Moviefone's Best Movie Dads Ever - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 06-20-2009, 02:31 AM

18. Ray Ferrier, War of the Worlds (2005)

Played by: Tom Cruise

Why He's a Good Dad: He was a deadbeat dad ... until the day gigantic alien tripod machines began emerging from the ground and killing everyone. Then Cruise made it his mission: possible to ensure his kids' survival at any length.

17. Gil Buckman, Parenthood (1989)

Played by: Steve Martin

Why He's a Good Dad: Now a parental pro (see also 'Father of the Bride,' 'Cheaper by the Dozen,' etc), Martin shed his "wild and crazy guy" persona to play this stressed suburban dad from a dysfunctional clan who finally realizes that flaws are what make a family.

16. Mr. Parker, A Christmas Story (1983)

Played by: Darren McGavin

Why He's a Good Dad: In addition to not destroying Ralphie for beating the snot out of bully Scott Farkus, "the old man" comes through like a real champ on Christmas morning, delivering into his son's hands that most coveted of gifts: a Red Ryder BB gun.

15. Henry Jones Sr., Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Played by: Sean Connery

Why He's a Good Dad: Henry Sr. may not have been around while Indiana was growing up, but he sure makes up for lost time in his old age, sharing a Holy Grail quest, multiple Nazi-pummeling sessions, a quiet drink and a love interest with "Junior."

14. Peter, Michael and Jack, Three Men and a Baby (1987)

Played by: Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson

Why He's a Good Dad: They all gave up their wild bachelorhoods to care for a little baby girl with hilariously dirty diapers, despite the odds being only 33 percent that she was one of theirs. Paternity tests, be damned.

13. Stanley Banks, Father of the Bride (1950)

Played by: Spencer Tracy

Why He's a Good Dad: Dear old dad may be a grump when it comes to the chaos -- and expense -- of throwing a wedding, but it's just a cover for the bittersweet pain of giving his little girl away.

12. Mac MacGuff, Juno (2007)

Played by: J.K. Simmons

Why He's a Good Dad: Sarcastic, hilarious and understanding to a fault, Mac doesn't judge his pregnant daughter Juno (Ellen Page) but offers her support and counsel. Bonus: Next time he sees her impregnator, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera), he doesn't punch him in the wiener.

11. Marlin, Finding Nemo (2003)

Played by: Albert Brooks

Why He's a Good Dad: Although he starts out as a neurotic, overbearing mess (no wonder they cast Brooks), Marlin learns how to strike that tricky parental balance of guiding and letting go while on a quest to find his missing son, lost in the deep blue sea.

10. Ted Kramer, Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Played by: Dustin Hoffman

Why He's a Good Dad: After his wife (Meryl Streep) leaves him, not only does this workaholic learn to take care of their son, but he also loses his job (happily!) in the process. And in the ultimate measure of success, he FINALLY cooks a decent French toast.

9. Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter Series

Played by: Mark Williams

Why He's a Good Dad: He's not much for discipline (kids stole the car and flew it across town? Awesome!), but he's fiercely devoted to his seven kids and to their pal Harry Potter. And don't let the bumbling demeanor fool you -- he's one kick-ass wizard, to boot.

8. Jack, Mr. Mom (1983)

Played by: Michael Keaton

Why He's a Good Dad: The unemployed auto worker doesn't just accept his new role as stay-at-home dad -- he embraces it, playing poker for coupons, mastering the vacuum cleaner and weaning his son off his beloved blanket "Woobie." Aww ... tough love, kid.

7. Jim's Dad, American Pie trilogy

Played by: Eugene Levy

Why He's a Good Dad: After catching Jim (Jason Biggs) getting intimate with baked goods, he delivers one of the most honest, heartfelt -- and awkward -- father-son talks in movie history. And surely the only to include the phrase "stroking the salami."

6. Daniel Hillard, Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Played by: Robin Williams

Why He's a Good Dad: Though not a cross-dresser by nature (as far as we can tell), Daniel dolls up in drag just so he can stay close to his kids after their mother throws him out. At least he chooses sensible shoes.

5. John Quincy Archibald, John Q (2002)

Played by: Denzel Washington

Why He's a Good Dad: Because if you don't operate on his dying son, he will take your hospital's emergency room hostage, and he will put a hurting on anybody who gets in his way. And because he's Denzel Washington.

4. Clark Griswold, National Lampoon's Vacation Series

Played by: Chevy Chase

Why He's a Good Dad: He endures a dead aunt on top of the car en route to Wally World, a houseful of bickering in-laws for Christmas and bankruptcy in Vegas, all in the name of the perfect family vacation. So consider that skinny-dipping episode with Christie Brinkley forgiven.

3. Guido Orefice, Life Is Beautiful (1997)

Played by: Roberto Benigni

Why He's a Good Dad: All good dads try to shield their kids from the more painful realities of life. But Guido protects his son both physically and psychologically by turning the Holocaust into a game. Now that takes some parenting skill.

2. Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Played by: Gregory Peck

Why He's a Good Dad: The upstanding small-town attorney teaches his daughter, Scout (Mary Badham), not to judge people by the way they look, and that justice really is for all.

1. Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Played by: Will Smith

Why He's a Good Dad: He may not have the best business sense (what were those contraptions he was selling?), but even a bout with homelessness couldn't hinder his determination to live happy-ly ever after with his son.

http://www.moviefone.com/insidemovie...-best-fathers/

Zoneboy · 06-20-2009, 02:48 AM

I've only seen four of the movies on that list but I would put Atticus Finch ahead of all of them. #2 is very respectable although I can't believe he got beat out by that overrated Will Smith.

browneyes106 · 06-20-2009, 10:05 AM

I think the only reason Chris Gardener was put on the list because he was based on a real person. I would have put Atticus at number 1. It was good to see Peter, Michael and Jack on the list. Three Men and the Baby was one of my favorite movies when I was little. The friends really stepped to care for a baby left on their doorstep. I think Gil Buckman should have been ranked higher.

catlover79 · 06-20-2009, 10:06 AM

Interesting choices, but I too would've put Atticus Finch at #1. He is the ULTIMATE movie/literary dad.

MrCleveland · 06-20-2009, 12:58 PM

Looks like Steve Martin plays good fathers.

catlover79 · 06-20-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCleveland

Looks like Steve Martin plays good fathers.

It's so funny because I don't think he has kids in real life.

Jessica · 06-20-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

It's so funny because I don't think he has kids in real life.

No, he doesn't.^^

Liza · 06-20-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

16. Mr. Parker, A Christmas Story (1983)

Played by: Darren McGavin

Why He's a Good Dad: In addition to not destroying Ralphie for beating the snot out of bully Scott Farkus, "the old man" comes through like a real champ on Christmas morning, delivering into his son's hands that most coveted of gifts: a Red Ryder BB gun.

My own father's personal hero

catlover79 · 06-21-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liza

My own father's personal hero

Plus he had the leg lamp.

comedyfreak · 06-21-2009, 04:59 PM

Jim Baker from Sixteen Candles, he was the only sane one out of the bunch and my favorite movie dad.

Retro4Life · 06-21-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

I've only seen four of the movies on that list but I would put Atticus Finch ahead of all of them. #2 is very respectable although I can't believe he got beat out by that overrated Will Smith.

Torgo · 06-22-2009, 11:37 AM

Good to see Griswold, Parker, Buckman and Finch on there.

Some of my picks-
Tom Corbett(Glenn Ford)- The Courtship of Eddie's Father

Prof. Robert Leaf(Jimmy Stewart)- Dear Brigette(Stewart also plays a great dad in Take Her, She's Mine, and Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation)

Win Berry(Beau Bridges)- Hotel New Hampshire

Dagwood Bumstead(Arthur Lake)- Blondie films

Raymond Stoller(Paul Dooley)- Breaking Away

catlover79 · 06-22-2009, 02:09 PM

^ Oh, I loved Dagwood. Arthur Lake was so perfect for that role, and from old articles I've read, he wished he could've played the role forever. He and Penny Singleton (Blondie) always kept in touch. His kids and grandkids even called him Dagwood. He named his dog Baby Dumpling. He never missed reading the comic strip, up until he passed away. Now THAT'S dedication!!

Torgo · 06-22-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

^ Oh, I loved Dagwood. Arthur Lake was so perfect for that role, and from old articles I've read, he wished he could've played the role forever. He and Penny Singleton (Blondie) always kept in touch. His kids and grandkids even called him Dagwood. He named his dog Baby Dumpling. He never missed reading the comic strip, up until he passed away. Now THAT'S dedication!!

Lake was a very underrated comedic actor. And most times I find little kids annoying, but Larry Simms as Baby Dumpling(later Alexander)was fun to watch(what a talented little kid he was). Plus you watch him literally grow up through the 28 films.
Years ago when AMC was still a classics channel they marathoned the entire film series, which I recorded, and then a couple of years ago I picked up a DVD set that has the first 10 films.

catlover79 · 06-22-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgo

Lake was a very underrated comedic actor. And most times I find little kids annoying, but Larry Simms as Baby Dumpling(later Alexander)was fun to watch(what a talented little kid he was). Plus you watch him literally grow up through the 28 films.
Years ago when AMC was still a classics channel they marathoned the entire film series, which I recorded, and then a couple of years ago I picked up a DVD set that has the first 10 films.

I agree. Larry Simms acted like a regular kid and that just added so much more to the Blondie movies.

06-20-2009, 10:06 AM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Interesting choices, but I too would've put Atticus Finch at #1. He is the ULTIMATE movie/literary dad.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

06-20-2009, 12:58 PM	#5
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,232	Looks like Steve Martin plays good fathers.
	__________________ Thank God for kids that love Obscure Things. Lee Hazlewood (1929-2007) You ARE Special to God! Rev. Ernest Angely (August 1921-May 2021)

06-21-2009, 04:59 PM	#10
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,061	Jim Baker from Sixteen Candles, he was the only sane one out of the bunch and my favorite movie dad.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

06-20-2009, 02:31 AM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,168	Moviefone's Best Movie Dads Ever *18. Ray Ferrier, War of the Worlds* (2005) Played by: Tom Cruise Why He's a Good Dad: He was a deadbeat dad ... until the day gigantic alien tripod machines began emerging from the ground and killing everyone. Then Cruise made it his mission: possible to ensure his kids' survival at any length. 17. Gil Buckman, Parenthood (1989)** Played by: Steve Martin Why He's a Good Dad: Now a parental pro (see also 'Father of the Bride,' 'Cheaper by the Dozen,' etc), Martin shed his "wild and crazy guy" persona to play this stressed suburban dad from a dysfunctional clan who finally realizes that flaws are what make a family. *16. Mr. Parker, A Christmas Story* (1983) Played by: Darren McGavin Why He's a Good Dad: In addition to not destroying Ralphie for beating the snot out of bully Scott Farkus, "the old man" comes through like a real champ on Christmas morning, delivering into his son's hands that most coveted of gifts: a Red Ryder BB gun. 15. Henry Jones Sr., Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) Played by: Sean Connery Why He's a Good Dad: Henry Sr. may not have been around while Indiana was growing up, but he sure makes up for lost time in his old age, sharing a Holy Grail quest, multiple Nazi-pummeling sessions, a quiet drink and a love interest with "Junior." 14. Peter, Michael and Jack, Three Men and a Baby (1987) Played by: Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson Why He's a Good Dad: They all gave up their wild bachelorhoods to care for a little baby girl with hilariously dirty diapers, despite the odds being only 33 percent that she was one of theirs. Paternity tests, be damned. 13. Stanley Banks, Father of the Bride (1950) Played by: Spencer Tracy Why He's a Good Dad: Dear old dad may be a grump when it comes to the chaos -- and expense -- of throwing a wedding, but it's just a cover for the bittersweet pain of giving his little girl away. 12. Mac MacGuff, Juno (2007) Played by: J.K. Simmons Why He's a Good Dad: Sarcastic, hilarious and understanding to a fault, Mac doesn't judge his pregnant daughter Juno (Ellen Page) but offers her support and counsel. Bonus: Next time he sees her impregnator, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera), he doesn't punch him in the wiener. 11. Marlin, Finding Nemo (2003) Played by: Albert Brooks Why He's a Good Dad: Although he starts out as a neurotic, overbearing mess (no wonder they cast Brooks), Marlin learns how to strike that tricky parental balance of guiding and letting go while on a quest to find his missing son, lost in the deep blue sea. 10. Ted Kramer, Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) Played by: Dustin Hoffman Why He's a Good Dad: After his wife (Meryl Streep) leaves him, not only does this workaholic learn to take care of their son, but he also loses his job (happily!) in the process. And in the ultimate measure of success, he FINALLY cooks a decent French toast. 9. Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter Series Played by: Mark Williams Why He's a Good Dad: He's not much for discipline (kids stole the car and flew it across town? Awesome!), but he's fiercely devoted to his seven kids and to their pal Harry Potter. And don't let the bumbling demeanor fool you -- he's one kick-ass wizard, to boot. 8. Jack, Mr. Mom (1983) Played by: Michael Keaton Why He's a Good Dad: The unemployed auto worker doesn't just accept his new role as stay-at-home dad -- he embraces it, playing poker for coupons, mastering the vacuum cleaner and weaning his son off his beloved blanket "Woobie." Aww ... tough love, kid. 7. Jim's Dad, American Pie trilogy Played by: Eugene Levy Why He's a Good Dad: After catching Jim (Jason Biggs) getting intimate with baked goods, he delivers one of the most honest, heartfelt -- and awkward -- father-son talks in movie history. And surely the only to include the phrase "stroking the salami." 6. Daniel Hillard, Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) Played by: Robin Williams Why He's a Good Dad: Though not a cross-dresser by nature (as far as we can tell), Daniel dolls up in drag just so he can stay close to his kids after their mother throws him out. At least he chooses sensible shoes. 5. John Quincy Archibald, John Q (2002) Played by: Denzel Washington Why He's a Good Dad: Because if you don't operate on his dying son, he will take your hospital's emergency room hostage, and he will put a hurting on anybody who gets in his way. And because he's Denzel Washington. 4. Clark Griswold, National Lampoon's Vacation Series Played by: Chevy Chase Why He's a Good Dad: He endures a dead aunt on top of the car en route to Wally World, a houseful of bickering in-laws for Christmas and bankruptcy in Vegas, all in the name of the perfect family vacation. So consider that skinny-dipping episode with Christie Brinkley forgiven. 3. Guido Orefice, Life Is Beautiful (1997) Played by: Roberto Benigni Why He's a Good Dad: All good dads try to shield their kids from the more painful realities of life. But Guido protects his son both physically and psychologically by turning the Holocaust into a game. Now that takes some parenting skill. 2. Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Played by: Gregory Peck Why He's a Good Dad: The upstanding small-town attorney teaches his daughter, Scout (Mary Badham), not to judge people by the way they look, and that justice really is for all. 1. Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)** Played by: Will Smith Why He's a Good Dad: He may not have the best business sense (what were those contraptions he was selling?), but even a bout with homelessness couldn't hinder his determination to live happy-ly ever after with his son. http://www.moviefone.com/insidemovie...-best-fathers/

06-20-2009, 02:48 AM	#2
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,430	I've only seen four of the movies on that list but I would put Atticus Finch ahead of all of them. #2 is very respectable although I can't believe he got beat out by that overrated Will Smith.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

06-20-2009, 10:05 AM	#3
browneyes106 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 01, 2008 Posts: 6,094	I think the only reason Chris Gardener was put on the list because he was based on a real person. I would have put Atticus at number 1. It was good to see Peter, Michael and Jack on the list. Three Men and the Baby was one of my favorite movies when I was little. The friends really stepped to care for a baby left on their doorstep. I think Gil Buckman should have been ranked higher.

06-22-2009, 11:37 AM	#12
Torgo Omaha & Fritz Forum Star Join Date: Mar 06, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 19,037	Good to see Griswold, Parker, Buckman and Finch on there. Some of my picks- Tom Corbett(Glenn Ford)- The Courtship of Eddie's Father Prof. Robert Leaf(Jimmy Stewart)- Dear Brigette(Stewart also plays a great dad in Take Her, She's Mine, and Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation) Win Berry(Beau Bridges)- Hotel New Hampshire Dagwood Bumstead(Arthur Lake)- Blondie films Raymond Stoller(Paul Dooley)- Breaking Away

06-22-2009, 02:09 PM	#13
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	^ Oh, I loved Dagwood. Arthur Lake was so perfect for that role, and from old articles I've read, he wished he could've played the role forever. He and Penny Singleton (Blondie) always kept in touch. His kids and grandkids even called him Dagwood. He named his dog Baby Dumpling. He never missed reading the comic strip, up until he passed away. Now THAT'S dedication!!