This is actually two movies: The extensive editing credits suggest that combining the footage into one film must have been challenging. On one hand we see a travel movie with some entrancing, too brief glimpses of good cinematography. Diced among it is another movie about the emotional friction between a father and son. Scenes of painful confessions and tears are followed by jarring shots of a highway or the departures board at an airline terminal. The filmmaker, Chris Roe, is to be commended for his honesty, in that he lets his frequent whining scenes remain in the movie. I could have done without any of the frequent references to the expenses of the trip, and would like to know more about the father and his background. And what about the wife and mother that the father recently divorced, but is silent about, and how the other two brothers fit into the picture? Nevertheless, this movie is definitely worth watching for any son or father.
5 Reviews
"Pop & Me", a great film for men with adult sons (that's why the female vote is so low).
TxMike16 June 2002
"Pop and Me" had an interesting genesis. "Pop" had turned 50 and was reminded that he had perhaps only 1/3 of his life left to live. He decided to take another trip around the world. The "Son" saw this as an opportunity to go along with dad, who would pay for the trip, and meanwhile make a film of the adventure. Pop realized that may become a little dull, but conceived of the idea that the film could include dads and sons all over the world. It turned out to be a brilliant idea, and after two years of planning they did it. A 190-day trip.
First, a word about dad/son dynamics. It becomes clear very early that, in spite of their uncanny physical resemblance, dad and son are totally different. Dad is a gregarious, confident, left-brain planner and problem-solver. Son is a right-brain, sensitive sort with a little self-confidence problem which gets amplified when he is around his father. While dad always shines brightly, the son is not exactly the brightest bulb in the grand fixture of life. This fact contributes to the interest of the film, and points out the difficulty some people have of recognizing and accepting who they are (son, not dad).
One of the more interesting interviews was with Julian Lennon, on the beach at Monte Carlo. Julian shared his perspective that John Lennon was not a particularly good father, and that the songs he wrote did not reflect who he was. This motivated Julian to be a better person, to be more true to his music. This same theme came from "pop", when discussing his father, who he described as a "drunk." He said he observed his father, and tried hard not to be like that.
Around the world, they found fathers and sons to interview, and it is impressive how openly they shared. Not all was rosy, as the time in India when son became very ill, with all the symptoms of Dengue Fever, which was rampant at that time. He survived. Or the time when their visas had expired in Viet Nam and they could not leave until they were able to get them renewed. Or the periodic "discussions" they had concerning dad always wanting to take over.
All-in-all a very fine film, and a great film for adult men and their adult sons to watch. The DVD has some deleted scenes which I found more interesting than some of the completed film's content. I recommend it highly.
First, a word about dad/son dynamics. It becomes clear very early that, in spite of their uncanny physical resemblance, dad and son are totally different. Dad is a gregarious, confident, left-brain planner and problem-solver. Son is a right-brain, sensitive sort with a little self-confidence problem which gets amplified when he is around his father. While dad always shines brightly, the son is not exactly the brightest bulb in the grand fixture of life. This fact contributes to the interest of the film, and points out the difficulty some people have of recognizing and accepting who they are (son, not dad).
One of the more interesting interviews was with Julian Lennon, on the beach at Monte Carlo. Julian shared his perspective that John Lennon was not a particularly good father, and that the songs he wrote did not reflect who he was. This motivated Julian to be a better person, to be more true to his music. This same theme came from "pop", when discussing his father, who he described as a "drunk." He said he observed his father, and tried hard not to be like that.
Around the world, they found fathers and sons to interview, and it is impressive how openly they shared. Not all was rosy, as the time in India when son became very ill, with all the symptoms of Dengue Fever, which was rampant at that time. He survived. Or the time when their visas had expired in Viet Nam and they could not leave until they were able to get them renewed. Or the periodic "discussions" they had concerning dad always wanting to take over.
All-in-all a very fine film, and a great film for adult men and their adult sons to watch. The DVD has some deleted scenes which I found more interesting than some of the completed film's content. I recommend it highly.
Take a look at this movie
scotty-3714 March 2001
A father and son travel around the world making a film about other fathers and sons that they find along the way. The interviews illustrate the dynamics of the relationships between fathers and sons and are often touching and enlightening.
There is some sentiment and tenderness in this film so not every person (especially male) may be comfortable with all of it--but it doesn't venture into the arena of being a coerced trip down saccharine (artificial sweetener) lane.
According to the filmmakers (on the commentary track of the DVD) they didn't coach the people in the documentary to say anything specific about their father or sons. Most fathers and sons just seemed to want to use their interview as a vehicle for expressing things they were not normally permitted to say or express. A lot of the power of this movie comes from the sense of personal meaning that these fathers and sons bring to each other and that we're allowed to watch.
There is some sentiment and tenderness in this film so not every person (especially male) may be comfortable with all of it--but it doesn't venture into the arena of being a coerced trip down saccharine (artificial sweetener) lane.
According to the filmmakers (on the commentary track of the DVD) they didn't coach the people in the documentary to say anything specific about their father or sons. Most fathers and sons just seemed to want to use their interview as a vehicle for expressing things they were not normally permitted to say or express. A lot of the power of this movie comes from the sense of personal meaning that these fathers and sons bring to each other and that we're allowed to watch.
A great movie for fathers and sons
pkelch18 February 2001
I watched this film with my father and it was truly a worthwhile experience. The documentary is about a father and son who travel around the world and the development of their relationship as they talk with other fathers and sons in various countries. This is a great movie to watch because everyone needs a father, biological or not, and one often loses sight of how important the influence of a father can be. At times it will make you laugh, at times it will make you cry, and occasionally you will laugh and cry simultaneously. It was just a great experience for me and my father to watch together.
Sincere and worthwhile
Jennel218 December 2001
While this documentary lost its focus toward the end (when the son--filmmaker Chris Roe--became a bit whiny), I found it insightful, touching, and often funny. The interactions between fathers and sons in different countries was very interesting, and surprisingly entertaining. While many of the interviews did border on maudlin, there were several fathers and sons whose cultures dictated a colder or more macho relationship. Well done, and should hit home with both Boomers and their Gen-X offspring.
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