With Father’s Day just over a week away, it’s a great time for a movie night with Dad. Here are a few favorites, and some picks that might be new for one or both of you!
Nicolas Cage in Raising Arizona
Raising Arizona, 1987
Raising Arizona stars young Holly Hunter and Nicolas Cage, is Edgar Wright’s favorite film of all time, and only got 1 and a half stars from the zaniness free Roger Ebert. In my book that’s a great recommendation. This early Coen brothers film is as wacky as it gets, and centers on a couple that, when finding out that children of their own aren’t possible, do the obvious next best thing, and kidnap one of a set of quintuplets. One of the funniest films ever made, Dad will be happy to revisit this 1987 classic, or give it a first time watch. Available on Amazon Instant Video.
Michael Keaton in Multiplicity
Multiplicity, 1996
In Multiplicity Michael Keaton stars as an overworked Dad who in an effort to create more time for himself and his family clones himself. He eventually ends up with three clones: one is a gruff, macho, workaholic, another is feminine, domestic, and cried that one time the soufflé fell, the last one is a copy of the first clone and as a result is almost incoherent and keeps pizza in his wallet. Hilarious mix ups ensue as Keaton’s character Doug tries to find the perfect balance between work, leisure and family; and tries to keep his wife from finding out about the three extra Dougs. Available on Amazon Instant Video.
Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire, 1993
Anyone who grew up in the 90’s or had kids in the 90’s has probably seen this film at least ten times, but so what, it’s the comfort food of family films. Robin Williams stars as Daniel Hillard, a man who, in order to spend time with his children masquerades as the ideal nanny, a 65 year old Scottish woman named Mrs. Doubtfire. Williams created so many incredible characters during his career, but will perhaps be best loved for this film, punctuated with wild voices, perfect improvisation, and genuine emotional resonance for kids and parents alike. Available on Amazon Instant Video.
Betty Hutton & William Demarest in The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek
The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek, 1944
Don’t let the black and white scare you off, Miracle is one of those rare films that despite being 70 years old still feels fresh and fun. The film centers on a spirited young woman – played flawlessly by Betty Hutton – who finds herself pregnant after a wild U.S.O. party. Too bad she can’t remember who the father is. Her boyfriend is stuttery, unsure and completely besotted, her younger sister is sassy beyond compare, and her father is the completely exasperated town constable who can’t decide who to lock up first. Director Preston Sturges didn’t make many films, but his body of work is characteristic of the best of screwball comedy. Available on Amazon Instant Video.
Parenthood, 1989
Ron Howard’s 1989 film Parenthood is what happens when comedy and realism are paired with excellent writers, and an ensemble cast that includes Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Dianne Wiest, 15 year old Joaquin Phoenix and of course Steve Martin. The film is at times heartbreaking and uncomfortable, at others laugh out loud funny, but always authentic and relatable. My favourite scene is a tie between Rick Moranis singing “Close to You” to his wife in the middle of a high school science class, and Steve Martin’s turn as the unexpected birthday party entertainer Cowboy Gil, “As in, guil-ty”. Available on Amazon Instant Video.