Is your Dad an Arm Chair Cop Hero? Here are several sets of action filled flicks, pick a trilogy or gather one from each - be sure to take him some water and a meal, he'll be glued to that chair for the duration!
"The Transporter" (2002) - This is a good choice because it offers a little something for everyone- technically its a Foreign film and stars Jason Statham, so there's a gift for mom. Its also fully action packed and has a decent story line -so there's the angle for Dad. Plus it has terrific cinematography and complicated road scenes- so everyone who is a film geek will love it. Transporter's 2 & 3 are basically the same flick, with even more complicated road race scenes but well worth watching.
"Die Hard" (1988) - Some of Bruce Willis' best work, plus a bit of a love story with touching scenes- once again, everyone is covered here AND you get Alan Rickman. Die Hard the first and second are good- then we get seriously repetitive for 3 and 4 - Plus you can count "16 Blocks" as a horizontal version therefore number 5....you'd better get them all, cus once he gets started Dad will want them all.
"Terminator" (1984) - The films listed here are not in order of importance. That would definitely depend on Dad's age and preferences. If he is a sci fi nerd or a film geek he will already own "The Terminator" then you are absolutely safe in getting any of the next films in the series because he will have strong opinions about each successive movie and that will be so much fun to hear aaalllll about. Even the melty one with Robert Patrick is well worth watching.
If your Dad is a golf fanatic:
Forget Adam Sandler, go old school with
"Caddyshack" ( 1980) - Don't bother trying to improve on this - its LOL funny, has interesting guest stars and a quotable script.
If your Dad loves bowling:
Ignore the strange wigs,
"Kingpin" (1996) - Over the top stupid concept works because Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid are just plain funny guys.
If your Dad loves bowling, gangsters, cowboys and irony:
Just don't try to harsh his buzz,
"The Big Lebowski" (1998) - Amazingly well written road romp, pot head gangster movie with bowling...watch for those acting moments with Goodman, Turturro, Moore and some surprises.
Oh yes, sometimes those weird little quirks that your mom finds SO SO amusing, well, they are just wrong. Dad, just get a grip. Either take off in a space ship or try not talking to my friends.......
3 Movies so Dad will hide in his cave when your friends come over.
"Forbidden Planet" (1956) - Leslie Nielsen's best film, he shows great potential here for real acting. Treating the content like a natural movie script creates a tense and enjoyable foray into the unknown universe.
"The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) - A classic - its your mission to make sure Dad has this in his movie collection. Do not fail. A smidge cheesy but so well done.
"A Space Odyessy" (1968) - No Hal will not help you send Dad into space. While we could go on and on debating Stanley Kubrick and why "Paths of Glory" is his only really good film.....its best to say that Dad will enjoy this - its a must own movie.
YAY!! Only a week to go until Father's Day!
Now we have forgiven him for being uncool, started to appreciate how many times he said 'be careful', and stopped wishing he was secretly a wizard or a spy. Its time to show all that new found appreciation and get him something he would really really enjoy. A movie ticket? a framed piece of his favorite movie memorabilia? Those speakers for his man cave?
Or simply a few choice films for his collection- something that says, "Hey Dad, lets watch a movie!"
"Dan In Real Life" (2007)- Dan is a dork. As with most Steve Carell movies there are silly moments that you laugh at but aren't like, funny..... But then there are serene, thoughtful moments that are incredibly funny - he carries them off with graceful slapstick. A sort of chick flick that Dad will like.
"The Incredibles" (2004) - okay - this one is for the whole family but we know Dad will watch it on his own. A great Dad superhero like no other - he'll be super impressed that you thought of him while buying this one.
"The Addams Family" (1991) - Who could be a better Dad than Gomez? Self-absorbed, cruel, smoker - Raul Julia does credit to the role. A rare almost as good as the TV show film. Interesting depth to the parent - child relationships.....
Where do we guess that Tennessee boy Johnny Depp spent his birthday? I say the island .....The best advice ever given by Marlon Brando - when he told Johnny to keep his money invested in land, but more specifically BUY A TROPICAL ISLAND....oh what a good friend!
Makes you wonder what other pearls were dropped on the set of "Don Juan DeMarco" ......and what advice Iggy Pop gave Johnny when filming "Cry Baby" ......
3 of the worst Johnny Depp films - but you'll still watch them:
"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (1998) - Perhaps its just that 'Hell's Angels' is the only Hunter S. Thompson book worth reading ....or maybe its a female/male thing - Guys love this movie....its awful
"Secret Window" (2004) - So predictable and fashioned more like a TV movie of the week (if you're too young to know what that is, ask your G'ma). And whats with the hat?
"Alice in Wonderland" (2010) - so many great scenes and interesting details strung together with such a great story line .....but not ever really connecting ....What was up with Anne Hathaway's arms? You gotta love Helene's head....okay, watch it but realize, its just not good.
No offense to all the good ol' boys tryn' to be rough hands and rustlers but cowboy pictures just ain't the same no more. Perhaps John Ford was just one in a million, perhaps John Wayne can't be replaced - but really? Can anything new compare?
"High Noon" (1952) - Mr. Gary Cooper is a suit makers dream, all clean lines and sharpness...but give him a gun belt and some dust, the man was made for it. Delivering lines as snappy as bullets- a must view movie.
"The Searchers" (1956) - No one can be tough, mean and full of spite while pulling at your heart strings like John Wayne. Ford does his best work making Wayne and Hunter into believable, hard bitten characters. Cinematography to envy.
"Destry Rides Again" (1932, 1939) - Every rule has its exception....the usual rant against remakes is all mixed up here, because both films are well worth watching and keeping on your rewatchable list. Tom Mix covers anger and emotes undercurrents in the original 1932 version. Meanwhile, Jimmy Stewart smolders along side Marlene Dietrich in the 1939 remake. The first might be difficult to locate, maybe Netflix? but make the effort.
Giovanni Ribisi's twin sister is married to Beck who's mom was involved with the Andy Warhol factory, which makes all of them a cult classic by association. There should be a Ribisi game of separations because he was in "Lost in Translation" with Scarlett Johansson who was married to Ryan Reynolds who was in "Smokin' Aces" with Jeremy Piven who was in
"Family Man" with Nicolas Cage who was in "Gone in "60 Seconds" with Giovanni.
"I love your Work" (2003) - its difficult to have any sympathy for a character who is shallow and ungrateful but expects others to be deep and understanding....Ribisi is outstanding as usual.
"Mod Squad" (1999) - Don't often care for remakes and updates, but this one comes as close as possible to being really good. Dark, joyless, a little grimy - Giovanni and crew take themselves way too seriously and its fun to watch.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" (2010) - the movie is hot fun mess and the soundtrack (Sex-bob-omb music by Beck) is terrific and really the best part of the film. Great silly fun!
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