Time For A Look Back At The "Best Movies of 2017"

It's the end of the year, and time to take a look back at the best of the best.

I reviewed over 160 movies this year, and more than 20 of those received a B+ or higher final score. There were another 10 or so with a solid B that were very entertaining as well, so overall, it was a pretty good year for movies.

Documentaries gave me an additional 8 movies with a B+ or higher score.

My two favorites from that genre both dealt with music:

The Beatles: Eight Days A Week-The Touring Years (2016) Ron Howard's behind the scenes look at the birth of BeatleMania and the effect it had on the world.

Live-Aid: Against All Odds (2011) A sweeping look back at Live Aid and how they managed to pull off a show that experts said couldn't be done.


On the Animation front, only 4 serious contenders to the throne this year, and not a Disney/Pixar among them:

The LEGO Batman Movie, Storks, Trolls, and Boss Baby were all surprising hits in our house this year.

Now it's time to get to the Top 10 movies of 2017:

10) Hell Or High Water -

First, it's a heist film, so immediately I'm interested. Second, it's got Jeff Bridges doing a turn as a high octane Marshal that reminded me a lot of his character in R.I.P.D. Now, as I'm one of only 37 or so people that actually enjoyed that film, I was already hooked. :) A really engaging film and one of the first to land on the Best of the Year list and a year later, it's still standing.

9) Gifted -

A bearded Chris Evans on the Best of the Year and it's not 2018 for Avengers: Infinity War? That's right. Take one of the best feel-good movies of the year as Evans plays the guardian of his gifted niece who may be better off being raised by someone more qualified. Or perhaps love matters most of all when it comes to raising kids, no matter how smart they are.

8) Sing Street -

Because there's always room on a best of the year list for a musical. Especially a good one that takes place in the 80s. Luckily for me, I stumbled onto this one, and fell in love with it. And don't worry, even if you're not a fan of musicals, this one is done in such a way as to feel normal. The majority of the songs take place because the band is performing for a music video or practicing together. Very natural. :)

7) Hacksaw Ridge -

Perhaps someday Hollywood and the fans will be willing to forgive Mel Gibson for some drunken outbursts from nearly a decade ago. But apparently most aren't that willing yet. Maybe the real monsters that were uncovered in 2017 will help speed up the rehabilitation of Gibson's career. Either way, for those that are willing and able to move along, Gibson served up an emotionally charged true story from World War II that was a must see for the year.

6) The Big Sick -

One of the last great films of the year, is also based on a true story. Again, I missed that little subheading when I saw small images of the movie, so I was floored to find out it really happened that way at the end of the movie. You've been warned. Be ready to laugh, and bring along some Kleenex...you know...just in case you're human.

5) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 -

Whoa.
I know what you're thinking.
Don't the Marvel Studios films belong at the top of the list? Absolutely, and I'm sure we'll find something from the company there in just a second. But when you've got 3 great movies released in one year, something's gotta give. And no, it's not because it's too funny. One of the dumbest complaints I've heard about this, or any other movie this year.
 "Gosh darn it, I laughed too much during that film! Horrible!"
No, this one slides a bit down the list because it didn't have the Star Wars "wow, you've never seen anything like this" factor that the first one had. In fact, adding in the emotional father storyline, Vol. 2 then becomes The Empire Strikes Back. It's arguably better than the first one, but for me, Yondu's fate seals this one as not being quite the "must see repeat viewing" that the first one offered. Not because it's not good, it's because I'm tired of crying every time I watch it.
:)

4) Hidden Figures -

Speaking of space... how about another true story about the human computers employed by NASA to get our manned rockets into space! There's a lot of drama, action and social fury woven between the 3 tales that are interwoven into the race to get an American into space and to the moon before the Russians can do it. True stories often make the best stories for the movies.

3) The Founder - 

Case in point. :)
Look no further than this tale of Ray Kroc, the man who created McDonalds. Or... the man who stole McDonalds and created an evil empire. Or both. At the same time. Because this really is the story of the American way unfolding and you'll both love and hate Kroc, often at the same time within just one scene as he unleashes a form of entrepreneurial spirit the world had never seen before. Michael Keaton is brilliant in the role.

2) Spider-Man: Homecoming -

Speaking of Michael Keaton... how great was he as The Vulture? And thankfully, for once, Marvel Studios doesn't kill the villain! Meanwhile, they also put out the best version of Spider-Man since... Captain America: Civil War. Whatever happened before that at Sony, can just stay at Sony. Now that Spidey is an actual part of the MCU, things are looking up.

1) Thor: Ragnarok -

Yesssss!
Go on, smile Chris Hemsworth! You guys deserve it. Not only was Thor: Ragnarok the best of the Thor Trilogy, it was the best film of 2017 and one of the best efforts Marvel Studios has put out yet. And that's like picking your favorite children. Again, I brush off anyone whose biggest complaint was this was "too funny". Thor's a god. He should be cocky and arrogant and a bit brash. The dude fights, and wins, all the time. At worst, Marvel can't make a movie with their version of Hercules anymore, because, he is basically this version of Thor. :) The movie was so much fun, and really, most everyone should have walked out of the theater looking exactly like Thor does in this shot; grinning ear to ear.

That's it for this year.

See you next year when Avengers:  Infinity War, Black Panther, and Ant-Man & The Wasp jockey to be in the Top 10 with 7 other movies. :)

I Will Be Your Father Figure..."Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2"

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Kurt Russell, Michael Rooker, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff,

Written and Directed by James Gunn

The Story:

The Guardians of the Galaxy are back! In the months that have passed, the group of travelers have started to become a family, or at least that's what you would assume from all the bickering. However with the arrival of Peter's (Pratt) dad, Ego (Russell), everyone is about to learn the secret behind their family heritage. That's assuming the Guardians live long enough to find out, as a bounty is put on their heads that sends Yondu (Rooker) and the Ravagers looking for them.

There, hopefully that doesn't give anything away that you haven't already gleaned from the trailers.

Here's the bottom line:

Did you like the first Guardians of the Galaxy?

Then you're probably going to like this one.

Is it better?

Probably not.

Sequels rarely are.

The first one was simply...wow...they're doing this...they're doing that....

It was this generation's Star Wars.

So now we've seen all the wows, as we've been introduced to Marvel Studios space side.

That said, this is a worthy successor to the franchise, and doesn't have any significant drop off in quality. Like I said, we now know all the characters, so there is a lot less exposition this go round in bringing the team together.

This becomes catching up with old friends who have settled in to be family.

Even if they haven't figured out they are family yet.

The laughs flow freely.

Baby Groot is adorable.

Drax continues to steal every scene he is in.

The soundtrack fits perfectly.

And you might even have an occasion or two to need tissues.

:)

Your mileage may vary.

Final Grade: A

The Merc With The Movie..."Deadpool"

Deadpool (2016)

Rated R

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano, Leslie Uggams, Ed Skrein, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapicic

Directed by Tim Miller

The Story:

Wade Wilson (Reynolds) is a mercenary who winds up finding the girl of his dreams, Vanessa (Baccarin). When Wade is diagnosed with terminal cancer, he turns to a place that promises to cure his cancer, and give him amazing powers and abilities to go with his already formidable skills. It is here that Wade becomes the guinea pig for Ajax (Skrein) who manipulates him until Wade's latent mutant abilities are revealed. What kicks in is a healing power that pretty much makes immortal, he will heal from any injury, but the side effect is that his skin is not very easy on the eyes. With vengeance on his mind and Vanessa on his heart, Wade becomes the merc with a mouth that comic fans have loved for the past 25 years, and now the rest of the world is sharing in our joyous rapture...

Deadpool!

Yep, I finally got around to seeing the film.

I figured I would give the rest of a world a couple week head start, and that would also remove the amount of obnoxious fans chattering in the theater.

Worked like a charm.

So, obviously those that know me well enough know that Deadpool is easily my favorite character from the last 25 years, and rivals the likes of Cap, Spidey and Hawkeye as one of my favorites of all time.

Why? He's fun. He's funny. And oh so much more.

He is what you will see on the movie screen, brought to life straight from the comic page.

Reynolds was born to play the role, and it wasn't just by luck that he was cast. The writers of the comic even alluded to Reynolds being the face of Deadpool way back when, long before anyone ever dreamed of Mr. Wilson becoming a movie, let alone the most successful R rated movie, superhero or not, in the history of forever.

All while being done with the smallest superhero budget since Superman or Batman, 2 films that were both made in the 70s/80s.

Yes, an entire century ago!

They made it work with a great script, perfectly cast actors that believed in what they were doing, and believed in the concept of creating the perfect Deadpool movie.

This is easily Fox's best release of any superhero franchise they have the rights to.

Plus, if you saw my Facebook feed, or went on the internet at any point from December until the movie was released, you also bore witness to the genius of the Deadpool marketing team who made the best viral promotion of any movie, ever made.

Genius.

I salute you all!

However, is it the best superhero movie I've ever seen?

Yes...

And no.

IF you're going to make an R rated Deadpool movie, then this is what you're going to get.

COULD they have made this film into a PG-13 movie without watering it down too much?

Absolutely.

Tweak a few scenes slightly, then dial the language back a bit. Have Deadpool utter some nonsensical "Fluffy pink unicorns!" type profanity and that would allow the kids that have grown up seeing Deadpool in the comics and on all the animated Marvel cartoons (as well as all of the superhero toys) a chance to see Wade in action.

But they didn't, and that was their choice.

Will most kids see it anyway?

Absolutely.

My Facebook news feed was filled with stories from everyone who saw it during the opening week seeing lots of 8-10 year olds in the theaters with their parents.

Which tells me they didn't get the memo from Deadpool and Fox that sit this one out and wait until Civil War to take the kids to the movies.

Or, they really don't understand that an R rating should probably be viewed without kids at first, and then decide if you think your child can handle it.

So the knock on Deadpool is it will be a movie that I can't sit back and enjoy with my whole family, like Winter Soldier, Ant-Man, or Guardians of the Galaxy.

Fair enough.

They didn't set out to make a family friendly film, so I can't honestly knock them too hard for it.

I'll just take their + away.
;)

However, anyone that was able to convince their date that it would be a fun romantic comedy, I hope they succeeded because the love story shines through as the entire reason for the movie.

I hope the majority of the cast returns for the sequel(s).

Here's hoping that Deadpool is # 1 again this weekend after 3 straight weeks at the top of the Box Office.

Looks like that ban from China isn't as worrisome as originally feared.

:)

Final Grade: A

You Must Be At Least This Tall To Be Eaten By This Ride... "Jurassic World"

Jurassic World (2015)

Rated PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Jake Johnson, BD Wong,

Directed by Colin Trevorrow

The Story:

Built on the ashes of Jurassic Park, Jurassic World offers new thrills and chills for the dinosaur loving public. The only problem, people get bored with the same old same old dinosaurs. So the park has to get crafty and recreate new attractions. And if it can't breed them, they'll build them from scratch! Of course, when man creates dinosaurs, bad things are bound to happen.

Welcome to Jurassic World!

If you had said that the most successful movie of 2015 would be a near note for note remake/love letter to the movie that inspired it decades earlier...

Well no, you'd still be right.

Because before Star Wars: The Force Awakens shattered the box office records for weekend openings with a movie that seems awfully familiar...

Jurassic World did the same thing months earlier with a movie that feels a whole lot like deja vu.

But you know what?

They both did it to kind of wipe the taste of less than stellar sequels (or prequels) out of a movie-going public's collective mouth as a token of forgiveness and acceptance, all in one.

Audiences responded appropriately and made these popcorn flicks the must see films of the year.

These aren't movies: they are events.

That goosebumpy hair-raising that we got over 20 years ago when Spielberg first let his dinosaurs roam the planet, well that feeling was back in Colin Trevorrow's update.

The majority of the original cast is gone, save for the nefarious BD Wong, but it's filled with great new characters to give the next trilogy (I assume) some legs. Whether the franchise will continue to put 2 siblings in peril for the duration of the film remains to be seen, but so far the formula isn't broken, so why start fixing it now?

Naturally, you need a star who won't get overshadowed playing second fiddle to a bunch of dinosaurs, and Jurassic World Plus cemented Chris Pratt's name as box office leading man.

 However those of us who saw Guardians of the Galaxy, we already knew that.

If you liked Jurassic Park back in the day, you're going to love this one.

If you didn't like either...well, there's something messed up with your DNA.

:)

Final Grade: B+

Simply Put...THE Best Movie of 2014! "Guardians Of The Galaxy"

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper,

Written and Directed by James Gunn

The Story:

Marvel Studios heads into space with a tale of a band of ne'er do-wells led by Star-Lord (Pratt) who teams with Gamora (Saldana) Drax (Bautista) Groot (Diesel) and Rocket (Cooper) in an attempt to save the very universe that considers them to be outlaws.  But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and these Guardians of the Galaxy are about to prove to be every bit as worthy as The Avengers.

Borrowed from my synopsis that I wrote for the movie review when I saw it in theaters.

It was impressive then.

It was a trip into space for Marvel that basically brought the thrill of Star Wars to a generation that grew up on it when it first came out, and it made us kids again.

The acting was superb.

James Gunn is fantastic (and if you want a lot of fun, follow him on Facebook!) and as enthusiastic of an ambassador to the Marvel Universe as you're going to get.

If you don't like science fiction...
If you don't like comic book movies...

I ask that you give this one a try.

Your opinion might change on both fronts.

I've yet to meet anyone out there that saw it and didn't like it.

I'm sure they exist, but I'm not sure I want to know that person.

They are probably dead on the inside.

:)

Final Grade: A+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: One of the only things I wanted for Christmas, it will be enjoyed often over the next few years. 

The 10 Best Films of 2014!!

 When I looked through the reviews from the year, I had over 20 movies that rated a B+ or higher during the year. Not a bad amount, and there were plenty of decent B- through C- rated films that weren't a waste of time.

I did a little trimming this morning, and here were the 10 movies that I enjoyed the most since the beginning of last year.

B-Movie/Horror:

10) Big Ass Spider! 

Any movie with an exclamation point in the title must deliver the goods. Big Ass Spider! did with a thoroughly engaging B movie premise with tongue firmly in cheek while allowing for good characterization, humor and even a thrill or two along the way. Still streaming on Netflix.

Superhero Genre (entry 1)

9) X-Men: Days of Future Past

How does Fox go against Marvel Studios to revitalize their franchise? They hit the big ol' RESET button, and wipe out everything that had ever happened in any X-Men/Wolverine movie. While that normally reeks of desperation, I instead applaud them for the sheer genius of the move. Also, the use of Quicksilver was by far the coolest introduction of a character in ages, and I'm curious to see what Marvel does with their version.

Foreign Film

8) Instructions Not Included 

If you are fluent in Spanish or willing to read subtitles, look no further than the sweetest tale about the joys and perils of raising a child than you've seen in quite some time. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny and sad, this one will take you on an emotional roller-coaster, and by the end, you'll be glad you took the trip. Still streaming on Netflix.

Animation (Entry 1)

7) How to Train Your Dragon 2 

Simply beautiful, as Dreamworks continues to outpace Disney, Pixar and all others as the favorite animation studio of the moment.  Lush, beautiful landscapes and environments, great characters and an impressive voice cast makes this a franchise that is truly worth watching. Be warned, a major character doesn't make it out alive, yet I didn't feel my heartstrings tugged as much as I should have, because you could tell it was coming. Hopefully the next chapter isn't too bittersweet, after all, dragons have to disappear from the earth sometime.

:(

Animation (Entry 2)

6) How to Train Your Dragon 

Yes,  you are reading that correctly. I told the kids I had no interest in their dragon movie for the last several years. With the sequel coming, they begged and begged, and being the good father that I am, I gave in and watched it. 

Absolutely amazing. 

Even moreso than the sequel, and tell me Toothless isn't the coolest animated animal to hit the screen in quite some time.

Sports Movie 

5) Draft Day

Costner's best film in ages, this movie hits the ground running and never lets up. My wife, who barely tolerates me watching the NFL was even engrossed with the film. So impressed were the two of us, that we each bought the other a copy for Christmas. 

That's love right there!

Animation (Entry 3)

4) Turbo 

Dear Turbo haters...

You can suck it.

:) 

Another Dreamworks masterpiece that got no love at the box office, but has scored forever fans in this house, it's a film that is gorgeous to watch, funny to listen to, and has a great  message to never give up on your dreams. Still streaming on Netflix.

Documentary

3) The Battered Bastards of Baseball

If you see only one documentary this year, this is the one you should watch. I saw several great ones, but this one should be turned into a major motion picture, with Kurt Russell as the star.  You should like this even if you don't like baseball.

I know I did!

:)

Still streaming on Netflix. 

Superhero (Entry 2 & 3)

2) Captain America: The Winter Soldier

I was worried when they pulled the director and went with the Russo brothers, but I knew it was going to be good.  I didn't realize it was going to be that good though!

While still a superhero movie, Cap felt like an action thriller from the 70s (that's a good thing) with political intrigue, while given the modern punch of the Bourne/Bond thrillers.

Not too frenetic, just right!

1) Guardians of the Galaxy 

I rolled by eyes when this one was announced. Who? Seriously? Marvel Comics fans barely know or care for the Guardians. I figured this would be the first movie to tank from Marvel.

Whoops.

My apologies. 

I debated on whether this or Cap would get the # 1 slot, but I give it to Guardians because I knew Captain America 2 would be good, and I thought this would be awful.

I was wrong, and will happily admit it.

Now, on to the sequels, and let's see what movies will be crowned the Best of 2015 next year!!

The Fate Of The World Is In Tom Cruise's Hands..."Edge Of Tomorrow"

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

PG-13

Starring Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton,

Directed by Doug Liman

The Story:

An alien menace has invaded earth in the near future, and they are wreaking havoc across Europe and Asia. The world forces are combined to stop them, and on the eve of a massive attack to stop them, an American officer (Cruise) who works public relations is forced to join the ranks of the fighters. While trying to survive, he notices the war's greatest fighter (Blunt) just before she is killed. Suddenly the enemy is upon him and then... he wakes up to start the last day over again. And again. And again. Can the valuable lessons he learns each day keep him alive, and help him turn the tide of the war?

So how did this movie fail at the box office?

It is a well-done production, from start to finish.

The easiest guess, the title blows. :)

It sounds like a cheesy soap opera from daytime tv that you must tune in to tomorrow to find out who's backstabbing who!

The tagline for the film: Live. Die. Repeat. is actually better (and much more accurate) than the title itself.

It could be the sci-fi genre itself. It doesn't exactly appeal to every moviegoer out there, although Guardians of the Galaxy could argue against that rule of movies.

:D

Or perhaps people have tired of Tom Cruise?

That seems the most likely scenario.

Which is both amusing, and sad at the same time.

Cruise has been playing Tom Cruise his entire career, so why are people getting tired of him now?

He actually does a fine job in this film, starting as a coward who grows into a hero as the movie progresses.

If you passed it by in theaters, don't let this one get away on DVD.


Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I could watch this one again, pretty entertaining from start to finish.

Celebrate Columbus Day By Rediscovering "Captain America: The Winter Soldier"

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Rated PG-13 for action, violence and pure awesomeness

Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo

The Story:

A year after the events from The Avengers, Steve Rogers (Evans) is working for SHIELD, but he's not exactly happy about it.  He doesn't want to compromise his principles, yet it seems like all of the missions from Nick Fury (Jackson) are making Cap uneasy.  However, a far greater threat is lurking to undo everything that SHIELD stands for, and Captain America and the Black Widow (Johannson) may not be able to stop it.

So back during my Birthday weekend, Marvel Studios was nice enough to release this film.
That review, many of you have already read right here:

Cap 2

So, what has changed since April with finally seeing it again in the fall?


Not much.

I still maintain that The Winter Soldier is Marvel's answer to a spy thriller with a 70s feel, and they nailed it.  The spies have super-powers, but hey, didn't it always seem like Bond was a little more than human back in the day?

This is a smart action thriller that just so happens to also have some costumed heroes running around in it.

Take out the costumes, the movie still would work.


It just works better as a vehicle for Captain America.

This is still the movie to beat for Best of the Year honors.

We will see if the awesomeness of Guardians of the Galaxy is able to dethrone it.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: There are 2 movies on my Christmas list. Both are mentioned in this review.  I'm counting on you Santa.  :)

A Star-Lord Is Born... "Guardians Of The Galaxy"

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rated PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace

Written and Directed by James Gunn

The Story:

Marvel Studios heads into space with a tale of a band of ne'er do-wells led by Star-Lord (Pratt) who teams with Gamora (Saldana) Drax (Bautista) Groot (Diesel) and Rocket (Cooper) in an attempt to save the very universe that considers them to be outlaws.  But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and these Guardians of the Galaxy are about to prove to be every bit as worthy as The Avengers.

Mostly.

What to say about this film without completely echoing every other critic out there, and without revealing any spoilers?

Let's try...

This is THE Star Wars experience for the 7-12 year olds that we got to experience back in the 70s.
Not those terrible prequels that came a generation later... ick.
:)

Chris Pratt cements his claim to leading man/action hero/everyman action guy.  In other words, if he so chooses, he could be the next big thing.  His Star-Lord is equal parts Indiana Jones and John McClane, and everyman hero who can take a beating but keeps coming back for more.

Vin Diesel steals the movie out from under his co-stars with but three words...and one of the most expressive facial and body language you'll ever enjoy in a film.

You think he nailed it in Iron Giant?  Wait until you catch his Groot!

Cooper instills Rocket with equal parts cockiness, snarky, charm, agression with a hint of heart.  You want the mascot duo?  Look no further.

These guys are the C-3P0/R2D2 combo, except, they're a lot more relevant.

:)

Dave Bautista is given some great dialogue which he delivers perfectly.  He got the role of a lifetime, and I'm very happy to see him up on the screen.

Zoe Saldana proves that she's not a one-trick pony, put her in any franchise and she will deliver.

Lee Pace almost unrecognizable from Ned in Pushing Daisies, and he played Ronan the Accuser without mercy, a total change from what I was used to.  Well done.

James Gunn, he wrote it, he directed it, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe is all the better for it.

I rolled my eyes and wondered what Marvel was thinking when this movie was announced.

I humbly apologize.

This is what they were thinking, and I cannot wait to see how they follow it up in 2017, or perhaps a cameo elsewhere before then.

Bravo everyone.

I'm not sure if I will give this the edge over Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

But so far, it's Marvel running 1-2 for movie of the year.

That's impressive, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

I've got until December to make that decision.


A word of warning from some of my kids:  You might want to bring a tissue along, just in case.


There's some moments in the film that will touch you beyond what you're expecting from a comic book movie.


That's James Gunn and his cast bringing an awful lot of heart to a film that is going to make you feel like a kid again before the credits roll.


They put the tagline "You're Welcome" on the poster months ago.

It wasn't cocky, it was a response to everyone who is now saying "Thank You" for making such a great movie.

Final Grade: A

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I'll be buying it, I hope it's out just in time for the holidays.  Loved it.

And You Thought I Had A Lot Of Kids... "Delivery Man"

Delivery Man (2013)

Rated PG-13 for language

Starring Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smulders,

Written and Directed by Ken Scott

The Story:

David (Vaughn) is the classic underachiever.  He means well, but everything seems to go wrong for him.  His girlfriend (Smulders) is pregnant, but she doesn't think he's ready to be a father, or a husband.  However, when David finds out that his donations at a sperm clinic were used...excessively... from nearly 20 years earlier... and now he's the proud papa of 533 offspring.  142 of them are suing to learn who their father, codenamed "Starbuck" really is.  Much to his best friend's (Pratt) protestations, David opens the envelope and begins visiting his children clandestinely, to see if he can help them in some small way.  If not as a dad, perhaps as a guardian angel?

I quite liked this movie.

Perhaps it's because I'm sentimental, or a dad , or a sentimental dad, but this is a great film about how the heart of a man can change when he decides he really wants to be a good dad.

And maybe that's the heart of this film:

The difference between being a Dad, and being a Father.

When David begins the journey, he finds out he's going to be, and already is, a Father.  That's biological and cannot be changed.

However, it's the steps he takes to learn about each of his kids, and their needs and how he can help, if it's needed, that change his heart into that of being a Dad.

By the end of the film, the court will decide if Starbuck has to be revealed to his children by force...

Or by choice.

It's a wonderful ending to a pretty underrated film.

Vince Vaughn does his usual solid job of being Vince Vaughn better than anyone else could be.  He gets a best friend in Pratt who is able to hold his own with Vaugn when they are onscreen together. 

Yeah, looking forward to his turn in Guardians of the Galaxy.

Final Grade: Solid B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I would happily purchase this one for the library and watch it again.