Okay, I’m going to admit that I, for one am really excited for tonight’s review? Why? Well, since first seeing this film as a kid, maybe 5-10 years after it first came out, it is a film that I have come to really enjoy over the years for it’s mostly clean slapstick, surprisingly good take away s from the film, and other good qualities about it. Oh, and and did I forget to mention that the very film that we are about discuss stars iconic actors like Bill Murray, and Richard Dreyfuss in it? Yes, that’s right! Tonight, in celebration of this special comedy film reaching it’s 30th anniversary as of earlier this year, we are going to talk about the one, and only, What About Bob?.
Plot: A troubling New York civilian named Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) meets a therapist named Dr. Leo Marvin. After Dr. Marvin gives Bob a book that he wrote called Baby Steps, Bob feels initially relieved to take Dr. Marvin’s advice for certain things he should do for a while. But when Bob learns that Dr. Marvin is taking a vacation with his family to Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, Bob decides to follow them there. Now, the question remains, will Dr. Marvin, and his family learn to warm up to Bob, or will they be annoyed with him to the point of hating his guts in the end?
Well, what can I say about this film? First of all, I can now recall why I found myself enjoying this film even as a kid. First of all, how can you not like the chemistry between Bob Wiley, and Dr. Marvin whenever they’re onscreen together? Not only that, but out of all the characters in this film, they seemed to be developed the most. Still, there are other likable characters in this film too, like Dr. Marvin’s wife, Fay, his kids Sigmund, and Anna, the elder couple, Mr., and Mrs. Guttman, and other characters in this film as well. It would honestly be hard to not like basically any of these characters, you know?
Next, some of the lessons to take away from this film are also really good. I mean when you compare especially certain characters who either eventually learn to be content with circumstances in their lives, or become so frustrated that they decide to take extreme measures that aren’t exactly the best, then how could one not learn a good lesson in contentment, you know? Of course, there are other good lessons to take away, such as learning to be patient in certain situations (easier said than done), learning to read situations, and not taking those personally, and, interestingly enough, even lessons in not being jealous of others. Again, easier said than done. Oh, and another thing to mention is that, after observing the actions of some of the characters in this film, one should definitely try to reevaluate his/her own actions, and ponder why people may either listen to any of us, or anyone else that is. It is, you know?
But the one area where this film truly shines is the comedy. Wow, for the most part, this is pure comedy from start to finish. Considering that comedy in more recent films hasn’t been as clean, one can easily call What About Bob? a breath of fresh air. Definitely saying something, wouldn’t you say? I mean we are taking really hilarious moments, as well as, surprisingly, some of the most quotable content that a film could have. Surely, a family film like this, and an animated film like 2000’s The Emperor’s New Groove, and maybe even 1997’s Mouse Hunt could be good friends with each other. Oh, and I should mention that this film is directed by Frank Oz, the same guy whose voice worn included Yoda in any of the Star films that he was in.
The only downside to this film could potentially be that there may be a little too much cussing in this film for a family movie. Oh, it’s not bad enough to make this film PG-13. Thank God! Still, there were a few moments where this film could have maybe been a little cleaner in that regard. Kids are still even bound to enjoy this film, so long as they decide that they won’t repeat any rare foul language that could be found a few times in this film.
And that’s my review for 1991’s What About Bob? I have to say that I’m surprised with the outcome after being absent from it even years later. The movie is fun, the comedy is is pure gold, and other things like that. If you haven’t seen this film yet, then you have no idea what you’re missing out on. What About Bob? is a film to remember for it’s mostly quotable script, and some of the most hilarious moments in comedic history.
Final Grade: A
P.S. I will say it one last time, happy 30th to What About Bob?!
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 