3 Days With Dad

3 Days With Dad is an emotional and comedic exploration of family, life, and loss. The 2019 film, directed by Larry Clarke and boasting a talented ensemble cast that includes J.K. Simmons, Julie Ann Emery, and Tom Arnold, tells a touching and genuine tale of grief, regret, and acceptance that will resonate with every audience.

The film revolves around the character, Larry. He's the free-spirited son in a traditional and somewhat dysfunctional family, played by Larry Clarke. Larry is forced to visit his home in Southern California in anticipation of his dad Bob's impending death. Bob, portrayed by Brian Dennehy, is a stubborn, gruff father who commands respect and adherence to his way of life. This return home engenders a range of emotions in Larry -from the fondness of familiar surroundings to the apprehension of confronting unsorted differences with his father.

Larry's return home is not an easy homecoming, filled with nostalgia and reintroductions to long-lost childhood friends. It's an emotional journey where he is forced to put on a brave face and put aside his simmering resentment towards his father. Larry's older brother Eddie, depicted by Tom Arnold, is the responsible one in the family. Eddie constantly reminds him of his duty towards their father and the necessity of resolving unsettled disputes. The reappearance of Larry's childhood friend, Laura, played by Julie Ann Emery, brings further complications and rekindles old feelings and unresolved issues.

3 Days with Dad is more than just a story of familial relationships unraveled upon the brink of a paternal passing. It is a subtle commentary on life, forcing us to confront our personal choices, obligations, and the love-hate dynamics inherent in close-knit families. Larry's father, Bob, is a robust character, a quintessential bear-like patriarch whose imminent demise brings to light the suppressed emotions and long-forgotten histories buried deep within the family's framework.

J.K. Simmons stars as Father Reilly in the movie, an eccentric but understanding local priest who offers spiritual and emotional support to the family. His character adds a touch of humor and whim to the seemingly somber milieu. The cast, led by J.K. Simmons, puts out a heartwarming performance. The various themes they tackle resonate with universal human experiences, making the narrative a relatable saga of bittersweet farewells and closures.

The film doesn't shy away from portraying the messiness of real-life families. Instead, it embraces and showcases that chaos in a format that's gently comedic, yet realistically poignant. Larry Clarke has done a commendable job with the direction, capturing the essence of the dysfunctional family without becoming overly dramatic or exaggerated.

Complementing the memorable performances by the cast are the visuals. Cinematographer Zach Voytas beautifully captures the Southern California setting, adding layers of atmosphere and mood to the narrative. The story unfolds against a backdrop of sun-soaked suburbia, whose familiarity and warmth offset the underlying tension in the plot. The director's brilliant use of the setting evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing that is aligned with Larry's inner turmoil. Above all, the film's comedic yet realistic take on life and death serves as a testament to the unpredictability and beauty of human relationships.

3 Days With Dad is a film that will make you laugh and tear up in equal measures, a testament to the perfect balance achieved by the director and cast members. It's a gentle reminder of childhood homes, demanding fathers, and long-lost friends. The movie is a great watch for anyone in need of a heartfelt, sentimental story with doses of humor and a healthy reflection on life, love, and familial ties. Much like its varied characters, the heart of 3 Days with Dad lies in its ability to make viewers reflect, chuckle, and tear up, sometimes all at the same time, a veritable roller-coaster of emotions, just like life itself.