What Parents Should Know
Parents should know that the movie contains a mild amount of
profanity, much of it delivered in scenes mocking Tourette's
Syndrome. The profanity is silly, with insults like
"testicle-head" and "barf-breathed douche mouth" predominating;
nonetheless, it may be too much for some kids and parents. The
movie also makes light of serious mental health issues such as
paranoia and agoraphobia and features a main character who is
essentially a stalker, though this is presented humorously.
Some cartoonish violence occurs near the end; for instance, one
character hangs explosives on another and threatens to blow him
up.
Families who see this movie might discuss mental health concepts. Bob is presented as "crazy" but not dangerous --how might a real person with similar emotional problems act? How does the film's portrayal of a stalker deviate from the real-life danger they pose? How could Dr. Marvin have dissuaded Bob from pursuing him without resorting to violence? This light and funny movie could be a good jumping-off point for parents wishing to show how actual mental-health difficulties differ from cinematic portrayals.
Common Sense Media Review
WHAT ABOUT BOB? is definitive proof of Bill Murray's loopy
charm, because with a different cast -- or a different slant --
this classic comedy about a kooky stalker and his hapless
psychologist could have been a routine sitcom-style flick with
a creepy edge. Flush with the success of his new self-help
book, psychologist Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) accepts a new
patient referred by a colleague. Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) turns
out to be deeply neurotic, and after just one session with Dr.
Marvin forms such a strong attachment that he tracks the
psychologist to his vacation spot and proceeds to complicate
both Dr. Marvin's life and a prestigious television interview.
To make matters worse, everyone besides Dr. Marvin sees Bob as
an endearing schlub, including Dr. Marvin's family.
We've seen this type of high-concept setup before; movies like The Cable Guy and What About Mary? featured main characters who steadfastly refused to let go of the object of their affection, no matter how harshly they were shooed away. But Bill Murray's such an affable, adorable actor that even predictable scenes have a sort of cockeyed charm. Case in point: Bob arrives at the Marvin vacation house and is invited to dinner by Mrs. Marvin (Julie Hagerty). Dinner ensues, with Dr. Marvin growing steadily more annoyed with Bob, who moans ecstatically as he puts away fried chicken and potatoes, asking Mrs. Marvin brilliantly bizarre questions such as "This corn -- is it hand-shucked?" With both Dreyfuss and Murray cast in roles that take advantage of their strong points (Dreyfuss does the straight-man-on-the-edge thing beautifully in flicks like Tin Men and Down and Out in Beverly Hills; Murray's certainly played out-there eccentrics before in Stripes and Caddyshack), What About Bob? cashes in on their charm. The result is a goofy, good-hearted comedy that's gentle enough for kids yet witty enough for parents.
Families who enjoy this movie might also like other family-oriented comedies like Uncle Buck (1989). They might also want to check out Bill Murray vehicles like Ghostbusters (1984) or Groundhog Day (1993).
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
