It’s hard to understate how big this film was back in the mid‑90s. Released in 1993, but again remember that longer wait period we had back then — there really was a wait if you didn’t get around to seeing it in the cinema.
Why I remember the hype so well is because it was the only time I ever saw a whole shelf at Barry’s filled with copies of the same movie. Even with those extra copies, for an entire week every single one had the red on loan sticker.
When we looked at Hook, I mentioned how much of a force Robin Williams was during this era. This is the last time he appears in this 90s film set — I’m sure not the last time we’ll return to his work in Reaction. But let’s deal with the elephant in the room. Even now, I still find it hard to understand how a guy who made me laugh so much — the only one to cause Barry’s to sell out for a week straight — could have been so unhappy privately. Thank you for the laughs
My brother and I still occasionally quote Mrs Doubtfire today, 30 years later.
The premise: fun‑loving father Daniel (Williams) is going through a messy divorce with his wife Miranda (Sally Field). To gain access to his children, he disguises himself as nanny Mrs Doubtfire.
Yes, elements of the film are now seen as dated. Daniel does, well, near‑on stalk Miranda. But rewatching it, it’s still funny and not malicious in the way some comedies can be. The humour comes from seeing Daniel try to take on the lone‑parent role while simultaneously sabotaging Miranda’s next relationship.
Miranda doesn’t really come off as “the baddie” in this one, but you’re still rooting for Daniel throughout the movie.
One thing that really stands out is that, unlike most films like this — particularly of the time — Miranda and Daniel don’t reunite at the end. Here in the UK, around 42% of people are divorced. Having a family film deal with that back in 1993 was very forward‑thinking.
Next time we’re sticking with comedy, with Dumb and Dumber