World's Greatest Dad Movie Review

WORLD'S GREATEST DAD: NOT REALLY

World's Greatest Dad is a very DARK comedy. It is a different role for Robin Williams, who pulls off the titular role beautifully. But he is the best part of this mediocre film.

Lance Clayton (Robin Williams) is a high school poetry teacher. He has written several books but none have been published. He has a teenage son, Kyle (Daryl Sabara), who happens to be a total punk and pervert. Kyle is very combative with him. Even more so than a normal teenage son would be. When tragedy strikes, Lance acts on it and takes advantage of the situation. He is thrown into the spotlight and he suddenly has the life he has always wanted.

This is NOT your typical heartwarming story about a dad and his teenage son. In fact, it is quite the opposite. One thing the story does achieve is that it doesn't feel like its going for shock value. Its just a very dark look at the relationship between father and son, that doesn't end with them hugging. Robin Williams has done many roles. This is definitely a different character for him, that he plays effortlessly. His performance makes you laugh out loud, even when you don't want to. Some of his lines are cringe worthy. But he delivers them with ease. Daryl Sabara as his son Kyle couldn't be anymore unlikeable. It is very easy to hate him, giving attitude that would make any teenager proud. Other supporting characters are just props. The background is not meant to be in the spotlight. The film was shot in Seattle, Washington. It stands in for a typical neighborhood with the local high school. No defining landmarks are shown that would set it apart.
Clichéd plot points bog this movie down.

World's Greatest Dad is an unusual story about a high school teacher and his perverted son. Its material is shocking. It is a standout role for Robin Williams. Other than that the movie doesn't have much going for it.

Report Card:

Story-C

Acting-B

Visuals-C

Originality/Innovation-C

Enjoyability Grade–B

DVD Extras-C

Overall Grade-B-