Reel Reviews by Donovan Darling
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993)
A movie that never fails to bring me to tears of laughter and sadness, this may be my favorite Robin Williams movie and perhaps his best work of comedy and drama. Daniel Hillard (Williams) is an out-of-work but brilliant voice actor whose marriage to Miranda (Sally Field) is quickly dissolving. What unfolds is a dramatic whirlwind: a crappy new job, divorce court, parents living apart, a new home, visitations and alimony. Daniel’s devil-may-care attitude, which makes him a fun dad, is a thinly veiled irresponsibility, which he overcomes throughout the movie. Where he screws up is lying to his family and dressing up as an older Englishwoman in an attempt to see his kids more often — but this, while totally absurd and slightly psychotic, is what makes the movie so funny. And through this other self, Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel learns how to be a better father, take care of his family and his home. Rated PG-13 for mature content and language.
“A Goofy Movie” (1995)
A classic fatherhood and road trip movie, this follows Goofy and Max on a cross-country fishing trip during the summer. When Max pulls a prank on the high-school principal that gets the attention of his crush, Roxanne, he asks her on a date. But getting into trouble at school convinces Goofy that Max’s troubles are only solvable with the open road and they should take a fishing trip, just like Goofy and his father used to do. Due to Goofy’s clumsiness he constantly embarasses Max to his melting point, causing many moments of tension, awkward silence and explosive feelings. It’s about unconditional love and what you’re willing to do for your loved ones, especially your father or children, no matter how much they embarrass you. A funny, silly slapstick romp yet somehow a tender story about a father and son, there are many lessons to be learned here. Rated G.
“The Pursuit of Happyness”(2006)
A movie that dives into the complexity of a father and son’s relationship during incredible hardship, financial struggle and homelessness. Taking place in San Francisco in 1981, Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is dedicated to his son’s (Jaden Smith) happiness and well-being while working in a challenging new stockbroker internship — he’d expected to be paid — at a well-known brokerage firm. Enduring homelessness as Chris learns this new trade, his love, perseverance and optimism keep their heads above water. Equal is Chris, Jr.’s maturity as they encounter challenge after challenge in their unusual living situation, supporting each other in their moments of struggle. Deeply heartwarming, inspiring and a testament to true fathers everywhere, this is a movie in which a father and son, nor the human spirit, can be broken. Rated PG-13 for mature content and language.
“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
-Vito Corleone, “The Godfather”
Dad Jokes
➩ I went to buy some camouflage pants, but I couldn’t find any.
➩ What did the grape say when it got stepped on? Nothing, it just let out a little wine.
➩ What did one plate whisper to the other plate? Dinner is on me.
➩ Try the seafood diet — you see food, then you eat it.
➩ What’s Forrest Gump’s password? 1forrest1
➩ If two vegetarians get into an argument, is it still called a beef?