1. Ted Kramer in Kramer vs. Kramer
Kramer vs. Kramer is another adaptation. This story revolves around a young married couple, their divorce and custody battle over their s son. The film successfully portrays the cultural shift where notions of fatherhood and motherhood were changing. In this film we see a father completely redefining his role as he challenges the idea that children are always better off with their mother. Hollywood icons Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep play the parts of Ted and Joanna. Ted is a workaholic who strives to succeed but he is less ambitious when it comes to keeping his wife and kid happy. Joanna decides enough is enough and she leaves Ted with their son. Ted doesnt quite pick up the single dad part as quickly as Chris Garder does in The Pursuit of Happyness. It takes him a little longer to become a fully-fledged Good Dad, which means when he does it's all the more endearing. Initially father and son dislike each other immensely. Billy misses his mum and Ted just cares about work. The morning after Joannas exit Ted tries to cook some French toast which turns into a culinary disaster and a nasty burn on his hand. He didnt quite realized how much effort it takes to raise a child let alone prepare their breakfast. However as the movie goes on they form an unshakable bond and Ted learns how to become a truly great father. The chaotic breakfast scene is mirrored in a more successful one where they get through breakfast without one argument. Ted brings in the paper, Billy reads the comic book it makes for a beautifully choreographed fatherson scene. Teds usual banter about corporate gossip and fancy suits is replaced by stories about Billy. Another testament to his fatherhood is the fact that he doesnt paint an evil mother-whore picture of Joanna. When he finds a photograph of her in Billys drawer he takes it out and puts it back on display. He doesnt want to cut Billys mother out despite the tension between them. Eventually Joanna returns and she wants her child back. A difficult succession of court room battles concludes with Billy and Ted staying together, which interestingly enough is not the courts decision but Joannas. Weve had our good dads. Here are some that dont quite make the cut. Click "Next" to discover the worst of the worst movie Dads...