I watched Mythbusters on my laptop in my hotel room FOR THE GLORY OF THE EMPIRE!

I hear what your saying. You are correct. Buuuut, I agree with OP too.

Arguably, I would say do both. Partly for the academic side and partly because a lot of ideas exist that could do with some TLC.

A version of After Earth that’s less awkward maybe?

I recently saw Iron Mask, a not amazing martial arts movie where Jackie Chan fights Arnold Schwarzenegger. That’s the best part of the movie by far but if you could do more with that as an idea? Especially paying for more than one fight scene.

Though, struggling to think of examples as my movie knowledge isn’t too extensive. And it can be tricky to deal with ‘didn’t work but had potential’ and ‘cult classic/niche appeal’. Like I think the Five Nights At Freddie’s movie is a mess but a really entertaining mess that I’m not certain how to ‘fix’ without removing from the gonzo camp they landed on, that I then liked.

I think this makes sense. Firstly, respect your friends have children. Then, decide how to interact with them now that its what is happening.

If you want a regular, often relationship, having the ability to talk with the whole household on some level just seems sensible. They live there too; the kids are a person even if not a fully experienced one. Being an Uncle or an Aunt can be fun, or just be civil and honest. Ask stuff, field questions and above all don’t be a dick.

The alternative is just to catch your friends when they’re free. This might be rare or very occasional. That sucks but its their right to raise a family. The kids are dependant on your friends and your friends need to make sure they’re OK. It requires patience and understanding. Possibly a little ingenuity.

In my experience, many parents will enjoy some time away from their kids every so often. If they want it, they’ll find a way. And older kids will enjoy sometime where their parents aren’t hovering over them. Either a weekly event or occasional times out might be possible to be carved out.

From my own Mother’s words: your entire world shifts to revolve around your kids when they arrive. I would say you’d need to understand that and act appropriately.

Wee bit more complex than that usually.