Words by Tom Disalvo March 17, 2021

Stream in peace on this chilly Wednesday night.

Need a little entertainment to cure those hump day blues? We’ve taken the guesswork out of your weekly watchlist with our latest Executive Decision; Chris Columbus’ instant 1993 classic Mrs. Doubtfire. Starring the late Robin Williams in one of his most-loved roles, this popcorn dramedy has stood the test of time (some 28 years), so we’ve compiled a list of reasons to rewatch the Scottish housekeeper’s iconic antics. Check it out below if you or yours need more convincing. (Spoilers ahead…duh)

The unmissable Robin Williams

While the movie benefits from the stellar performances of its starry ensemble cast (kudos, Pierce Brosnan); Mrs Doubtfire makes no secret of the fact that it is mainly a scene-stealing vehicle for Robin Williams. Whether he’s dipping his face in creamy cake (helloooo) or rattling-off an inventory of voice impersonations (see below), the treasured funnyman is totally game. It’s Williams’ turn as the screwball nanny that raises Mrs Doubtfire above its familiar sitcom trappings with improv and flaming padded boobs to boot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hsAbjmNpKU

Doubtfire à la Risky Business

Arriving just as everything is going well for Doubtfire, William’s Looks Like a Lady montage is a wholesome midpoint treat. Between shots of the housekeeper finally enjoying family time, the would-be nanny abandons her chores for a head-rocking dance sequence with vacuum in tow. Channelling Tom Cruise in Risky Business, this fittingly-soundtracked scene epitomises the feel-good factor of much of the film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqNEZ_QgvI4

Give Pearce a chance

Although it’s mostly warm-hearted, the film’s much-needed spice comes from Doubtfire’s scathing approach to Stu; his ex-wife’s new boo and the movie’s (undeserved) antagonist. Throughout the movie, a pre-Bond Brosnan has his Mercedes badge stolen, suffers a lime-sized blow to the head, and chokes on a prawn cocktail; all at the hands of a hilariously-jealous Doubtfire. Does he really deserve all this? Just for wanting to climb in bed with Sally Field in her prime? Robin William’s savagery towards Brosnan even occurred when the cameras weren’t rolling (see below).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4dffEgdvwU

The Big Reveal

Carried along by the sheer energy of William’s performance, the film’s climactic restaurant scene is killer; equal parts funny and emotional. After almost an hour of cross-dressing mania, Doubtfire’s rouse literally comes undone as he unsuccessfully juggles a business meeting with a family dinner. William’s big reveal is both predictable and tragic, and perfectly encapsulates the film’s humour and heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0l2T7iF0Ro&t=12s

To see Doubtfire in a different light…

Although it’s cast as a family-friendly film and it undoubtedly gives all the feels, the plot of Mrs Doubtfire can take on a more nightmarish undertone if you really analyse it. Think about it – an out of work divorcee disobeys custody orders by impersonating an old woman to stalk his kids for months on end. In this light, Doubtfire’s hijinks are more deranged than endearing, and this can make for a more interesting movie experience (see below).