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.
