World’s Greatest Dad (review)
When Bobcat Goldthwait writes and directs a feature film, we should probably expect something a little... different. And -- *whew* -- that’s what this pitch-black comedy offers. Lance Clayton (Robin Williams: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) is a schoolteacher, a failed writer, and father to teenaged Kyle (Daryl Sabara, one of the Spy Kids, almost all grown up), who may be the most obnoxious, most disgusting, dumbest, crudest teenager ever depicted on film. The Clayton boys have a contentious relationship: Dad just wants to connect with his son (Mom died, leaving the two alone with each other), and the kid just wants to be left alone to masturbate, which appears to be the only thing he’s any good at. The first 40 minutes of the film are so revolting that I almost stopped watching: Kyle’s endless vulgarity is bad enough, but Lance’s obsequiousness in the face of his loathsome offspring and inability to parent are even worse. Could any of this possibly have a point? Ah, but then Goldthwait throws a dramatic spanner into the works, and not only won’t you be able to believe that he went there, you won’t be able to believe that he’s gonna take it even further beyond that. Is it a satire that turns the parasitical parent-child relationship on its head? Is it a satire on social manipulation? It’s both. I do wish, however, that how it ends was as outrageous as how it starts. (also available to watch at Amazon on Demand) support
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Sat Aug 22 09, 2:17PM categories: reviews > 2009 theatrical releases permalink 3 pre-Disqus comments Disqus comments infoMPAA: rated R for language, crude and sexual content, some drug use and disturbing images viewed at home on a small screen official site IMDB more reviews at: Movie Review Query Engine tip jarshare
read morearthouse black comedy teen related· Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D (review) · cinematic roots of: ‘Never Let Me Go’ · January 15: DVD alternatives to this weekend’s multiplex offerings · November 25: DVD alternatives to this weekend’s multiplex offerings · November 13: DVD alternatives to this weekend’s multiplex offerings · September 4: DVD alternatives to this weekend’s multiplex offerings · August 14: DVD alternatives to this weekend’s multiplex offerings · One Hour Photo (review) · Death to Smoochy and Panic Room (review) bloggyprevious post: watch it: the 8/22/09 weekly address from President Barack Obama next post: retro trailer: ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ |
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pre-Disqus comments
posted by Amy S. (Mon Aug 24 09, 11:42PM)
I so agree with you on the first part of the film. I saw this a while ago and just couldn't bring myself to review it-- one of those films. The audience laughed hysterically and I found it completely offensive and disgusting and just not funny at all.
posted by Kevin (Mon Sep 07 09, 3:21PM)
From what I remember, the mother didn't die, she just left the Robin Williams character and hooked up with a young boyfriend.
posted by Mathias (Sun May 02 10, 8:57PM)
Is there something wrong with me if i thought that the first 40 mins was hilarious? Don't get me wrong, the following 54 mins is a cutting and ruthless satire about how our culture posthumously elevates flawed people into mythic pedestals.
All that was clever and provoked wry smiles and chuckles from me.
But i wanted to see a comedy, and Kyle's exploits had me holding my sides in pain from laughter. Especially how he's always scrambling to hide his rampaging sexuality from his dad whenever he enters his room.
Most critics are saying that you gotta suffer through Kyle to get to the good parts. But i didn't see Kyle as an irredeemable monster, or a future sexual pervert. I just saw a rude teenager, racked with surging horomones, in the middle of the most "awkward" phase i've ever seen on film.
Of course, i'm not dismissing his rude remarks to virtually everyone. That did make him a d-bag. But Kyle, to me, was one of the most memorable characters of 2009. Probably because i recognized a bit of myself in him.