Common Sense Note
Parents should know that the movie contains a mild amount of profanity, much of it delivered in scenes mocking Tourette's Syndrome. The profanity is silly, with insults like "testicle-head" and "barf-breathed douche mouth" predominating; nonetheless, it may be too much for some kids and parents. The movie also makes light of serious mental health issues such as paranoia and agoraphobia and features a main character who is essentially a stalker, though this is presented humorously. Some cartoonish violence occurs near the end; for instance, one character hangs explosives on another and threatens to blow him up.
Families who see this movie might discuss mental health concepts. Bob is presented as "crazy" but not dangerous --how might a real person with similar emotional problems act? How does the film's portrayal of a stalker deviate from the real-life danger they pose? How could Dr. Marvin have dissuaded Bob from pursuing him without resorting to violence? This light and funny movie could be a good jumping-off point for parents wishing to show how actual mental-health difficulties differ from cinematic portrayals.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Joyce Slayton
WHAT ABOUT BOB? is definitive proof of Bill Murray's loopy charm, because with a different cast -- or a different slant -- this classic comedy about a kooky stalker and his hapless psychologist could have been a routine sitcom-style flick with a creepy edge. Flush with the success of his new self-help book, psychologist Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) accepts a new patient referred by a colleague. Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) turns out to be deeply neurotic, and after just one session with Dr. Marvin forms such a strong attachment that he tracks the psychologist to his vacation spot and proceeds to complicate both Dr. Marvin's life and a prestigious television interview. To make matters worse, everyone besides Dr. Marvin sees Bob as an endearing schlub, including Dr. Marvin's family.
We've seen this type of high-concept setup before; movies like The Cable Guy and What About Mary? featured main characters who steadfastly refused to let go of the object of their affection, no matter how harshly they were shooed away. But Bill Murray's such an affable, adorable actor that even predictable scenes have a sort of cockeyed charm. Case in point: Bob arrives at the Marvin vacation house and is invited to dinner by Mrs. Marvin (Julie Hagerty). Dinner ensues, with Dr. Marvin growing steadily more annoyed with Bob, who moans ecstatically as he puts away fried chicken and potatoes, asking Mrs. Marvin brilliantly bizarre questions such as "This corn -- is it hand-shucked?" With both Dreyfuss and Murray cast in roles that take advantage of their strong points (Dreyfuss does the straight-man-on-the-edge thing beautifully in flicks like Tin Men and Down and Out in Beverly Hills; Murray's certainly played out-there eccentrics before in Stripes and Caddyshack), What About Bob? cashes in on their charm. The result is a goofy, good-hearted comedy that's gentle enough for kids yet witty enough for parents.
Families who enjoy this movie might also like other family-oriented comedies like Uncle Buck (1989). They might also want to check out Bill Murray vehicles like Ghostbusters (1984) or Groundhog Day (1993).
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ViolenceThe main characters indulge in cartoonish, slapstick violence. |
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LanguageSilly yet profane insults are heard several times during the film's duration. |
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Social BehaviorMakes light of serious mental health issues. |
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CommercialismA morning-magazine type of television show is featured prominently in the plot. |
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