I have slowly but surely been working to improve my film history & movie reference knowledge by watching original, older classics whenever I find the time. Movies that invented or perfected the archetypes and tropes used for generations of movies.
There is no particular list or deadline. Just a subtle bucket list item to better know the film lineage, the homages in modern movies and the genesis of famous movie quotes.
I’ve started thinking of these movie classics in 4 types.
The Ultimate Classics: Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, Citizen Cane, The Wizard of Oz — Anything considered “untouchable” and “universally remembered”
The Popcorn Movie Classics: Star Wars, The GodFather, Animal House, First Blood, Jaws — Anything that may or may not have had a lunchbox or action figure made.
The Dramatic and Emotional Classics: Schindler’s List, Taxi Driver, On the Waterfront — Anything you watch once and never want to see again but will always remember
“Dad" Action Movie Classics. Predator, The Terminator, Alien — Sometimes stealing from the popcorn category, these are not movies starring Dads - it means movies Dads know, love and quote.
Defining a Dad Action Movie
A Dad action movie is a film with a logline so masculine, so epic and so ridiculous, the story doesn’t even need to make sense . It just needs to have explosions, some unforgettable quotes and a music score that makes you want to climb Mt. Everest!
A Logline is a one-sentence summary or description of a movie. Loglines distill the important elements of the story—main character, setup, central conflict, antagonist—into a clear, concise teaser. The goal is to write a logline so enticing that it hooks the listener into reading the entire script or watch the entire film.
For my generation, these were some of the staples.
But my generation, was standing on the shoulders of giants. With that in mind, below are a few Action “Dad” movies I’ve recently added to my streaming queue from bygone eras. I’ve included the ACTUAL Loglines used to describe the movie. Can’t wait to cross these off the list!
Every Which Way but Loose 1978 PG
Philo Beddoe is a bare-knuckle boxer who travels to his fights with his friend Orville, and Clyde, an orangutan who has a good right hook of his own.
The Outlaw Josey Wales 1976 PG
Josey Wales is a peaceful farmer and devoted family man until renegades murder his family and destroys his farm. Fueled by hatred, he becomes an outlaw dedicated to seeking vengeance on the people who took everything he had.
Rio Bravo 1959 (Not Rated)
A sheriff enlists a drunk, a kid and an old man to help him fight off a ruthless cattle baron.
Ocean’s 11 1960 (Not Rated)
Danny Ocean gathers a group of his World War II compatriots to pull off the ultimate Las Vegas heist. Together the eleven friends plan to rob five Las Vegas casinos in one night.
Spoilers: The original’s ending is VERY different from the 2001 remake.
What are some great movies I missed?
TRADERDADS MAILBAG
Thoughts? Questions? Comments?
Reach out! Maybe I’ll do a full post on the topic or as a Q&A
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