Mr. Mom

source: Mr. Mom

Trailer—Mr. Mom

Mr. Mom

I know it seems weird to say this about a John Hughes film, but I honestly think this is one of the great films of all time. There are so few movies that are so.. flawless. The script is hilarious. The editing is seamless. Every line is quote-worthy. The acting is spot-on. Michael Keaton is at the top of his game, Terry Garr is a comic genius, and the casting is perfect. The story is both goofy, and rather deep. It conatins at least a dozen of my top 100 all-time favorite movie 'moments'. Its the kind of film you see late at night on TV, and you start watching a few minutes, then suddenly before you know it, you've watched the whole thing AGAIN. Obviously, I highly recommend this film, and encourage more filmmakers to study it, because they just don't make 'em like this anymore.

This film is one of Michael Keaton's funniest to date. One of the best things about it is when he does the household chores. It's hard for me to say which chore I think had the most hilarious outcome. When Jack (Michael Keaton) got fired, things really did get hilarious. If you ask me, Ron (Martin Mull) was only interested in one thing. You'll have to see the movie if you want to know what he was interested in. Also, in my opinion, Joan (Ann Jillian) really came on strong while she was around Jack. Before I wrap this up, I must say that the performances were top grade. Now, in conclusion, if you are a fan of Michael Keaton or Teri Garr, you're in for a good time and lots of laughs, so see this movie today.

Having just made a splash in "Night Shift", Michael Keaton got another really funny role in "Mr. Mom". As struggling dad Jack Butler, he and wife Caroline (Teri Garr) decide to switch roles: he'll stay home while she works. Needless to say, it proves to be not quite that easy. "Mr. Mom" was the sort of early-'80's comedy that showed how cinematic comedy was shifting toward the outright loony. But don't worry, this one is totally zany without being idiotic (a previous viewer noted that this was before Hollywood wanted comedy to be scatological all the time). Moreover, there's a distinct feeling of realism here: when Caroline applies for a job, the boss comes on to her (I have heard of such instances). A really funny movie. And yes, when I first read the title (long before I actually saw the movie), I assumed that "Mr. Mom" was an action movie or something such. The title was listed right next to "Night Shift", which I assumed was a horror movie; boy was I wrong!

Early 80's was a time for big change in the employment world: the one-company-for-life era which prevailed from post-WWii to 1980, was over. Guys got fired or laid off in cost-cutting measures. The car business was in steep decline & 'lifers' suddenly found themselves out of work. This happens to poor Jack Butler (M Keaton), an engineer at a Production Plant, called off the Assembly Line-- and canned. Wife Caroline, Terri Garr (still young, thin & pretty in /82) gets hired by a smirking Lothario who runs an ad agency. Jack is stuck with the 3 kids, grocery shopping & housework. Mr. Mom! I saw this at the cinema just after exiting a career in Finance & retooling for a job in Computers, the next big thing. Great, funny performances by our 2 leads & a fine supporting cast. An amusing period piece about job loss 'in the old days.' (1980!) How green was our valley then?

Commentary of the times AND lots of comedy. Great roles for Teri Garr,Martin Mull, and Michael Keaton. Martin Mull seemed to play this role of the buffoon-ish boss (TV Show Roseanne) a lot. Love the on-going gags ie near the beginning, someone asks "what wiring will you use, 220 ?" the reply is "220, 221, whatever it takes" (to show lack of knowledge of wiring.) Near the end, someone says "Nice shot. what did you use, a 38?" the reply is "38, 39, whatever it took." The script & comedy are very smooth, flows much like a Neil Simon. Fun with names, like Howard Humphreys from Schooner Tuna. Fun to watch Garr and Keaton try to be successful as they switch roles at home & at work. LOVE the poker game...Ann Jillian is great as the naughty neighbor. The interaction of all the repairmen near the end is a great scene. FUN to watch. no plot holes or slow parts, which is rare.

Mr. Mom is, yet again, one of those movies that I have been watching since I was a kid. This is one of Michael Keaton's best movies I think, forget Night Shift and all that. Keaton's greatest strength is comedy. Mr. Mom is well put together, is always funny, and never lags. It does a brillant job of protraying role reversal and the rest of the cast makes this movie a joy to watch. Everyone is good, singling someone out for special praise is unnecessary. I hate kids in movies but I loved the kids in this one. It's because they are not annoyingly cute or naughty or too sweet, they're just normal kids. Bottom Line: This is a great movie and every movie fan and family should have it on the shelf.

This is a funny movie. And, not very many comedies can say that - most unfortunately. Michael Keaton was great. I'm not a big Teri Garr fan, but she was more than adequate as a second banana in the film. If you have no children, are a man, and have never had to raise any children even for a weekend, then you will certainly appreciate this movie. Everyone should appreciate it, but those of us who have never had the "pleasure" of changing a diaper will probably identify the most. I cannot imagine how this movie only got a 6.1 on IMBD. I have never known anyone who did not enjoy it.