Sometimes, you have to lose your way to get back home

Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen, rated PG-13

Starring: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, Chris Thomas King, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Charles Durning, Daniel von Bargen, Wayne Duvall, Frank Collison, Stephen Root

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You seek a great fortune, you three who are now in chains. You will find a fortune, though it will not be the one you seek. But first... first you must travel a long and difficult road, a road fraught with peril. Mm-hmm. You shall see thangs, wonderful to tell." – Blind Seer

Why watch this? This is a fun, poetic American fable that feels very familiar.

Plot Summary: Loosely based on Homer's Odyssey, this comedy drama follows three escaped convicts – Ulysses Everett McGill, Pete, and Delmar – as they embark on a journey through Depression-era Mississippi. Their aim is to reach Everett’s home and recover a hidden treasure before the area is flooded to create a new lake. Along the way, they encounter a series of eccentric characters, evade a relentless lawman, and inadvertently become folk music sensations.

Touchstone Pics, Universal Pics, Studio Canal,
Working Title Films, Blind Bard Pictures;
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
 

Genres: Comedy-Adv, Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Satire, Comedy-Screwball, Dramedy, Historical-Adv, Musical-Comedy, Musical-Great-Soundtrack Dad's Genres: Road-Trip

They're WILDWEST OUTLAWS of Trouble and Trigger Men

Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated Passed

Starring: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Sharon Lynn, James Finlayson, Rosina Lawrence, Stanley Fields, Vivien Oakland

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I think we've given that deed to the wrong woman. That's the first mistake we've made since that guy sold us the Brooklyn Bridge." - Stan

Why watch this? All their shorts and full-length films are classics. This is one of their best.

Plot Summary: Stan and Ollie venture into the Wild West to deliver a gold mine deed to its rightful owner, Mary Roberts. However, a crooked saloon owner, Mickey Finn, and his wife, Lola, trick the hapless duo into giving them the deed instead. Upon realizing their mistake, the duo embarks on a comedic quest to reclaim the deed and ensure Mary receives her inheritance.

Hal Roach Studios; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Physical, Musical-Comedy, West-Comedy

You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll hurl.

Director: Penelope Spheeris, rated PG-13 for crude humor

Starring: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Laura Flynn Boyle, Donna Dixon, Meat Loaf, Chris Farley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"That bass player's a babe. She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class." – Garth Algar, speaking of Cassandra

Why watch this? Don't over-think it. Just sit back, and let this movie make you laugh.

Plot Summary: Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar host a popular public-access television show from Wayne's parents' basement. A slick television producer discovers the show and offers them a chance to bring "Wayne's World" to a wider audience. However, their journey from basement to big time is fraught with challenges, testing their friendship and artistic integrity.

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-COA, Comedy-Physical, Musical-Comedy, Musical-Great-Soundtrack Dad's Genres: Likable-Irreverence, SNL-Alumni

Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio, Rip Torn, Tony Shalhoub, Carel Struycken, Siobhan Fallon Hogan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This definitely rates about a 9.0 on my weird-shit-o-meter." - Jay

Why watch this? Will Smith - man, can he carry a film when he's hot.

Plot Summary: James Edwards, an NYC cop, joins a secret organization known as Men in Black, which regulates the activity of aliens living disguised among humans. Alongside his new partner, the veteran Agent K, James (now Agent J) must investigate a series of strange incidents and stop a destructive plot by an intergalactic villain. They embark on a mission to recover a powerful energy source before the antagonist can use it to destroy the Earth.
 

Dad's Preview: I'm a sci-fi guy. I crave well-done science fiction on screen. Here we meet two agents, Jay and Kay (their real identities have been permanently removed), who work for a secret agency that tracks aliens who live on Earth, undetected. Most of these aliens are benevolent, but not all. This film is packed with slimy space beings of all shapes/sizes, lots of action, a count-down to Earth's destruction, and the sexy Linda Fiorentino. Additionally, Vincent D'Onofrio's performance is unforgettable as Edgar/The Bug. This sci-fi goldmine is creative as heck, with lots of laughs and creatures from outer space.

Columbia Pictures, Amblin Ent., Parkes/MacDonald
 Prod.; Sony Pictures Releasing
 

Genres: Action-Comedy, Action-Sci-fi, Animation-CGI, Comedy-Adv, Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Satire, Sci-fi-Comedy, Sci-fi-Extraterrestrial, Dad's Genres: Slime-Time

If at first you don't succeed, lower your standards.

Director: Peter Segal, rated R for language, crude humor

Starring: Chris Farley, David Spade, Bo Derek, Brian Dennehy, Dan Akyroyd, Rob Lowe, Julie Warner, Sean McCann, Zach Grenier

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I can practically hear you getting fatter." – Richard, to Tommy

Why watch this? I learned to never load an injured deer in your car's back seat.

Plot Summary: Tommy Callahan Jr., a somewhat naive and underachieving son of a successful auto parts magnate, returns home to work in the family business. However, after the sudden death of his father, the company faces financial ruin and a potential takeover. To save the factory and the jobs of its employees, Tommy embarks on a cross-country sales trip to secure a large order for a new brake pad division. He is begrudgingly accompanied by his father's tightly-wound assistant, Richard.

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Physical Dad's Genres: Likable-Irreverence, Road-Trip, SNL-Alumni

They'll never get caught. They're on a mission from God.

Director: John Landis, rated R for language

Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher, Aretha Franklin, Henry Gibson, James Brown, John Candy, John Lee Hooker, Twiggy, Charles Napier, Steve Lawrence, Frank Oz

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues Brothers HAS been approved." - Police Dispatcher

Why watch this? Great blues music, edgy humor and the car crashes are off the charts!

Plot Summary: Newly released convict brothers, Jake and Elwood Blues, embark on a "mission from God" to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised from foreclosure. To do this, they must reunite their old band and perform to raise the $5,000 needed to pay the property taxes. Their efforts lead them on a chaotic adventure across Illinois, encountering a series of zany characters and being pursued by various groups, including the police, a vengeful ex-girlfriend, and a neo-Nazi group.

Robert K. Weiss; Universal Pictures

Yesterday They Were Businessmen. Today They're Cowboys. Tomorrow They'll Be Walking Funny.

Director: Ron Underwood, rated PG-13 for adult language

Starring: Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby, Jack Palance, Patricia Wettig, Helen Slater, Patricia Wettig, Noble Willingham, Tracey Walter

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Have you ever had that feeling that this is the best I'm ever gonna do, this is the best I'm ever gonna feel... and it ain't that great?" – Mitch Robbins

Why watch this? A comedy about three grown men questioning their lives... so they sign up to drive cattle on a dude ranch.

Plot Summary: In the midst of mid-life crisis', three Manhattan best friends decide to visit to a "Dude ranch" and herd some cattle from Colorado to New Mexico. Lacking any ranch skills, they are joined by more novices, guided by two drunken cowpokes and the grizzled, grumpy trail boss, Curly.

Castle Rock Ent., Face Productions,
Nelson Ent.; Columbia Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Adv, Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Physical, Dramedy, West-Comedy, West-Rancher Dad's Genres: SNL-Alumni

Steve Martin had no reason to panic... until John Candy came along.

Director: John Hughes, rated R for language

Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Kevin Bacon, Dylan Baker, Carol Bruce

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You got a free cab, you got a free room, and someone who'll listen to your boring stories. I mean, didn't you notice on the plane when you started talking, eventually I started reading the vomit bag?" - Neal

Why watch this? Martin's angry rants and Candy's long-winded yarns are precious!

Plot Summary: This comedy follows the misadventures of Neal Page, an uptight advertising executive desperate to return home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, bad weather forces his flight to divert, leading him to reluctantly team up with Del Griffith, a well-meaning but irritating salesman, to navigate various modes of transportation. Their chaotic journey involves a series of travel mishaps and comical conflicts.

Hughes Entertainment; Paramount Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Physical Dad's Genres: Holiday-Cheer, Road-Trip, SNL-Alumni

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

Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG

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.

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

Genres: Action-Comedy, Animation-Live-Action, Animation-RotoScope, Animation-Traditional, Comedy-Adv, Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Family, Comedy-Physical, Crime-Comedy, Crime-Cops, Fantasy-Adv, Fantasy-Comedy, Fantasy-Low, History-Alternative, Historical-Fantasy Dad's Genres: Kiddie-Rides

...all it takes is a little Confidence.

Director: George Roy Hill, rated PG

Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Ray Walston, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, John Heffernan, Dana Elcar, Jack Kehoe, Dimitra Arliss, Robert Earl Jones, James Sloyan, Charles Dierkop

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"What was I supposed to do, call him for cheating better than me in front of the others?." - Doyle Lonnegan

Why watch this? This is the quintessential post-Depression con man film.

Plot Summary: A young grifter, Johnny Hooker, seeks the help of an established, older con man, Henry Gondorff, to avenge the murder of their mutual friend by a powerful mob boss, Doyle Lonnegan. They devise an elaborate, complicated con designed to catch the crime lord off guard and ensure a clean, massive payoff. The pair and their crew must execute every detail flawlessly while evading both the target's thugs and the local police who are watching their every move.

The Zanuck/Brown Co.; Universal Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Crime-Caper, Crime-Crooks, Dramedy Dad's Genres: Likable-Irreverence

A comedy about life, hope, and getting even.

Director: Ron Spottiswoode, rated PG-13 for language

Starring: Robin Williams, Kurt Russell, Pamela Reed, Donald Moffat, Holly Palance, Margaret Whitton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I was never great. I was pretty good. I was great for around here. Every year I got better. The kids always ask me about the 6 touchdown passes against Porterville. Hell, I only threw 3. I'm not going to argue. I like the idea of 6 better." – Reno Hightower

Why watch this? To see Jack square off against "Dr. Death" on the final play of the game.

Plot Summary: Two friends seek to relive a pivotal moment from their high school football career at Taft High. Jack Dundee, haunted by dropping the winning pass in the game vs. Bakersfield, convinces his friend, and former star quarterback, Reno Hightower, to help him re-stage the game. Jack's father-in-law, an alumni of the rival team, is more than willing to set up the game. This pursuit affects their lives and the lives of those in their small town.

Kings Road Ent.; Universal Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Sports, Drama-Sports, Dramedy Dad's Genres: Game-Day

Come and Get Some

Director: Greg Mottola, rated R for language, crude humor

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Bill Hader, Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac, Loe Lo Truglio

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Gimme that. All right, you look like a future pedophile in this picture, number 1. Number 2: it doesn't even have a first name, it just says "McLovin"!" - Seth

Why watch this? One simple word: McLovin.

Plot Summary: Three nerdy high school seniors, Seth, Evan, and Fogell, set out on a misadventure to purchase alcohol for a party in the final weeks before graduation. Their plan to impress girls and get laid takes an unexpected turn when Fogell, armed with a questionable fake ID under a dumb name is busted by two incompetent police officers. Separated from their friend and facing increasingly chaotic obstacles, Seth and Evan navigate a wild night that tests the boundaries of their friendship.

Columbia Pictures, The Apatow Co.;
Sony Pictures Releasing
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-COA, Comedy-Physical, Drama-COA

The year's most revealing comedy.

Director: Peter Catteneo, rated R for some nudity, language

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy, William Snape, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer, Lesley Sharp, Emily Woof

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 100 #95 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Full Monty

"Anti-wrinkle cream there may be, but anti-fat-bastard cream there is not." - Dave

Why watch this? I have never loved a film more than this one I fully expected to hate.

Plot Summary: When a group of unemployed steelworkers in Sheffield are inspired by a touring male striptease act, they decide to form their own all-male stripping troupe to make some quick cash. Despite lacking traditional physiques and facing personal insecurities, the men commit to performing a "full monty," meaning completely nude, one time only to solve their financial troubles and regain their self-respect.

Redwave Films, Channel Four Films;
Fox Searchlight Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Dramedy, Musical-Great-Soundtrack Dad's Genres: Likable-Irreverence, Queer-Tier

Who ya gonna call?

Director: Ivan Reitman, rated PG-13 for some language

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.

Columbia-Delphi Productions, Black Rhino;
Columbia Pictures

The monster movie that breaks new ground.

Director: Ron Underwood, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence, mild gore

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire, Bobby Jacoby, Tony Genaro, Ariana Richards, Richard Marcus

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Run for it? Running is not a plan. Running is what you do when a plan fails!" - Earl

Why watch this? Gigantic, underground, man-eating worms! That's a hard YES for me.

Plot Summary: Set in the remote desert town of Perfection, Nevada, two handymen, Val and Earl, decide to leave their dull lives. Before they can depart, strange tremors and a series of mysterious deaths suggest a dangerous threat lurks beneath the surface. Along with other residents, including a seismologist and a survivalist couple, they must fight to survive against unseen, giant creatures that hunt by sensing vibrations.

No Frills Prod., Pacific Western Prod.;
Universal Pictures
 

Genres: Action-Comedy, Action-Horror, Action-Sci-fi, Comedy-Adv, Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Dark, Comedy-Horror, Horror-Giant-Monster Dad's Genres: Slime-Time

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.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Pathé Ent., Percy Main Prod.,
Star Partners  III Ltd.; MGM-Pathé Comm.
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Dark, Crime-Crooks, Crime-Drama, Dramedy,  Dad's Genres: Likable-Irreverence, Road-Trip, Tough-Gals

They're not just getting rich... They're getting even.

Director: John Landis, rated R for language, crude humor, brief nudity

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, Paul Gleason

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Yeah. You know, it occurs to me that the best way to hurt rich people is by turning them into poor people." – Billy Ray Valentine

Why watch this? I love the premise. I love the cast. I love the execution.

Plot Summary: Two incredibly wealthy brothers, the Dukes, make a bet about whether a person's surroundings or genetics determines their success. To settle this, they orchestrate a complete life swap between their successful, high-society commodities broker, Louis Winthorpe III, and a street-smart hustler, Billy Ray Valentine. The film then follows the hilarious chaos that ensues as both men navigate their drastically altered lives and eventually discover the Duke brothers' cynical scheme.

Aaron Russo; Paramount Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Satire, Crime-Caper, Dramedy Dad's Genres: Black&White, Likable-Irreverence, SNL-Alumni

Hang on for the comedy that goes to infinity and beyond!

Director: John Lasseter, rated G

Starring: (the voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"YOU - ARE - A - TOY! You aren't the real Buzz Lightyear, you're... you're, you're an action figure! You are a child's plaything!" - Woody to Buzz on day one

Why watch this? This is the origin story where Woody and Buzz first become friends.

Plot Summary: Andy's longtime favorite toy, Woody the cowboy doll, faces an existential crisis when a new, flashy spaceman toy named Buzz Lightyear becomes Andy's new favorite. Driven by jealousy, Woody attempts to get rid of Buzz, but a series of mishaps strands them both far from home. The two must then overcome their rivalry and work together to escape a toy-destroying neighbor and reunite with Andy before he moves.

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.
 

Genres: Animation-CGI-Children, Comedy-Adv, Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Family, Fantasy-Comedy Dad's Genres: Kiddie-Rides

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.

Apatow Productions, Relativity
Media; Universal Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Physical, Comedy-Screwball, Romance-Chick-Flick Dad's Genres: Likable-Irreverence, SNL-Alumni, Tough-Gals

A tough bounty hunter. A sensitive criminal.

Director: Martin Brest, rated R for strong language.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Well if you don't shut up, pretty soon you're gonna suffer from fistaphobia." – Jack Walsh to "The Duke"

Why watch this? The exchanges between Grodin and De Niro are priceless.

Plot Summary: Gruff bounty hunter, Jack Walsh, agrees to a seemingly easy job: retrieve a mob accountant from New York and bring him back to Los Angeles. However, the accountant, Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas, turns out to be a demanding and eccentric individual with a fear of flying, forcing the two men on an arduous cross-country journey by various modes of transportation. As they travel, they are pursued relentlessly by the FBI, who want The Duke to testify against his former boss, and by the mob, who want to silence him permanently, all while facing off against a rival bounty hunter.

City Lights Films; Universal Pictures

In Search of Wine. In Search of Women. In Search of Themselves.

Director: Alexander Payne, rated R for language, sex, nudity

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke, Jessica Hecht, MC Gainey

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #42 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Sideways

"Half my life is over and I have nothing to show for it. Nothing. I am a thumbprint on the window of a skyscraper. I'm a smudge of excrement on a tissue surging out to sea with a million tons of raw sewage." – Miles

Why watch this? ... comedy, wine, romance, golf, depression, infidelity, more wine...

Plot Summary: Two middle-aged friends, Miles and Jack, are on a week-long road trip through California's Santa Barbara wine country as a celebration of Jack's upcoming wedding. Miles, a wine enthusiast and struggling writer, hopes for a peaceful escape from his recent divorce and stalled career. Jack, a carefree actor, is more focused on having one last fling before getting married.

Michael London Productions;
Fox Searchlight Pictures
 

Genres: Comedy-Buddy, Comedy-Dark, Dramedy, Drama-SliceOfLife, Romance-Comedy, Romance-Drama Dad's Genres: Likable-Irreverence, Road-Trip