concept of a hard life. Oscar-winner Sally Field
carries the story as a mother forced to take charge of her farm
after the sudden death of her husband. Amid all the hardships to run a
40-acre cotton farm, she
reluctantly enlists help from a kind black man, Mose. A tornado
hits the small town nearby, then the Klan attacks her farm and
attempt to
murder Mose. You
will stand up and cheer at the courage and determination inside
this little lady a she fights to defend and protect her own. |
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Delphi II
Productions; Tri-Star Pictures
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#13 Top |
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Moonstruck
(1987)
Blame it on
the moon.
Director: Norman Jewison, rated PG for mild language
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.
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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 this romantic film: 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! |
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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Star Partners II Ltd.;
MGM/UA
Communications Co.
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#12 Top |
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Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
THE FUTURE BELONGS
TO THE MAD
Director: George Miller, rated R for
violence, language
Starring: Tom Hardy,
Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie
Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"If I'm gonna die, I'm
gonna die historic on the Fury Road!" - Nux
Why watch this?
I never saw this greatness coming, but there's no question - it's
great!
Plot Summary:
In a post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce, Max is
captured and enslaved by the tyrannical Immortan Joe.
Simultaneously, Imperator Furiosa, one of Joe's lieutenants,
defies him by absconding with five women, leading to a
relentless pursuit across the desert. Max eventually becomes
involved with Furiosa's escape, forging an uneasy alliance as
they battle Joe and his forces in a desperate struggle for
freedom and a better life.
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Dad's Preview:
Instant classic. As a huge fan of the 80's Mel Gibson Mad Max films, I
really thought the franchise was over, and I was OK with that. Then
creator/director George Miller hatches this tour de force.
It blows you away with each action sequence. Tom Hardy amply
fills Mr. Gibson's steady shoes. That said, it is Charlize Theron who steals
the film as Furiosa, a badass she-warrior and survivor. This epic is visually stunning.
Let's hope this is the first film in another trilogy for Max and
company. |
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Village Roadshow
Pictures, RapPac-Dune
Ent., Kennedy
Miller
Mitchell;
Warner Bros.
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#11 Top |
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Gone
with the Wind (1939)
The most
magnificent picture ever!
Director: Victory Fleming, rated G
Starring: Clark
Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, Thomas
Mitchell, Hattie McDaniel, Ona Munson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I'm
going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be
hungry again. No, nor any of my folk.
If I have to lie, steal,
cheat or kill, as God is my witness, I'll never be hungry
again." - Scarlett O'Hara
Why watch this?
... the burning of Atlanta, which is a spectacle on screen to behold.
Plot Summary:
It follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara, a spoiled, rich plantation debutante.
Then the Civil War begins... As the South's eventual loss
becomes evident, Atlanta is burned. In the aftermath, Scarlett
finally returns to her devastated plantation home. With her
father dead, she has a fight on her hands to keep it. Luckily,
the noble scoundrel, Rhett Butler, gives her aid.
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Dad's Preview:
This is the great American story of the Old South. As I have watched this film through the years,
my affection for Scarlett has evolved. This is her journey from
brat to strong survivor... and how she becomes a strong
woman. The film is about her and
the many conflicts she endures. My Mom loved this historical
epic and swooned over the
handsome Clark Gable and his confident charm. Many have
called this a "racist" film - I disagree. Yes, it portrays a
racist South, yet also gave us an admirable black character in
Hattie McDaniel as the strong-willed servant, Mammy. She was the
first African American to win and Academy Award (for Best
Supporting Actress). |
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Selznick
International Pictures,
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer;
Loew's Inc.
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#10 Top |
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Terminator
2: Judgment Day
(1991)
Same Make.
Same Model. New Mission.
Director: James Cameron, rated R for language, sci-fi
violence
Starring: Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, Edward Furlong,
Joe Morton, Earl Boen
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"It is in your nature to
destroy yourselves." The T-800 Terminator
Why watch this? Cameron delivers an incredible sequel using
ground-breaking
effects, a buffed-up Linda Hamilton, and a flipped narrative.
Plot Summary:
A reprogrammed cyborg is sent back in time to protect a young
John Connor from an advanced, shape-shifting Terminator designed
to eliminate him. John and his mother Sarah join forces with the
protector to prevent the coming nuclear apocalypse by destroying
the technology that creates Skynet. Together, they must combat
the relentless new threat while fighting to change the future
and ensure human survival.
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Dad's Preview:
This sequel is bigger and bolder than the original
Terminator (1984). Still desperate to
win the battle, the future's
machines send another Terminator - this one more lethal and
advanced. Humankind sends back a T-800 Terminator (similar
to the original
film's cyborg), only it has been re-programmed to protect Sarah
and John
at all costs. This has all
the cool ass elements of the original film, yet it's characters are
more fully explored, and it's message is more poignant. Linda
Hamilton flexes (literally) her acting muscles and
newcomer Edward
Furlong shines her son, the young John Connor. |
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Carolco Pics,
Pacific Western Prod., Lightstorm
Ent.,
Le Studio Canal+;
Tri-Star Pictures
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#9a Top |
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Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Here comes the
bride
Director: Quentin Tarantino, rated R for
violence/language
Starring: Uma
Thurman, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine, Julie Dreyfus,
Chiaki Kuriyama, Michael Parks, Vivica A. Fox, Michael
Madsen, Gordon Liu, Michael Bowen
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I can tell you, with no
ego, this is my finest sword. If, on your journey, should you
encounter God,
God will be cut." – Hattori Hanzo
Why watch this?
Uma Thurman is a tour de force!
Plot Summary:
A former assassin, left for dead on her wedding day, awakens
from a coma and embarks on a global quest for revenge. Seeking
to eliminate those who betrayed her, she confronts members of
the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad one by one. The first
volume culminates in a brutal showdown in Tokyo, where she faces
a prominent former colleague turned criminal underworld leader.
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Dad's Preview:
I was not a huge Tarantino fan until this blew me away. Yes, it romanticizes
murderous assassins. It is violent. Many of the main characters
are beautiful. Yet, it works and how. This is definitely a woman's story
filled with strong ladies, all just as deadly as their male
counterparts. The fight scenes are choreographed so perfectly.
The final battle at the House of Blue Leaves restaurant
alone is worth the price of admission! Uma is a force. And I was impressed by
Chiaki Kuriyama, as
deadly femme fatale GoGo Yubari. |
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A Band Apart;
Miramax Films
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#9b Top |
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Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Revenge is a
dish best served cold.
Director: Quentin Tarantino, rated R for violence/language
Starring: Uma
Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Gordon Liu, Michael Parks,
Bo Svenson, Larry Bishop, Clark Middleton
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"That woman deserves her
revenge, and we deserve to die… But then again, so does she.
So
I guess we'll just see... won't we?" – Budd
Why watch this?
... the bride's showdown with Elle in
Budd's double-wide. Keep an eye out.
Plot Summary:
Following her murderous spree in the first film, The Bride
continues her quest for revenge against the remaining members of
the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and their enigmatic leader,
Bill. Her journey involves confronting former colleagues,
recalling her intensive martial arts training under a strict
master, and facing unexpected twists related to her past with
Bill. Ultimately, The Bride seeks to complete her mission and
find a new beginning away from her violent past.
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Dad's Preview:
The conclusion to this tale of bloody revenge does keep pace
with
Kill Bill: Part I
(2003). We're shown the Bride enduring the tough training under the master, Pai Mai,
who previously trained that bastard, Bill.
It's this very training that helps her survive being buried alive.
She and Elle meet in glorious combat. Bill's motivations
are finally explained. The finale is perfect. Instead of
a big, elaborate showdown, it begins as an intimate, civil
discussion between two former lovers, guilty of simply looking out for their child...
but they're both be paid killers. It's
personal, and that makes it all the more engaging. |
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A Band Apart;
Miramax Films
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#8 Top |
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Chocolat
(2000)
One
Taste Is All It Takes
Director: Lasse Hallström, Rated PG-13 for sensual situations
Starring: Juliette
Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Lena Olin, Johnny Depp,
Carrie-Anne Moss, Peter Stormare, John Wood
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"And these are for your husband.
Unrefined cacao nips from Guatemala, to awaken the passions." -
Vianne
Why watch this?
A wonderful confectionary treat about moral repression and
gentle rebellion.
Plot Summary: The
tale follows Vianne Rocher, a single mother, who arrives in a
traditional French village with her daughter and opens a
chocolate shop. Her unconventional approach and delicious
chocolates challenge the rigid customs and beliefs of the town,
particularly those of the mayor. This leads to a conflict
between those who embrace the new and those who resist change,
with the chocolate shop becoming a focal point of the town's
social and moral divisions.
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Dad's Preview:
Juliette Binoche is
such a special actress. She has mastered the ability to portray
women who are strong
yet warm, and vulnerable yet witty. In this film, she plays an angelic lady who comes
into town and opens a chocolate shoppe. Then she sets to fixing things
(aka people), who are a bit broken:
the battered wife, a strained mother-daughter relationship,
the overtly stern mayor. Like a fine chocolatier, she finds the
right flavors, mixes in a little spice and viola! - some folks begin
to see things in a new light. This film will make your heart
smile and your nose inner being crave chocolat. |
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David
Brown, Kit Golden, Leslie
Holleran;
Miramax Films
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#7 Top |
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As
Good as It Gets
(1994)
Brace yourself for Melvin.
Director: James L. Brooks, rated PG-13 for
language
Starring: Jack
Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet
Ulrich, Shirley Knight, Yeardley Smith, Lupe Ontiveros, Jill the
Dog
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"When you first entered the
restaurant, I thought you were handsome...
and then, of course,
you spoke." - Carol
Why watch this?
The transformation of Nicholson's character is unbelievable.
Plot Summary: Meet
Melvin Udall, a misanthropic romantic novelist with severe
obsessive-compulsive disorder. His life is disrupted when he's
forced to care for his gay neighbor Simon's dog after Simon is
brutally beaten and hospitalized. Melvin also develops an
unexpected connection with Carol, a kind waitress at his usual
diner who is struggling with her son's illness.
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Dad's Preview:
How the hell does Jack Nicholson do it? He takes a character,
who is an completely unlikable, neurotic chauvinist; and by the movie's end... you love him!
This film centers on the acting chops of Nicholson
and Hunt who won both Academy and Golden Globe awards for
Best Actor/Actress. Greg Kinnear also stands out as a gay
artist having a bad run of luck. It's a pleasure to watch
these pros make movie magic with a really superb script. |
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TriStar
Pictures, Gracie Films;
Sony Pictures Releasing
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#6 Top |
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The Miracle Worker (1962)
A mighty motion
picture experience... touch it... sense it... feel it... you
can't forget it!
Director: Arthur Penn, rated Approved
Starring: Anne
Bancroft, Patty Duke, Victor Joy, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine,
Kathleen Comegys, John Bliss
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"The rooms a wreck but she
folded her napkin!" - Ann Sullivan
Why watch this?
The clash of two indomitable wills is more than worth the price
of admission.
Plot Summary:
This is the true story of Helen Keller, a young girl who is
blind, deaf, and mute and experiences significant frustration
and behavioral challenges due to her inability to communicate.
Her desperate parents hire Annie Sullivan, a former student from
the Perkins School for the Blind who also experienced visual
impairment, to tutor their daughter. A battle of wills ensues as
Annie, through persistence, tough love, and sheer stubbornness,
strives to teach Helen language and connect her to the world
around her.
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Dad's Preview:
This is an unforgettable and painful journey through the incredible
education of Helen Keller, who lost her hearing and sight during
infancy. Her desperate family hires Ann Sullivan to teach her.
Ann, a former student at the Perkins School for the Blind, instantly surmises that Helen's family has done
very little, except
spoil her. This cinematic feat (please stick it out) is transformative.
You will see two great performances that both won Academy
Awards. You will also understand the importance of proper
methods to handle a spoiled child. |
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Playfilm
Productions; United Artists
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#5a Top |
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Alien (1979)
In
space no one can hear you scream.
Director: Ridley Scott,
rated R for sci-fi gore, violence, language
Starring:
Tom Skerritt, Sigourney
Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm,
Yaphet Kotto
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#24a
-
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Alien
"Wait a minute. If we let
it in, the ship could be infected."
- WO Ellen Ripley
Why watch this?
It introduced cinema sci-fi to a xenomorph and Sigourney Weaver.
Plot Summary:
The crew of a commercial space tug, Nostromo, is awakened
from cryo-sleep to investigate a distress signal from a nearby
planetoid. They discover a derelict spaceship and a lower
chamber filled with strange eggs. When one of the eggs is
disturbed, a deadly extraterrestrial creature comes aboard the
ship and proves to be quite lethal.
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Dad's Preview:
In the wake of
Star Wars
(1977), this film
gave audiences a very different sort of alien encounter. Director Ridley Scott went to great lengths to
create a futuristic space setting anchored in realism. The creature they encounter is what you might call a "worse case
scenario" - deadly,
unmerciful and all but indestructible. Sigourney Weaver, in her first
starring role, steals every
scene as a strong, confident, capable leader in a crisis. There are lots of scary moments
as the crew tries to find the alien within their spaceship -
full of tunnels and dark corners - only to realize that it's hunting
them. |
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Brandywine
Productions; 20th Century Fox
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#5b Top |
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Aliens (1986)
THIS
TIME IT'S WAR
Director: James Cameron, rated
R for sci-fi gore, violence, language
Starring:
Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Carrie Henn, Lance Henricksen, Bill Baxton, Jenette
Goldstein
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#24b -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Aliens
"We better get back 'cause
it will be night soon and they mostly come at night... mostly."
- Newt
Why watch this?
The
Alien sequel brings the action and a lot more aliens
to deal with.
Plot Summary:
After surviving the alien attack, Ellen Ripley is rescued from
deep space after 57 years in stasis. She reluctantly agrees to
return to the planet where the creatures were first encountered
when contact is lost with a terra-forming colony established
there. Ripley and a group of Colonial Marines face an
overwhelming threat as they attempt to rescue the colonists and
battle, not one, but many aliens.
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Dad's Preview:
For Aliens,
James Cameron (The
Terminator, 1984;
Avatar, 2009) took over as director and blew the lid off the
franchise with this thrill-packed, sci-fi mega-hit. Again, at its
center is the very capable Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), but this time she's an
observer on a mission accompanied by a unit of bad-ass space
Marines. Their objective - find some missing colonists on the planet
where Ripley and her crew first encountered the original xenomorph -
Ripley and the marines
have no idea what they are walking into. Fortunately, it's
wonderful chaos for film audiences! |
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Brandywine
Productions; 20th Century Fox
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#4 Top |
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Fargo (1996)
a homespun
murder story
Director: Joel and Ethan Coen,
rated R
for strong violence, language, sexuality
Starring:
Frances McDormand, William
H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, Peter Stormare
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#12
-
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Fargo
"Sir, you have
no call to get snippy with me. I'm just doing my job here." - Marge
Gunderson
Why watch this?
Brutal violence. Quirky characters. As only the Coen brothers can.
Plot Summary:
Desperate for money, a Minnesota car salesman hires two men to
kidnap his wife, intending to extort a ransom from her wealthy
father. The seemingly foolproof scheme quickly unravels as
events take a violent turn, leading to multiple deaths. A
pregnant police chief in Brainerd, Minnesota, launches a
tenacious investigation to uncover the truth behind the
escalating crimes.
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Dad's Preview:
It's hard to hit the 'sweet spot' with a film that is extremely violent,
yet occasionally humorous. This is Fargo's genius. Its
plot centers on a
kidnapping-gone-wrong, and a series of related brutal, cold-blooded
murders. Yet, half the time, I am chuckling at the odd
mannerisms of the overly-nice, Mid-Western yokels. Frances McDormand
became a household name, portraying the 7-month-pregnant Police Chief Marge Gunderson, who
never loses her cool, even when she apprehends murderous
criminals. William H. Macy also excels as a regular guy,
Jerry Lundergaard, who thinks it is a good idea to have
his wife abducted, so that he can obtain the ransom
money. |
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Working
Title Films; Gramercy Pictures
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#3 Top |
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
(2004)
You
can erase someone from your mind. Getting them out of
your heart is another story.
Director: Michael Gondry, rated R for
language, sexuality
Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet,
Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Jane
Adams, David Cross, Deirdre O'Connell, Thomas Jay Ryan
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#7 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Eternal
Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
"Meet me in Montauk..." –
Clementine
Why watch this? It's
the polar opposite of a RomCom, and the greatest movie about
real love I have ever seen.
Plot Summary:
Joel discovers his former girlfriend, Clementine, has had their
relationship erased from her memory following a breakup. Out of
despair, Joel decides to undergo the same procedure to erase
Clementine from his own mind. However, as his memories are
systematically removed, Joel begins to realize the importance of
those experiences, even the painful ones. He attempts to resist
the erasure process and hold onto the memories of Clementine,
leading to a surreal and fragmented journey through his
subconscious.
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Dad's Preview:
Perhaps the thing about romantic films (that turns me off) is
that they usually end up sugar-coated, and frankly, unrealistic. This
incredibly unique cinematic triumph bends reality to
intelligently
show us the ups and downs of a romantic relationship; the vulnerability of the
human psyche, and the faint possibility that sometimes an
imperfect love is still worth everything. This master class in
filmmaking forever changed
the way I view movies - I used to want to be entertained, now I
search for films that impart meaning. |
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Anonymous
Content, This is that;
Focus Features
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#2 Top |
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The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
To enter the
mind of a killer she must challenge the mind of a madman.
Director: Jonathan Demme, rated R for violence,
gore, language
Starring: Jodie Foster,
Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, Anthony Heald, Brooke Smith,
Diane Baker, Kasi Lemmons, Charles Napier
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#13 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of The Silence
of the Lambs
"A census taker once tried
to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice
Chianti. You fly back to school now, little Starling." – Dr.
Hannibal Lecter
Why watch this? ...
it's a lethal combination of everything important to great
filmmaking.
Plot Summary:
A young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, must interview an
incarcerated, manipulative cannibalistic serial killer, Dr.
Hannibal Lecter, to gain insight into capturing another active
serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill". With the help of Lecter's
psychological profiles and cryptic clues, Starling works against
time to uncover the identity of the killer and save his latest
victim. As she delves deeper into the case and the mind of
Lecter, she also confronts the psychological challenges of a
male-dominated field and her own personal past traumas.
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Dad's Preview:
This film... damn! It's equal parts psychological horror and
crime thriller. Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for his portrayal of
Dr. Hannibal Lector, a brilliant forensic psychiatrist AND
serial killer who is aiding the investigation. Also excellent is the performance by Jodie
Foster, the eager FBI trainee who interfaces with Lecter. This
film is simply one of those movies that bumps past all others on
its way to the top. It is a perfect film. |
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Strong Heart
Prod.; Orion Pictures
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#1 Top |
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The Trip to Bountiful
(1985)
A Story Of An
Extraordinary Journey.
Director: Peter Masterson, rated PG
Starring:
Geraldine Page, John Heard, Carlin Glynn, Richard Bradford,
Rebecca De Mornay, Kevin Cooney
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
DML Top 50
#36 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of The Trip to
Bountiful
"I guess when you've
lived longer than your house and your family,
then you've lived
long enough." - Mrs. Carrie Watts
Why watch this?
... this Texas tale captures our hearts as a woman longs see her
home place.
Plot Summary: In
1940s Texas, an elderly woman named Carrie Watts lives in a
cramped Houston apartment where she feels stifled by her
overprotective son and resentful daughter-in-law. Desperate to
visit her childhood home one last time, she manages to slip away
from her family and embarks on a solo bus journey across the
state. Along the way, she reflects on her past and finds
unexpected kindness from strangers as she nears the small,
fading town of Bountiful.
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Dad's Preview:
My sister looked sternly at me and said, "You need to watch this
movie". "Why?" I asked? "You'll see..." she replied. I could not
believe it... Geraldine Page's performance literally is
my mother, Elsie. Mrs. Watts is an elderly Texas woman living with her
only son
and his uppity wife in Houston. Times are hard so they're living on
Mrs. Watts' social
security checks. She begs them to take her back to her hometown,
Bountiful, just one more time. When they won't help her, she
sneaks out and catches a bus in that direction. This
heartbreaking film is about aging, regret and longing for home.
They say you can never go back, but that doesn't mean you still
don't miss it. Geraldine Page won the Oscar for Best Actress.
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Bountiful Film
Partners, FilmDallas Pics;
Island Pictures
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