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What About Bob? (PG, 1991)

common sense media says

Appealingly silly romp for kids and adults.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this 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's 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.

Positive messages: The movie makes light of serious mental health issues and turns what's essentially stalking into situation comedy. But there are also some positive take-aways about valuing family and the importance of feeling loved and included.
Positive role models: The two main characters are both exaggerated types -- Bob is delusional, and Dr. Marvin is selfish and egotistical. Both of them learn a few things over the course of the movie, but overall they're not particularly sympathetic.
Violence: The main characters indulge in cartoonish, slapstick violence (lots of falls and the like).
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Several silly yet profane insults, including words like "damn," "bitch," "dick," "testicles," and "suck." Most of the language comes in scenes mocking Tourette's Syndrome.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on What About Bob?

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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.

What's the story?

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?

Is it any good?
 

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. 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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista
Director: Frank Oz
Cast: Bill Murray, Julie Hagerty, Richard Dreyfuss
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 1991
DVD release: July 11, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: language and comic violence
This review was written by Joyce Slaton
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

shaka101
kid, 13 years old
11
 
LOVED IT ! My fav. movie!
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EricCarrRulez
teen, 14 years old
11
 
Hysterical.My favorite movie of all time.
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colt45copman
adult
 
One of the best movies to date!
Funny, quriky, and fun for everyone!
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G3
adult
 
Not a family movie!
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CommonSense101
kid, 12 years old
10
 
What About Bob 101
What About Bob was a hilarious movie! There were several scenes where language was blurted out. ( if these scenes were fast-forwarded, 7+ ) One of my favorite family movies!
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johnthemon
adult
10
 
Amazingly hilarious, truly underrated.
Amazingly funny movie, loved it so much when I was younger, still think it's hilarious today. If you're especially prudish about language I guess that could be a concern, since he pretends to have tourettes.
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aidanqm1996
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Language... again.... *sigh*
Why do they have to add language?!
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naner14
adult
 
Hilarious movie, if watched with curse-free.
Bill Murray is probably one of the best movie comics of all time. He's great in this movie. Everyone, no matter the age group, will think that this movie is funny for some reason or another. The only drawback is the cursing contests between the main character and a boy. They pull out all the stops as far as curse words go. In their defense, there was no f-word, if that can be any sort of redemption. But other than that, it is a funny movie.
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bluebookworm96
teen, 15 years old
 
I liked it!
I'd say that this movie is appropriate for 10 and up. Weird situations, iffy language, and things that young kids wouldn't understand. Lots and lots and lots of slapstick, so just be aware. However, I did like the movie.
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utley2626
kid, 11 years old
10
 
perfect for ages 10 and up
So hilarious! my mom brought it home for us to watch and it was so funny!
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quest13
adult
 
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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