How to Save Mr. Banks

Over the holidays, I saw Saving Mr. Banks in theaters and was reminded of the importance of back story.  I personally very much enjoyed the movie primarily because of its stress on back story and the impact that had on the drama.

The movie could have stood on its own with just a story of P.L. Travers versus Walt Disney.  Easily.  Had the movie makers decided to take it that direction, they certainly had enough material to work with.  There is plenty of drama between the big movie god and penniless but overly emotional author. 

But the movie was so much richer because it wasn't about that at all.

[SPOILER ALERT] Emma Thompson's character, author P.L. Travers, exclaims in the middle of the movie, "You think Mary Poppins is saving the children, Mr. Disney?"

Angry and disgruntled, she walks off.

Finding Security: A tribute to Fathers

It always seems like Mother's Day outshines Father's Day.  Maybe its because it comes first and we run out of steam by June.  Perhaps it is because in our society, many people find pain associated with their fathers.

I am often reminded at Father's Day of the oft-used saying: Anyone can become a father, but it takes a real man to be a Dad.

Cliche but true.  Dads are so important.  The nurturing love of a mother should not be forgotten, but there is something special about the way a man loves. And that love is so desperately needed in today's society.