Andrea Blaugrund Nevins
Oscilloscope Laboratories, 2012, DVD, 99 min., $29.99

This DVD is way outside the usual youth ministry box. In fact, it takes the box, throws it down and stomps on it. The Other F Word is a documentary that follows the heroes of the punk rock movement, the quintessential poster boys for rebellion and anti-authoritarians as they become fathers. This movie’s main storyline follows Jim Lindberg, lead singer of Pennywise, as he discusses his struggles and shares his role as a father. The movie also steps in the lives of other famous punk rocker fathers such as Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Art Alexakis (Everclear) and skateboarder Tony Hawk, along with many others.

This movie is funny, moving and powerful. Although laced with strong profanity, it is touching and extremely real. This may not be the first movie you would grab when you think about fatherhood, but it will be the last one you’ll forget. Moments such as when Everclear’s Art Alexakis is playing his famous song “Father of Mine” are woven with the story of his own childhood and his resolution to be different kind of father is just one example of why this movie is so great.

This movie is packed with short clips, quotes and interviews that fit best in adult settings, such as your next youth ministry meeting or parenting class. Be warned: You will need to keep your finger ready for the mute button. This movie—because of the amount of strong language—may not be the best choice for your students, depending on the context. It does, however, cover many great topics such as community, discipline, death, priorities, ethics, forgiveness, love, responsibility and masculinity in fresh ways. It also includes a great conversation about extended adolescence that may serve as a great addition to current research that is being discussed in youth ministry.

Start to finish, your view of fatherhood literally will be rocked. From the opening scenes and getting to know each of the fathers to the final moments as Jim Lindberg decides to put his family first and quits Pennywise after 20 years of touring, I honestly can say I really enjoyed this movie. (Here’s a lesson regarding The Other F Word.)