Patch Adams (1999, DVD)

This one was really tough to watch. Not because of the scenes that were supposed to make us cry but because it all seemed so forced. I like the ideas here! Don't get me wrong. Robin Williams challenges the world of medicine, the world of academia, and ultimately God, but so many of the scenes seemed like predictable, goofy, cliches that my wife and I were laughing at totally inappropriate times.

Robin Williams, after a tough childhood and a tougher time in a psychiatric hospital, decides to get out, become a doctor, and make patients laugh through a humanitarian approach to medicine. Nothing wrong with that. But it was just so forced and cliche it lost its punch.

The musical score, the cheering nurses, the Julia Roberts lookalike love interest (Monica Potter could pass for Roberts' twin, only blonde)...it was painfully predictable and painful to watch. The arrogant dean, the bizarre courtroom scene near the end after a string of unbelievable events. This is supposed to be based on a true story but from what I've read it's pretty loosely based.

Sure, doctors should have better bedside manners in some cases but the clown that Williams plays is just way too goofy and forced in one cliched scene after another.

This film had potential! Hey, we rented it from the video store. There are some good quotes to be heard here but you may be tempted to walk away or go to bed before you ever see them.

Spoiler Alert
One example of the absurdity of this film: I don't know about you but if I'm in love with a wonderful woman and she is suddenly murdered, I don't bounce back from that by simply spotting a pretty butterfly on my shoulder! Would Patch have really been back to his old playful self in time for graduation? Come on. It just isn't going to happen.

I am a believer in loving life, appreciating the miracles of life, and of treating people with respect and love and humor, but the film seemed to be trying too hard to send that message by using one forced cliche after another.

I felt like I was had by this film. But, hey, that's just me!! You might like it!

Thanks for Reading! Hope I didn't come across as too much of heartless jerk! I'm really not! I hope the real Patch Adams can do what Williams' character set out to do in the film. OH, and there's a fine Rod Stewart tune that plays during the closing credits!