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STRUGGLE CITY — Parenthood is a wonderful and rewarding experience. However, it can also be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. Here are three movies that show that parenting is not easy.
Father of the Bride
While parenting can be extremely difficult, letting go of being the main source of comfort and protection of sons and daughters can be even more challenging. Such is the case for George Banks (played by the hilarious Steve Martin) in "Father of the Bride." In the film, Banks is an overprotective father who receives the unhappy news that his daughter has come back with a lot of memories and a ring on her finger from her semester abroad. The film humorously depicts Banks' struggles as he is forced to take a backseat to his daughter's fiance. If you've recently given away your kids in marriage, "Father of the Bride" may be of particular interest.
Memorable line: When the wedding comes, George says "This was the moment I'd been dreading for the past six months. Well, actually for the past 22 years."
OK.com users say that "Father of the Bride" is appropriate for viewers 7 and older and gave the film a 95 percent worth your time rating.
Dan in Real Life
If raising a healthy, happy family is a tall task for two parents, then the demands are even higher for single-parent families. In "Dan in Real Life," Dan Burns (played brilliantly by Steve Carrell) has to raise his three strong-willed daughters by himself after the death of his wife. Dan is a very active and doting father but drives his girls crazy with his overprotectiveness. In the film, Dan has to navigate the difficult waters of protecting and nurturing his children and giving them enough space to learn and grow while also beginning a new relationship of his own. "Dan in Real Life" is an excellent film about the difficulties of single parenting.
Memorable line: After Dan sends her boyfriend home, his second oldest daughter shouts at Dan between sobs, "YOU! ARE! A! MURDERER! OF! LOVE!"
OK.com users say that "Dan in Real Life" is appropriate for audiences 13 and older and gave the film a 90 percent worth your time rating.
Mr. Mom
In "Mr. Mom," Michael Keaton plays Jack Butler, a man who is laid off from work from the automobile industry during a recession. When Jack's belief that he can find work before his wife Caroline can proves to be wrong, the couple switch roles with Jack taking over the daily household duties. Jack quickly learns that his wife's role was not as simple as he once thought as he slowly embraces the role of being the partner who stays at home with the kids. Throw on "Mr. Mom" if the film resembles your life circumstances or if you are feeling underappreciated for all the work that goes into running a household.
Memorable line: When Jack is feeling a little cooped up, he admits to his wife, "My brain is like oatmeal. I yelled at Kenny today for coloring outside the lines! Megan and I are starting to watch the same TV shows, and I'm liking them! I'm losing it."
OK.com users say that "Mr. Mom" is appropriate for audiences 11 and older and gave the film a 75 percent worth your time rating.
What are your favorite films about parenthood?
Dylan Cannon is a regular KSL.com and Ok.com contributor. He can be reached via Twitter @DylanCannon11 or by email at DylanCannon86@gmail.com.
