BEWTEEN US

Dear Spike:

Your mother and I are having one of our very favorite dates — spread out on the couch, covered with layers of blankets and watching a movie on the computer.

Someday, I hope you’ll enjoy finding a small snuggle spot between us. I think you’ll like that — and I think you’ll also love the movie we’re watching tonight “The Iron Giant.”

Each year, around this time, minions of ridiculous Southern Californians invade Utah for the Sundance Film Festival, bringing with them their designer jeans, fuzzy boots and silly sunglasses. For three weeks, it’s enough to make me wish there was no such thing as Hollywood.

But even during this preposterous time, I still can’t help but acknowledge the power of a really well made film — and this is one. It’s the story of a young boy who befriends a enormous robot — teaching it that, in this life, we are what we choose to be.

It’s a beautiful lesson – a lesson I plan to share with you.

You don’t need to wear designer jeans, fuzzy boots and silly sunglasses to be accepted — even in Hollywood. The guy who made this film (and later, the very popular Disney movie “The Incredibles”) is as unHollywood as they come.

Brainy, nerdy and more than a bit awkward, I imagine that Brad Bird could walk the crowded streets of Park City in blissful anonymity this month, even as those around him gawk at the endless parade of cookie cut “stars” that appear here each January.

In making his way in life, Mr. Bird didn’t follow others — he simply followed his heart. In this case, that meant making a touching movie about a little boy and his robot.

You can make movies. You can write songs. You can build towers or design tools or bake cakes. You can write like you father or teach like your mother. You can do anything.

And you can do anything while forging your own way in this world, following others because you’re inspired by their examples and ideals — not because you wish to “fit in” but because you wish to make the world a better place.

You, my child, are who you choose to be.

Love,
dad