Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Have you ever wanted to watch Robin Williams as a hairy-legged, voice-throwing, cross-dressing nanny?If you haven't... then I am so sorry for you, it is truly your loss!
"Mrs. Doubtfire" is a quintessential Robin Williams film.
Williams portrays a down-on-his-luck father who faces the loss of his wife, followed by the loss of visitation rights to his children.
When his ex-wife decides to hire a nanny, Williams' character naturally opts to disguise himself as a woman and apply for the position to stay close to his children.
Despite the fact that it is apparent to the audience that the character of Mrs. Doubtfire is Robin Williams in drag, none of the other characters in the film seem to recognize him.
This setup, with Williams fooling his on-screen family, leads to one of the most hilarious comedy performances by Robin Williams, which is a significant statement considering his extensive comedic repertoire.
- You are not comfortable with humor involving cross-dressing or gender identity.
- You are younger than 13, as the movie is rated PG-13 for some sexual references.
- You are sensitive to scenes involving conflict between parents and their children
- You are not a fan of comedy films.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Mrs. Doubtfire"? I mean, here's a guy who gets a divorce, and instead of going through the normal post-divorce routine of picking up his life, maybe dating a little, he decides to become a British nanny. And not just any nanny, but an older woman complete with a hefty bosom and a penchant for housekeeping.
And we're not talking a quick change here, folks. He goes full-on prosthetics, voice coaching, the works! Most folks can't even commit to a gym membership for that long, and he's spending hours in a makeup chair to become a middle-aged woman. Now, I'm all for bending gender norms, but this is bending them into a pretzel!
And then, he gets the job! He's so convincing that his ex-wife, who presumably has seen him in all sorts of situations and should know him better than anyone, doesn't recognize him. I mean, how different can he look? You'd think at some point she'd look at him and say, "You know, our new nanny reminds me of someone...oh yeah, my ex-husband!"
Here we have a movie where the hero, Daniel, thinks the best way to spend more time with his kids is to disguise himself as an elderly British nanny. I mean, if my approach to solving family issues involved latex masks and a fake British accent, I'd expect someone to sit me down for a serious talk, not give me an award for Father of the Year!
I mean, is it a heartwarming tale of a dad who'll do anything to spend time with his kids, or is it the story of a mother just trying to live a normal life without her house turning into a zoo? You've got a father dressing up as a British nanny, and suddenly, it's like we're in the wild kingdom over here. And don't get me started on the fact that the mother just found the man of her dreams, and her ex-husband is intent on ruining that relationship.
And if it were anyone but Robin Williams... Can you imagine? Anyone else tries to pull off this stunt, and we're not charmed; we're calling for an intervention! Only Robin Williams could make us believe that a hairy-legged, voice-throwing, cross-dressing nanny could actually be the solution to a fractured family. Now, that's talent!
Tootsie (1982)
"Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) and "Tootsie" (1982) are heartwarming comedies that center around cross-dressing protagonists who, out of desperation, adopt female personas to reach their goals, leading to hilarious and touching situations. These films not only offer laughs but also explore themes of identity, family, and love, with strong performances by Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman respectively, making them a must-watch for fans of comedy-drama.
Top Gun (1986)"Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) and "Top Gun" (1986) are iconic movies of their respective decades, reflecting themes of personal transformation, adventure, and emotional depth. Devotees of "Mrs. Doubtfire" will appreciate "Top Gun" for its intense performances, particularly by Tom Cruise, engaging storyline, and memorable dialogue, much like the humor and heart Robin Williams brings to "Mrs. Doubtfire". Moreover, both films offer a balance of drama, comedy, and action, along with unforgettable soundtracks, making for an enjoyable cinematic experience.
Steel Magnolias (1989)"Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Steel Magnolias" are heartwarming films that seamlessly blend comedy and drama to explore themes of family, love, and resilience. Just as "Mrs. Doubtfire" captures audiences with its humorous yet poignant portrayal of a man going to great lengths to stay close to his family, "Steel Magnolias" enchants with its compelling depiction of the enduring bond among a group of women in a small Southern town. The blend of laughter-through-tears storytelling, memorable characters, and the underlying message of love and perseverance in both movies will resonate with fans of either film.
Ghost (1990)Both "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Ghost" are iconic 90s films that beautifully blend drama, comedy, and romance. They revolve around protagonists who, after undergoing a life-altering event, are forced to exist in a new form to remain close to their loved ones. In "Mrs. Doubtfire," Robin Williams disguises himself as a nanny to be with his children, and in "Ghost," Patrick Swayze becomes a spirit to protect his lover. Both films tug at the heartstrings with their themes of love, loss, and longing, while also delivering laughter, making them a must-watch for those who appreciate a good mix of humor and heartfelt emotions.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)"Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Sleepless in Seattle" are iconic films from the 1990s that blend comedy and drama to tell heartwarming stories about family, love, and loss. They both star beloved actors, Robin Williams and Tom Hanks respectively, who deliver stellar performances. The films tackle complex emotional themes with humor, sensitivity, and a touch of romance, making them appealing to those who enjoy character-driven narratives that elicit both laughter and tears.
True Lies (1994)Both "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "True Lies" are 90s classics that masterfully blend elements of comedy, action, and family drama. They share the common theme of a protagonist leading a double life, with Robin Williams disguising himself as a nanny in "Mrs. Doubtfire" and Arnold Schwarzenegger concealing his secret agent lifestyle in "True Lies". The deft mix of humor and suspense, coupled with heartfelt messages about family and identity, make both these movies enjoyable for those who appreciate a blend of comedy and action with an emotional depth.
The American President (1995)Those who love "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) will also love "The American President" (1995) because both films share a warm blend of comedy and drama, featuring endearing characters navigating complex personal lives. Both movies showcase beloved actors Robin Williams and Michael Douglas respectively, delivering engaging performances that balance humor with heartfelt emotion. The storylines revolve around personal relationships and the challenges of love, offering relatable scenarios that keep viewers hooked. Both films deliver a unique blend of hilarity and heart, making them a must-watch for fans of dramedies.
Jerry Maguire (1996)"Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Jerry Maguire" are heartwarming films from the 90s that masterfully blend comedy and drama, offering the audience meaningful narratives about personal transformation and the importance of family. "Mrs. Doubtfire" tells the story of a divorced dad disguised as a nanny to be closer to his kids, while "Jerry Maguire" follows a sports agent who experiences a moral crisis and is forced to start over with a single client and a single parent secretary. These films are filled with iconic performances, memorable lines, and emotional arcs that make them endearing to a broad audience.
Shrek 2 (2004)Fanciers of "Mrs. Doubtfire" will love "Shrek 2" because both films cleverly use humor, disguise, and a heartfelt storyline to convey a deeper message about familial love and acceptance. Both movies revolve around characters who, through costumes or transformations, change their physical appearances to adapt to certain situations, leading to hilarious consequences. Yet, beneath the laughter, both films deliver poignant messages about the importance of being true to oneself and the lengths one would go for their loved ones, making them both endearing and entertaining to watch.
The Parent Trap (1998):If you enjoy "Mrs. Doubtfire", you might love "The Parent Trap". A similar comedy-drama revolving around family dynamics and misunderstanding, the film features an outstanding performance by young Lindsay Lohan in dual roles. Directed by Nancy Meyers, The Parent Trap showcases a complicated, yet charming plot where twins separated at birth scheme to reunite their divorced parents.
Father of the Bride (1991):Steve Martin's performance in "Father of the Bride" is another terrific family comedy-drama that could tickle your fancy if you're a fan of "Mrs. Doubtfire". This film follows the overprotective yet loveable father, George Banks, as he goes through the rollercoaster of emotions while planning his daughter's wedding, creating plenty of laughs and sentimental moments along the way. Directed by Charles Shyer, this movie has been a favorite for those who love heartwarming family comedies.
Home Alone (1990):Known for its comedic schemes, similar to "Mrs.Doubtfire", "Home Alone" is a perfect movie if you are looking for an engaging mix of humor, warmth, and excitement. Chris Columbus, the same director as "Mrs. Doubtfire", brings a charming tale of resilience and courage, with Macaulay Culkin at the helm of this family-comedy classic about a young boy who single-handedly wards off house intruders when he is accidentally left behind during Christmas vacation.
Big (1988):"Big" is another excellent recommendation if you enjoyed "Mrs. Doubtfire". Starring Tom Hanks, the movie explores the world of childhood innocence and adulthood challenges through the eyes of a young boy who wishes to be big. Directed by Penny Marshall, this film creates a comedic and poignant look at the joys and pitfalls of growing up.
Freaky Friday (2003):If you loved the light-hearted humor and drama in "Mrs. Doubtfire", then "Freaky Friday" might be a movie for you. Similar to the plotline of someone pretending to be someone else, in this movie, a mother and daughter swap bodies for a day. This film highlights the message of understanding and empathy in a comedic and touching way. It is a charming remake directed by Mark Waters and features commendable performances by Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan.
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