Mrs. Doubtfire or Mr. Mom?

Hollywood has always had a soft spot for fathers. From Spencer Tracy in Father of the Bride to J.K. Simmons in Juno, dads on film have always held a special place in our hearts. Here are some of my faves:

5. For his endless imagination and unflagging determination to give his son a childhood in the face of formidable obstacles, Roberto Benigni’s father in Life is Beautiful really is a thing of beauty.

4. Whether he belongs on the best housekeeper list or best Dads list, Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire undoubtedly belongs on a Top 5 list somewhere. Willing to go to any lengths to be with his kids, he eventually triumphs, gaining not only his kids, but also his own TV show.

3. When your mom dies and you have to travel five thousand miles to live with your dad, you really hope he turns out to be like Fly Away Home’s Thomas. What other dad would not only let you adopt a flock of geese, but build you your very own Ultralight (painted like a mama goose, no less) to migrate your flock hundreds of miles south from Canada to North Carolina?

2. I have always had a soft spot for Leon in The Professional. Just goes to show biology isn’t everything. Then again, what hitman wouldn’t want to adopt an adolescent Natalie Portman?

1. Was there ever a better father than Atticus Finch, as portrayed by Gregory Peck? “Stand up Jean Louise, your father’s passing.” Stand up indeed.

Whatever real life might have in store for you, the good ol' silver screen always gives you something to dream about.