Dutch (1991)

In the 1991 comedy *Dutch*, we meet the titular character, a working-class man eager to connect with his girlfriend's estranged, privileged son. To get to know his girlfriend's son, Dutch volunteers to pick him up from a prep school in Atlanta and drive him home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, Dutch quickly learns that her son, Doyle, is far from the "nicest kid" – a snobby, disdainful teenager who views Dutch with utter contempt. What begins as a simple road trip quickly devolves into a hilarious, yet often frustrating, battle of wills as the mismatched pair navigates not just the open road, but also their wildly different social classes and personalities, resulting in a series of comedic mishaps and unexpected moments of connection. Peter Faiman, best known for directing the beloved international hit *Crocodile Dundee*, brings his signature touch for character-driven comedy and fish-out-of-water narratives to *Dutch*. Both films masterfully utilize the clash of cultures and personalities for both humor and genuine heart, and Faiman's direction in *Dutch* expertly highlights the script's sharp dialogue and the physical comedy inherent in the escalating road trip chaos. He allows Ed O'Neill's 'Dutch' Dooley to shine as the well-meaning, blue-collar antithesis to Doyle's aristocratic snobbery, crafting a journey that feels both uproariously funny and ultimately uplifting, making it a quintessential example of his directorial strengths and a worthy inclusion on a list celebrating his best work.