Parents' Guide to

What About Bob?

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Appealingly silly romp for kids and adults.

Movie PG 1991 99 minutes
What About Bob? Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 10 parent reviews

ashbyhh
ashbyhh Parent
October 6, 2022
age 2+
Jessica I.
Jessica I. Parent
June 15, 2022
age 9+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

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 TV interview. To make matters worse, everyone besides Dr. Marvin sees Bob as an endearing schlub, including Dr. Marvin's family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (26):

This movie is definitive proof of Bill Murray's loopy charm. 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. We've seen this type of high-concept setup before, with main characters who steadfastly refused to let go of the object of their affection, no matter how harshly they were shooed away. But Murray's such an affable, adorable actor that even predictable scenes have a sort of cockeyed charm.

With both Dreyfuss and Murray cast in roles that take advantage of their strong points (Dreyfuss as the straight-man-on-the-edge; Murray as an out-there eccentric), 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about 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 lighthearted movie could be a good jumping-off point for parents wishing to show how actual mental-health difficulties differ from cinematic portrayals.

Movie Details

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