In the beginning of the movie, we hear him yell at Josh to get ready and I believe later there is mention of Josh's parents but after that, no mention of the father again. Josh Clark is credited in the cast as Mr. Baskin but I don't even remember seeing him in the movie. Did I miss something? Were his parts cut from the tv version?
shareHe's seen waving at Josh as he is stood in the queue to go on the ride with Cynthia. To be honest I kind of forgot about him too, because he is only featured very briefly.
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Let's count the stars together
I'm watching the extended version right now- there's a scene where both his parents move his little sister into his room. I thought he was completely cut from the original movie until I saw him at the carnival, I think that's the only time they show him.
shareYou see him when they're at the carnival.
I'm happiest...in the saddle.
he made a wish on zoltar too.
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Go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!
Wasn't he at the carnival that night when Josh is refused admission to the ride and then makes his wish on the Zoltar machine? I remember him being there when the mother takes Josh's picture while he is talking to a girl he likes.
shareYes, and it was the father's clothes from his bedroom closet that Josh borrows when he can no longer fit into his own.
shareThe father is conspicuous by his absence after appearing in the early scene. Very strange.
shareThe actor who played Josh's father was an unknown, whereas his mother is played by Mercedes Ruehl, who would go on to win an Oscar three years later. She probably had it written in her contract that she would get all the dramatic roles, so Josh's father was merely a stand-in part.
shareFor the longest time watching this movie I could never tell if Josh had a father or if his mother was just dating some dude who was never around the house very often.
shareIt's symbolic. Because his father is absent he has to 'grow up' prematurely.
Cardboard Box is the Future.
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