What About Bob? Movie Review: A Hilarious Escape from the 90s
Alright, what about Bob?, the 1991 comedy classic starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss? Let's dive into this hilarious gem from the 90s and see if it holds up today. Spoiler alert: it does, and then some! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what about bob movie review.
The Setup: A Neurotic's Holiday
What About Bob? kicks off with Dr. Leo Marvin, played by the always-engaging Richard Dreyfuss, at the peak of his career. He's written a bestseller, "Baby Steps," and is about to embark on a family vacation. But there's a catch: Bob Wiley, played by the incomparable Bill Murray, a patient with severe anxiety and agoraphobia, has become obsessed with Dr. Marvin and follows him on his vacation.
Bill Murray's Bob Wiley: A Masterclass in Neurotic Comedy
Bill Murray's portrayal of Bob Wiley is a masterclass in neurotic comedy. Wiley is a bundle of tics, phobias, and insecurities, yet Murray imbues him with such charm and likability that you can't help but root for him. From his fear of leaving his apartment to his desperate need for validation, Wiley is a character you can't help but laugh with, not at.
The Cat and Mouse Game
The film follows a classic cat-and-mouse dynamic as Dr. Marvin tries to shake off Bob Wiley, and Wiley, in turn, becomes more entrenched in the Marvins' lives. The family, consisting of Dr. Marvin's wife, Dr. Fay Marvin (Julie Hagerty), and their two kids, Siggy and Anna, initially view Wiley as a nuisance. However, as Wiley's genuine good nature and eccentricities shine through, they begin to warm up to him.
The Twist: Bob's Impact on the Marvin Family
In a delightful twist, Bob Wiley's presence starts to have a positive impact on the Marvin family. Dr. Marvin, who had been distant and preoccupied, begins to reconnect with his family. His kids, who had been acting out, start to behave better. Even Dr. Fay, who had been feeling neglected, begins to find joy in her marriage again.
The Climax: A Storm, A Confession, and a Breakthrough
The film's climax is a stormy night at the Marvins' lake house. Bob Wiley, who had been making progress in overcoming his fears, has a breakdown. In a heartfelt scene, he confesses his fears and insecurities to the Marvin family. Dr. Marvin, moved by Wiley's plight, finally sees the value in his own "baby steps" approach to therapy.
The Resolution: A New Perspective
In the end, Dr. Leo Marvin realizes that Bob Wiley had been teaching him a valuable lesson all along. He thanks Wiley for showing him the importance of patience, understanding, and connection. Wiley, in turn, thanks Dr. Marvin for helping him overcome his fears. It's a satisfying resolution that underscores the film's core message: sometimes, the people who seem like the biggest obstacles in our lives can actually be our greatest teachers.
What About Bob? Today
Over three decades later, What About Bob? still holds up as a hilarious and heartwarming comedy. Its humor is timeless, and its message about the importance of connection and understanding is as relevant today as it was in 1991. So, if you're looking for a laugh and a feel-good story, What About Bob? is a movie you should definitely check out. Or, as Bob Wiley would say, "You should definitely check it out. I mean, if you want to. No pressure."