For the honor of a king. And the destiny of a country. All for one.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gérard Depardieu, Gabriel Byrne, Anne Parillaud, Peter Sarsgaard, Hugh Laurie

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"It's a prison. Of course, there's no trouble getting in. The problems will come when we want to get out." - Athos

Why watch this? This top-quality movie will entertain you with each thrust and parry.

Plot Summary: The story follows the aging musketeers, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan, during the reign of King Louis XIV. Aramis devises a plan to replace the tyrannical King Louis XIV, who is starving his people, with his compassionate twin brother, Philippe, who has been imprisoned and forced to wear an iron mask since birth. D'Artagnan, loyal to the king, must choose between his duty and his allegiance to his friends as they attempt this dangerous deception.

United Artists; MGM Dist. Co.

No one has seen his face....but everyone....knows this mark.

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stuart Wilson, Matt Letscher, Tony Amendola

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"He is trained to kill. You seem trained to drink. Oh, yes, my friend, you would have fought very bravely, and died very quickly. Who then would avenge your brother?" - Don Diego

Why watch this? This is a fun, action-packed romantic romp. Viva Zorro!

Plot Summary: The aging, original Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega, escapes prison after twenty years, driven by a desire for revenge against the corrupt governor who murdered his wife and kidnapped his daughter. He encounters a young thief, Alejandro Murrieta, who seeks his own vengeance against the governor's right-hand man for the death of his brother. Don Diego trains Alejandro to become the new Zorro, and together they work to thwart the governor's plan to exploit the people and steal California's wealth.

Amblin Entertainment, Zorro Prod.;
TriStar Pictures

The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), Director: Nathan Juran, rated G

The Sheer Magic of DYNARAMA Now Re-creates the Most Spectacular Adventures Ever Filmed!

Starring: Kerwin Mathews, Torin Thatcher, Kathryn Grant, Richard Eyer, Alec Mango, Danny Green, Alfred Brown

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"From the land beyond beyond. From the world past hope and fear. I bid you, genie, now appear." - Sokurah the Magician

Why watch this? The mythical creatures are a treat, especially the hungry Cyclops!

Plot Summary: When an evil wizard shrinks a princess, Sinbad must journey to a dangerous island to find the only cure. This perilous quest is crucial, not only to save the princess, but also to prevent a war between two kingdoms. Sinbad and his crew face terrifying creatures and overcome magical obstacles in their quest to restore the princess to her normal size.

Morningside Productions; Columbia Pics

Slave. Barbarian. Warrior. Thief... Conan.

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Sandahl Bergman, Ben Davidson, Cassandra Gaviola, Gerry Lopez, Mako, Valerie Quennessen, William Smith, Max von Sydow

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Crom, all that matters is that today, two stood against many. Valor pleases you, so grant me this one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, to HELL with you!" – Conan

Why watch this? It's a sprawling adventure in a world where swords and wizards rule.

Plot Summary: Young Conan witnesses the horrific massacre of his village and the death of his parents at the hands of a snake cult leader named Thulsa Doom. He endures years of harsh slavery and training, growing into a powerful warrior consumed by a desire for revenge. Seeking vengeance, Conan embarks on a dangerous quest across the Hyborian Age, encountering allies and confronting the evil forces led by Doom.
 

Dad's Preview: As a fan of the paperback Conan books, I long craved a Conan film. Then came this big Milius/De Laurentiis production featuring the physically unmatched Arnold Schwarzenegger. What could go wrong? First, there is a lot that is very RIGHT. We are transported to Conan's Hyborean age. The plot and fight scenes are great. However, the filmmakers simply missed the true nature of Conan; how he is portrayed from the written page, including Marvels comic books. It's a nit thing, but it will forever bug me.

Dino De Laurentiis Corp.; Universal Pictures

In the face of an enemy, in the Heart of One Man, Lies the Soul of a Warrior...

Starring: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, William Atherton, Chad Lindberg, Ray Godshall Sr., Hiroyuki Sanada, Masato Harada, Timothy Spall

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"From the moment they wake they devote themselves to the perfection of whatever they pursue. I have never seen such discipline. I am surprised to learn that the word Samurai means 'to serve'..." - Algren

Why watch this? It takes the viewer on a historical journey through feudal Japan.

Plot Summary: Set in 1870s Japan, this epic tells the story of an American army captain who is conscripted to train peasants in order to wipe out the rebellious Samurai. During the first skirmish, Captain Algren is wounded and taken prisoner. As he heals, he finds peace from his own demons, and respect for the Samurai culture. He also befriends their leader, Katsumoto.

Radar Pictures, The Bedford Falls Co.,
Cruise/Wagner Prod., Samurai Pictures, LLC;
Warner Bros.

A timeless story of strength, secrets, and two warriors who would never surrender.

Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen, Sihung Lung, Cheng Pei-pei, Wang Deming, Li Li, Hai Yan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"The things we touch have no permanence. My master would say: there is nothing we can hold onto in this world. Only by letting go can we truly possess what is real." - Li Mu Bai

Why watch this? The fight scenes are legendary, flowing like Cantonese ballet.

Plot Summary: Two skilled warriors, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, track a stolen legendary sword known as the Green Destiny. This quest leads them to a young woman, Jen Yu, who possesses incredible martial arts abilities and a mysterious past. Their pursuit of the sword becomes intertwined with Jen's journey of self-discovery and her pursuit of freedom, while also uncovering a connection to an old nemesis.

Columbia Pictures Film, Prod. Asia, Good
Machine Intl., Edko Films, Zoom Hunt Prod.;
Sony Pictures Classics

A Hero Will Rise.

Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, David Schofield, Tomas Arana

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next." - Maximus

Why watch this? It's an award-winning film featuring Russell Crowe at his manly best.

Plot Summary: Maximus is a respected Roman general who is betrayed and cast into slavery when the power-hungry Commodus seizes the throne. Maximus is forced to become a gladiator and fight for his life, but his determination to avenge his family and the former emperor fuels his rise through the ranks of the arena. His journey becomes intertwined with a quest for justice against the corrupt Commodus and the hope of restoring honor and freedom to Rome.

Universal Pics, Scott Free Productions,
Red Wagon Ent.; DreamWorks Dist.

Sets the Cinema Back 900 Years!

Starring: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Connie Booth, Carol Cleveland, Neil Innes, Bee Duffell

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #22 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Rabbit Hole of Monty Python and the Holy Grail

"We better not risk another frontal assault. That rabbit's dynamite!" - King Arthur

Why watch this? This irreverent, Medieval comedy from Python is legendary.

Plot Summary: King Arthur gathers his Knights of the Round Table and is instructed by God to embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Their journey is filled with absurd and surreal encounters, including taunting French soldiers, the Black Knight, a killer rabbit, and the Knights Who Say Ni. The film follows their individual and collective misadventures as they brave various obstacles in pursuit of the mythical relic.

Python Pictures, Michael White Prod., National
Film Trustee Co; EMI Films

The finest cast ever assembled re-lives history's most powerful story of love and rebellion.

Starring: Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, John Gavin, Tony Curtis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"And maybe there's no peace in this world, for us or for anyone else, I don't know. But I do know that, as long as we live, we must remain true to ourselves." - Spartacus

Why watch this? It's the first great gladiator masterpiece.

Plot Summary: This is the story of a Thracian slave, Spartacus, sold into brutal gladiatorial training in the Roman Republic. Witnessing the cruelty and oppression of his masters, Spartacus inspires and leads a burgeoning slave rebellion against the might of Rome. This revolt sparks a major conflict that challenges the Roman establishment and its ambitious figures vying for power.

Bryna Prod.; Universal International

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Directors: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley, rated PG

The Best Loved Bandit Of All Time!

Starring: Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains, Una O'Connor, Patrick Knowles, Alan Hale, Ian Hunter

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I'll organize revolt, exact a death for a death, and I'll never rest until every Saxon in this shire can stand up free men, and strike a blow for Richard and England." - Robin Hood

Why watch this? Nobody draws a bow like Errol Flynn. Watch and be dazzled.

Plot Summary: In King Richard's absence, Prince John oppresses the Saxon people, so Robin Hood, a Saxon nobleman turned outlaw, leads a resistance movement from Sherwood Forest. He steals from the rich, gives to the poor, and defends the downtrodden against Prince John and his men, including Sir Guy of Gisbourne and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin also finds romance with the lovely Maid Marian, and together they work to foil the Prince's plans and ensure the return of the rightful king.

Hal B. Wallis, Henry Burke; Warner Bros. Pics

Better if all these men were dead. Think about it!

Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yoko Tsukasa, Isuzu Yamada, Daisuke Katō, Takashi Shimura, Kamatari Fujiwara, Atsushi Watanabe

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I get paid for killing. And this town is full of men who deserve to die." - Yojimbo

Why watch this? This Japanese samurai film is as good and any American Western.

Plot Summary: This tale features a wandering rōnin looking to sell his sword to the highest bidder. By chance, he lands in a small town locked in a vicious power struggle between two bickering bosses. At first he plays both sides against each other, but finally decides to rid the town of both. He is caught, however, and beaten almost to death.

Kurosawa Production; Toho

Every man dies, not every man really lives.

Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick MaGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, Catherine McCormack, Brendan Gleeson, Peter Hanly, Ian Bannen, James Cosmo, David O'Hara

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Those men who bled the ground red at Falkirk fought for William Wallace. He fights for something that I never had. And I took it from him, when I betrayed him." - Robert the Bruce

Why watch this? This is a powerful film about historical Scotland and its hero, William Wallace.

Plot Summary: This story features William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against the tyrannical King Edward I of England. Wallace unites his people and fights for Scotland's independence, driven by personal tragedy and a desire for freedom. His bravery inspires a nation and leaves a lasting legacy in their struggle for freedom.

Icon Productions, The Ladd Company;
Paramount Pictures

There can be only one.

Starring: Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart, Alan North, Beatie Edney, Sheila Gish, Jon Polito, Hugh Quarshie

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"The Kurgan. He is the strongest of all the immortals. He's the perfect warrior. If he wins the Prize mortal man would suffer an eternity of darkness." - Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez

Why watch this? ... the wonderful blend of history and sci-fi sets this action film apart.

Plot Summary: Connor MacLeod, a 16th-century Scottish Highlander, discovers that he is immortal after surviving a seemingly fatal battle wound. He is trained by another immortal named Ramirez, who explains that immortals can only be killed by decapitation and are destined to fight each other until only a few remain for The Gathering. In 1985 New York City, Connor must face his ancient nemesis, the evil Kurgan, in a final battle for the ultimate Prize.

Thorn EMI Screen Ent., Highlander Prod.,
Davis-Panzer Prod.; 20th Century Fox

Prepare to be blown out of the water.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce, Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally, Zoe Saldana

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #49 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Curse of the Black Pearl

"You best start believin' in ghost stories, Miss Turner. You're in one!" - Capt. Barbossa

Why watch this? It's piraty. It's spooky. It's Knightley. It's Deppy.

Plot Summary: Blacksmith Will Turner and eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow team up to rescue Elizabeth Swann, the daughter of Governor Swann, after she is kidnapped by pirates of the Black Pearl. This perilous journey involves commandeering a ship, recruiting a motley crew, and confronting the treacherous Captain Barbossa, a former ally of Jack, who stole his ship.

Walt Disney Pics, Jerry Bruckheimer Films;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

The story of a man and a woman who lived happily ever after. Even though the courtship almost killed them.

Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Robin Wright, Peter Faulk, Fred Savage

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”– Indigo Montoya

Why watch this? ... True 'tis a fairy tale, but it's laced with wisdom adults will enjoy.

Plot Summary: The story unfolds as a grandfather reads a fantastical tale to his sick grandson about a beautiful woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley. After Westley is believed lost at sea, Buttercup is unwillingly betrothed to the nefarious Prince Humperdinck. However, Buttercup is kidnapped by a trio of outlaws, but is relentlessly pursued by a mysterious man in black and Humperdinck himself, leading to a series of unexpected encounters and adventures.

Act III Communications, Buttercup Films;
20th Century Fox

Here comes the bride

Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine, Julie Dreyfus, Chiaki Kuriyama, Michael Parks,  Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen, Gordon Liu, Michael Bowen

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I can tell you, with no ego, this is my finest sword. If, on your journey, should you encounter God, God will be cut." – Hattori Hanzo

Why watch this? Uma Thurman is a tour de force!

Plot Summary: A former assassin, left for dead on her wedding day, awakens from a coma and embarks on a global quest for revenge. Seeking to eliminate those who betrayed her, she confronts members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad one by one. The first volume culminates in a brutal showdown in Tokyo, where she faces a prominent former colleague turned criminal underworld leader.

A Band Apart; Miramax Films

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Gordon Liu, Michael Parks, Bo Svenson, Larry Bishop, Clark Middleton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"That woman deserves her revenge, and we deserve to die… But then again, so does she. So I guess we'll just see... won't we?" – Budd

Why watch this? ... the bride's showdown with Elle in Budd's double-wide. Keep an eye out.

Plot Summary: Following her murderous spree in the first film, The Bride continues her quest for revenge against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and their enigmatic leader, Bill. Her journey involves confronting former colleagues, recalling her intensive martial arts training under a strict master, and facing unexpected twists related to her past with Bill. Ultimately, The Bride seeks to complete her mission and find a new beginning away from her violent past.

A Band Apart; Miramax Films

Forged by a god. Foretold by a wizard. Found by a King.

Starring:  Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay, Nicol Williamson, Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Cherie Lunghi

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #38 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Excalibur

"You will be the land, and the land will be you. If you fail, the land will perish; as you thrive, the land will blossom." - Merlin

Why watch this? ... because it is the Arthurian legend in vivid, wonderful detail.

Plot Summary: Told here is the epic tale of King Arthur, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to the throne of a unified Britain. Guided by the enigmatic wizard Merlin, Arthur establishes the legendary Round Table and builds the realm of Camelot, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity. However, the kingdom's glory is threatened by internal strife, including betrayal, forbidden love, and the insidious plots of Arthur's treacherous half-sister, the sorceress Morgana.

Orion Pictures, Cinema '84; Warner Bros.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Gordon Liu, Michael Parks, Bo Svenson, Larry Bishop, Clark Middleton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"That woman deserves her revenge, and we deserve to die… But then again, so does she. So I guess we'll just see... won't we?" – Budd

Why watch this? ... the bride's showdown with Elle in Budd's double-wide. Keep an eye out.

Plot Summary: Following her murderous spree in the first film, The Bride continues her quest for revenge against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad and their enigmatic leader, Bill. Her journey involves confronting former colleagues, recalling her intensive martial arts training under a strict master, and facing unexpected twists related to her past with Bill. Ultimately, The Bride seeks to complete her mission and find a new beginning away from her violent past.

A Band Apart; Miramax Films

THE BATTLE FOR MIDDLE-EARTH BEGINS!

Starring: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #5b - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of LOTR: The Two Towers

"So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" – King Théoden before the Battle of Helm's Deep

Why watch this? The second film perfectly stands on its own with attention to story and amazing battle sequences.

Plot Summary: The Fellowship is now scattered as the fight against Sauron and his allies intensifies. Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, while being trailed by the enigmatic creature Gollum. Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli unite with a resurrected Gandalf to rally the forces of Rohan against Saruman's growing army and defend the stronghold of Helm's Deep. The hobbits Merry and Pippin find themselves in the ancient Fangorn Forest and encounter the tree-like Ents, whom they must convince to join the fight against the encroaching darkness.

WingNut Films; New Line Cinema

THE EYE OF THE ENEMY IS MOVING.

Starring: Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #5c - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of LOTR: The Return of the King

"We come to it, at last. The great battle of our time." - Gandalf the White

Why watch this? After two massive films, this delivers on all open plot threads and every moment is a treasure.

Plot Summary: The forces of good launch a final, desperate struggle against Sauron's overwhelming armies as Frodo and Sam undertake the harrowing final stages of their quest to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn embraces his destiny as the rightful king of Gondor and leads the forces of men in battle, while Frodo and Sam, guided by the treacherous Gollum, navigate the perilous lands of Mordor towards Mount Doom. As the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance, each character faces their own trials of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice in the hope of defeating the Dark Lord and restoring peace to the land.

WingNut Films; New Line Cinema

The 13th Warrior (1999), Director: John McTiernan, rated R for bloody battles and carnage

An Ordinary Man...An Extraordinary Journey!

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Diane Venora, Vladimir Kulich, Dennis Storhøi, Omar Sharif, Richard Bremmer, Mischa Hausserman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #40 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The 13th Warrior

"Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." - Herger, the Joyous

Why watch this? It took McTiernan and Crichton to create superb Viking film.

Plot Summary: In 922 A.D., an Arab envoy named Ahmad Ibn Fadlan travels north and encounters a group of Viking warriors. When a nearby village is threatened by a mysterious and deadly foe, Ibn Fadlan is compelled to join the Vikings as the thirteenth warrior to face this unknown enemy. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest to protect the innocent and confront the formidable force terrorizing the land.

Touchstone Pics; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

The Mighty Warriors Who Became the Seven National Heroes of a Small Town

Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Isao Kimura, Daisuke Katō, Seiji Miyaguchi, Yoshio Inaba, Minoru Chiaki

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This is the nature of war: By protecting others, you save yourselves. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself." - Kambei Shimada

Why watch this? This is Kurosawa's great masterpiece about farmers at war with invading bandits.

Plot Summary: In feudal Japan, desperate villagers facing repeated bandit raids decide to hire samurai for protection. They find Kambei, an aging but skilled samurai, who reluctantly agrees and recruits six other masterless warriors to defend the village. The seven samurai train the villagers in defense tactics and prepare for the bandits' inevitable return.

Toho

Mightiest of All Romantic Adventures! ...Storming it's way to the screen with unbelievable excitement!

Starring: Gene Kelly, Van Heflin, June Allyson, Vincent Price, Lana Turner, Angela Lansbury, Frank Morgan, Keenan Wynn

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"To die among friends. Can a man ask more? Can the world offer less? Who wants to live 'till the last bottle is empty? It's all-for one, d'Artagnan, and one for all." - Athos

Why watch this? Gene Kelly's skills are unmatched when it comes to choreographed spectacle.

Plot Summary: Young d'Artagnan travels to Paris seeking to join the King's Musketeers, but his impulsiveness quickly leads him into challenging three of the elite swordsmen to a duel. However, instead of fighting each other, they unite against Cardinal Richelieu's guards and become inseparable friends. D'Artagnan and his new companions become entangled in courtly intrigue and political maneuvers orchestrated by Richelieu, working to protect the honor of the Queen of France.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.