Warning: The following contains some minor spoilers for "Avengers: Endgame" and other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It all started with a son. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who would become Iron Man, the leader of the Avengers and subsequent father figure to Spider-Man/Peter Parker (Tom Holland), was so driven by the ghost of his own father that the elder Stark's specter cast a shadow over the entire MCU. Tony Stark, over a series of 22 total films, was joined by others on either side of the dad divide: Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), both … [Read more...]
‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ Explores Lead’s Growth into Fatherhood
In discussing "Ant-Man and the Wasp," I've gone to great lengths to avoid spoilers; however, there may be spoilers for "Avengers: Infinity War." Additionally, this piece is written with the assumption that most readers will have an understanding of the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline. And yes, I know I keep writing about bugs. It's a summertime thing. -- Whit In 2015 the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) introduced audiences to the superhero Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) in a film by the same name, and in doing so finally laid to rest any argument (or hope) that size doesn’t matter. It … [Read more...]
I am Groot: Teenagers, Trees, Parenting and Electronics
“I am Groot,” is what I should have said, but that’s his line. Instead I said it in my native tongue, and this time with feeling: “You’re being a jackass.” And he was. Still, calling my son names in a fit of anger hadn’t been on my Sunday morning itinerary. Rather, I had planned for it to open like every Sunday does, with Nina Simone playing over cups of coffee, me in an apron and something on the griddle dangerously close to burning. Plan B, apparently, was standing in the doorway of my sons’ shared bedroom, repeating myself in competition with electronics that they weren’t supposed … [Read more...]
7 Archenemies of Parents Everywhere
Parents are some of the biggest, most resilient superheroes around. Think about it, moms and dads, you have a mission – you are sworn to protect and develop your children and yet there are forces out there attempting to thwart your endeavors. So consider this your dossier on some of the biggest archenemies in the fight against parenthood. Beware -- they can get ugly, but be strong, parents. Be strong. Pets Pets are deceiving. They are loving and furry and all that jazz, but beware these machines of destruction can do more than pee on the carpet. Some are so destructive that they are known … [Read more...]