Jingle All The Way Is Really About Dad's Making Things Happen

 

I introduced my five year old daughter to Jingle All The Way over Thanksgiving weekend. While I initially got some "Daddy can we watch something else?" Questions. She ended up liking the movie, and we have watched it everyday sometimes twice a day since. 

Now, in my opinion Jingle All The Way is a top 5 Christmas movie. I think it deserves a lot more credit than it gets and is a Christmas classic. As a kid I loved the movie because of the whole Turbo Man character and the thrill of finding that toy. Watching it back as an adult, I realized what the movie truly is about.

It's really about dad's and Fatherhood, and the lengths not just dads but parents in general will go; to see a smile on their kids faces. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Howard Langston appears to be a mid level successful businessman. Which has afforded his family a comfortable life, but interferes with him always being there for his son.

A common issue Dads of all income levels have struggled with, doing what you have to in order to provide. Versus always being there for your kids. It is a heavy balancing act if your working multiple jobs, or have a demanding job that allows a certain lifestyle.

Besides being what appears to be a workaholic, Howards out of touch on whats popular with the kids. He thinks it'll be a piece of cake to cover his tracks and obtain the most wanted Christmas toy ever. Once he finds out that is not the case and having already disappointed his son the day before. Howard becomes a mad man on the hunt for a Turbo Man.

Right alongside him as a friend and foe is Postal Worker Myron played by Sinbad. Who is in the same boat as Howard, often running into one another on their quest. Their day leads to a showdown at a Holiday parade.

So you have two dad's from two different backgrounds and careers. Trying their very damn best not to disappoint their kids Christmas morning. Even when they come off overbearing and entitled, stealing from others and other nefarious methods. They just want to see joy and excitement on Christmas.

Which is all any father wants really. Raise good kids and see their faces light up in excitement at something Dad made happen. Throughout the film, Howard and Myron are trying to make something happen. Which is another dadism, figuring things out when plan A doesnt work. Making things happen, trying your damn best and hoping it all works out in your favor.

One last message hidden in the film, its ok and normal to have fictional characters and athletes as your "hero". But dads should be a child's first and main hero.

This film is a masterpiece in Fatherhood, if you love it as a Christmas movie. You'll love it even more when the message resonates with you.

You can tune into Disney +, Hulu, tubi, and of course cable TV to check this classic.

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5 Things I Learned From My Dad

 

Fatherhood is the most rewarding but toughest job out there. In fact its so tough, you don't understand how hard of a job it is until you become one. Which leads me to the latest blog entry, 5 things I've learned from my dad.

 Now full disclosure my dad and I did not have the best relationship, likely because although we have two different personalities. We are more alike than we both will admit to and that led to silly disagreements. But since I've gotten older, became a father and see things differently. Our relationship has greatly improved, and some of the things he often would drill in my brother's and I heads are so clear now.

So with that, here are 5 things I learned from my dad that damnit are so true. 

5. Always Carry I.D.

Along with the "talk" about how to conduct yourself if your pulled over by the police. My dad always told us, make sure you have your I.D. on you. One reason being, if you don't have I.D. you always fit the description if something goes down. Could have been a scare tactic but makes sense.

The older I've gotten I've met grown men who actually don't carry I.D. nor have I.D. period. A true head scratcher for me, but now it makes sense why my dad pushed that. Besides potential legal issues, you come across as a bum being a grown man with no I.D.

4 . Always Give Firm Handshakes 

Another thing he taught us is always give firm handshakes. Or in his word's shake hands like you have some balls. And he's right when you meet people for the first time and give a firm handshake, their respect level towards you inches up a bit more before a conversation. I've been told several times I have a strong handshake, even from professional athletes I've met that are typically big guys my handshake is firm.

3. Honesty is the best way

My Dad always prefaced this with people may not like it. He however always stressed honesty is the way to go. From dealing with young ladies, to work, to life in general. Just being honest about everything, take any heat that comes from it and move on.

He's right, you start lying you get yourself in more trouble. Trying to remember what lie you told, maintaining that lie etc. It becomes more work than just being truthful.

2. Someone's not gon like you just cause 

I'm one of those people in my mind, if you don't get along with me you have the problem. In my experience in the working world, I've worked with people that clearly didnt like me. And I couldn't tell you why, we rarely exchanged words or had much interaction that they would know my personality enough. To formulate an opinion that they did not like me.

However, I just chalked it up again to thats a them issue. And my father always told us, no matter who you are, what you do, how nice you are somebody is not going to like you. That constant reminder is how I learned to shrug them off and go about my day.

1. Sometimes you have to be the bad guy

Here's probably the biggest lesson my dad shared for years, that I totally understand now. Sometimes you have to be the bad guy and accept it. Not because you want to, but because thats what the situation calls for. As a husband and father, and a manager in my professional career. I 1,000% get it now.

Sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions, that go against what people want. Whether its flat out saying no, or we can't do that right now. You have to make the tough decision that may keep things from falling apart, or saying no on short term pleasures that will cause harm down the road. 

It's your responsibility to keep everything in order. To keep your stress levels down, you have to tell people no sometimes and let them get them over.

I dont always like being the bad guy, but sometimes I have to embrace it.

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5 Action Movies Really About FatherHood

 

Fatherhood is a very complex role that is often overlooked honestly. It is a tough job that one doesn't always get right and is always learning in. With Father's Day this weekend, I went through the film crates and picked five action/adventure movies about father's and fatherhoods that are themes of films, and you wouldn't realize it at first.

 5. Hook

1991's Hook directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook and Robin Williams as Peter Banning, an adult Peter Pan. I enjoyed the movie as a kid and wanted to be a part of the cool kids known as The Lost Boys, but I always felt the movie was a little long. Now as an adult I kind of understand why. The movie follows a typical Spielberg subject is about fathers and fatherhood and it was quite a lot to unpack in the film. Let's break it down really quick.

Peter Pan was abandoned as infant, grew up alongside his fellow lost boys raising themselves in Neverland and never aging. Once he decided to leave Neverland he was adopted by a now adult Wendy and raised by her. Peter never had a father role model, so he grew up to become a success driven yuppie who often neglected his kids not on purpose, but because he didn't know any better. His son Jack yearns for nothing more than his dad to acknowledge him and spend time with him and his sister Maggie. Jack nearly falls under the spell of his almost "surrogate" father Captain Hook, until Peter realizes a lot about himself in his return to Neverland.

 4. Rocky V 

Rocky V is like a paradox of a movie for lack of a better word. It begins right after Rocky's Christmas bout against Drago in Rocky IV which was in 1985. Yet several years have clearly passed, and Rocky Jr. who we last saw as a 9 year old in the previous film is now somewhere between 12 and 13 years old. Yet no one bat's a eye at this development, there are some other hiccups with the film but it is not as bad as many claim.

Despite it's issue one thing it does get right is one area Rocky needs to work on, in being a father. Rocky and his son have a close relationship that deteriorates as Rocky's protege Tommy Gunn steps on the scene and begins to gain acclimate. Rocky treats him as a son, in turn neglecting his own son yet not fully realizing it, (Rocky is a tad slow after all). Rocky must work to repair that relationship and although it's quickly resolved, it does highlight the importance of fathers maintaining that bond with their kids. Being self aware of intervening and acknowledging when things are no longer going smooth in the relationship. 

Rocky V is not the only film in the series that touches on fatherhood, here's an article from the crates on the theme of fathers in Creed II.

 3. Black Panther

Which segues into the next film on the list Black Panther, starring Michael B. Jordan and  the late Chadwick Boseman. Directed by Ryan Coogler who directed the original Creed film. Jordan and Chadwick play distant first cousins on opposite sides of ideology, who are more alike than they may think. They both have been molded and severely affected by actions of their fathers, Killmonger has a thirst for revenge and a desire to turn the world order upside down. Inspired by the teachings of his father. The scene where Killmonger meets his father in the ancestral plane shows how much he really needed his father. T'Challa while more noble aspires to make his father proud in the afterlife following his steps.

Yet T'Challa soon learns of past trangressions of his father, and that the ideals shared by his father and past generations of how to protect Wakanda are harming people more than helping. The two wrestle with the shadows of their respective fathers, while forging their own paths. Sometimes no matter how much you aspire to be like your father, or finish what they started you have to make your own way. On the other hand, as one grows older they may learn their father's teachings weren't always right and set out make their own way.

 2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie

 

1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is without question the best live action Turtles film ever produced. Besides the grittier tone than the other films, the at that time cutting edge animatronics and the cool fight scenes. The film also had a heart and a message about fathers and the importance they play in youngsters lives. The turtles really come into their own and learn to lean on one another more when their surrogate father Splinter is abducted by the foot clan. It's clear from the moment they realize it, they are essentially lost without him as he has guided their lives thus far.

On the flip side Shredder is leading astray youths recruiting them into his organization to do his dirty work. He reminds the wayward youths that they are family and he is their "father", brainwashing kids who just want to belong to something or feel loved. That point is driven home by the inclusion of a teenager named Danny, who's father is April O'neil's manager. His father has his head so deep into work, he doesnt realize he's neglecting Danny. Which leads him to the Foot Clan and Shredder.

The movie is really deep on the subject of fathers when you think about it.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy 2

When we met Peter Quill in Guardians Of The Galaxy, we learned he was an only child of his mother who was dying from cancer. Upon her passing he was abducted and whisked off to space, becoming a rogue space pirate who eventually helped save the galaxy. At the end of the film he learns he is half human and his father is from a powerful alien race. Fast forward a few years, and Peter finally meet's his father Ego in Guardians Of The Galaxy 2. Trying to catch up on years of missed time, he becomes a starry eyed kid again,

Until he learns his father isn't what he seems and just because someone sires you, that doesn't make them your father. Eventually Peter is torn between the biggest father figures in his life, Ego who he just met. And Yondu who actually raised him the best way he knew how and cared for Peter as a person. In addition to coming terms with who his true "father" was, Quill also learns about family. Accepting the rest of the team as his true family.

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Random Thoughts Of A Expectant Dad

In late Febuary my wife and I found out she was pregnant with our first child. Mannn the rush of emotions that come shooting at you in that moment is honestly alot to take in.

From selfish thoughts like there goes my plans I had this year. To ok, what do we need to do to prepare for this? I started thinking about shit I needed to get together, to give my child the best life I can give em. Start saving for college, so hopefully they won't have to worry about student loans. Start saving for family vacations, so I can provide memories and experiences. All the geek stuff I can't wait to introduce and share (ninja turtles, pro wrestling, movies, and superheroes among others).

I thought about my own insecurities I need to work on (yes you can still have them in your thirties). So that I don't subconsciously pass them on to my child.

I've been reading as much as I could about pregnancy, particularly in the early months. How often do babies sleep in the womb? The growth process in the womb, things dad's can do to support their significant other. I went to the first doctors visit in early March nervous as hell and overwhelmed but excited...then covid hit.

Since then I haven't been able to go to the appointments. I missed hearing the baby's heartbeat and sonograms, thanks to the power of technology I've heard recordings of the heartbeat and could facetime during sonogram visits. However, it's not the same and I'm annoyed I'm missing the in person part of the process.

The months have passed and my wife belly grows. I rub her stomach every night and "talk" to my daughter. A few things have spring upon me,first is how the parental instinct to be a protector automatically kicks in. Although she is not here yet, my job is to make sure my wife is safe and doing good and in turn my daughter. The second is how you could love someone you haven't met yet so much. I can only imagine the feeling once she is born.

If you haven't realized by now I'm gonna be a "sucker" for my child....and I'm A-ok with that. October also can't come soon enough and I'm patiently but impatiently waiting for the due date to come.

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Creed II Themes

                         

Creed II released this week and despite some rumblings it wasn't as good as the first, it's a damn good movie. In fact it's a worthy sequel to the first Creed and fits in perfectly in the overall Rocky series of films. This article is not a review of Creed but my observation watching it. It's not spoilerish but some parts may be interpreted that way.

If you've never seen any of the Rocky movies besides the first Creed this film will pique your interest. If you've only seen Creed, Rocky IV, and Rocky Balboa then you'll understand the history referenced in Creed II perfectly. One of the themes of Creed II is redemption and rebuilding oneself. A very relatable theme in itself, the primary theme is even more relatable to alot of people.

The primary theme of Creed II is that of father and son relationships.
No parent is perfect in their job of raising a kid,
it's a tough gig.
Love is expressed in different ways, and a child's parental legacy doesn't have to be their own.

Adonis spent the first Creed trying to find himself. He longed to have known his father
but also aimed to distance himself from the Creed name.

In the sequel some of those feelings still harbor.
While not completely closing the chapter on his father's death, he’s getting ready to become a father.

One thing I personally would have liked to seen would have been one of Adonis older siblings talking to him about Apollo as a father
(Apollo had two young kids in Rocky II).

This father and son relationship is one of a boy growing into a man never knowing his father.
Yet he still wants to make his father proud of him.

Rocky is still estranged from his son Robert, but Adonis is his surrogate son.

Being around Adonis and realizing age is catching up to him,

Rocky realizes he's alone in the world besides Adonis and wishes he and his son were closer.

Rocky V and Rocky Balboa provides great context to what possibly led to this relationship souring.
This father and son relationship is one of making amends and repairing things before It's too late.

Ivan Drago the man who killed Apollo in the ring has trained his son Viktor since birth to be a brute force of evil.

He lives vicariously through Viktor and shows him nothing but tough love.

Often making you wonder if Viktor actually hates his father.

Despite being rough Ivan displays some fatherly characteristics in his own brute way.

This father and son relationship is one of a father trying to make his son into something he wasn't,
either a better man or a better fighter. Selfish or not it's for a better life.

The father and son theme is a universal theme that reaches across generations.

It teaches let the past be the past,

be inspired by your parents legacy but set out to create your own.

If there isnt a Creed III, this film nicely completes part of Adonis story

and successfully bookends the entire Rocky film series.

If there is a Creed III hopefully it shows Adonis cementing his legacy

but for now  enjoy the film and appreciate the message.

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