Flashback Review: Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire was released in 1993. (same year Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas came out and also the year I was born) It received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Besides good reception, it also made a lot of money at the box office. Mrs. Doubtfire earned Robin Williams a Golden Globe for “Best Actor In A Musical Or Comedy.” A sequel was in development with Robin Williams reprising his role, after he tragically died, plans were cancelled out of respect. The film sparked a trend of actors wearing a fatsuit or disguised in drag such as “The Nutty Professor,” “Big Momma’s House,” “White Chicks” & Tyler Perry’s “Madea” series. Meaning Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, The Wayans Brothers & Tyler were inspired by Mrs. Doubtfire. Rumor has it that an unrated cut of Mrs. Doubtfire exists. If it does, label it as #ReleaseTheWilliamsCut as in #ReleaseTheSnyderCut

Chris Columbus (Home Alone, its sequel, first two Harry Potter films) is working on a film adaptation of “Five Nights At Freddy’s.” I thought about sharing my thoughts on Mrs. Doubtfire. I used to watch it growing up.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are present. Many of us already seen one of Robin’s best movies numerous times. Does it still hold up? Let’s find out shall we?

Warm & Cold Aspects

Warm: Robin Williams did an excellent job for his performance as the titular character. He also served as a co-producer.

Other Cast Members such as Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein & Mara Wilson all did a great job for their respective performances.

Fun Fact: Both Harvey & Lisa Jackub appeared in one of my favorite movies “Independence Day.”

Chris Columbus did a decent job directing. He used to have quality. Thanks to “I Love You Beth Cooper,” “Percy Jackson” & “Pixels,” his credibility has dissolved. Oh how the mighty have fallen!

Chris’ business partner Mark Radcliffe co-produced the film.

Jokes still crack me up. Courtesy of Robin’s trademark use of improv comedy. As a kid, I never understood risqué jokes like Uncle Frank & Aunt Jack. Went over my head.

My favorite line is, “Help is on the way dear!” I always say that whenever I play any video game when it comes to an escort mission or protecting bystanders.

Although a comedy, The Tone balances between drama and comedy perfectly balanced.

Prosthetic Makeup transformed Robin as Mrs. Doubtfire.

Even though Daniel is a immature, he has moral standards. His first scene establishes who he is. Refusing to voice cartoon character upon seeing a character smoking a cigarette.

Character Development involving Daniel/Doubtfire. As the story moves forward, he becomes less of a manchild the more time he spends with his kids as Doubtfire, the more responsible he acts.

According to Robin, Doubtfire’s voice is based on a combination of Julia Child & Margaret Thatcher.

A birthday party is shown in the beginning and near the end. Daniel/Doubtfire accidentally ruins his son and wife’s birthday. Daniel nearly the destroys a house with zoo animals causing a mess. As Doubtfire, he saves Stu from choking causing him to reveal his true identity to Miranda. An example of him maturing courtesy of Character Development.

As a kid, I never liked Miranda. Now that I’m older, she has a valid point wanting a divorce. Stating she and Daniel have nothing in common and they haven’t seen each other as she works full time. Daniel however, loves his kids and begs her not to separate. Both sides are likable. In real life, couples finalize a divorce due to careers, have nothing in common, lost interest or have fallen in love with someone else.

It’s rare no villain is involved. Daniel sees Stu as a villain, because he represents a perfect father and husband figure.

Howard Shore (The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit Trilogy, The Fly 1986) orchestrated the music.

Daniel does impressions of Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery, James Brown, Barbra Streisand, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon & Humphrey Bogart. Robin was amazing doing impressions on stand-up comedy and “Aladdin.”

Primary Themes are Family, Divorce, Separation & Maturity. Each theme is handled maturely.

In one scene, Daniel plays with toy dinosaurs. Speaking of which, “Jurassic Park” came out in 1993. Robin worked with Steven Spielberg in “Hook.” They were close friends.

Deleted Scenes expands more context such as a nosy neighbor who ratted Daniel over his son’s birthday party and the aftermath of Miranda’s botched birthday. Reminder, an unrated cut rumored to exist. #ReleaseTheWilliamsCut

With Robin no longer with us, The Ending with Doubtfire delivering a speech about separation can’t tarnish love will make you burst into tears.

Cold: The film is dated. Now that we’re living in the iPhone era, it would be impossible for Daniel to pose as a nanny. If this were made today, ID caller will reveal the person’s number and info.

The Final Verdict: A-

Despite being dated, Mrs. Doubtfire nearly holds up. Robin Williams’ Golden Globe winning performance keeps you invested alongside his improv skills. It’s a tragic Robin died when a sequel was in development. I think it’s for the best not to replace him with another actor. I don’t want a remake or sequel to ruin Robin’s legacy. Accept the fact Mrs. Doubtfire as a one-off. If you wanna introduce your kids to this movie, I highly recommend it.

Rest In Peace Robin Williams. Your legacy will never be forgotten. Your work continues to inspire past and future generations.