What Parents Should Know
Parents should know that as funny as this movie is, it's
really about the pain of separation and divorce. Serious issues
such as the perception that Daniel is a bad father because he
doesn't make a lot of money, and the implied criticism of
careerist mother, Miranda, are buried under a lot of padding
and jokes. Kids whose families are going through divorce might
find this painful in spots (particularly the separations as
seen from the parental perspective). Kids who fear separation
should not see this until they feel safe and secure. But some
kids may find the movie helpful because it lessens feelings of
being alone or unique.
Families who see this movie can talk about the impact of divorce in families. Why is Daniel seen as too irresponsible to have custody? Do your kids think that's fair? What about the working mom -- does the fact that she works full time and makes more money than Daniel make her a "better" parent? If you are going through a divorce and have kids, sit and watch this with them. You'll laugh, you'll cry.
Common Sense Media Review
MRS. DOUBTFIRE is one of those great movies that grow better
over time.
Chris
Columbus, director of the
Home Alone
uses the hilarious
Robin
Williams to his fullest.
As in many of his other movies, Williams clowns around, talks a mile a minute, drops pop culture references, and does vocal impersonations that might have little to do with the story but that leaven what would otherwise be too painful and poignant for some kids -- a father who is denied custody in a divorce.
What raises Mrs. Doubtfire above other movies about separation is the care it takes in dealing with real human problems. Though it provides a basis for a comedy, the issue of divorce and custody is treated seriously. (In the end, Daniel and Miranda don't get back together, but rather come to a better understanding of how they can raise their kids separately.) Heretofore irresponsible Daniel grows from the experience of looking at the world from a woman's point of view.
Though its PG-13 rating warrants parental supervision, Mrs. Doubtfire is a popular movie with kids. An 8-year-old enjoyed Williams' goofiness, while his 13-year-old brother laughed at the cruder jokes -- like Daniel's son discovering the true identity of the new housekeeper after seeing "her" urinating standing up.
Parents wanting to see a divorce-themed movie for younger children should check out Parent Trap . For teens who like the cross-dressing antics, you can't go wrong with the hilarious Some Like It Hot . Williams fans will also like Jumanji .
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
