The Place For The Latest Movie Reviews

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Cast: Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, Henry Simmons, Alexie Gilmore

Director: Bobcat Goldthwait

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Year: 2009

Rating: R

After his son (Daryl Sabara) dies in an awkward freak accident, high school poetry teacher Lance (Robin Williams) ghostwrites a suicide note to spare the family embarrassment. But when the note becomes an unexpected hit, Lance sees a chance to resurrect his writing career. In a bid for literary fame, Lance writes his son's journal and passes it off as his own.

Black comedies can be hit or miss and most of the time they require a certain taste so I am not sure I can say this film is for everyone but I can say this is one of the best movies I have seen all year. I love dark humor if it is done right and here I found it to be simply hilarious. The film is about Lance Clayton, a high school teacher and frustrated writer who must salvage some dignity from his son's very undignified death by forging a suicide note and subsequently a phony diary. That is about all you need or should know before seeing this one, besides all the humor in the film there is some nice drama as well and you even get some inspiration out of it as too. Many out there will remember Bob Goldthwait from the "Police Academy" movies and stand-up days, nowadays he earns money doing his comedy act on stage so he can write and direct films like this one. His brand of humor shines here and there is no mistaking this is his creation. To me the man is a genius and even with the tough subject matter here I think it is kinda sad this never got a real wide release. Robin Williams who I have never been a big fan of takes the lead role as if this was the one he was waiting to play all his life. He handles the comedic and dramatic scenes with ease. The film takes aim at several tough subjects so well there is plenty of moments I laughed at the film is also emotional and touching. This is not a film for kids or for adults that frown on movies that deal with such subject matters but if this is the kind of movie you like then you will love every minute of it. Stellar acting and a screenplay to die for makes a case for best movie of the year in my books. I just hope it doesn't take Mr. Goldthwait as long to make another film and I found some new respect for Williams as an actor as well after watching this film. I can on and on about the film but in the end you have to experience on your own to really appreciate it, for most films I recommend a rental at least at first but I suggest buying World's Greatest Dad because if your like me you are going to get multiple viewings out of it and you will be telling friends and family about it as well. The DVD and Blu-ray both come packed with Special Features including:

Behind The Scenes

Outtakes

Deleted Scenes

HDNET: A Look at World's Greatest Dad

I Hope I become a Ghost--Music video by Deadly Syndrome

Commentary by Writer and Director Bobcat Goldthwait

Released by Magnolia Home Entertainment

***** Out Of *****