Perfect movie for Father's Day

Rating: 7/10 (24 May 2020)

Okay, this is an unpopular opinion. But I believe there is something of value in practically every Sylvester Stallone film. I've been a fan of him ever since I was young, even when I couldn't remember his name. Every film he's made no matter how good (Rocky) or how terrible (Rocky V). I've always been able to take one thing from it and feel like I'm glad I saw it at least once.
When this movie was put on IMDB TV, I was a little confused about the poster. I thought it was about a vigilante with a son. (That's because it wasn't the poster with Stallone arm-wrestling). I asked my Dad if I should see this film, he told me don't bother. But I saw it anyway. This movie was made at a much simpler time, where films could just tell a story. Let's be honest, in the 80s, if a film was cheesy, someone liked it. There are a lot of cult movies in the 80s. Nowadays if a cheesy movie is made, it gets slammed hard. That's why this film is worth a look.
Honestly, I got emotional on some parts of this film. For several reasons. The first reason is, for a large chunk of the movie, they are on the road, just talking and bonding with each other. Sort of like a better version of Goofy Movie. It makes me emotional because before the world was quarantined. My family would always pick out a vacation spot, pack our bags and head out on the road. We would spend a ton of time just talking or watching the beautiful scenery, listening to music, or stopping at restaurants and seeing all sorts of people. I miss those days.
Second, hate me all you want for this. But Stallone's performance on almost anything sells me on his character. I felt for this guy who was just trying to be there for his son. I always felt like having kids was more of a chore than a blessing, but seeing them bond at the end sort of brought tears to my eyes. Because, I know what it's like to have a person who just wants the best for you and is willing to do anything you make you the person you want to be.
I know his son is whiny throughout most of the film, but that was because he was being tricked by his grandfather. Stallone's character Hawk, of course, I understand why he had to leave. He was avoiding a crazy father-in-law and let's face it, Truckers back then did not make as much money as they could have.
Okay, let's address this as well. Sly later admitted that he disliked the film. He said he would've added more of a score and made the final match of the arm wrestling contest more dark and ominous. That would work.....for Rocky IV. On a movie that is about bonding, I don't think it would fit, sorry Sly. I love you, but I have to disagree.
Of course, the film has its cheesy moments. The dialogue of the arm wrestlers and the fact that Hawk let's his son drive a truck without a license. Then Michael steals a truck and drives it to the airport without a license to catch up with his Dad is pretty cheesy. But 80s right?
Kenny Loggins performs the song "Meet me Halfway", which also makes me emotional. Just listen to the lyrics and you know what I mean. They don't make songs like that anymore, or movies like this.
For me, this movie is worth a watch, and it's a good Father's Day film. Now I'm not too concerned about being a Dad. If I'm there for my kid like Hawk was with Michael. I'll be fine.