Julius Rock Was Right All Along

 

This Father's Day weekend I want to acknowledge an underrated TV dad, that had the right idea all along. Julius Rock played by Terry Crews was the father on Chris Rocks exaggerated bioseries Everybody Hates Chris. Julius was a hardworking family man, who took care of a wife and three kids. He worked multiple jobs and was notorious for being CHEAP.

While his cheapness was cartoonish at times and played for laughs, as a frugal guy myself I understood it. He didnt believe in wasting a damn thing, didnt believe in excess and could break down to the cent how much everything costs. 

Now, as a husband and father of two kids running a household, I completely understand Julius Rock. Turn those lights off in you not in the room, dont ask for something just to waste it. Don't leave the TV on all night, dont run my hot water just to be running it. Yeah, I don't have McDonald's money right now. All things I've said since becoming a dad.

You truly have to penny pinch raising a family. If not for survival, just to make your money stretch to cover the needs of each child, your spouse and yourself. With hopefully some extra left over to enjoy life. At times you truly have to be Julius Rock, even if people call you cheap.

Julius Rock was giving us life lessons on the show. A hardworking man who was there for his family, and made them learn the value of sacrifice, delayed gratification, and true life values. Julius Rock is a iconic TV dad who had the right methodology all along.

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5 Sci-Fi Movies About Fatherhood

 

Father's Day is this weekend, which means time to show love to the dads. In this blog I'm covering sci-fi films with strong dad themes. So, for that father who prefers to spend his day on the couch watching TV. Here are 5 recommendations for him.

After Earth

Let's kick it by being real and acknowledging After Earth is not a good movie. The 2013 film stars Will and Jaden Smith as a father and son navigating an abandoned earth and their relationship. 

Though flawed the film does touch on expectations by parents, legacy. Coming of age and the father/son dynamic when there are issues, but they must rely on each other to survive.

And You Thought Your Parents were weird 

This is a out of left field selection, that was a Disney Channel staple in the early 90's. The biggest star in the film was Alan Thicke who strictly did voice over for a main character.

The film follows two grieving brothers who are both intelligent and socially akward, grieving the lost of their father. A robot they create is suddenly infused with the spirit of their father.

The film touches on grief, just how much young men need their fathers. And getting closure when a love one passes.

War Of The Worlds

This 2005 Steven Spielberg directed, Tom Cruise starring Blockbuster is all about a dad trying protect his kids during an alien invasion. Cruise's Ray Ferrier doesnt have a great relationship with his son and daughter. He hasnt always done the right thing nor been there for them.

When aliens attack earth, despite his flaws his parental instincts kick in. All he's concerned about is getting his two kids to safety and far away from the invaders.

Return of The Jedi

Empire Strikes Back is considered the best film of the original Star Wars trilogy. Some may consider it still the best film in the entire franchise. Bookended by the classic reveal of who Darth Vader really is.

It's follow up film Return Of The Jedi didn't go deep into the topic, but touched on the aftermath. A son who realizes his father isnt who he thought he was. A legacy he was working to live up to is flawed. The father evil to the core..or maybe not? Closure on knowing who you are. 

It would have been a entirely different film if Lucas dug that deep into it. However the foundation is there.

Interstellar

Interstellar maybe Christopher Nolan's best film. The 2014 piece stars Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway alongside legends like Michael Caine. The filn can get quite complicated so I'll try to keep the summary simple.

Exploring space and time travel, wormholes, legacy and humanity resistance. The film follows a group of astronauts sent to a mission to save humanity. In the process we follow McConaugheys Coop who just a dad, trying to be a better dad. Who learns alot about time and whats most important during his mission.

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Masters Of The Universe Is The Perfect Summer Kickoff

 

I saw the new Masters Of The Universe this past Thursday. Although by industry standards the movie bombed opening weekend. Let me tell you I thoroughly enjoyed the film. And truly think good word of mouth will help the film in the long run.

 From a storyline perspective it did what it had to do. It told the story of Prince Adam believing in himself to become He-Man. From a presentation standpoint it was loud, colorful, and campy. Leaning into how absurd the concept of Masters Of The Universe can come off. Had some genuine good laughs, fight scenes were decent and the soundtrack was spot on.

In all at least to me, the film is the perfect kickoff to the summer blockbuster season. It was a bit of a adventure ride film. And perfectly laid down the carpet for fellow blockbusters. Disclosure Day, SuperGirl, The Odyssey, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are all up next. 

He-Man and Skeletor along with The Mandalorian and Gorgu which released a week before. Although I didnt see that film, I'll give it props for being a Star Wars film. Both films have set the stage for a very enjoyable summer blockbuster season. Don't listen to the haters go see the film!

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