I (Deesha) took our oldest daughter to see “UP” this afternoon. It was quite the tear-jerker and much “deeper” than I had anticipated. I was also surprised to discover a little co-parenting-related moment in this film. The young adventurer Russell tells his octogenarian friend Carl that he doesn’t see much of his dad anymore. Russell’s parents aren’t together, and he keeps calling his dad, but he doesn’t come around. Worse, when he calls, his dad’s girlfriend (or wife–it’s not specified), Phyllis, tells Russell to “stop bugging” his dad. Ouch!!! This is precisely the kind of behavior that lends credence to the wicked stepmother mythology.

Fortunately for Russell, when his dad disappoints him once again at a special moment in his life, his mom is there for him and so is his good friend, Carl.

See “UP”! Bring tissues!