(DML Top 20 Lists - Action Comedy Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

Six Days, Seven Nights (1998), Director: Ivan Reitman, rated PG-13

After this week in paradise, they're going to need a vacation.

Starring: Harrison Ford, Anne Heche, David Schwimmer, Jaxqueline Obradors, Temuera Morrison, Danny Trejo

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"You know how a woman gets a man excited? She shows up. That's it. We're guys, we're easy. Of course, for that you can't charge six bucks an issue, now can you?" – Quinn Harris

Why watch this? It's refreshing to watch the reliable Ford and sexy newcomer Anne Heche.

Plot Summary: On a romantic vacation with her fiancé, a busy New York magazine editor is called away for an urgent work assignment in Tahiti. She hires a gruff, laid-back cargo pilot with whom she shares a mutual dislike to fly her to the neighboring island. A sudden storm forces them to crash-land on a deserted island, where they must survive the wilderness and each other's company while awaiting rescue.

Dad's Preview: Ford and Heche are such an unlikely couple both on and off the screen. However, they're more than convincing, and their chemistry is the heart of this film. These two people become stranded on an island fraught with dangers, including modern day pirates. He's trying to forget a past relationship, while she's a fast-moving executive unsure of her current fiancé (Schwimmer is so funny). This well-done film will have you giggling and ooh-ing at the island scenery. Anne, dear sweet girl, you left us too soon.

Touchstone Pictures, Caravan Pictures,
Northern Lights Ent., Roger Birnbaum Prod.;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #20 Top

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), Director: Stanley Kramer, Rated Approved

the biggest entertainment ever to rock the screen with laughter!

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Ethel Merman, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, Phil Silvers, Terry Thomas, Jonathan Winters, Edie Adams, Dorothy Provine, Jim Backus, Peter Falk, Norman Fell, Jimmy Durante

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Listen, anything you got to say about your mother in-law, you don't have to explain to me. You know what I mean? Like if she were the star of a real crummy horror movie, I'd believe it." – Lennie Pike

Why watch this? It certainly IS madness... wonderful, calamity-filled comedy by the industry's comedic heavyweights.

Plot Summary: At the scene of an auto accident, escaped convict, Smiley Grogan, with his last breath, reveals to a group of witnesses that there's $350,000 buried underneath the "big W" in Santa Rosita State Park. This starts a madcap race to the park (several hundred miles away) by four desperate packs of money-grubbers, the likes the world has never seen. By car, plane, truck, these lunatics will do ANYTHING to get there first and nab the cash. All this attracts the attention of Police Captain T. G. Culpepper who is literally days from retiring.

Dad's Preview: Why all the insanity? That's easy - it's all about money, an induced green-fever, if you will. This flick marks a pinnacle of stunt-filled comedy, and it is a joy to watch each veteran comedian scheme to outwit, out-distance, and out-last the others. It is truly an adventurous spectacle to behold, but you might want to take a mild sedative beforehand.

Casey Productions; United Artists

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #19 Top

Zombieland (2009), Director: Ruben Fleischer, rated R for language, zombie violence and gore

Our Land is Their Land

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Amber Heard, Bill Murray, Derek Graf, Cesar Aguirre

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"The first rule of Zombieland: Cardio. When the zombie outbreak first hit, the first to go, for obvious reasons... were the fatties." - Columbus

Why watch this? As advertised, it's Superbad meets Shaun of the Dead. I'm in.

Plot Summary: A timid, rule-following survivor named Columbus navigates a post-apocalyptic America overrun by zombies, attempting to reach his hometown in Ohio. Along the way, he teams up with a gun-toting, Twinkie-obsessed survivor named Tallahassee and two crafty sisters, Wichita and Little Rock. Together, this unlikely quartet embarks on a dangerous, darkly comedic road trip across the country.

Dad's Preview: This deliciously witty horror comedy takes on the zombie genre and ends up being one hell of a funny flick. It never takes itself too serious. With all the carnage around them, we somehow sense that our four protagonists will find a way to come out on alive and intact. There is a very unexpected cameo from a certain SNL alumni - you will laugh out loud in that moment. It flow wells at a pleasant pace. I also enjoyed the film's budding relationship between Eisenberg and Stone, lovingly set among bloody corpses and undead screams. So sweet.

Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media,
Pariah; Sony Pictures Releasing

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #18 Top

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005), Director: Nick Park, Steve Box, rated G

Something wicked this way hops.

Starring: (the voice talents of:) Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Peter Kay, Nicholas Smith, Liz Smith, Dicken Ashworth, Edward Kelsey, Mark Gatiss

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"It's time we tried my latest invention, the Mind Manipulation-omatic. It extracts unwanted thoughts and desires. I haven't tested it yet, but it should be perfectly safe. Just a bit of harmless brain alteration, that's all" – Wallace, regarding his cheese obsession

Why watch this? It's hilarious action and creativity one scene after another!

Plot Summary: When rabbits threaten the annual town vegetable competition, inventor Wallace and his silent but resourceful dog Gromit launch their new pest-control business, "Anti-Pesto," to humanely catch the culprits. Their efforts become complicated by the arrival of an enormous, mysterious were-rabbit that ravages the town's prize-winning gardens. As the competition judge Lady Tottington enlists Wallace's help, both he and his rival, the hunter Lord Victor Quartermaine, race to capture the beast.

Dad's Preview: In what is obviously an endless abyss of creativity, Nick Park and his gang of clay-mation maestros do it again. This time our resourceful, and technology-capable duo, have taken on pest control to save the town's veggie gardens. This wonderful family animated film will have you laughing out loud for its duration. I am fascinated at Wallace's inventions, namely the dependable BV6000 rabbit retrieval mechanism, with two settings: Suck n Blow. I also love Gromit's expressions. Being mute, his face masterfully emotes, often an eye-roll at Wallace's dumb ideas. It's good clean fun for these two British blokes. So, I hope you'll give them a watch, and you don't have to be a kid to partake.

Aardman Features; DreamWorks
Animation SKG; DreamWorks Pics

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #17 Top

Kick-Ass (2010), Director: Matthew Vaughn, Rated R for language and violence

I can't fly. But I can kick your ass.

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nicolas Cage, Lyndsy Fonesca, Garrett M. Brown, Clark Duke, Evan Peters, Deborah Twiss, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Elizabeth McGovern

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"The world I lived in, heroes only existed in comic books, and I guess that would have been okay -- if bad guys were make-believe, too... but they're not." - Dave Lizewski

Why watch this? It sure ain't your daddy's super-hero film.

Plot Summary: Dave Lizewski, an ordinary, comic-book-obsessed teenager, decides to become a real-life superhero despite having no special powers or training. He quickly gains internet fame but finds himself way over his head when he crosses paths with a ruthless crime boss and a mysterious father-daughter vigilante duo. Alongside these deadly, professional heroes, Dave must learn to survive in a violent world and fight to take down the local criminal underworld.

Dad's Preview: This uber-violent action thriller, based on a comic book series by Mark Millar, is not about super-heroes. It's vigilantism performed by teens who still have acne. In a world filled with bullies and general unfairness, these "heroes" do show a lot of moxie and take quite a beating doing so. I was impressed with the performance of Miss Moretz as Hit-Girl, a twirling dynamo of death by a thousand cuts, and, man, the mouth on her! Her father and trainer, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, was a nice touch, too. The plot moves nicely and is engrossing to watch. This film will appeal more to fans of Amazon's The Boys, than those who loved the original Superman and Batman films.

Marv Films, Plan B Ent.; Lionsgate

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #16 Top

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Director: Joe Johnston, rated PG

The most astonishing, innovative, backyard adventure of all time!

Starring: Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman, Kristine Sutherland, Amy O'Neill, Thomas Wilson Brown, Jared Rushton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Look, my dad's machine works. When we get home and he fixes us all, we're gonna be so rich. You'll regret this." – Amy Szalinski

Why watch this? Four teens are minimized to the size of ants. Now, that's a problem.

Plot Summary: An absent-minded inventor, Wayne Szalinski, accidentally shrinks his and his neighbor's children to a minuscule size with his new experimental ray machine. Accidentally swept into the trash, the four children must brave the now-enormous and dangerous backyard, filled with towering grass and menacing insects, to find their way back home. While the miniaturized kids face perilous challenges, Wayne and his wife search frantically for their missing children, eventually realizing the incredible truth and working to reverse the shrinking process.

Dad's Preview: The real genius at play here is the creative perils that befall the miniaturized kids. The yard's grass is now a forest, simple water drops are a flood, and a tiny insect is a hungry monster! The actors portraying the children did a fine job, as it mostly felt very real. There are many memorable, tender and scary moments. This huge Disney hit, will grow on you.

Walt Disney Pics, Silver Screen Partners III;
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #15 Top

A Knight's Tale (2001), Director: Ridley Scott, rated PG-13 for language, medieval violence

WE WILL ROCK YOU

Starring: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon, Paul Bettany, Laura Fraser, Alan Tudyk

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting. In what world could you possibly beat me?" – Adhemar

Why watch this? This is an olde tale of medieval jousting, infused with modern music and personalities.

Plot Summary: Upon his master's untimely death, a peasant squire with a passion for jousting seizes the opportunity to pursue his dreams by posing as a knight in 14th century Europe. Aided by his loyal friends and a struggling writer, who helps forge his noble lineage, he embarks on a journey to compete in tournaments across Europe. Along the way, he encounters romance and faces challenges that test his courage and the true meaning of honor, despite his humble origins.

Dad's Preview: I will say this for A Knight's Tale, it's unconventional, and that is one of it's key strengths. The setting is the days of yore and knights in armor. The soundtrack is 1980's rock. Of course, this is a marriage made in heaven! The dangerous, and sometimes deadly, game of jousting blends well with rock 'n roll. The hunky Ledger and his band of merry misfits are so entertaining. The ballroom dance scene, set to David Bowie's Golden Years, is my favorite moment, but the entire film is superbly fun.

Columbia Pics, Escape Artists, Finestkind
Prod.; Sony Pictures Releasing

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #14 Top

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), Directors: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, rated R for some language, adult themes, violence

A Film from Daniels

Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong, Tallie Medel, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., Biff Wiff, Sunita Mani, Brian Le

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Every rejection, every disappointment has led you here to this moment." - Waymond Wang

Why watch this? There are mind-trip films - then there is this chaotic eye-candy.

Plot Summary: This mind-bending story centers on Evelyn Wang, a laundromat owner who feels her life has been filled with missed opportunities and regrets. During a stressful IRS audit, she discovers, with help from her husband, the existence of the multi-verse. To her amazement, she can access the memories, skills, and experiences of her alternative selves across countless universes. Evelyn is tasked with using these newfound abilities to fight against a powerful being threatening to destroy the multiverse, while also navigating complex family relationships, particularly with her daughter, Joy.

Dad's Preview: I read about this film, and purchased the Blu-ray disc before seeing it. I was THAT sure a) it would be great, and b) I would love it. Both were correct. It's unlike any film I have ever seen, anywhere, anytime. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning 7 including Best Picture, Director, Actress (Yeoh), Supporting Actor (Quan), Supporting Actress (Curtis), Original Screenplay and Editing. It is one hell of a mind-trip.

IAC Films, Gozie AGBO, Year of the Rat,
Ley Line Ent.; A24

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #13 Top

Crocodile Dundee (1986), Director: Peter Faiman, rated PG-13

He came from Down Under...to turn the Big Apple upside down!

Starring: Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, John Meillon, David Gulpilil, Mark Blum, Michael Lombard, Reginald VelJohnson, Steve Rackman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm always all right when I'm with you, Dundee. God, that sounds corny. Why do always make me feel like Jane in a Tarzan comic?" - Crocodile Dundee

Why watch this? The lovable Aussie really sweeps you off your feet.

Plot Summary: American reporter Sue Charlton travels to the Australian Outback to interview the legendary Mick "Crocodile" Dundee. Intrigued by his unconventional lifestyle, she invites him to experience life in New York City. Mick navigates the complexities of modern life in the bustling urban environment, leading to humorous culture clashes and unexpected situations.

Dad's Preview: On rare occasions, a person emerges who is so unique, so charismatic, that it only makes sense to give them a movie deal. In this comical tale, an attractive news reporter travels Down Under to bring the world the true story of Nick "Crocodile" Dundee. She's impressed enough to return to New York City with Nick in tow. That's when the fun really begins, you know, a hick in the big city. The film is witty, romantic and a whole lot of fun. G'day, Mate!

Rimfire Films; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #12 Top

Big Trouble in Little China (1986), Director: John Carpenter, rated PG-13 for language, sci-fi violence

Some people pick the darnedest places to start a fight!

Starring: Kurt Russell, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong, Kim Cattrall, Kate Burton, Donald Li, Carter Wong, James Pax

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"... it's all in the reflexes." - Jack Burton

Why watch this? It's packed full of action, sci-fi, martial arts and laughs.

Plot Summary: Trucker Jack Burton gets pulled into a supernatural conflict when his friend Wang's fiancée is kidnapped in San Francisco's Chinatown. They discovers an ancient sorcerer named Lo Pan is behind the abduction, seeking to break a curse that keeps him in spirit form. Jack, Wang and their allies must battle mystical forces and formidable foes to save the girl and stop Lo Pan's sinister plan.

Dad's Preview: This was Carpenter's last great film IMHO. It has a little bit of everything: heroes, damsels, martial arts, Chinese mysticism, hairy 8-foot monsters, floating zombie heads, you know, the usual. Russell is iconic as Jack T. Burton, an over-confident truck driver who waaayyy over-estimates his charm. Still, there's a lot to love about him. Dennis Dun, as Wang, keep's Burton under control, while James Hong is also superb as the evil sorcerer Lo Pan.

Larry J. Franco; 20th Century-Fox

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #11 Top

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), Director: Tom Shadyac, rated PG-13 for off-color humor, some sexual content

To Serve and Protect... Your Pets!

Starring: Jim Carrey, Courtney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, Dan Marino, John Capodice, Troy Evans, Noble Willingham, Troy Evans, Raynor Scheine

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"It's all that Dan Marino's fault, everyone knows that. If he had held the ball, laces out, like he was supposed to, Ray would never have missed that kick. Dan Marino should die of gonorrhea and rot in hell. Would you like a cookie, son?" – Mrs. Finkle

Why watch this? ... 'cause it is one of the funniest films ever made.

Plot Summary: Ace Ventura is a flamboyant, eccentric pet detective. He is hired to find Snowflake, the missing mascot of the Miami Dolphins. Ace employs his rather unique methods to track down the aquatic mammal and finds himself entangled in a wider mystery along the way.

Dad's Preview: I heard there was this outrageous young new comic, Jim Carrey, on the cable show In Living Color. This low-budget, comedic melee was his first feature film. Carrey's style sort of assaults you, and it takes some getting used to. This gut-buster is scene after scene of outrageousness. It also is genius at work. Incidentally, the great film critic Roger Ebert absolutely HATED this film. Like many critics and viewers alike, he just didn't get it. For me, it never gets old. (Sidenote: the sequel just wasn't as funny.)

Morgan Creek Productions; Warner Bros.

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #10 Top

48 Hrs. (1982), Director: Walter Hill, rated R for violence, harsh, racial language

The boys are back in town.

Starring: Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, Annette O'Toole, James Remar, Sonny Landham, David Patrick Kelly, Brion James, James Keane

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm gonna tell you something about this man! He's got more brains than you'll ever know! He's got more guts than any partner I ever had." - Jack Cates

Why watch this? It's a pleasure watching the two lead actors slug it out.

Plot Summary: A tough San Francisco detective hunts a dangerous escaped criminal responsible for killing his fellow officers. To find him, the detective enlists the reluctant help of the criminal's former associate, a charismatic convict, who is granted a temporary 48-hour release from prison. Now, this unlikely pair must work together against the clock to track down the killer before their time runs out.

Dad's Preview: Eddie Murphy joined SNL after the show declined. I watched his stand-up routine, Raw, and was not a fan. Then, boom! This film, along with Trading Places (1983), became huge Murphy hits. He impressed me going toe-to-toe with veteran tough-guy Nick Nolte. The creative premise deals with two men, forced to work together: one is a burnout detective, the other a wise-ass convict. They have to hunt down two really nasty bad guys. Nolte, a real racist grump, initially hates the quick-witted Murphy... but he eventually softens. The honky-tonk bar scene is priceless.

Lawrence Gordon Pics; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #9 Top

Romancing the Stone (1984), Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG

She's a girl from the big city. He's a reckless soldier of fortune. For a fabulous treasure,
they share an adventure no one could imagine... or survive.

Starring: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Alfonso Arau, Manuel Ojeda, Zack Norman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"What did you do, wake up this morning and say, 'Today, I'm going to ruin a man's life?'" - Jack Colton

Why watch this? It's a fun film that plays like a trashy romance novel.

Plot Summary: Joan Wilder is a shy romance novelist who must travel to Colombia to ransom her kidnapped sister. The ransom involves a treasure map sent to Joan by her sister's murdered husband. Lost in the Colombian jungle, Joan encounters Jack T. Colton, a rugged American bird smuggler. Jack helps Joan navigate the perilous jungle as they are pursued by a corrupt Colombian police colonel and the criminals who kidnapped Joan's sister.

Dad's Preview: Hot on the heels of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), this treasure-seeking adventure film was more light and romantic, but still quite exciting. Our heroine, Joan Wilder, ends up in the jungles of Central America looking for her missing sister. There she meets roust-a-bout, Jack T. Colton, who is always looking for a quick fortune. They decide to secure a lost jewel to use for her sister's trade. It's a wonderful, enjoyable film for date night, and the chemistry between Douglas and Turner heats up the screen.

El Corazon Producciones S.A.;
20th Century Fox

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #8 Top

The General (1926), Director: Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman, rated Passed

The tale of a lad, a lass and a locomotive

Starring: Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender, Jim Farley, Frederick Vroom, Frank Barnes, Charles Henry Smith, Joe Keaton, Mike Donlin, Tom Nawn

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Please don't lie - I don't want you to speak to me again until you are in uniform." - Annabelle Lee, to Johnnie Gray, regarding his enlistment rejection

Why watch this? Before Chaplin, there was Buster Keaton, and he was a comedic genius.

Plot Summary: At the start of the American Civil War, Johnnie Gray, a train engineer aboard The General, is rejected from service. This brings shame upon him and infuriates his girlfriend, Annabelle Lee. A year later, when Union spies seize The General, Annabelle is captured and held captive. Johnnie rushes to free her, using any means available including a handcar and bicycle. Eventually Johnnie boards a locomotive called the Texas, but accidentally leaves the Rebel troop car behind. This starts an epic adventure where a lone man must stop the Union army, get back his favorite engine, and win back Annabelle Lee.

Dad's Preview: This film initially flopped at the box office, however time has been very kind. Keaton himself was very proud of this work. I chase movie is a work of comedic genius. The stunts and effects are themselves choreographed motion picture art. It also semi-chronicles an actual event in history, called the Great Locomotive Chase. Today, many film historians and societies rank this comedy classic as one of the greatest films every made.

Buster Keaton Prod., Joseph M. Schenck
Productions; United Artists

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #7 Top

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

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

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

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

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

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

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

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #6 Top

The Blues Brothers (1980), Director: John Landis, rated R for language

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

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.

Dad's Preview: How is it possible to take an Saturday Night Live skit and turn it into this spectacle?! On the heels of the raunchy Animal House (1978), John Belushi had more cred with the studio execs, so he brought in John Landis to direct. Beside being a wonderful homage to Chicago blues, it manages to be a road/buddy, car-chase-filled action/comedy. Hell, there are even Nazi's. Not to mention cameo's from Carrie Fisher, James Brown, Twiggy, Ray Charles and the goddess of soul herself, Aretha Franklin.

Robert K. Weiss; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #5 Top

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

An epic of epic epicness.

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

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

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

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

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

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

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

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #4 Top

Men in Black (1997), Director: Barry Sonnenfeld, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence

Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe

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 are benevolent, but not all. This film is packed with slimy aliens 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 amazing as Edgar/The Bug. This sci-fi goldmine is creative with lots of laughs and creatures from outer space.

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

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #3 Top

Back to the Future (1985), Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG

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.

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: Marty McFly is a teenager who travels back to 1955 using a time machine built by his friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown. He accidentally prevents his parents from meeting and falling in love, putting his own future existence at risk. Marty must ensure his parents get together and find a way to return to his own time.

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? No way that doesn't get a little weird.

Amblin Entertainment; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #2 Top

Tremors (1990), Director: Ron Underwood, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence, mild gore

The monster movie that breaks new ground.

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.

Dad's Preview: I cannot say enough about Kevin Bacon. In Animal House (1978) I hated him as a snobby frat boy. He has since earned my respect. He certainly is a hard-working actor. This monster film hits the right blend of horror/gore, action and comedy from start to finish. Scientifically it's preposterous, so don't waste your time trying to make it make sense. Just go with it. Fred Ward also shines as Bacon's hillbilly sidekick, Earl. The two become unlikely protectors as giant worms threaten a small, desert hamlet. Despite the topic, the film is well-done and very fun to watch.

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

Top 20 Action Comedy Films #1 Top

Midnight Run (1988), Director: Martin Brest, rated R for strong language.

A tough bounty hunter. A sensitive criminal.

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.

Dad's Preview: This is a superb buddy and/or road movie. It focuses on two polar opposite characters: one is a tough bail bondsman, Jack; the other, a meek, soft-spoken mob accountant known as "The Duke". Suffice it to say this film is packed with FBI agents, the Mob, car chases, and train rides. That said, I really enjoy the small scenes: scamming cash from Red's Bar, Jack's hurried visit to his estranged wife and daughter, and the film's perfect ending. What really impressed me was the humor, especially from non-comedic actors De Niro and Grodin - they play so well off each other.

City Lights Films; Universal Pictures