Movies

Watch Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan Reunite in Super Bowl Commercial

BBG News

Apparently Sally really likes mayonnaise.

The hinted-at comeback of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal from “When Harry Met Sally” has, in fact, been unveiled as a commercial during the Super Bowl. When they started hinting at their upcoming collaboration, I had suspected it would be an advertisement, perhaps for financial planning services or similar.

Almost correct! Crystal and Ryan revisited the site where the iconic scene from “When Harry Met Sally” unfolded – Katz’s Deli in New York City – for a Hellmann’s mayonnaise advertisement. The implication is that a sandwich from Katz’s, delicious as it is, can be improved with the addition of mayo. (A matter of personal taste!)

You can watch the 60-second version of the commercial below:

To avoid any potential distractions for those watching at work, it’s advisable to either lower the volume or use headphones before proceeding, as we’ll be comparing the new ad with the original scene that follows.

In recent times, heartwarming reunion ads have gained significant popularity as a subcategory within Super Bowl commercials. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see one or two of these each year. For instance, a few years back, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul resurrected their characters from Breaking Bad for an advertisement promoting – believe it or not – PopCorners chips. (Sometimes the connection can seem a bit far-fetched.)

Will Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal be joined by other stars in a nostalgic favorite’s upcoming reunion for a commercial, or is it just the two of them? We’ll discover the answer when this year’s Super Bowl broadcasts live on Fox on Sunday, February 9th. The game will pit the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Dad Movie Canon: 25 Films All Dads Love

Rear Window (1954)

The idea that one could solve a mystery merely by observing from their apartment, or the thought of summoning the elegant Grace Kelly, a classic dad favorite, to assist in solving a puzzle discovered, is quite old-fashioned – as is considering snooping on your neighbor as a valiant deed rather than an infringement upon someone’s personal space. For instance: “Hey! What are you kids doing over there? Get away from my plants!”

The idea that one could solve a mystery without leaving their apartment by merely looking out the window is quite old-school, like thinking Grace Kelly, a favorite of many dads, would help solve your puzzle. It’s also very dad-like to think that spying on your neighbor is heroic instead of an invasion of privacy – for example: “Hey! What are you kids doing over there? Get away from my plants!

12 Angry Men (1957)

Fathers often delve into the intricate relationships within groups of other males, a theme that is frequently observed in our collection of father-centric stories. In this instance, a group of twelve men (essentially a dozen angry fathers) are confined to a room, attempting to reach a consensus regarding the culpability or innocence of a teenager standing trial for murder. As their lives mirror their perspectives on the crime, it is gradually revealed that one of the jurors (Henry Fonda) starts to sway the others subtly towards a particular verdict.

Rio Bravo (1959)

Howard Hawks’ film, “Rio Bravo,” is filled with thrilling instances, but it’s more than just action. It’s a heartwarming movie about a group of men passing time, where John Wayne’s character, John T. Chance, and his team are stuck in a jail, waiting for federal agents to arrive and apprehend a criminal. As they wait, they chat, drink, and even break into song occasionally, with the catchy tune “My Rifle, My Pony, and Me” sung by co-stars Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson. The atmosphere is so pleasant that a real dad might secretly hope the feds never arrive.

The Dirty Dozen (1967)

In the film history, a remarkable group of men, often referred to as the coolest crew, unite in “The Dirty Dozen,” an action-packed World War II movie. The story revolves around a group of criminals assigned for a dangerous mission in 1944 France during the war. This formidable team boasts tough characters such as Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, John Cassavetes, Telly Savalas, Robert Ryan, George Kennedy, and Jim Brown. It’s likely that your father’s beloved classic actor appears among them.

Shaft (1971)

Fathers might not be trendy themselves, yet they admire those who are, and perhaps no character in film history embodies coolness more than Richard Roundtree’s John Shaft, the suave African American private investigator who was a hit with all the ladies. (Please don’t misunderstand; I’m simply discussing Shaft.) In the original movie, directed by Gordon Parks, Shaft finds himself in a conflict between Harlem gangsters and the Mafia. Does Shaft manage to resolve the situation while maintaining an impeccable style in his turtleneck and black leather jacket? Absolutely!

This version maintains the spirit of the original text but rephrases it to be more accessible and natural.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Fathers have a soft spot for jokes about flatulence, bad puns, humor revolving around cleavage, and instances where the boundary between the audience and the film is broken multiple times. They adore the quirky humor of Gene Wilder, especially his distinctive father-like hairstyle. In essence, they appreciate everything that makes up the movie “Blazing Saddles.

Airplane! (1980)

If you take out the Hedy Lamarr jokes from “Blazing Saddles” and replace them with middle-aged, gray-haired men (or dads) being funny without smiling, keeping a straight face all the time, then you’ve captured the father-focused charm of the timeless parody, “Airplane!”.

Rocky III (1982)

Fathers find the Rocky series appealing in all its forms, from the original Rocky to the latest Creed III. I believe it’s hard to pinpoint which film is the most relatable for dads, but I lean towards Rocky III and Rocky IV due to the central theme of work-life balance that Rocky grapples with as he strives to maintain his elite athlete status while recognizing his advancing age.

I slightly favor Rocky III because it offers a more inspiring message for dads. It demonstrates that even when faced by a younger, more aggressive opponent, you can rise again and emerge victorious. (It also showcases the timeless dad fashion of wearing gym shorts and oversized tube socks, two wardrobe favorites among dads.)

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

The traditional American road trip with the family can seem like an appealing plan until you’re actually on the road dealing with one child who constantly asks when you’ll arrive, another who becomes car sick and vomits on the pet. (Please note that these instances are purely fictional and not based on any personal experiences.) The original movie National Lampoon’s Vacation does an excellent job of portraying both the excitement and the insanity of family bonding, ultimately resulting in a trip to Walley World that embodies this dual nature. It is fathers who grasp this contrast more deeply than any other group on the planet.

Trading Places (1983)

Fathers love a good plot twist. The movie “Trading Places” is packed with twists, starting with a wager between two high-powered brokers that swaps the lives of one of their most successful employees (Dan Aykroyd) and a street con artist (Eddie Murphy). Add in some stock market trickery and unexpected nudity, and you’ve got a winning combination for dads at the movies.

RoboCop (1987)

Today’s generation of fathers, including myself and my contemporaries, were raised on ’80s action movies, and RoboCop in particular is deeply ingrained in our cultural consciousness. RoboCop transcends mere nostalgia, as its portrayal of a ruthless capitalist society and the brutal corporate world resonates profoundly with modern dads. The film’s extreme violence, dark humor, and outrageous special effects serve as an added bonus.

Predator (1987)

Predator evokes a strong response similar to catnip for many fathers (let’s call it “Actionnip” if you will). It’s filled with ’80s action, intricate camaraderie among a band of top-tier men, and the most iconic manly handshake in film history. While Schwarzenegger’s character isn’t biologically a father, he embodies a kind of paternal authority over his team as they engage in a fierce fight against an evil extraterrestrial hunter from outer space.

Midnight Run (1988)

Being a dad encompasses plenty of love, warmth, and joy, but it also comes with almost constant frustration, and the occasional query, “How did I wind up here?” The unique feeling that pervades the movie “Midnight Run” is what makes it so entertaining. In this film, Robert De Niro plays a bounty hunter who takes on the task of tracking down an accountant from the mob (Charles Grodin) who’s notoriously difficult to catch. Throughout a seemingly endless parade of troubles, setbacks, irritations, and delays, De Niro’s character Jack Walsh perseveres – just like every dad does.

Field of Dreams (1989)

In simple terms, this description is straightforward. There’s no need to delve into hidden fatherly themes; they are clearly presented throughout this American tale about a man (Kevin Costner) compelled by a voice within him to construct a baseball field in his Iowa cornfield. The motives behind this (and why Field of Dreams might be the epitome of a father’s movie) only become apparent in its climax. However, once it does, be prepared; the emotional response elicited by the film’s ending could keep Iowa’s cornfields lush and verdant for ten years.

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

A sense of comfort can be found in a well-crafted courtroom drama for a father, particularly when justice ultimately prevails. The film “My Cousin Vinny” follows an unseasoned lawyer from Brooklyn (portrayed by Joe Pesci) and his shrewd fiancée Lisa (Marisa Tomei), as they defend the attorney’s cousin against an unjust murder charge in Alabama. Cultural differences arise, potential dangers loom for the “yoots,” the American judicial system is put to the test, and ultimately, the viewers are left with the confidence that justice will triumph – especially when you have a woman who knows her way around a limited-slip differential on your side.

Groundhog Day (1993)

In Groundhog Day, a film, the protagonist, a grumpy weatherman (Bill Murray), finds himself reliving the same day repeatedly without knowing how or when it will end. This seems like an eternal limbo for him. The reason why a father might identify with this story could be that they too may find themselves in situations where they feel stuck in a repetitive cycle, longing for change or a way out.

The Fugitive (1993)

In this rendition, the film “The Fugitive” encompasses all the essential elements: nerve-wracking pursuits, harrowing train accidents, Tommy Lee Jones portraying a tough character, and intricate plots involving corrupt drug company executives. This movie is not only exciting but also intellectually stimulating, subtly humorous, and features Harrison Ford as an ordinary yet resilient doctor who successfully tracks down the culprit behind his wife’s murder and clears his wrongful conviction. And let’s not forget about the charismatic Harrison Ford himself…

Literally Every Other Movie Harrison Ford Ever Made

Although I believe “The Fugitive” is Harrison Ford’s most quintessential father movie, I can’t imagine any Harrison Ford film that doesn’t resonate with fathers. His Tom Clancy movies? Absolutely. “Air Force One”? Definitely. “Apocalypse Now”? You bet. “Indiana Jones”, particularly “Last Crusade”? Classic dad cinema. “The Mosquito Coast”, “Regarding Henry”, and “What Lies Beneath”? Give me those films about troubled fathers! Harrison Ford: The undisputed master of father-centric movies on the silver screen.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Drama series set in prisons can make excellent platforms for father-themed movies. This is because they provide an authentic backdrop to explore the bonds between men, a topic that fathers are known to be deeply invested in and find captivating. For instance, consider films like “The Dirty Dozen” or even “Rio Bravo,” which share similar themes.

In this context, “The Shawshank Redemption” stands out as an exceptional example of a male-oriented tearjerker. It tells a heartwarming story of friendship, resilience, and ultimately, redemption, unfolding over several decades within the harsh confines of Shawshank State Prison.

True Lies (1994)

In the movie “True Lies,” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, a secret agent, finds himself in a precarious situation where both his marriage and the world are at stake. As he realizes his relationship with his wife (Jamie Lee Curtis) is strained, he also discovers that the U.S. is under threat from terrorists. During this dangerous mission, he manages to reconnect with his daughter by rescuing her from a potential nuclear catastrophe. If only earning our kids’ respect were as straightforward…

Cast Away (2000)

Most fathers might not openly acknowledge this, but deep down, each one of them secretly believes that if they were stranded on a deserted island with only their intelligence (and perhaps a stack of FedEx packages), they could survive using nothing more than their resourcefulness. Unfortunately, reality would prove otherwise as they would likely perish in a short time due to the harsh conditions. However, their confidence stems from this belief, and the movie “Cast Away” beautifully captures this fatherly dream in a way that is both realistic and motivating.

Old School (2003)

Dads secretly dream about being like Tom Hanks in Cast Away, lost and struggling to survive. However, they unconsciously resemble Will Ferrell’s character in Old School – past their prime, outdated, and potentially awkward for their family. Yet, there’s a fantastical aspect to Old School as well, where Ferrell’s character and his friends get a chance to relive their youth and strive to be the cool kids (BMOCs) when their friend moves near a college campus and starts a fraternity. This is essentially an older man’s wish fulfillment – a place where dads are in charge, having fun, and everything ends up okay. That’s some serious catering to the dad demographic!

No Country For Old Men (2007)

Men who are fathers often recognize that the universe can be unpredictable at best and brutally unfair at worst. The ethical perspective presented in “No Country for Old Men,” where a family man (Josh Brolin) finds drug money and chooses to keep it, resonates deeply with their fundamental view of life, which they know is filled with relentless predators like Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), who bears a chilling resemblance to a father, but is far more lethal.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

The classic film Top Gun focuses on young, athletic individuals with their impressive physiques and competitive beach volleyball games – aspects that may perplex fathers. The follow-up storyline revolves around a character who is repeatedly dismissed due to his age and lack of familiarity with contemporary technology. However, he ultimately demonstrates his resilience, resourcefulness, and expertise while serving as a mentor to his late best friend’s son (Miles Teller). Essentially, it portrays the daily aspirations of every father figure.

Jackass Forever (2022)

Experiencing fatherhood means perpetually enduring the effects of aging, as your body wears and wrinkles while your children playfully or roughly interact with you. Society expects you to tolerate this hardship silently, even laughing off comments about dad bods. Few movies I can think of portray as well as Jackass Forever, the latest installment in the iconic stunt comedy series, how men cope with their deteriorating bodies and looming mortality. As they approach their 50s, their numbers dwindled by addiction and death, the Jackasses continue to push boundaries, doing so with broad grins on their faces. If you want to understand what it’s like to be a dad, watch Jackass Forever. (Oh, and there are some hilarious penis jokes, which dads seem to love.)

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2025-01-29 20:29

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