You’d think modern-day societies would have moved past the old-fashioned narrative about fathers by now, especially with the heteronormative idea of family increasingly and rightfully shifting, cha…
, is very much involved here, both as a producer and an on-camera subject , along with his own late father and son Reed Howard, who goes from a prospective to an actual dad during the film. An impressive lineup of famous comedians, hosts and actors — Jimmy Fallon, Ken Jeong, Hasan Minhaj, Neil Patrick Harris, Will Smith, Judd Apatow, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, Kenan Thompson and Patton Oswalt — is also in the mix.
While it is easy to talk about ideal parenting as a celebrity with resources to support one’s vision, socioeconomic class isn’t a blind spot in “Dads.” Being both the daughter of a Hollywood figure and a celebrity herself who grew up in a supportive environment with access to countless opportunities, Howard has the good sense to reach beyond her comfort zone, to middle-class families from around the world.
Unsurprisingly, these “real people” segments are the film’s most relatable. Some even have the quality of funny, off-the-cuff YouTube videos, one share away from going viral. In chaotic kitchens across the globe, we watch fathers as they make breakfast for their young ones or adorably rap about chores and proper behavior. In living rooms, we witness frenzied playtime.
Among the most sentimental stories featured in “Dads” is that of a same-sex American couple with four adopted children and memories of steadily becoming a family. Along with her cinematographer Andrew Lascaris, Howard captures the warmth of the happy clan vividly as they play around in their garden, unknowingly challenging the dated conception of masculinity.
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