What About Bob?

Starring: Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty, Charlie Korsmo
Directed by: Frank Oz
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
1991

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary:
Bob (Bill Murray) is a sick man, with more insecurities than anyone could imagine. He finds a savior in psychiatrist Dr. Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss). This all changes when Dr. Marvin goes on vacation, leading Bill to follow him and disrupt every aspect of his family vacation.

Review:

Tim: I have never been a fan of this movie. That is a little strange, as there are a few truly funny and memorable moments. On the whole, however, the film simply slips into being more annoying than anything else.

Bill Murray was given a perfect opportunity to showcase his comedic abilities, but he falters. He had to walk an extremely difficult line, being annoying enough to explain Richard Dreyfuss' hostility toward him, yet likable enough not to drive the audience crazy. This is not an enviable position to be in, because a small miscalculation could spell disaster. Murray, in fact, strays far too much into the annoying side of things, which causes Dreyfuss to seem more than justified, and his family out of their mind. In this manner, the entire film unravels.

Dreyfuss really can't be blamed for this film's shortcomings. He is hilarious and holds up his end of the script perfectly. He had fun with the role, but it doesn't help enough, as Murray just dropped the ball.

The film is pretty straightforward- Murray ruins Dreyfuss' life all the whole Dreyfuss' family loves Murray more and more and more. While this works for a while, ultimately, this gets boring, and there is still a great deal of screen time left to fill. A few humorous moments keep us from shutting the movie off, but the film is far from entertaining.

I was absolutely appalled at the film's ending. The "resolution" is so ridiculous, rushed, and forced, that a bad movie leaves even worse taste in your mouth. I can't believe such a weak ending was tacked on.

What About Bob? is annoying, and it will help keep your blood pressure low if you don't get wrapped up in this fiasco.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 5.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Groundhog Day, Stakeout, Another Stakeout, Caddyshack