World’s Greatest Dad (2009)

Rated R for language, crude and sexual content, some drug use and disturbing images.

99 Minutes

Written and Directed By: Bobcat Goldthwait
Staring: Robin Williams, Alexie Gilmore, Daryl Sabara, Evan Martin

I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone. – Lance Clayton

Review:

This is one of the most unique comedies I have seen in a while.  It is extremely crude an dark and hilarious all rolled up into one great film.  This is Robin Williams best work in a long time.  Bobcat Goldthwait did a great job at writing and directing this and I for one hope that he continues in this arena.  I remember growing up seeing him in the Police Academy films and One Crazy Summer and laughing myself silly.  This movie deals with many topical social issues in a real and meaningful way that everyone can relate to.

Lance Clayton, played by Robin Williams, is a failed author, teacher and pushover father who is raising his son Kyle by himself.  Kyle is played by Daryl Sabara, in one of his most mature roles to date.  Initially I did not recognize him,  but he was the kid in Spy Kids.  This role is a dark departure from his past roles I think you will agree.  Kyle is a loaner whose only friend Andrew, played by Evan Martin, is very soft spoken and lets Kyle boss him around.  Kyle has no friends at school, is constantly talking about sex and looking at porn on his computer and getting into fights at school.  He is a fathers worst nightmare and he walks all over his father as well.

Lance on the other hand is miserable over his lack of success as an author.  He is a poetry teacher at a private school and no one takes his class seriously.  He is having a secret relationship with the art teacher who he fears has eyes for the super successful creative writing teacher.  His only escape from his dismal life is watching movies and smoking pot on occasion.

You may be thinking, is this film funny.  The answer to your question is YES.  It is something that anyone can relate to in a number of ways.  Each of us may either be at a job we hate, have to deal with people that make our lives hell.  The scenes in Worlds Greatest Dad are real and for that reason we can relate to them and laugh to ourselves because they are so truthful.  I can’t go into greater detail about the plot for fear of giving away the film.  I would rather you watch things unfold for yourself and get caught up in the movie.  Trust me though, this film is different and unique and you  will not be expecting it.

To me, the best part of the film is Robin Williams.  His facial expressions and line delivery are fabulous.  What makes this film work is that it is simple and yet very well scripted.  The character development is excellent.  There are no cheesy gimmicks like many comedies out there today, it is just pure dark humor.  If dark humor is not your thing then this may not be the film for you.  I myself, thoroughly enjoyed it and think you should definitely rent it.