After losing custody of his kids for, basically, being a big kid, Robin Williams goes undercover as a British nanny so he can remain a part of their lives. While he’s initially unprepared for the rigors of housekeeping, and the little ones almost immediately see through the disguise, he soon finds his rhythm and grows to become an indispensable resource for the family, not to mention a close confidant for his ex-wife. Although he often abuses that position (especially when the wife shows interest in a former flame), in general he’s a more active, responsible parent under the wig and cardigan than he ever was as a traditional father.

This is another weak, by-the-numbers Chris Columbus picture, elevated by a manic, largely-improvised performance from Williams. Credit the director for the liberty he grants in that respect, allowing his star to completely take over and alter the tone of several scenes, but man alive, the nuts and bolts of the film are completely inept and flavorless. That’s something I’ve noticed in most of Columbus’s efforts behind the camera: they just aren’t very well-made, with the best entries (_Home Alone_, for instance) succeeding in spite of his pervasive, amateurish tendencies. They all feel like big-budget Hallmark movies; broad, hammy and superficial. This is no exception. It’s just a quick-lipped Robin Williams dress-up show, nothing more.

Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) has just become a divorced father of 3 children who is only allowed to visit them once a week. When he learns his ex-wife Miranda Hillard (Sally Field) is looking for a housekeeper, he dresses up as a woman and uses his voice acting skills to apply for the job.

I have seen a lot of mixed responses on this film. Some love it, and some felt the touchy subjects it covers doesn't work with the comedy aspect. I did enjoy this movie a lot, but I enjoyed it more on the first watch. It has a lot of funny moments, but a lot of them just didn't quite work a second time round for me when I knew what was going to happen. I still had a good time second time round regardless. Of course I think the plot is pretty make-believe and most of what happens is not very believable at times, but this a movie after all and movies like this find away to spin situations in very imaginative ways. It didn't please everyone, it definitely worked for me.

Robin Williams did a fantastic job as Mrs. Doubtfire. It was a heart-warming performance, and you could feel the genuine pain he must be feeling having to see his kids this way. I will say, despite his voice-acting skills, I wasn't the biggest fan of the Scottish accent and felt a little off putting at times. While not a disaster, it did take away a little something for me. If I am being honest, I didn't really care for his role as Daniel Hillard, he just didn't feel very likeable to me. I thought Sally Field was decent in this movie. Most of the times I let realism in movies slide if they are enjoyable, but a part of me refuses to accept how easily Miranda divorces Daniel, but I also realize that we don't see the irresponsible things he has done in the past before the movie, but there was not much context given to us on that which didn't work. Pierce Brosnan was also in the movie; he was alright I guess.

The back and forth scenes where he must quickly change between Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire are easily the funniest scenes of the movie was done very well. The script complimented them very well as well. The last parts of the movie are the biggest let down of the movie. None of it worked at all for me. Despite the whole movie covering pretty a pretty dire subjects in divorce and custody which not only is hard on parents but also the kids, Christopher Columbus dealt with it in a heartfelt way. However, towards the end it just felt way off the mark and not up to the tone of what came before it. It turned the movie from a light hearted comedy to quite a dark drama film. The ending has been questioned by many others and I for one don't disagree. It just didn't work well for me.

This is a good comedy film where Robin Williams delivers a fine performance. 7/10.