Mr. Mom (1983)

Director:

Stan Dragoti

Writer:

John Hughes (written by)

Release Date:

22 July 1983 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

When mom goes to work, dad goes berserk!

Plot:

Jack and Caroline are a couple making a decent living When Jack suddenly loses his job. They agree that...

Plot Keywords:

Home | Frustration | Mother Son Relationship | Halloween | Father Son Relationship

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Michael Keaton	...	Jack
Teri Garr	...	Caroline
Frederick Koehler	...	Alex
Taliesin Jaffe	...	Kenny
Courtney White	...	Megan
Brittany White	...	Megan
Martin Mull	...	Ron
Ann Jillian	...	Joan
Jeffrey Tambor	...	Jinx
Christopher Lloyd	...	Larry
Tom Leopold	...	Stan
Graham Jarvis	...	Humphries
Carolyn Seymour	...	Eve
Michael Alaimo	...	Bert
Valri Bromfield	...	Doris

Also Known As:

Mr. Mum
Perfect Daddy (Philippines: English title)

Runtime:

91 min | Argentina:92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L | Australia:PG | Finland:S | Sweden:7 | UK:PG | USA:PG | Argentina:Atp | Singapore:PG | Canada:PG

Company:

Aaron Spelling Productions

Trivia:

The music playing in the background of the last scene is actually the overture from Patton (1970).

Goofs:

Continuity: When Jack is chasing the vacuum from room to room, his shirt goes back and forth from being dry and tucked to wet and untucked from shot to shot.

Quotes:

[Trying to get Kenny to give up his security blanket]
Jack Butler: I understand that you little guys start out with your woobies and you think they're great... and they are, they are terrific. But pretty soon, a woobie isn't enough. You're out on the street trying to score an electric blanket, or maybe a quilt. And the next thing you know, you're strung out on bedspreads Ken. That's serious.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Meet the Fockers (2004)

Soundtrack:

Gonna Fly Now (Rocky's theme)

I really enjoyed this movie!

Going into this film, I expected some trite family comedy with a lot of cheap gags involving things like the normal guy trying to change diapers. That's why I was really impressed. I enjoyed it a lot! This movie proves why it's a shame that Michael Keaton has turned to "Michael Who?" in the eyes of Hollywood. I hope to God he doesn't start doing direct-to-video crap like some once-popular actors. He is a true talent with impeccable comic timing!

The script is well-written. Though you can call it predictable, it deserves to be predictable. Besides, the plot turns make sense in the context of the characters, and don't feel contrived. The film delivers a fine message without suffocating you with corny sentiment. And Keaton's wonderful performance keeps the film airtight.

There are many hilarious moments. The gag in which Keaton plays poker with a group of homemakers, using coupons instead of money, is absolutely priceless! Plus, I felt for the characters and when you feel for the characters, the jokes are always funnier. When Keaton gets himself into one dilemma after another, I was laughing because I felt sorry for him, and that's the key to physical comedy. You have to care for the character's intentions.

"Mr. Mom" is a funny, sweet, kind-hearted family comedy that doesn't cater to any particular age group. At first glance, it looks an anti-parenting film that manipulates us guys into thinking, "Geez, I'm never gonna have a kid." But as Keaton's character goes through his arc, your attitude changes along with his. Go see it! A truly entertaining movie that's likable in all aspects!

My score: 8 (out of 10)