Movies are rated from 1 to 5 stars (1 star being terrible, 5 being outstanding)."Top Pick!" indicates a movie that I think is very good and will have a lot of popular appeal.

Movie links go to Amazon.com. If the film you are interested in is out-of-print, I recommend ordering a used copy via Amazon.com. I've had very good luck obtaining hard-to-find and obscure films this way.

Last of the Dogmen *****

Top Pick! This is one of my all-time favorite films. Someone else described it as "part Dances With Wolves, part Lost Horizon", and there's some truth to that. Berenger plays shy, grumpy and somewhat reclusive tracker Lewis Gates, who is drawn into an unusual quest—to search for a lost Native American tribe. At one point Lewis Gates admits that maybe he was born "100 years too late", because he enjoys roughing it in the solitude of the mountains. Berenger is excellent portraying this colorful and unique character.

The story, acting and scenery of this fine film are all outstanding. Barbara Hershey plays a confident, gutsy and beautiful professor who travels with Gates deep in the unmapped parts of the Montana mountains.She's an excellent compliment to Berenger's character, and they have a good chemistry together onscreen.

This movie has everything—a wonderful cast, a sweet romance, mystery, plenty of adventure and a very remarkable dog! There's an element of escape in this film—it paints an appealing picture of getting away from it all and being in a place where things are simpler and more peaceful.

A feel-good, must-have movie that has a lot of magic and heart to it. Good for the whole family and one of Berenger's best films. VHS | DVD

At Play in the Fields of the Lord *****

Another excellent film with an all-star cast. Unusual and not for everyone, but one of my favorites. Well-meaning Christian missionaries (John Lithgow, Daryl Hannah, Kathy Bates and Aidan Quinn) go to the Amazon jungle to try to convert the natives.

Berenger is very good in one of his most unusual roles—a bitter and profane Native American pilot who is drawn to the primitive Amazon natives. Berenger's portrayal of the conflicted Lewis Moon is haunting—you can't help but be fascinated with the decisions he makes, and worry about his fate.

This movie stuck with me, and had me thinking about it long after I'd seen it. It asks troubling questions about Western culture attempting to influence indigenous native tribes. I came away with the opinion that if any influence is appropriate (which is a judgment call, to be sure), these particular missionaries went about it in the wrong way, and with the wrong mind-set. It was easy to see why their methods would be ineffective.

This movie is beautifully done, and is what one might consider an "art film". There is a lot of nudity in this film, in mostly a "National Geographic" sense. (The Brazilian natives tend to wear almost nothing in the hot sweltering Amazon heat.) Tom Berenger and Kathy Bates also both briefly appear nude in this film. A big deal is sometimes made of this, but in my opinion it's much ado about nothing—"National Geographic" nudity does not shock me. Others may be disturbed by the nudity, so you have been warned!

The film takes some time to pick up speed, but is worth the wait. I can't understand why this has not been released on DVD yet! Based on the Peter Matthiessen novel of the same name, this movie was directed by Hector Babenco. The score (by Zbigniew Preisner) got an Oscar nomination. This movie is lush, beautiful and profoundly haunting and I highly recommend it. VHS

Rough Riders *****

Top Pick! One of Berenger's "historical" TV-movies. He stars as a young Teddy Roosevelt, and he is a marvel. You lose Berenger in there, and all you see is the boisterous, toothy-grinned Teddy with his round glasses and horsey laugh. Sam Elliot, Brad Johnson, Gary Busey, Adam Storke and more actors than I could ever list round out the cast of this outstanding drama.

This film chronicles the time Roosevelt spent fighting in the Spanish-American War. Not only does this film educate the viewer on a part of American History, it draws you in by getting you to care about all the soldiers and their stories. There's so much to this film—even though Berenger is the "main" character and a major player in this film, everyone else is allowed to shine.

Another top-notch film that is educational, gripping, and has one of Berenger's best performances. VHS

Avenging Angel *****

Another historically-themed TV-movie with some real-life historical characters. This film includes a murder mystery, action and romance, but in an unorthodox setting—Mormonism in late 1890s Utah, during the era of Mormon leader Brigham Young (who is played by Charlton Heston).

Berenger is a "Danite", part of a secret militia group which was originally formed to help protect the church, but which now has become somewhat of an embarrassment and a source of fear. Berenger's character is too good at what he does—killing. He's not an evil man but his judgment is clouded by his loyalty and zeal.

This is another one of my favorite movies. It's unique in some respects, but it still has the things that make a good drama—mystery, romance, and a handsome, conflicted hero. VHS

The Substitute ****

Top Pick! Even though I gave this movie 4 stars I consider it a "top pick" because it's so fun to watch. It does have some violence, however, so it's not for young children or those with more delicate sensibilities.

Shale (Berenger) is a tough mercenary who impersonates a substitute teacher in a violent inner-city school after his girlfriend is attacked by thugs. There is something so satisfying about seeing Shale deal with the unruly and sometimes out-of-control students. He astonishes them, amazes them, frightens them, and most importantly, gets them to respect him.

There are some plot holes in this film and portions of the story are only average action fare, but it's still worth a watch. DVD | VHS

Butch and Sundance—The Early Days ****

A "prequel" to the popular '68 film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". Berenger teams up with William Katt to portray the "young" Butch and Sundance. It's no coincidence that a very young and slim Berenger has a vague resemblance to Paul Newman while Katt looks a little like Robert Redford when the lighting is just right.

This film doesn't really have much of a plot—it's mostly just a series of escapades that these two lovable rogues get into in the Old West. This is a charming and amusing movie that's hard not to like, so don't let the lack of a real plot keep you from enjoying it! Many other future stars are in this film—"Robocop" Peter Weller, "Taxi" star Christopher Lloyd, "L.A. Law"'s Jill Eikenberry, among others. This film is slightly intense in parts but most younger children will enjoy it . VHS | DVD

Rustler's Rhapsody *****

Top Pick! This movie may have a sense of humor that won't appeal to everyone. However, it's worth a look if for no other reason than to see Tom Berenger in a role you've never seen him in before, or since. It is a rare gem and one of my all-time favorite movies, ever.

This is a wickedly funny spoof on the formula western. Berenger plays singing cowboy Rex O'Herlihan (and yes, Rex does sing in the movie). Berenger doesn't try to "act" funny, instead he plays a squeaky-clean good guy with earnestness and a straight face, which is absolute comic perfection. Had he winked at the camera and acted as if he were aware that this was a comedy film, the magic would have been ruined.

This movie is full of sight gags, throwaway lines, puns, and send-ups on the western movie genre. While the film's direction strays occasionally and there are a few loose ends, these flaws are far overshadowed by its strengths.

This is also a movie that can and should be seen many times. Each time you see it you'll notice some new subtle joke or visual gag that didn't capture your attention before. This movie is full of fun stuff. Some of the content is slightly suggestive, but nothing too off-color—most viewers will enjoy it for its absurdity. Take special note of Andy Griffith's hilarious presence in this film.  VHS | DVD

Betrayed ****

Directed by Costa-Gravas, this is a powerful film indeed. There are some plausibility problems with the plot, but I didn't let myself get concerned with them overmuch.

This movie explores the "insanity of normality" and how some "wholesome" and seemingly loving people can simultaneously carry something warped and disturbing inside. I won't reveal too much of the plot, other than to say that Berenger is really remarkable here. He plays Gary, an easy-going farmer and single dad who lives with his kids and his grandmotherly mom. Deborah Winger becomes smitten with Gary, only to find out too late that he has more than a few disturbing secrets.

This film is chilling and intense in some parts, but definitely worth seeing. VHS | DVD

The Field ****

This is really Richard Harris's movie, and no wonder—he got an Oscar nomination for his performance as a domineering and stubborn Irishman who won't let go of his ideals and dreams. Berenger is a rich American (the only American in the cast, it appears) who wants to recapture his Irish roots. He decides that he must buy a field in this rural Irish town, but the problem is, Harris considers the field his. There is tragedy and conflict in this movie—even elements of "King Lear".

This is an extremely good movie, but quite depressing at times. Berenger's character is pivotal, but he's not supposed to be the star, Harris is. And Harris is outstanding.

Recommended to those who appreciate a movie with lots of thick Irish accents and a depressing theme! VHS | DVD

Platoon *****

Top Pick! Tom Berenger got an Oscar nomination for his role in this Vietnam war drama directed by Oliver Stone. A disturbing movie but a classic must-have.

[awaiting complete review] VHS | DVD