Some 20 odd years ago, I first read the play Fences by August Wilson. I was a high schooler – a senior, I think. One of four black students in a graduating class of about 100 at an all-boys prep school. There were many reasons why I was different. There were many reasons why I felt I didn’t belong. There were many reasons why I didn’t want to be there. Yet, there I was. I don't remember all of those days vividly, but certain ones stand out – one being the day I noticed a copy of that play sitting on a stack of textbooks for the school year. It had the ghost-like outline of James Earl … [Read more...]
Movies Never the Same After You Become a Suburban Father
At the start of Beauty and the Beast, maybe 15 minutes in, Princess Belle is dancing in a meadow. She breaks out into song, like you do. What I see, as a father, is not the story of a woman who falls in love with an abuser. Well, I do see that. But what I see as a suburban father (and homeowner) is a field full of weeds. Oh, I'm sure others may call them "wildflowers" or "set design." However, to the highly trained suburban dad, I call them "shit that ruins my yard." Princess Belle needs to lay down some weed and feed. A whole crap ton, actually. She would probably be better suited to just … [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...]
Movies, Bowling Keep You, Kids Cool; Saves Money this Summer
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank or a sweat this summer? Movies for a buck and free bowling, my fellow dads and moms. Regal Cinema’s Summer Movie Express Sure, you can plop the kids in front of an iPad or laptop and let them watch Netflix and YouTube but don't they already do enough of that? Nothing beats the experience of actually going out to see a film on a big screen with others and Regal Cinemas’ Summer Movie Express makes it easy on moms and dads. As they've done for the past several summers, this movie theater chain hosts matinée screenings … [Read more...]
Directed by My Daughter: Film, Gender and Creepy Props
“You’re taking my arms?” This question confronted me at a recent yard sale as I walked toward the puzzled seller holding his creepy mannequin arms in my normal human ones. My answer raised his eyebrows further. “Yes," I said, "they’re for my daughter.” Then I explained that my 14-year-old daughter, Lindsay, is a filmmaker who specializes in short horror films with a touch of humor. She loves creating these films, and I’ve learned that I love to find scary props to support her vision. Filmmaking has become an unlikely source of father-daughter bonding for us. As the stay-at-home dad … [Read more...]
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