This entry was written on Jun 25, 2009 by our Dad Guru John Valadez
I wanted to share my top 10 Dad movies. All of these Dad’s have one thing in common, an undeniable devotion to their children. If you haven’t seen them, please make a point to do so on the next rainy day or for Friday Movie Night – enjoy.
10. National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies
· Does anyone not love Clark W. Griswold? Clark’s determination to experience the perfect vacation is a comedic set-up for continually angst and obstacles. Despite Clark’s failures, he always manages to bring his family together and appreciate what they have – their family.
9. Father of the Bride
· Steve Martin portrays a real cheap-o, but all he really wants is his little girl back. The central theme of this movie is about a father coping with “letting go” of his daughter then a wedding, but it makes for a real funny movie.
8. Mrs. Doubtfire
· A dad dresses up as a woman to be close to his kids. What a great premise.
7. Parenthood
· Another Dad movie starring Steve Martin! This movie is very different dealing with all types of issues that arise in parenting. It’s fun, clever and poetic. Ron Howard directed this film and you see the humanistic quality that he brings to the story from behind the camera.
6. Mr. Mom
· This is definitely the funniest “Dad movie” on the list. Dad loses his job, Mom goes to work and let the laughs begin. In the end, Jack realizes that being a Dad is the most important job he is ever going to fulfill. Mr. Mom sparked an entirely new generation of stay at home fathers – and movies.
5. Finding Nemo
· This is the first of two Disney/Pixar films on the list. The best part of this film is the feeling of comfort I had being at the top of the food chain. Secondly, Marlin’s devotion to his son is so believable you forget you’re watching an animated clown fish; and begin to question the ethics of having a fish tank.
4. Kramer vs. Kramer
· Dustin Hoffman shows that a single dad can definitely make a great full-time single parent. Once again we see the recurring theme that a self obsessed career father can figure out what is really important in life – children. Ted Kramer does a complete 180 degree turn when his ex-wife returns and wants full custody of their son – in the beginning of the movie she just picks up and leaves. Ted not only denies his ex-wife, he fights to keep his son.
3. The Lion King
· The Lion King is a time-less classic. Growing up is never easy, but to be convinced of killing your Dad by your Uncle, only to find out your Uncle planned the murder, and then, you have to fight your Uncle to restore order to your kingdom is just Shakespearian. The heart of the film is the moments between father and son – very touching.
2. The Pursuit of Happiness
· This is the only true story on the list and very heartfelt one as well. Having never been a homeless person with a child, I can only watch in awe of this amazing triumph of human willpower. An amazing story and fantastic portrayal by Will Smith and his son.
1. Life is Beautiful
· This movie has subtitles and, if you do not speak Italian, you’ll have to do some reading. This movie is well worth it though. The onscreen dad, Guido, is a person we all aspire to be; and if you were ever in this terrible situation, you have to ask yourself, could you do what this man did for his son? Impossible to know, but what a touching story and a real tear jerker. Easily, the best Dad movie ever filmed.
