I first saw the news of Robin Williams on Facebook when I woke up. ‘Oh yeah, here we go again. Another hoax like Morgan Freeman.’ I thought. I was gutted to find out it was real. I’ve grown up with Robin Williams and found myself laughing, crying and smiling at lots of his films. He was a great talent and Hollywood has lost a legend.
As a tribute I’ve done a mini review of all of Robin Williams’s films I’ve seen. Enjoy.
Part 1
Popeye – 1980
3 stars
It’s been years since I watched this. The sets were amazing and Robin started his film career in fine form. Mork had made the transition from TV to film. ‘I yam what I yam.’
Good Morning, Vietnam – 1987
4 stars
It has been so long since I’ve seen this film that I can’t really remember any of it. All I can say is ‘GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM.’
Hook – 1991
4 stars
I was eight when this came out, and I loved it. I watched it loads as a child and I watched it again when I found out Robin Williams had died and I still love it. Spielberg does an amazing job, the sets are all real and truly breath-taking and Williams is brilliant as Peter Pan. ‘Rufio, if I’m a maggot burger why don’t you eat me! You two-toned Zebra-headed, slime-coated, pimple-farmin’ paramecium brain munchin’ on your own mucus suffering from Peter Pan envy!’
FernGully: The Last Rainforest – 1992
3 stars
Batty (Williams) is main memory from this film. ‘I’m Blind, oh no. I can see! It’s a miracle! Another perfect landing!’ A great film, unceremoniously ripped off by James Cameron in 2009 with some dodgy movie called Avatar.
Aladdin – 1992
5 stars
This is one of Williams finest. Aladdin wouldn’t have been the Disney triumph without him. He plays the Genie brilliantly, ‘Yo, Rugman! Haven’t seen you in a few millennia. Give me some tassel.’ and steals the film. It totally deserves the two Oscars and gave boys of that era a Disney film to love, as the girls had Beauty and the Beast.
Toys – 1992
4 stars
I swear I’m the only person I know who’s seen this film. A striking visual treat, Williams must stop his crazy Uncle from using his late Father’s factory, to make war toys. Williams is lovable as Leslie Zevo and I personally love this film. 1 – Robin Williams is great. 2 – The film is great. 3 – Not many people have seen it, so I kind of feel it’s just for me.
Mrs. Doubtfire – 1993
5 stars
Well here we have one of Williams’s finest performances. Daniel Hillard (Williams) wants to see more of his kids, so dresses up as a woman to become their nanny. As a child I would have loved to have a birthday party like his sons. Complete with all the animals.
The first time I watched the job centre interview scene I cried with laughter. ‘Mr Hillard, do you consider yourself humorous?’ ‘I used to. There was a time when I found myself funny, but today you have proven me wrong. Thank you.’ A laugh from start to finish and the finale restaurant scene is brilliant. ‘Oh, as I hold this cold meat, I’m reminded of Winston.’
Nine Months – 1995
3 stars
Now Williams isn’t this one much, but his portrayal of the crazy Dr. Kosevich is one you won’t forget. Williams at his usual crazy best.
Jumanji – 1995
3 stars
This was the first film I went to the cinema to watch on my own. Williams plays Alan Parrish, a boy who is sucked into a board game as a child and not seen again for decades when Kirsten Dunst and some boy who plays her brother start the game again and release Parrish. Lots of animals are released and some hunter guy, and Williams must help finish the game and return everything back to normal. A good family film.
The Birdcage – 1996
4 stars
Armand Goldman (Williams) tries to teach his drag queen partner how to act straight in order to meet their son’s girlfriend’s parents. Let the mayhem ensue. Funny, mad and crazy.
Jack – 1996
3 stars
A film where Robin Williams is told to act like a child, because you are playing one. A match made in heaven. As the film continues though, you realise this may not end well. The final graduation speech will have even the hardest man reaching for a tissue.
To be continued ……………
