Superdad

source: Superdad

Superdad

A bit of a mishmash of a film. 'Superdad' practically has three storylines rearing a head. You've got a father trying to get involved with his daughter's life, alongside the father having a big work event and the daughter having a sizeable life decision which conflicts with her friends. It's messy, the first one is definitely the film's intended focus but they don't really develop all of them too well. The middle one involves Joe Flynn (Hershberger), who is shoehorned into another Disney live-action flick - he is fairly good in 'The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes' trilogy, but since the original film of that series in 1969 they really tried to force him into a load of their other releases. Somewhat likewise to Kurt Russell (Bart), but at least his role is actually integral here. Bob Crane is solid enough in the main role as Charlie, as is Kathleen Cody as daughter Wendy. Not one I'd recommend, despite some pleasing on the eye shots at the very beginning and very end.

The mid 60s to the mid 70s was a great decade for Disney movies and "Superdad" was one of the standouts of the period. Although not my favorite at the time (I saw it when I was 9 at the Bellerose movie theater, now a karate supply store, on Long Island.)because who wanted to see a Disney movie that was about the father not the kids. However, when I got a little older I began to really enjoy this movie. It has a very appealing cast, big laughs, an evil hippie and an ending that doesn't leave a dry eye in the living room. What more could anyone want? Besides, I have to like this movie because it stars Dick Van Patten and years earlier he also lived in Bellerose.

I was nine years old when I saw this movie and liked it then as I still do to this day.I was at that great age when I wanted to be 18 like the characters in the movie and it didn't hurt that Kathleen Cody was a knock out lady to boot as well as the other ladies in the film.It's a harmless movie of a Father and Mother seeing their Daughter maturing in the real world as well as a lot of laughs in the storyline.Bob Crane was very funny with his portrayal.A lot of great California footage of Newport Beach and San Francisco.It's a great summertime movie that brings me back to 1973.Fisherman's Wharf gets some great exposure as well.

I really liked this movie!! And why not, it is a combination of Disney and Kurt Russell, pure magic if you ask me. This really was a great story though. It was a love story of teens going off to college, and not being able to be with each other. And with all the kids going off to college these days, and different ones at that, trying to have a long distance relationship is hard. This movie reminded me of the hardships people overcome to be with the one they love. And the father in this film, is very overwhelming of his daughter, who loves Russell's character, but wants her to marry a man that he likes. In the end, like all good love stories, it had a great ending, which I think everyone will be delighted with. The story was great, and the actors as younger "kids" were good too. Most notably the acting of Kurt Russell and Bruno Kirby (billed as B. Kirby Jr.). Overall, this film deserved a 10 out of 10.

I wanted to like this film. Really. After all, any Disney film with Russell, Flynn and even a young Kirby has to have something good, doesn't it? Well, usually. As a father who can't stand the thought of letting go of his little girl, Crane is kind of irritating as the "Superdad" of the title. Did I say "kind of"? Scratch that: VERY irritating. The main picture in my mind is of Crane screaming like a girl while taking a high water ski jump. After that, I'd just stay home and tell my daughter to go and have a good time. At least Flynn's around for laughs. Why couldn't he have been the dad? Now that would have been really super. Two stars, plus a half star extra for Flynn. Way to go, Joe.

I was about twelve when this mess came out. Having seen several entertaining Disney fantasies ("The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes", "Now You See Him, Now You Don't", "The Barefoot Executive", "The World's Greatest Athlete" etc.) the title led me to believe it was about kids who discovered their dad was a superhero. No such luck. It's about a father who is trying to relate to his daughter, and also trying to wrest her attention away from a beach-bum boyfriend. This was the '70s, remember, when dropping out was cool. If you were a slacker with no ambition, you were admirable. I don't know who Disney thought this generation-gap stuff was meant to appeal to. Kids were bored stiff. I haven't seen the film since 1973 (or '74, whenever), it left such a bad taste in my mouth. Unless you are a Bob Crane completest, avoid.

This film is every bit as entertaining as any of the other Disney films of the 1959-1979 period. What do you want? You got your high jinx. You got your love story. You got your Kurt Russell. You got classic Bruno Kirby. You got your Bob Crane (Colonel Hogan, and unfairly slammed as an actor). You got your mad cap caper. You got your teenage conflict with authority. You got little kids laughing. Why are we looking for dramatic depth in a Disney kids movie? I watched this movie several times as a Disney movie of the week in the 70's. We even rented the 16mm version for display at youth conferences. All I have are fond memories and a wish for the video to be added to the other Disney Classics. Lighten up and go with the flow, man!