It seems like only yesterday Bobcat Goldthwait was shrieking his way through comic mediocrities like “Police Academy 2″ and “Hot to Trot.”
Now, he’s a wannabe auteur, a man who makes uncompromising features that put audience beyond their comfort zones.
And then some.
His last film featured a woman who felt guilty for having a sexual liaison with a dog.
His latest, “World’s Greatest Dad,” feels too much like an exercise in cinematic bullying in its first half. But Goldthwait’s latest matures as it moves along, powered by a quiet performance by star Robin Williams and some unflinching satire.
Williams plays Lance, a cowering high school teacher who can’t control his angry son Kyle (Daryl Sabara). The teen alternately insults his father and locks himself in his room where he whiles away his time with a very personal male pursuit.
Suffice to say his taste is rather kinky.
How a bright, if underwhelming man like Kyle could parent so poorly isn’t explained. Goldthwait stacks the deck early on, and you have to absorb his technique to get to the meatier material awaiting us.
Lance somehow has snared a young, gorgeous girlfriend, and by the tone established early on she appears likely to exit his life quickly. But their romantic arc won’t be so neat – or predictable.
“World’s Greatest Dad” features a slide show of moods – quirky comedy, showcase for a dialed down Williams and chance to prove Goldthwait isn’t the latest in a long line of cinematic shockers.
Kyle is almost too effective as the withdrawn, sex-obsessed son. The film would have been far richer had father and son shared a moment or even a loving glance now and then.
“Dad” is flat-out funny at times, but also brims with awkward humor. By the end, the movie uncovers rarely tapped emotions that make its machinations and ugly behavior worth one’s time,
The film’s themes tie together in sometimes obvious, sometimes rigorously clever ways – the latter seen in a cameo by a famous musician.
Goldthwait is riffing here, but it feels like he’s growing as a director, stretching himself and pushing past quick hits to pluck at deeper, more meaningful emotions.
(Photo: Bobcat Goldthwait and Robin Williams star in “World’s Greatest Dad.”/Magnolia Pictures)
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I’m really looking forward to this one. It’s the only movie out right now that I can say that about, and of course it’s too small of a release to come to my area!