Wallace Shawn is the star of this film as a a chemist, Dr. Spiegel, who is poorly mistreated at work. He is a single dad of Charlie, an 11 year old. Laura Innes has a supporting role as understanding Rose. This is a wholesome family movie without the sentimentality. I would have never guessed that it was filmed in Utah with the fall colors. The story about Charlie Spiegel begins with him hiring an attractive stronger stranger to play the role of his dad. The man he hires has his own secrets and past history. Charlie played by Ben Diskin is well played and believable. Charlie is new to the school and has been bullied enough. The film was shot in 1995 and the computers appear dated. Even though I never even heard about it, I did enjoy it. Wallace Shawn is the everyman, brilliant actor, playwright and writer. He doesn't get enough as the leading man but here he's the father and it's a great performance.
7 Reviews
Lively family fare
Goon-23 February 1999
"Just Like Dad" is one of those movies that was not made for the purpose of being the next "Gone With the Wind", but rather it was made to provide its audience with a decent, entertaining story, and it does a pretty good job of that. In the film: a twelve-year-old kid who is ashamed of his wimpy father(Wallace Shawn), meets and befriends a kindly man who happens to be somewhat handsome and very athletic, and somehow he convinces this man to pretend to be his father at a school picnic. After this works quite well, the boy's scheme deepens, and of course he runs into some trouble along the way and this makes him learn that there is nobody he would rather be like than his dad. It's a simple story, that has some entertaining comedic moments on the side, such as the boys "stand-in" father out-smarting some bullies. It also features tender performances by Shawn, director Nick Cassavettes, as the "stand-in" father, Ben Diskin(?)as the boy, and Jarrett Lennon as his friend. An odd sub-plot involving computers somewhat lessons the story, and a few of the scenes between Shawn and Diskin are a little bit too melodramatic, but all in all, it's not a bad movie. It tends to pop up on the Disney channel, and should be given at least one viewing.
Engaging and positive
shneur3 December 2005
This certainly is one of the better single-parent sentimentality movies. The relationship between nerdy 12-y/o Charlie (Ben Diskin) and his nerdy father (Wallace Shawn) is both intimate and mutually respectful. Far from being engaged in the usual intergenerational control struggle, they are each trying to support the other, and when they mistakenly hurt each other they are regretful. If this sounds a bit sappy, it's balanced by a sub-plot involving a reformed gangster (Nick Cassavetes) and some rough characters from his past. My personal test of a "kid movie" is always whether or not the young person is portrayed as a fully human being, with thoughts, opinions and values, and who takes independent initiatives to solve the problems the plot presents to him or her. This film gets very high marks in that regard, and is well acted and well directed (Blair Treu) to boot. Excellent viewing!
Pretty Darn Sweet!
Krinda19 September 1999
A family movie, with some absolutely charming moments when Jarrett Lennon, the best friend, warmly teaches his pal how to survive, despite their obvious nerdy-ness. Jarrett's one of those "secret" young actors who plays it for real, which is always a pleasure to watch. Also really terrific performances are those of Laura Innes and Wallace Shawn, as well as Nick Cassavetes (now a director).
Great Movie
ericablewett25 July 2012
wonderful Values , excellent morals. I watched this movies yrs ago (6 plus) with my children and we loved it. Then 2 yrs ago I met and dated one of the actors(not realizing who he was) He played Turk , the bad guy who was hired to play the dad ! Then after we were engaged I mentioned the movies Just Like Dad & Kid Called Danger to him in passing he said he was in those two movies . Lol it was him wow small world right.... anyway , Its pretty amazing to have seen these movies yrs back then marry one of the actors. I've would recommend these movies to anyone with children , both have great plots and story lines. I am very proud of my husband and his accomplishments in life.
Memorable
neongen7 January 2002
Wallace Shawn , best known for his role in My Dinner With Andre, is memorable as a good hearted , but meek, father of a son who feels pressured by circumstances to the point of pretending that another man is his father. Film`s action hero finale is not all that terrific.
Cute and simple
orthodox10000-16 April 2005
Cute and simple story of bullies, and overcoming them. I enjoyed it not expecting much, but coming away impressed with all the lead characters performances. I recommend this for viewing with the whole family. I was happy to see Nick Casavettes turn in a very good and decent performance, as the hunk bodybuilder. Shawn Wallace gets the "hero" role and takes it on with gusto (at least for him). I was annoyed a little bit with the kid that played Charlie. He's got to learn to not be so "stereotypical Jewish" if he wishes to get ahead in Hollywood. Yes he is young but he is so paper thin in his acting at times it comes of disingenuous to me. But overall it's a cute film that gives kids a good lesson in being proud of who you & your family are, instead of always looking for greener grass.
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