Culture Magazine

Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

By Newguy

logoDirector: Chris Columbus

Writer: Randi Mayem Singer, Leslie Dixon (Screenplay) Anne Fine (Novel)

Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Polly Holliday, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson

 

Plot: Daniel Hillard is an eccentric actor who specializes in dubbing voices for cartoon characters. Daniel is a kind man and a loving father to his three kids Lydia, Chris, and Natalie, but Daniel’s wife Miranda sees him as a poor disciplinarian, and a bad role model. After Daniel throws an elaborate and disastrous birthday party for Chris, Miranda reaches the end of her limited patience, and files for a divorce. Daniel is heartbroken when Miranda is given custody of the kids and he’s only allowed to visit them once a week. Determined to stay in contact with his kids, Daniel discovers that Miranda is looking for a housekeeper, and with help from his brother Frank, a makeup artist, Daniel gets the job, disguised as Mrs. Iphegenia Doubtfire, a Scottish nanny. Daniel pulls off the ruse so well that neither Miranda nor his children recognize him, and in the process, he learns some parenting tips. Daniel also has to deal with Miranda’s new boyfriend, a jerk named Stu Dunmeyer.

 

Verdict: Classic Cross Dressing Comedy

 

Story: On paper this could come off creepy, the whole dressing up as an old lady to sneak back into your house to look after your kids. It turns into a brilliant story of how one man will finally realize that he needs to stop not taking anything seriously and be the adult and father his children need. Don’t get me wrong he is a good father to his children, but he doesn’t parent as part of a partnership. It also shows how one man can become jealous once he sees what he had slipping away from him. He does get to use all his skills in both his personal disguise and his work environment once a top boss sees his potential. The story has plenty of references for both child and adults alike and really will be enjoyable for them all to enjoy. (9/10)

 

Actor Review

 

Robin Williams: Daniel Hillard/Mrs Doubtfire the desperate recently divorced guy who takes up his alter ego to spend more time with his children, even if it does lead to consequences. Great performance from Williams, who gets to use all his talents through the film. (10/10)

 

williams

Sally Field: Miranda the wife who wants to have a man who will show the reasonability of an adult, while her career flourishes. Good performance from Sally who does give plenty for William’s to work off. (8/10)

sally

Pierce Brosnan: Stu the new love interest that Daniel takes an instant dislike to, he is a success in his field and wants to use Miranda’s skill in his next investment. Good performance by not playing the villainous boyfriend just the compeition. (8/10)

 

Harvey Fierstein: Frank Daniel’s brother who helps design his Mrs Doubtfire costume knowing all he wants it to look after his kids. Good supporting performance. (7/10)

 

harvey

Director Review: Chris Columbus – Great direction to create one of the most classic comedies of all time. (10/10)

 

Comedy: It has laughs a plenty that William’s truly does carry everything here. (10/10)

Settings: Most settings are just basic houses but it shows the difference in success between the characters. (8/10)

Suggestion: This is a must watch for everyone, it is one if not the best comedy of the 90s and will always be considered one of the best of all time. (Watch)

 

Best Part: William’s Performance.

Worst Part: Being picky here, but a couple of the reference jokes have dated a bit.

Funniest Scene: Dinner scene.

Believability: Seems like a bit much. (0/10)

Chances of Tears: No (0/10)

Chances of Sequel: There is one in the pipeline, but it doesn’t need one.

Post Credits Scene: No

 

Awards: Robin Williams won a Golden Globe and It won best Comedy.Musical Motion Picture.

Oscar Chances: Won 1 Oscar for Makeup

Box Office: $441 Million

Budget: $25 Million

Runtime: 2 Hour 5 Minutes

Tagline: She makes dinner, she does windows, she reads bedtime stories, and she’s a blessing in disguise.

 

Overall: Brilliant Classic Comedy

Rating 

92


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