Keanu

Watched this for the 2nd time yesterday, and I forgot Keanu Reeves plays Tod, Julie’s boyfriend.

I thought it was a job well done. Of course, Keanu plays his stereotypical self, the Ted Theodore Logan character, and he’s charming as ever. Maybe a little grating at times, but it’s played for laughs and eyerolls, like the part where he drinks Helen’s milk from the carton. Yet 2 scenes stood out to me.

One, of course, was the “You don’t need a license to be a dad” monologue. He won me over there by showing me the depth to this character and what he adds to the plot and cast. His story connected to all of the family’s, particularly Cool’s.

The other scene is the movie’s last, when after Helen’s and the biology teacher’s baby is born, Frank the grandpa is handing out cigars, and he gives one to Tod nonchalantly and naturally. Tod seems a little surprised but takes the cigar as if he were half-expecting it. After Frank walks away, Tod gives him a look of appreciation. Tod realizes that Frank was attempting to see him as a man of the family, which many can relate to.

On a personal note, this last scene certainly related to me, as I became a father in a similar fashion. My wife’s grandfather reminds me of Frank, even the part where he owns his own small business.

Anyway I like Keanu pretty good, and he fits in well with an ensemble, much like in Something’s Gotta Give.