Loved movie except the scene . . .

And here I am maybe the only one who thought no words or actions need have been taken because the "Stacy Keach" character was embarrassed and ashamed at realizing he'd in fact humiliated himself in front of his cronies given "Bruce Dern's" confused, pitiable retrieval of the letter. He could take no more pride in his actions than a bully peeling the wings off a butterfly.

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I viewed it as making perfect sense; a shift in a character's perception and realisation of his anger, as well as the significance of his affection for his father. It didn't make him less likeable, in my eyes, nor did it feel wrong that at this point he should punch the guy. I am generally a pacifist, in fact, but even I thought "Helly yeh!" at this point....A generally well mannered, curteous, caring and warm man who would not hurt a fly lashes out. WE are all capable of an act such as this, given the right impotus; I felt this was the right impotus and the moment was perfect

I think David just did what his father wanted to do but wouldn't because he is a very passive person. Woody punched him with his eyes. And David did it out of principle; he was mocking his father. And maybe David had changed a little by then, feeling close to his father more than ever. Or he just acted on impulse, what do I know.

In the words of Ron Howard, known only as the narrator of Arrested Development and nothing else, "Even a pro has a breaking point." David punching the seventy year old was his breaking point.

Also, the filmmakers knew that in that scene, the audience wanted to see David punch the SOB. It was satisfying to watch and you know it.

No, no, no, no....! Tut! Tug! You guys okay?! - MacGruber

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Well the character had it coming. Had probably been bullying the Bruce Dern character for fifty years or so, as well as everyone else around him. Also he started it by making the threats in the bathroom, with implied physical violence. So the son basically took some long needed revenge for his dad. I admit I did feel odd about the punch too since it seemed like the Ed character had actually learned a lesson and was feeling genuine remorse for his actions when the son suddenly punched him. But he still had it coming. He made the threats and got physical initially, the son just finished. Ed acted like a young thug, so he got punched out like one.

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