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Dad's Top
20 Coming-of-Age Comedy 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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10 Things I Hate About You
(1999)
How do I loathe
thee? Let me count the ways.
Director: Gil Junger, rated R for crude sexual
humor, alcohol, drug use
  Starring:
Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller,
Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Susan May Pratt, Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, Allison
Janney, Gabrielle Union, Letters to Cleo (band), Save Ferris (band)
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Alright, wait a minute. No drinking,
no drugs, no kissing, no tattoos, no piercings, no ritual animal
slaughters of any kind. Oh, God, I'm giving them ideas." - Mr. Stratford, to
his daughters before they go out
Why watch this?
Health and Julia have quite an engaging chemistry.
Plot
Summary: The popular and sweet younger sister can only date
if her rebellious, anti-social older sister also finds a suitor.
An admirer of the younger sibling orchestrates an elaborate plot
to pay a mysterious bad boy to court the older sister. This
scheme backfires when genuine feelings get in the way and
unexpected connections blossom.
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Dad's Preview:
Director Gil Junger must have realized in casting that
Health Ledger's smile was romantic gold. He wisely
slapped him into a "bad-boy" role and set him against
Julia Stiles, who plays a convincing sassy bitch. When
he breaks into that smile, everyone melts. The
rest of the film is standard teen comedy fare: bullies and nerds,
awkward sexual situations, etc. One scene that stands
apart is the serenade at the football stadium - man,
that was really fun. I also have to confess I really
liked sardonic actor, Larry Miller, as the out-witted single father of
two teen daughters. It's a great film with a good heart,
even if the word hate is in the title. |
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Touchstone
Pics, Mad Chance, Jeret Ent.;
Buena Vista Pictures
Dist.
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#20 Top |
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Ratatouille (2007)
He's dying to become a chef.
Directors: Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava, rated G
Starring: Patton
Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Janeane Garofalo, Brad Garrett,
Peter O'Toole, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Will Arnett
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"I'm sick of pretending. I
pretend to be a rat for my father, I pretend to be a human for
Linguini. I pretend you exist so I have someone to talk to!" –
Rémy
Why watch this?
An ambitious rodent partners with a reluctant chef - together
they make culinary history.
Plot Summary:
Remy is a rat with an exceptional sense of taste and smell who
dreams of becoming a chef, despite his family's disapproval and
the obvious obstacle of his species in a human kitchen. Through
a series of events, Remy finds himself beneath a famous Parisian
restaurant and forms an unusual alliance with a young, clumsy
kitchen worker named Linguini. Together, they navigate the
demanding culinary world and overcome challenges.
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Dad's Preview:
This is a creative animated Disney/Pixar film about a rat, Rémy,
who aspires to be a chef of all things. He travels to Paris, and
secretly becomes a sous chef to a young culinary student,
Alfredo. The symbiotic relationship, between human and rodent, is
special to watch. There are a host of zany supporting characters
that add to the richness of this wonderful dish. You will crave
some Italian cooking after this sweet, family-oriented film. |
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#19 Top |
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Fast Times at Ridgemont High
(1982)
At
Ridgemont High Only the Rules get Busted!
Director: Amy Heckerling, rated R for language, crude
humor, nudity, drug use
Starring: Sean Penn,
Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, Brian
Backer, Robert Romanus, Ray Walston, Forest Whitaker, Eric
Stoltz
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Relax, all right? My old
man is a television repairman,
he's got this ultimate set of
tools. I can fix it." –
Spicoli
Why watch this?
As a teen I loved this crude flick. As an adult, I appreciate it
even more.
Plot Summary: The
school year of several Southern California teenagers is
chronicled as they navigate the challenges and excitements of
adolescence. The film explores themes of romance, first jobs,
and self-discovery, showing how these young people cope with the
ups and downs of growing up. It captures the atmosphere of 1980s
youth culture, highlighting social trends like mall culture and
the shift towards more casual relationships.
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Dad's Preview:
This could have been just another irreverent, nudity-filled 80's
high school comedy (which it is), but it's so much more. There are some great tales to tell about high
school and teenagers coming of age. Some are working
evening jobs, some are playing sports, some are smoking
dope, and all are
struggling to find success with the opposite sex. This film has
a lot of really funny, and embarrassing moments, you
know, like real high school. This raunchy comedy introduced the world to
newcomers Judge Reinhold, Jennifer
Jason Leigh, and, of course, the scene-stealing Sean Penn, who
portrays Spicoli, the surfing stoner who loves to
have his pizza delivered to Mr. Hand's history class. |
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Refugee
Films; Universal Pictures
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#18 Top |
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The Parent Trap
(1961) Pop's love
affair is a 3-ring circus!
Director: David Swift, rated Passed
Starring: Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Joanna
Barnes, Una Merkel, Leo G. Carroll, Charlie Ruggles, Cathleen
Nesbitt, Linda Watkins
"Look, pet. I've tried to be friendly, but I'm going to
marry your father, so you get used to the idea!" - Vicky
Robinson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
Why watch this? It's
a creative story, featuring an amazing dual-performance by Haley
Mills.
Plot Summary:
Teenage twin sisters, separated at birth due to their parents'
divorce, unexpectedly meet each other for the first time at
summer camp. Realizing they are sisters, the two devise a plan
to switch places after camp to get to know the parent they've
never met. Their ultimate goal, however, is to scheme to reunite
their divorced parents.
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Dad's Preview:
I know this is a girl's story, but I've always secretly
loved it. Hayley Mills always impressed me by playing both
sisters. I also an a huge fan the adult actors: Brian
Keith and Maureen O'Hara. The premise is essentially
"separated at birth" due to a painful divorce - one
child goes with Mom, one with Dad. Then, by chance, the
girls meet a summer camp and figure out they are
connected. The sisters devise a plan to get Mom and Dad
back together again, and renew their family. Mom and
Dad, however, have moved on, so the plan has its
obstacles. It's about the pain caused by divorce, but
told in such a nice, family-oriented, funny way.
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Walt Disney
Prod.; Buena Vista Distributing
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#17 Top |
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Dazed and Confused
(1993)
It was the
last day of school in 1976, a time they'd never
forget...
if only they could remember.
Director: Richard Linklater, rated R for drug,
alcohol use, language
Starring:
Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Matthew McConaughey, Joey Lauren Adams, Milla
Jovovich, Shawn Andrews, Rory Cochrane, Adam Goldberg, Sasha Jenson, Marissa
Ribisi, Michelle Burke, Cole Hauser, Parker Posey, Ben Affleck
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"All I'm saying is
that if I ever start referring to these as the best years of my
life - remind me to kill myself..." -
Pink
Why watch this? It's
a walk down (my) memory lane with a killer soundtrack.
Plot Summary: A
group of Austin teenagers celebrate their last day of high
school in 1976 by seeking out parties, cruising the town's
central hangout spots, and engaging in classic end-of-year
traditions. As the sun sets, the younger students navigate the
challenges presented by the older seniors while various cliques
search for the biggest and best keg party of the night. The
intersecting lives of these high schoolers and recent graduates
capture the anticipation of growing up and the freedom of a
single, memorable summer evening.
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Dad's Preview:
Like other films regarding high school hijinks, such as
American Graffiti (1973) and
Fast Times at
Ridgemont High (1982), this coming-of-age
romp captures
the late 1970's with all the off-kilter, bong-filled honesty it
deserves. Alcohol use was standard fare, and pot was just coming
into its own as a recreational drug. This was before MTV when
happiness was a cool hard rock song blaring on your Camaro's
8-track. There were heads, jocks, brains, band nerds,
poindexters, and teasers. A few were cool. The rest, however,
didn't know what the hell they were doing, or where they were
going. This film captures all that and more. It features many
young stars destined for fame. I do have to say, any soundtrack
featuring classic rockers like "Fox on the Run" and "Love Hurts"
is gonna dust off some old memories. |
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Alphaville,
Detour Filmproduction;
Gramercy Pictures
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#16 Top |
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The Sandlot (1993)
No uniforms.
No problem. No girls. No problem. No ball. BIG problem!
Director: David Mickey Evans, rated PG
Starring: Tom Guiry,
Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Shane
Obedzinski, Denis Leary, Karen Allen, James
Earl Jones
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Remember kid, there's
heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends
never die,
follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong." -
The Babe
Why watch this? ...
to remember, and cherish, the days before organized youth sports.
Plot Summary:
In the summer of 1962, a shy new kid in town, Scotty Smalls,
struggles to make friends until he's accepted into a group of
neighborhood kids who play daily at a local sandlot. The boys
embark on a series of adventures throughout their summer,
bonding over baseball, sleepovers, and a sexy lifeguard. Their
biggest challenge arises when a prized baseball is hit over a
fence into the backyard of a mysterious, legendary, and
supposedly fearsome dog known as The Beast.
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Dad's Preview:
A great film, similar to
Stand By Me (1986), about growing up in
a simpler age, before electronics and a thousand TV channels.
Our "gang" in this flick loves to play baseball at the local
ball field. The
problem occurs when a fly ball lands in the backyard of "The
Beast". This film has a sweet innocence, and a lesson about
overcoming fears and insecurities. |
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Island World; 20th
Century Fox
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#15 Top |
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Coco (2017)
The
celebration of a lifetime
Director: Lee Unkrich,
rated PG
Starring:
(the voice talents of:) Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt,
Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Ana Ofelia Murguía, Edward James Olmos, Alfonso Arau,
Selene Luna, Jaime Camil, Natalia Cordova-Buckley
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Our memories, they
have to be passed down by those who knew us in life - in the
stories they tell about us. But there's no one left alive to
pass down Cheech's stories... Hey, it happens to everyone
eventually." - Héctor
Why watch this?
A wonderful children's film about life, and death, and the
important in-between.
Plot Summary: A
young boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a musician,
despite his family's long-standing ban on music. On Día
de Muertos, a series of events leads him to the vibrant
Land of the Dead. There, he embarks on a journey to find
his deceased great-great-grandfather, a legendary
singer, and uncover the truth about his family's past.
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Dad's Preview:
Why are we so afraid of death? It is human nature to fear
the unknown. This delightful, colorful, Latino-based film
explores death, and many more very adult topics such as: the
impact of a missing father, old family grudges, and the importance of pursuing your heart's dream,
regardless of the many nay-sayers. That is very mature, yet, children will love
this film,
too. Pixar Animation, once again, out-does itself. The
choice to zip up and infuse brightness, and life, into the land
of the dead was brilliant. In many ways it is as creative as
Up (2009) or
Inside Out
(2015). The concept of the hereafter is unique and
well-done. We all get to experience Miguel's arduous journey to
be himself, while honoring his family. This film is about as
good as it gets if you are looking for an experience to make you
feel really good inside. |
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Pixar
Animation Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures
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Genres:
Comedy-Adv,
Fantasy-Adv,
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Family,
Drama-COA,
Dramedy-Family,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-Contemporary,
Fantasy-FairyTale,
Musical-Comedy
Dad's Genres:
Kiddie-Rides |
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#14 Top |
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Inside Out 2 (2024)
Big changes. New
emotions.
Director: Kelsey Mann, rated PG
Starring:
(the voices of) Amy
Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black,
Ayo Adebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Of course I'm
delusional! Do you know how hard it is to stay positive all the
time? When all you folks do is complain, complain, complain!
Jiminy mother loving toaster strudel!" - Joy
Why watch this?
This is the sequel fans of the original craved and deserved.
Plot Summary: The
story again focuses on teenager Riley's existing emotions, Joy,
Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, as they navigate the
transition to puberty. However, there are some new emotions
moving in, including Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui (aka
boredom, I had to look it up, too). The original
emotions, particularly Joy, must learn to adapt and find a way
to coexist with these new feelings to help Riley navigate the
ups and downs of adolescence.
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Dad's Preview:
Most audience members exited
Inside Out (2015)
wanting more. All of us who experienced children through those
darn teen years really want to understand that ordeal
better, and we really want to know more about dear Riley. This
film hits those notes like a hockey slap-shot. The addition of
new emotions adds to the hilarity, as Riley feels the pressures
of meeting new friends, and balancing her existing
relationships. She is also dealing with her fragile confidence
and sense of identity. It's all good, and extraordinarily
entertaining, here. This film is a Joy (pun intended)! I can't
wait for the next chapter. |
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures
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Genres:
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Family,
Drama-COA,
Dramedy-Family,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-Low,
Dad's
Genres:
Kiddie-Rides,
SNL-Alumni, |
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#13 Top |
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Superbad (2007)
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.
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Dad's Preview:
Me and my basketball buddies, now called the Old Men's Club,
can't get enough of this movie. It is a hilarious, extremely
crude, coming-of-age film about three college-bound dudes
who strive to be "cool"... and score with the ladies. The under-aged fellows,
Seth, Evan and Fogell, are asked to supply alcohol for a big
party. Aha! A chance to impress, and enhance their street cred. This quest becomes an epic adventure in and of itself.
Legends will be made... "Chicka chicka yeah!"
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Columbia Pictures,
The Apatow Co.;
Sony Pictures Releasing
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#12 Top |
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Big (1988)
You're
only young once!
Director: Penny Marshall, rated PG
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.
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Dad's Preview:
Early in Tom Hanks' film career this comedic role was a perfect
fit. His normal shtick back then was essentially to act like a kid in an
adult's body, therefore 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
massive 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. |
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Gracie Films; 20th
Century-Fox
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#11 Top |
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Wayne's World
(1992)
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.
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Dad's Preview:
There's much to love in this frolic through, rock and roll, as
seen from the couch of two goofy teens, just trying to set the
standard for slackery. Myers' positivism is as infectious
as Carvey's sheepish lack of confidence; all traits many guys
can relate to. What started as an excellent skit on SNL,
WW seamlessly
transitioned to the big screen. It's a heck of a
fun ride when
Bohemian Rhapsody is blasting! |
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Lorne Michaels;
Paramount Pictures
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#10 Top |
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The Holdovers (2023)
Discomfort And
Joy.
Director: Alexander Payne, rated R for language,
some drug use
Starring:
Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston, Brady Hepner,
Ian Dolley, Jim Kaplan, Michael Provost, Andrew Garman, Naheem Garcia, Stephen
Thorne, Gillian Vigman
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"You know, Mr.
Kountze, for most people, life is like a henhouse ladder: shitty
and short. You were born lucky. Maybe someday, you entitled
little degenerates will appreciate that. If you don't, I feel
sorry for you and we will have failed to do our jobs." -
Paul Hunham
Why watch this?
Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy, and newcomer Dominic Sessa captivate
in this gem.
Plot Summary:
Set in 1970, a strict and unpopular history teacher at a New
England boarding school is forced to supervise students who have
nowhere to go during Christmas break. He is left stranded on
campus with a brainy but troubled teenager and the grieving head
cook. Together, these three unlikely companions form a makeshift
family and share unexpected misadventures that help them heal
from their pasts.
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Dad's Preview:
This New England dramedy begged me to watch it again. It's filled
with perhaps the wittiest dialogue in the last few years. It
introduces us to a slew of interesting characters, then
effectively whisks many of them away to a ski vacation. We are
left with the true holdovers: Mary, the school's
cafeteria manager; Paul, a stubborn teacher living in a sort of
self-imposed exile; and Angus, an intelligent, but inwardly
angry, young boarding school student. Let the in-depth
exploration of these three incredibly interesting souls begin!
There is a richness here, like an ordinary piece of cake that,
when bitten into, blows your mind with its complex flavors. If
it feels like a comedy and a drama, it is. It's also a holiday
film about what holidays should center on - appreciating those
in your orbit who, despite liking them or not, impact you in
positive ways. |
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Miramax, Gran Via;
Focus Features
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#9 Top |
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Toy Story 3
(2010)
The Breakout
Comedy Of The Summer
Director: Lee Unkrich, rated G
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.
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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
up said toys, and donates them to a local daycare. There, they encounter Losto, a
stuffed, pink bear who rules his minions 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... Yes, I was
a sobbing mess. |
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#8 Top |
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How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
What started as fire and
fury will become friendship.
Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, rated PG
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?
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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.
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DreamWorks
Animation; Paramount Pictures
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Genres:
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Family,
Fantasy-Adv,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-FairyTale,
Fantasy-Heroic,
Fantasy-High,
Fantasy-Sword-&-Sorcery,
Historical-Fantasy
Dad's
Genres:
Kiddie-Rides |
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#7 Top |
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Back
to the Future (1985)
He was
never in time for his classes... He wasn't in time for
dinner...
Then one day he wasn't in his time at all.
Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG
Starring: Michael J.
Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Tom
Wilson, Claudia Wells, Marc McClure, James Tolkan
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I guess you guys aren't
ready for that, yet. But your kids are gonna love it."
-
Marty McFly, after lighting up the prom with some guitar licks
by
Eddie Van Halen
Why watch this?
When Marty meets his parents, back in the 1950's, the fun really
begins.
Plot Summary:
Small-town teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent thirty
years into the past when a time-travel experiment by his
eccentric scientist friend, Doc Brown, goes awry. Stuck in 1955,
Marty inadvertently disrupts the high school meeting of his
future parents, placing his very existence in severe jeopardy.
He must now find a way to spark a romance between them and
harness enough electrical energy to power the time machine back
to his original timeline.
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Dad's Preview:
This now iconic film's success hinged on properly casting the lead.
Wisely, director Zemeckis replaced Eric Stoltz with quick-witted
Michael J. Fox from TV's
Family Ties. The rest is film
history. It's a time-jumping adventure that keeps the viewers guessing
as altering actions in the past might impact the
future. Think about it - what would you change if you could travel back in time to
meet your parents in high school? There no way that won't get a little weird.
This is a sci-fi classic. |
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Amblin Entertainment;
Universal Pictures
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#6 Top |
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A Christmas Story (1983)
Sometimes Christmas is about getting what you really
want.
Director: Bob Clark, rated PG
Starring: Melinda
Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, Tedde
Moore, Ian Petrella, R. D. Robb, Zack Ward
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 100
#100 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of A Christmas Story
"In the heat of battle my
father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know
is
still hanging in space over Lake Michigan." - adult Ralphie,
narrating
Why watch this?
It's packed with memories we all experienced growing up.
Plot Summary: Set in
the 1940s, the film follows a young boy named Ralphie whose
fervent Christmas wish is a Red Ryder BB gun. Despite warnings
that he'll shoot his eye out, Ralphie embarks on various
humorous attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and even
Santa Claus. The film also features relatable childhood
experiences and family dynamics leading up to Christmas Day.
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Dad's Preview:
This film captures the holidays for many families from the end
of World War II through the early 1970's - certainly a simpler
time in the USA. Ralphie and his little brother can't wait until Christmas.
The determined young man must endure school
his annoying sibling, bullies, parents that won't listen,
and a full-body pink bunny suit. This warm family classic offers
a lot of comedic yuletide cheer, year after year. |
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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; MGM/UA Ent. Co.
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#5 Top |
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Inside Out (2015)
Meet the little
voices inside your head.
Director: Peter Docter, rated PG
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.
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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 actors. You will love this creative film, and its
perspective, regarding how the teenage mind works. You'll
shed a few tears, as well. |
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures
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Genres:
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Family,
Drama-COA,
Dramedy-Family,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-Low,
Dad's
Genres:
Kiddie-Rides,
SNL-Alumni, |
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#4 Top |
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Napoleon Dynamite
(2004)
He's out to prove
he's got nothing to prove.
Director: Jared Hess, rated PG
Starring: Jon Heder,
Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Diedrich
Bader
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Napoleon, don't be jealous
that I've been chatting online with babes all day.
Besides, we
both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter." - Kip
Why watch this? ...
the quote-ability! I literally know every line from this film.
Gosh!
Plot Summary:
In a small Idaho town, the awkward and socially isolated
Napoleon Dynamite navigates high school life while dealing with
his eccentric family, which includes his internet-obsessed older
brother Kip and get-rich-quick scheming uncle Rico. He finds
unexpected friendships with a shy, artistic girl Deb and a quiet
exchange student who decides to run for class president, Pedro.
Napoleon's journey involves supporting his friends and
discovering his own unique way of belonging in a world that
often misunderstands him.
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Dad's Preview:
You'll either get this odd, coming-of-age, nerd-fest film... or you won't. When I
heap praise on this film,
some folks look at me like I'm crazy (hint: that's one way I can
tell you grew up as a bully). The plot is really about a big nothing-burger, just some kids at high school. They
are the nerds. One in particular, Napoleon, just won't accept that
he's not destined for greatness. My kids and I watched this film
over and over. We still quote its lines, in the voices of
Napoleon, Kip, Pedro and Rico. We rejoice when the
gang finally has their moment. Because, honestly, there's alotta nerd
in many of us. |
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Napoleon Pics;
Fox Searchlight
thru 20th Century Fox
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#3 Top |
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Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
(1971)
It's
Scrumdidilyumptious!
Director: Mel Stuart, rated G
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.
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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. |
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Wolper Pictures,
The Quaker Oats Co.;
Paramount Pictures
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#2 Top |
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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
An epic of
epic epicness.
Director: Edgar Wright, Rated PG-13 for adult themes
Starring: Michael
Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Ellen
Wong, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Um, I guess... if we're gonna date, you may have to defeat my seven evil exes." –
Ramona Flowers
Why watch this?
There is not a second in this film that I don't love.
Plot Summary:
Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician living in Toronto, finds his
comfortable life disrupted when he falls for the mysterious and
enigmatic Ramona Flowers. To win her heart, however, he must
defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own unique abilities
and personalities. This journey forces Scott to confront his own
flaws, past relationships, and insecurities, ultimately pushing
him toward self-discovery.
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Dad's Preview:
I had sorta lost faith in the next generation of film-making; maybe I
was getting old and out of touch. Then I discovered Scott Pilgrim,
and my faith was restored! Nestled sweetly within this video game of a story
is a
very fresh and interesting romance. And - it's so much fun! The
lovingly odd Michael Cera is an amazing, understated actor. I love the
film's action, its songs (watch a video of all
All Scott Pilgrim musical performances), the premise, its
creativity - EVERYTHING! |
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Marc Platt Prod.,
Big Talk Films, Closed on
Mondays Ent.,
Dentsu;
Universal Pictures
| |
Genres:
Action-Comedy,
Action-Romance,
Adv-Swordplay,
Animation-Live-Action,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Dark,
Comedy-Fantasy,
Comedy-Physical,
Fantasy-Low,
Musical-Comedy,
Musical-Great-Soundtrack,
Romance-Comedy,
Romance-Fantasy
Dad's Genres:
Likable-Irreverence,
Queer-Tier |
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Top 20
Coming-of-Age Comedy Films
#1 Top |
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Almost Famous (2000)
Stillwater
Runs Deep!
Director: Cameron Crowe, rated PG-13 for language, sexual
situations
Starring:
Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Frances McDormand,
Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Philip S. Hoffman,
Zooey Deschanel
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#31 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Almost Famous
"Aw, man. You made friends
with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you.
They want
you to get drunk on feeling like you belong." - Lester Bangs
Why watch this?
It's the swan song about rock and rock in my era, you know, the
awesome 70's!
Plot Summary:
William Miller, at 15-years-old, is an aspiring journalist who
gets a dream assignment: to write a cover story for Rolling
Stone magazine. He embarks on a tour leg with the up-and-coming
rock band Stillwater, experiencing the highs and lows of life on
the road. William navigates the world of rock and roll, forming
relationships with the band members and a groupie named Penny
Lane, all while trying to maintain his journalistic integrity.
| |
Dad's Preview:
Much of the film's earnestness comes from the film's director, Cameron Crowe,
who lived a life
similar to young William Miller. He too was a Rolling Stone
writer, and his wife is none other than Nancy Wilson, guitarist
for Heart - So the man knows the rock world. Billy Crudup, as the incendiary Russell
Hammond, is unforgettable. Kate Hudson's pretty darn good, too.
This film has great
musical performances and a wonderful
soundtrack documenting the last great years of Rock 'n' Roll. |
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DreamWorks
Pics, Columbia Pics, Vinyl Films;
DreamWorks
Dist. LLC
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