Cinema Sundays: Best Movies about Dad

Happy Father’s Day – It’s raining here so movies seemed like a great way to celebrate.  Here’s a short list of classics that showcase dad at his best:

1. Finding Nemo – Marlin – widower – gives some pretty great advice, despite the fact he’s grieving the loss of his wife AND 400 of his kids to a barracuda.

2. Father of the Bride – Spencer Tracy’s version AND Steve Martin’s – dad’s trying hard – both are charming and funny

3. Vacation – any/all – Chevy Chase really plays the comedic dad role to the hilt – personal favorite? European vacation but maybe because it is the closest to some of the crazy antics my family had when I was small.

4. My Life – with Michael Keaton – Want to make the dad in your life cry? this is such an underrated movie – MK pulls a Shirley MacLaine Terms of Endearment-level performance as he films life’s lessons while declining from terminal cancer.

5. Mrs. Doubtfire – because no doubt, Robin Williams LOVES those kids (can’t say he’s the best at marriage though…)

6. Boyz ‘N The Hood – Laurence Fishburne – just a wow performance – dads can be serious too and his character – Furious Styles – well, the name sums it up – tour de force performance on what it is to mix tough with love.

Cinema Sunday- Lessons I’ve learned from the Movies: Practicing, “Yes!”

Mr Stay Puft Marshmallow man

Ok, so here’s my little self-talking to as I reach the end of the school year and things get crazy – I can’t get everything done without a little help from my friends…

We probably all remember the Ghostbusters quote:  “Ray, when someone asks you if you‘re a god, you say ‘YES’!”  Well, I always try to think of Ray (aka Dr. Raymond “Ray” Stantz – aka Dan Aykroyd) when someone says, “Can I bring something?” Or, “Can I help you?” … Say “yes” more frequently – people really want to help.

When I’m hesitant, I’ve got to remember that I’m actually doing the generous thing by accepting their offer and by just saying “yes, thank you!”  We all want to feel like we are part of a team effort – a community. Giving and receiving help is integral to generating that feeling.  So, I’ve just got to learn this lesson … BEFORE the world sends Zuul OR the Stay Puft Marshmallow guy out after me.