Movies About Drums

From Irvin Kershner, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American epic space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner. It is the second film of the original Star Wars trilogy and the fifth installment in the Star Wars franchise. The film follows the Rebel Alliance, led by Luke Skywalker, as they are relentlessly pursued by the Galactic Empire under the command of Darth Vader and the Emperor Palpatine. With the aid of his allies, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2, Luke embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he learns the ways of the Jedi and prepares to confront Darth Vader in a final showdown. Along the way, Luke discovers that his father, Anakin Skywalker, is actually Darth Vader and must confront the truth of his legacy. The film also features the introduction of new characters, including Darth Vader's mysterious apprentice, Boba Fett. The Empire Strikes Back was a financial and critical success and continues to be praised for its iconic characters, dark tone, musical score, visual effects, and storyline.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is the beginning of the Star Wars saga and tells the story of a young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, who is thrust into a larger galactic conflict. Luke joins forces with the Rebel Alliance in order to save the galaxy from the oppressive and evil Galactic Empire. Along his journey, Luke recruits the help of two droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, a wise Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a cocky pilot, Han Solo. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission to rescue a princess from the Empire, obtain the plans for the Empire's ultimate weapon, and ultimately save the galaxy from its tyranny.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies
Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is the first installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, directed by Steven Spielberg. When archaeologist Indiana Jones is hired by the United States government to find the Ark of the Covenant, he must battle Nazis and the occult in order to succeed. He is aided by his former lover, Marion Ravenwood, and the two of them travel around the world searching for clues to the Ark's location. Along the way, they face obstacles from rival archaeologists, supernatural forces, and a relentless Nazi agent. With his wits, courage, and quick reflexes, Indiana must outwit his enemies and find the Ark before it falls into the wrong hands.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) is the sixth and final film in the original Star Wars trilogy. Directed by Richard Marquand, the film follows Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and their allies as they attempt to rescue Han from the clutches of the notorious gangster Jabba the Hutt and prepare for a massive battle against the Galactic Empire. Meanwhile, Darth Vader attempts to turn his son, Luke, to the dark side of the Force. The Rebel Alliance musters its forces for the climatic Battle of Endor, where Luke is tempted by Darth Vader to join the dark side and become his apprentice. In the end, Luke faces Vader in an epic lightsaber duel and with the help of his friends and the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi, defeats Vader and the Emperor. The Rebel Alliance is victorious and the Empire is destroyed for good. The film ends with the celebration of the Ewoks on Endor and Luke and Leia fulfilling their destinies as the twin heirs of the Force.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn
Rated R

Reservoir Dogs is an American crime thriller film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in 1992. The film follows a group of criminals as they attempt to carry out a diamond heist that goes wrong. The group consists of Mr. White, Mr. Orange, Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink, Mr. Brown, and Nice Guy Eddie Cabot, who hatches the plan. All of the men are experienced criminals and are hired by a mysterious crime boss known only as Joe Cabot. The heist is a success, but chaos ensues once the men return to the rendezvous point. Mr. Orange is shot and the police arrive, leading to a violent shootout. The heist's mastermind, Joe Cabot, and his son Nice Guy Eddie Cabot, are arrested as they had hired "color-coded" professionals to carry out the heist. With their identities now revealed, the criminals must figure out who betrayed them and get revenge. The film features intense violence and explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the morality of crime.

From John Lasseter, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney
Rated G

Toy Story is a 1995 American computer animated comedy-drama adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by John Lasseter, it was the first feature-length computer-animated film and the first film produced by Pixar. The plot follows a group of toys who come to life and secretly follow their owner, Andy, to an unexpected adventure. The film, starring Tom Hanks as the voice of Woody and Tim Allen as the voice of Buzz Lightyear, follows a rivalry between the two toys that evolves into a close friendship as they work together to escape from the clutches of Andy's neighbor Sid Phillips. Along the way, the pair encounters a variety of other toys owned by Andy's housemates, including a collectible clown, a squeaky piggy bank, and a dinosaur. They also meet a new toy, a space ranger named Buzz Lightyear, who joins them on their journey. The film was met with critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1995 in the United States. Toy Story is credited with revolutionizing the animation industry and inspiring many subsequent films. It has become a classic of modern American cinema and its success

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliott
Rated PG-13

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is an action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1989. The film follows Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) on his quest to find his father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), and the mythical Holy Grail. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and must confront the Nazis, led by the diabolical Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody). Along his journey, Indiana is aided by his father, an old colleague of his father, Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), and his father's former student, Walter Donovan (Julian Glover). With their help, Indiana must battle through the desert and avoid getting killed by Nazi forces while finding the Holy Grail. In the end, Indiana and his father find the Grail, save the day, and make it out alive.

From Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger
Rated R

L.A. Confidential is a 1997 crime drama directed by Curtis Hanson, based on the novel of the same name by James Ellroy. The film follows three detectives in 1950s Los Angeles, who uncover a conspiracy involving police corruption, narcotics, and murder. In their investigation, the detectives must deal with their own moral dilemmas and alliances with the criminal underworld. Through their interactions, the detectives are forced to confront the harsh realities of a corrupt and violent world. With a stellar cast including Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger, and Danny DeVito, the film earned critical and commercial success, as well as nine Academy Award nominations, winning two.

From Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, starring Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart
Rated G

Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 animated musical romantic fantasy film directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise and produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. The film tells the story of Belle, an intelligent and strong-willed young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle and must learn to look beyond his appearance to recognize the kind heart and soul of the true prince within. As Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff, she and the Beast gradually begin to fall in love and break the witch’s curse. The film was nominated for Best Picture at the 64th Academy Awards, and won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. It was also the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture. Beauty and the Beast remains one of Disney’s most beloved films, and is praised for its memorable characters, vibrant animation, and award-winning soundtrack.

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman
Rated G

Aladdin is a 1992 animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is based on the Arabic folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film stars the voices of Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, Frank Welker and Gilbert Gottfried. The plot follows Aladdin, a street urchin, as he falls in love with Princess Jasmine, befriends a magic lamp-dwelling Genie, and battles the wicked Jafar, who plots to become Sultan by marrying Jasmine. Following the success of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin was released theatrically on November 25, 1992 and has since then become one of the most popular Disney animated films of all time. The film garnered many awards and nominations, including two Academy Awards, one Golden Globe Award, and one Grammy Award.

From Sam Peckinpah, starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O'Brien
Rated R

The Wild Bunch is a 1969 Western directed by Sam Peckinpah. The film follows an aging group of outlaws, led by Pike Bishop (William Holden), as they search for a way to go out in a blaze of glory. Along the way, they come into conflict with a vicious, ruthless gang of outlaws led by Deke Thornton (Robert Ryan). The film culminates in a violent and bloody shootout between the two groups, with Bishop and his gang ultimately going down in a hail of bullets. Along the way, the film examines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and friendship, as well as the changing nature of the American West in the early 20th century.

From James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Rated PG-13

Titanic is a 1997 epic romance and disaster film directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The film follows the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, the largest ship ever built and its disastrous maiden voyage in 1912. On a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to New York City, the ship collides with an iceberg and sinks, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 people in the ship's crew and passengers. The main plot is centered on the story of Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater, two young people from vastly different social classes who fall in love during the voyage. Despite the obstacles they face, the two eventually find hope and courage in each other, and their romance serves as a backdrop for the greater tragedy of the disaster. The film also features an ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Billy Zane, Bernard Hill, and Bill Paxton. Titanic was the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by Avatar in 2009. It remains one of the most successful films of all time, winning 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Brian G. Hutton, starring Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, Mary Ure, Patrick Wymark
Rated M

Where Eagles Dare is a classic 1968 war film set during World War II. Directed by Brian G. Hutton and starring Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, and Mary Ure, the film follows a team of Allied commandos on a daring rescue mission deep behind enemy lines. The mission is to rescue an American general who is being held captive in an Austrian castle by the Nazis. Along the way, the commandos face numerous obstacles, including a ruthless German officer, treacherous weather, and treacherous terrain. But the team ultimately succeeds in their mission and make it out alive.

From John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Graham Greene
Rated R

Die Hard with a Vengeance is the third installment in the Die Hard film series and stars Bruce Willis reprising his role as John McClane. The film follows McClane and an unlikely partner, a Harlem store owner named Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), as they attempt to stop a terrorist mastermind, Simon Gruber (Jeremy Irons), from stealing billions of dollars from the New York Federal Reserve. Gruber's plan involves McClane and Carver completing a series of elaborate and dangerous tasks in order to prevent the heist. Along the way, McClane must also confront his inner demons and come to terms with his troubled past. With the help of Carver, McClane is able to find strength in himself and ultimately stop Gruber's plan.

From Jonathan Frakes, starring Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton
Rated PG-13

Star Trek: First Contact is a 1996 science fiction film directed by Jonathan Frakes, and is the eighth film in the Star Trek series. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise-E, the flagship of the Federation, travel back in time to the mid-21st century to stop the Borg, a powerful and relentless cyborg race, from preventing Earth’s first contact with an alien species. The crew soon discovers that the Borg are attempting to change history by preventing Earth's first contact. In order to stop them, the Enterprise crew must battle their way through time and prevent the Borg from assimilating Earth's past. Along the way, Picard must confront his own personal demons and struggle to find a way to save the future of humanity. With the fate of the planet, and the future of the galaxy, at stake, Picard and the Enterprise crew must battle their way through time to save the future of the human race.

From Luc Besson, starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm
Rated PG-13

The Fifth Element is a 1997 science-fiction action film directed by Luc Besson and starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, and Chris Tucker. The film takes place in the 23rd century where a mysterious, powerful weapon known as the "Fifth Element" is needed to protect Earth from a great evil. The film follows Korben Dallas, a former special forces major-turned-taxi driver, as he is unwillingly recruited by a mysterious woman and a priest to protect the weapon and save the world. Along the way, he teams up with a handful of unlikely allies, and with them, he battles against the forces of evil who seek to destroy the world and the Fifth Element.

From George Cukor, starring Judy Garland, James Mason, Jack Carson, Charles Bickford
Rated Passed

A Star Is Born is a 1954 musical romantic drama film directed by George Cukor and starring Judy Garland and James Mason. The film tells the story of an aspiring actress (Judy Garland) and her relationship with an alcoholic movie star (James Mason). As their romance grows, she rises to fame while his career slowly declines. In a desperate attempt to recapture stardom, Mason's character attempts to launch Garland's budding career. However, their relationship is tested as his health and career continue to spiral downward. The film is a classic tale of the star-crossed lovers and their struggles to remain together in the face of adversity.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri
Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a 1984 action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and the prequel to the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark. The story follows archaeologist and professor Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) as he and his companions, Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and Short Round (Ke Huy Quan), journey to a mysterious Indian palace. They are search for a mystical stone from a sacred temple, the Sankara Stone. The trio soon discovers that the palace is a cult of evil worshipers led by the sinister Thuggee cult. Indiana Jones must evade the cult members while trying to save the enslaved children and retrieve the stolen stone. He must also battle the cult's insidious leader, the evil Mola Ram. With the help of his trusted sidekicks, Jones faces seemingly insurmountable odds in his quest, including booby traps, human sacrifice and a magical ritual. In the end, he succeeds in his mission and restores peace to the palace and its people.

From Tobe Hooper, starring JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke, Craig T. Nelson, Beatrice Straight
Rated PG

From John Woo, starring John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Joan Allen, Alessandro Nivola
Rated R

From Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker, starring Tate Donovan, Susan Egan, James Woods, Barbara Barrie
Rated G

From Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio
Rated PG-13

From Roger Donaldson, starring Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Shawn Driscoll, Drake Cook
Rated PG-13

From Ron Howard, starring Val Kilmer, Joanne Whalley, Warwick Davis, Jean Marsh
Rated PG

From Directors: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, starring Kevin Spacey, David Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere
Rated G