For anyone who has already seen World’s Greatest Dad, directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, understands that it is very hard to write a review without giving away anything. Let me just say, and try not to bring up again, that things will happen in this film that you probably haven’t read about…yet.
World’s Greatest Dad is the simple, yet complicated story of Lance Clayton (Robin Williams); high school teacher by day, struggling artist by night. Life isn’t easy for Lance: no one will publish the books he writes, his son, Kyle (Daryl Sabara), is a perverted teenager who doesn’t get along with anyone, and weirdest of all, they attend the same school as teacher and student. Kyle is your typical teenager, but multiplied by 100. He is obsessed with girls and their parts, picking fights with other kids at school, and never wants to spend time with his father. During the night, when Lance isn’t trying to spend time with his girlfriend (another, younger teacher at the same high school), he attempts to watch a movie or go out to eat with Kyle. The beginning portion of the film, an overview of what Lance goes through every day, is rather sad. The film does a good job of making you feel this way but then picking your spirits right back up with a shred of hope and a comedic perspective. The second half of the movie is all about Lance. He is trying to understand his son, not only as a parent, but looking at his son through the eyes of his peers as well. He makes one last serious run at publishing a book, writing something completely original with ideas he’s gathered from his son. Obviously things are being left out here to avoid spoilers. You’ll just have to take my word and go see it.
Your emotions are toyed with constantly during World’s Greatest Dad. You could be laughing at one scene while the person next to you is crying. It is a very effective tool. Even the title makes me smirk with irony. Is he the world’s greatest dad or is it a sarcastic statement? After seeing the movie, I still don’t know the answer. The most interesting part of the film is the transformation of Kyle’s peers, from hating him and/or not knowing who he is, to appreciating and understanding him. It actually becomes somewhat touching how Lance and Kyle unknowingly help each other. But what kind of Robin Williams comedy would this be if every intention was pure and every ending happy?
Robin Williams is outstanding in the role of Lance. This is a man who has a permanent rain cloud following him around with no silver lining in sight. No matter what his intentions are (or whether you agree with them), it is heartening to see him stick up for himself and try to be happy. He delivers his lines, as always, with impeccable timing, always reminding us that this is a comedy, no matter what feelings come out of you while you watch it. Williams also shows great range, as he must express a slew of different emotions in rapid succession. Daryl Sabara, as Kyle, at first rubbed me the wrong way. Then I began to realize what his character was about. Kyle is a definitely an eccentric person. He speaks his mind, knows what he likes (girls) and doesn’t care about anyone else. His character starts off so fast, shot out of a cannon as it were, we are never given time to understand where these feelings are coming from and why he is like this. Give his character time, you’ll understand. The supporting ensemble, including the entire student body, really brings this film together. Numerous students had little shining moments that made me laugh just as hard as any one of Robin Williams’ lines.
Writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait (who I never knew directed) knocked World’s Greatest Dad out of the park! He has created a movie that is hilarious and sad and one that will leave audiences buzzing (everyone gets his own reasons to “buzz”). The characters he has created are so alive and real that you are now laughing and crying with Lance Clayton, not Robin Williams. Goldthwait should be extremely proud of his work. This is one of the funniest movies flying under the radar right now, and the complete definition of a Robin Williams dark comedy.
