Anthony's Film Review - Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

The real treat in this comedy is a convincing performance by Robin Williams...

Robin Williams is one of the most versatile actors around, especially for comedy films. In the various roles he took on during his career, including an alien on the TV show Mork and Mindy and the Genie in Disney's Aladdin, he fully embodies the character while making us smile. In Mrs. Doubtfire, he plays a role that is sort of a tribute to, and definitely a step above, the two cross-dressing characters of the 1959 film Some Like It Hot.

Williams plays Daniel Hillard, a man going through a divorce with his wife Miranda (Sally Field) and has issues with leaving his children behind. He would do anything to see them on a regular basis. He soon gets the idea of dressing up as an old lady named Mrs. Doubtfire and answering his wife's ad for a nanny. Immediately, Miranda is impressed by Mrs. Doubtfire and accepts her (I mean, him) for the job.

In the beginning, Mrs. Doubtfire seems like a very hip old lady. The children seem to get along her their new nanny, which is exactly what she (I mean, he) is hoping for. At the same time, Miranda has a new man in her life, who is played by Pierce Brosnan. This is when Mrs. Doubtfire shows her (I mean, his) nasty side. It is rather interesting to show the two sides of being a divorced man.

So is the movie funny? It certainly is. The comic scenes primarily occur when Robin Williams is in costume. As a regular man, he isn't as funny because there's pretty much nothing about divorce to laugh about. On the other hand, a divorcee in drag is funny. To avoid giving away too much, I'm only going to mention the two funniest scenes, which are laugh-out-loud because they're the most unexpected. One involves Mrs. Doubtfire setting herself (I mean, himself) on fire. The other presents a shocking sight of Mrs. Doubtfire that finally forces one to question the character's gender.

Many people may love this movie for its gags. Believe it or not, that's my second reason for liking Mrs. Doubtfire. My main reason for recommending this film is simply the solid performance by Robin Williams. If you had to pick the most memorable roles that this actor has played, Mrs. Doubtfire should definitely be one of them. His ability to transform into a character is just pure genius.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Mrs. Doubtfire, visit the Internet Movie Database.