World's Greatest Dad

World's Greatest Dad

2009 "Lance Clayton is about to get everything he deserves."
World's Greatest Dad
World's Greatest Dad

World's Greatest Dad

6.9 | 1h39m | R | en | Drama

In the wake of a freak accident, Lance suffers the worst tragedy and the greatest opportunity of his life. He is suddenly faced with the possibility of fame, fortune and popularity, if he can only live with the knowledge of how he got there.

View More
AD

WATCH FREEFOR 30 DAYS

All Prime Video
Cancel anytime

Watch Now
6.9 | 1h39m | R | en | Drama , Comedy , Romance | More Info
Released: August. 20,2009 | Released Producted By: Magnolia Pictures , Jerkschool Productions Country: United States of America Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website: http://www.worldsgreatestdadfilm.com/
Synopsis

In the wake of a freak accident, Lance suffers the worst tragedy and the greatest opportunity of his life. He is suddenly faced with the possibility of fame, fortune and popularity, if he can only live with the knowledge of how he got there.

...... View More
Stream Online

The movie is currently not available onine

Cast

Robin Williams , Alexie Gilmore , Daryl Sabara

Director

John Paino

Producted By

Magnolia Pictures , Jerkschool Productions

AD

Watch Free for 30 Days

All Prime Video Movies and TV Shows. Cancel anytime.

Watch Now

Trailers & Images

Reviews

MichaelMRamey I enjoyed this film more than I though I would. However without spoiling, I felt a bit indifferent about the ending. Robin Williams continues to showcase his acting ability in his later years. The story was unique and wonderful the way it tries to stay in a moral line. It actually feels like a plausible situation this character would find himself in.
Pranav Rohit Kasinath Madhurabharatula What is with Robin Williams and father figures? Whether it is playing that role in the much – dissed Old Dogs, or the much acclaimed Jumanji, or the much ho hummed Hook, he seems to have an addiction for the father figure role and the opportunity to change lives and reconnect with his on-screen children. While the title might force you to expect a run of the mill Disney quality story about the virtues of fatherhood, WGD offers you something quite different with the blackest comedy in recent times.What happens to a father figure who fails in his task? How do you deal with a son who is not only a sexual deviant with disturbing tastes, but is also bogged down with serious developmental problems? This is no cheesy love tale of father and son or about a busy single father finding love and happiness. Its a movie which redefines the term lonely and cuts to the bone, while laying bare the hypocrisy in society. They say Humor and Comedy are great media to make meaningful movies . WGD goes the distance and offers something new with every viewing.The premise is shocking. After a monologue from Williams laying bare his aspirations to be a writer we are introduced to the puerile and disturbing person that is his son -Kyle(Sabara). He hates his dad for no particular reason, dominates him at every turn and has no respect for his authority. He has no friends at school, no respect for women and behaves quite abominably. Sabara plays his role so well that you have no sympathy for his character and your gut actually wrenches with his disturbing portrayal. I believe that this reaction from the audience would make what follows one of the most memorable comedies of recent times.Contrasted against Kyle is the bland and troubled school teacher that Williams so effortlessly portrays. His Poetry course is the least popular in the school, he has a girlfriend Claire(Gilmore) who is ashamed of being seen with him and who he is slowly losing to the most popular teacher in school, Mike(Simmons). The Principal (Pierson) threatens to fire him and expel his son . And his Son hates him. In addition, his attempts at being a writer seem to be going nowhere. Goldthwaite spends a major part of the movie laying out the principal characters and driving home the complete loser – team that Lance and his Son Kyle make. Suddenly, when you least expect it, Kyle dies – in extremely embarrassing circumstances true to character. To hide the circumstances of his son's death, Lance fakes a suicide, writes a fake suicide note and tries to put it all behind him. But his troubles are just beginning.What follows is an amazing and insightful portrayal of the effects of death and how it serves to clean the image of a person…to make his memory greater than life and how it can cover even the most tarnished reputation in a Halo of greatness. When the accidental publication of the suicide note transforms Kyle into a cult figure, Lance is left bewildered and shocked at the turn of events. I wont give away more of this plot, watch it…you wont regret it.This movie was not made for the mainstream, nor was it made to satisfy the optimist in us. Its bitter sweet portrayal of the American Middle Class with all its problems and missed opportunities is an ode to the beauty of the Screenplay, Writing and Direction. The success of the movie also lies in the amazing performances of the Supporting Cast, whether it is the ambivalent Girlfriend played by Alexie Gilmore or the confident teacher played by Simmons. Even the students and their volte face regarding their feelings for Kyle is something that is believably done with just the right exaggeration that separates humor from reality. In the end, the main message that, it is possible to feel all alone even when surrounded by people couldn't be clearer.I was quite impressed with how far Sabara has come. The only other memorable role of his that I remember is his innocent and worried portrayal of Juni Cortez in Spy Kids all those years ago. As Kyle, Sabara is at his very best and shows his ability to venture into the experimental territory of Hollywood that separates good actors from great ones. Robin Williams needs no introduction. He is one of the best actors that Hollywood has to offer and he justifies this time and again. Other actors in Hollywood would do well to learn from him. He is a a whirlpool of emotion throughout the film, whether it is embarrassment, suspicion, laughter or crushing sadness, Robbins plays them all well and plays them with elan.The One Complaint I have regarding the film is the length. With a two hour film, Goldthwaite might have had more to time to make the reactions a little more convincing and to spend more time showing how Kyle's death acts as a catalyst for change in attitude. As it transpires, one and a half hours takes something away from the natural development of the plot and makes it seem a little rushed and contrived. However I was still very happy with the overall result.My Final word is this: One of the Best Movies of 2010, World's Greatest Dad is a stunning achievement from a relatively new director and a critical success. From the leading performances to the Screenplay, the movie is pure magic and has something for all of us. Where it succeeds is in baring the human soul. Fans of meaningful cinema – Don't miss this one!! Four Stars out of Five.
Brandon Michel there was a man I once came to know, he was often a charmer, he loved all those he came to know and all those who loved him he loved too, you see this man was the Worlds Greatest Friend, he always knew his place for all his hopes and dreams came true, how much is never enough! The travels in which I venture I too created for you nd all those who do saw the admiration as I, for we know what this life is about and the prosperity that comes about, not a day goes by where I do not stop and say to my self thank you GOD, thank you. For there are no wrongs that I've could have written and its you who has called me home, now I want patiently waiting my return, I'm always with you surrounded by love, So this friend I've once came to know is that HOPE that prosperous our hearts for our hearts are the keys to whats dreams become, follow your heart in the eyes of the LORD and you can never be wrong, always with you sincerely yours
brchthethird While it might not rank as THE best comedy Robin Williams has ever done, it is a darkly funny film that takes advantage of his comedic and dramatic skills effectively. Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, WORLD'S GREATEST DAD is about Lance Clayton (Williams), a failed writer who teaches poetry at the high school where his son attends. He also has trouble with his son (Daryl Sabara), who is quite a jerk to him and everyone else in his life. However, when his son accidentally dies, he sees an opportunity to get the respect he deserves. While not laugh-out-loud funny, this film was nevertheless able to take serious subject matter and get some mileage out of subverting it, while also making a statement on the legacy of the dead and how people will use it to their advantage. Robin Williams gives one of his best performances in years as Lance Clayton who, if you think about it, is like a cynical version of his John Keating character from DEAD POETS SOCIETY. The deadpan manner in which he reacts to things was also a change of pace from the manic comedy he did in the past. Daryl Sabara was really good as his jerk son. Another aspect which I liked was how, after Lance's son dies, everyone comes out of the woodwork as having liked him when, in fact, they were just responding to Lance's cover-up out of sympathy. It's amazing how far misunderstanding can go, and the film portrays this in a bold and satirical way. Still, this film could rub some people the wrong way, given how life sort of imitated art. However, this is only in retrospect. I highly doubt that Bobcat Goldthwait was anticipating what Robin Williams would eventually do, but it is really odd that things turned out the way that they did. Overall, this is really dark comedy that might turn some people off, but I thought it was a welcome return-to-form for Robin Williams.