World's Greatest Dad (15)

Expected a lot given the good reviews but felt this was a film and script done by the numbers to manufacture a story. The film became progressively predictable as it went along and I wanted to groan as it creaked from scene to cliched scene. The only unexpected highlight was that someone took a lawnmower to Williams for the final scene, thank goodness,

just seen it - a flawless and unexpected delight - laugh out loud from the off as well a buckets of nuance, insight,terrific/faultless acting by all (including mr w) only 2 small caveats - the relationship between teachers a little unlikely from a physical/sexual perspective and the post "suicide" beatification went a little far - but life affirming and uplifting stuff - to me anyway...

Has it's moments but is ultimately disappointing. Robin Williams acting seems rather odd at times. Average.

After such a gushing review, the film itself was a disappointment. In comic execution I found it hit and miss - a lot of the laughs came through the use of vulgar language rather than the impish wit the film believes it possesses. And the second half of the film attempts to ratchet up the moral tension to provide the final scenes' catharsis, but the narrative is not strong enough to pull it off. Not a bad film per se, and a million miles better than semi-recent Robin Williams rubbish such as 'RV'. However, 'World's Greated Dad' aims to recapture some of the pathos and comic absurdity of 'Donnie Darko' and 'Napoleon Dynamite' respectively - but falls short of both.

For Williams this is a big step away from familiar territory of slapstick or family comedy. This is dark, dark humour - a family comedy from a totally different angle. In particular, the rivalry with another teacher was very well done. That said, the laughs aren't that frequent - or so thought the 100-ish member audience I saw this with. It was brave of Williams to be photographed naked like that - he certainly had the look of someone who hasn't been to the gym in a while. The best bit of the film is where he's coming to the surface of the pool - played in slow motion - that was excellent. But the rest of the film gets a generous three stars.

Yes, who would have believed it! but the star of such cinematic masterpieces as "Jack" "Patch Adams" and "Death to Smoochy" has just made my favourite film of the year so far.

Another fine film by Bobcat Goldthwait, with Robin Williams in his warmest performance. If you're new to Goldthwait's writing/directing you should check out "Sleeping Dogs Lie" - as offensive as it is charming.

Incredibly enjoyable. Great performance by the village characters. Would have cut down on the screwball farce by ten minutes or so but otherwise a really good film

Yeah really great movie. Directing looks like a mix of Wes Anderson movies and Donnie Darko.

~very impressive performance from Mr. Williams... overall extemely worthwhile