Last summer I decided my daughters needed to have their pop culture horizons expanded. With the help of some googling (“top family movies from the 80s and 90s”), I made a list of all the movies I loved from childhood. Movies my brother, parents, and I had watched on VHS, over and over because Netflix wasn’t a thing; movies I could still quote to this day; movies I adored despite realizing, as an adult, that they weren’t actually that good.

Our favorites were Honey I Shrunk the Kids and Flight of the Navigator. Reviews were mixed for The Princess Bride (but don’t worry, I’ll win over that child with bad taste soon enough). Next up on our list are The Mighty Ducks, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Sandlot. One movie I thought for sure would be a big hit — but was not — is Night at the Museum. In hindsight I can see how it’s a bit intense for my girls, but I’m not giving up. In a year or so I know they’ll appreciate the slapstick humor, as well as Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson’s sarcastic banter.

Though it’s been several months since we attempted to watch that movie, one scene from the first few (less intense) minutes has stuck in my mind ever since. Ben Stiller’s character is a divorced dad who has a hard time holding down a regular job. But he’s a big dreamer and a hope holder, always certain something big, his big thing is just around the corner. His son is young but he’s heard this story enough times to be at least wary, if not jaded. When his dad admits he lost his job again and might have to move, but not to worry because his big moment is coming, his son asks tentatively: “What if you’re wrong…and you’re just an ordinary guy who should get a job?”

What if you’re wrong…and you’re just an ordinary guy who should get a job?

Ouch.

I’ve definitely thought that, about myself, before. Have you? To read the rest of this post, please join me at #PorchStories with Kristin Taylor.

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