Daniel Hilliard (Robin Williams) is an out-of-work actor who has just been told by his wife (Sally Field) that she wants a divorce, because he isn't the man she fell in love with any more. He now only gets to see his children (Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson) every second weekend, which to him doesn't feel like nearly often enough.
When he hears that his wife is looking to hire a housekeeper to clean, cook and also look after the children after school, he decides to pose as a woman, Mrs. Doubtfire, and applies for the job himself in order to spend more time with his kids.
Enlisting the help of his brother (Harvey Fierstein) and his brother's live-in boyfriend, who work as make-up artists, he transforms himself into this new character, and manages to fool everyone, at least for a while.
While working for his ex-wife, he enjoys being near to the children, but unfortunately, they don't know it's him under the outfit and the make-up, so it doesn't feel the same as it did, anyway. He also has to contend with his wife's new beau - old flame Stuart Dunmire (Pierce Brosnan).
I won't say any more about the plot. If you haven't seen this film yet, first of all, what is taking you so long? But seriously, if you haven't seen it, make sure you take the opportunity as soon as it presents itself; you won't regret it.
Robin Williams is perfect in the roles of both Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire. Of course, his ability to perform brilliant improvised comedy is no secret, and he makes more than the most of every single opportunity in this film. There are so many brilliant moments that I'm sure were never in the script, but just came out of his mind on the day.
The rest of the cast are good, too. Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan of course have been acting for decades, and they bring a wealth of experience to their roles. But even the kids - relatively inexperienced when this film came out - take to their roles well.
The script does differ significantly from the original novel in many ways. I think the main reason for this is that the novel is very British, and the film made for a very American audience. This isn't necessarily bad, but if you've read the novel, don't expect the film to be the same. And if you've seen the film, don't expect the novel to be the same either. Other than the basic premise of a man posing as a woman to see his kids, the plots of the two mediums do not really align at all.
Chris Columbus, who directed this film adaptation, has put together a great film. There are a lot of great comedic moments, but also a lot of heartfelt moments, particularly towards the end of the film. Then again, this should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen any of Columbus's other films: this is something he can do really well.
All that being said, I will always love this film, and will continue to watch it on at least an annual basis. I encourage you to do the same; it will make you laugh and will touch your heart every single time.
9 out of 10.
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