World’s Greatest Dad
Unpublished High School English teacher Lance Clayton (Robin Williams) is living a miserable existence. Striving to maintain a secret relationship with coworker Claire (Alexie Gilmore) and raise his undesirable son Kyle (Daryl Sabara), Lance is trying his best. When Kyle dies in an embarrassing manner, Lance attempts to cover for his son and ends up ghost writing a fictitious diary/journal depicting the hardships of being a teenager. Before long the journal is a wild success in schools helping students deal with their own growing pains. Lance is on top of his game, riding the fame of his dead son’s fake journal. But how long can he keep up the appearance, and will he ever tell his secret?
Filmed in the Seattle area this surprisingly interesting film strikes a chord as it maintains the careful balance of comedy and drama. Written and directed by oddball comedian Bobcat Goldthwait the introspective nature of the film shows an interesting depth that one might not expect. Acting by Williams also feels quite natural and right in his wheelhouse showing a gamut of emotions tempered with his unique ability to deliver humor of many flavours. Worthy of at least a matinee, and a great alternative to paying $50 bucks for Bumbershoot tickets in order to experience something made here in Seattle. World’s Greatest Dad is rated R.