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 Dads
Only
by Steve Friedman, Mr. Movie
In today's increasingly complex
world, Mothers are almost always acknowledged
as the primary care-givers, whose love and devotion
to their children are instrumental in shaping
their young lives. But Father's can also have
an immeasurable impact on their young children,
particularly when they set aside the time for
special "Daddy Dates." These can range
from taking day trips together, to building projects,
hands-on crafts, hiking, climbing or even making
a special date to go out to the library, a restaurant,
a museum or a movie.
With the easy availability of older
movies today, sharing the ones that meant so much
to you when you were little can be a truly wonderful
experience, especially if you were introduced
to them by your own father or mother. Some of
my favorite memories are the times my Dad took
me to see historical epics, like "Alexander
the Great," "Helen of Troy" "Ben
Hur" and "Spartacus," all of which
made me want to learn more about ancient history.
My fascination continues to this day and, although
more recent Oscar-winning epics, like "Braveheart"
and "Gladiator," are much too violent
to share with my 11-year old daughter, watching
older epics together has given her a similar interest
in ancient times, which has led us to research
them in the local library and to build miniatures
of such ancient objects as the pyramids and Stonehenge.
Movie Dates can be
surprisingly exciting for both Dads and their
kids... Dads get to relive the experience of seeing
a favorite film through the eyes of their children,
who may wind up wanting to learn more about a
film's subject matter and may even go on to change
their outlook on the world. For instance, more
than one youngster who saw "Raiders of the
Lost Ark" went on to study archeology and,
even if your own children don't, chances are that,
no matter how old they get to be, they'll always
have a special affection for the movie, just because
they originally saw it with you!
The following list contains just
a few of the thousands of films that deal specifically
with Fathers and children. While they take place
in many different times and places, each one of
them is about how parents affect their children
and vice versa. Some of them were boxoffice hits
and some of them weren't, but each and every one
has stood the test of time. Most importantly,
each one is family-safe and perfect for watching
together.
Happy viewing!
"Alexander the
Great" (1956) 141 Minutes - Color
- Unrated
This color epic recaptures the life and times
of the Macedonian boy whose rivalry with his father,
King Philip, led him to conquer all the known
world before his death at the age of 32, in 323
BC. Older children will be amazed to discover
that, even 2,300 years ago, family relationships,
love, loyalty, jealousy and trust were all pretty
much the same as they are today. Richard Burton
and Fredric March star as the philosopher soldier
and his warrior father, whose relationship literally
changed the face of the world.
"Friendly Persuasion"
(1956) 137 Minutes - Color - Unrated
Easily one of the least-known films ever to be
nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, "Friendly
Persuasion" also happens to be one of the
few perfect films ever made. Gary Cooper and Dorothy
McGuire star as Jess and Eliza Birdwell, a Quaker
farmer and his church elder wife, living in 1860's
Indiana, in this loving adaptation of Jessamyn
West's beloved novel. Fans of "Little House
on the Prairie" and "The Waltons"
will love the look and feel of this totally believable
family film. As the Civil War begins to touch
their peaceful way of life, Jess and his son,
played by Anthony Perkins (in the Oscar-nominated
role that made him a star), are forced to examine
their own beliefs about the ultimate price of
living in peace. An unforgettable family film
with a unique balance of love, laughter, violence
and strength, "Friendly Persuasion"
is perfect for family members of all ages, believably
creating the look and feel of a simpler time in
our nation's past, effortlessly blending family
values, respect, laughter and compassion into
a compelling, warm and ultimately unforgettable
family classic.
Tom Thumb '58
To Kill a Mockingbird '62
Star Wars '77
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
'89
Cinema Paradiso '89
Forrest Gump '94
Finding Nemo 2003 |
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What Dads Can Do with Their Kids Over the
Holiday Break
 Armin
Brott, Mr. Dad Armin Brott,
a nationally recognized parenting expert,
is known worldwide as Mr. Dad. The leading
author of books on fatherhood, his best-selling
works have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Armin writes the nationally syndicated column,
"Ask Mr. Dad," and hosts the "Positive
Parenting" radio show. He is also a
highly sought-after speaker and teacher,
a frequent guest on television and radio,
and is widely quoted in print and on the
web.
"Fatherhood...
there's no question that dads are important.
Sure, moms are the ones who breastfeed and
they probably change more than their fair
share of diapers. But dads play a unique—and
essential—role in their children's
lives from the very start. Kids who grow
up with actively involved fathers are happier,
healthier, smarter, and better adjusted
than those who don't."
–
Armin Brott,
www.mrdad.com
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