Mister Mom - Profession : Père au foyer

I know it seems weird to say this about a John Hughes film, but I honestly think this is one of the great films of all time. There are so few movies that are so.. flawless. The script is hilarious. The editing is seamless. Every line is quote-worthy. The acting is spot-on. Michael Keaton is at the top of his game, Terry Garr is a comic genius, and the casting is perfect.

The story is both goofy, and rather deep. It conatins at least a dozen of my top 100 all-time favorite movie 'moments'. Its the kind of film you see late at night on TV, and you start watching a few minutes, then suddenly before you know it, you've watched the whole thing AGAIN. Obviously, I highly recommend this film, and encourage more filmmakers to study it, because they just don't make 'em like this anymore.

I spotted this on streaming last night and hadn't seen it in 30 years so I figured why not. And I wasn't disappointed, it still holds up pretty well, mostly.

The gags are still pretty solid, as long as you actually realise that they're 40 years old and definitely not the same as today's movie humour, with the only real culture shock is when Caroline walks into the pitch meeting and EVERYONE is smoking, and the air is thick with cigarette smoke. It's easy to forget now that back in the 80s was a very different time in that regard, as well as so many others.

Michael Keaton's and Teri Garr's performances hold up well, Jeffrey Tambor is his usual dryly funny self, Martin Mull is great, it was kind of a surprise to see Christopher Lloyd not really looking that much different to how he does now except a little less wrinkled and darker-haired. It was also a bit of a shock to realise that the youngest of the two boys was played by Taliesin "Percy" Jaffe!

All in all though it's still a good, solid watch even these 40 years later.

The family man Jack Butler (Michael Keaton) is happily married and lives with his beloved wife Caroline Butler (Teri Garr) and their children Alex, Kenny and Megan in a suburb of Detroit. Jack is an engineer that works in an automobile factory with his friends Stan (Tom Leopold) and Larry (Christopher Lloyd) and they go to the work in car pool with their boss Jinx (Jeffrey Tambor). When Jack loses his job, Caroline looks for a job and finds in the advertising agency that belongs to Ron Richardson (Martin Mull). Soon Caroline succeeds in holding an important account in the agency and climbs positions and responsibilities. Meanwhile Jack learns how hard the household chores and childcare are.

"Mr. Mom" is a funny 1983 film made in the period of the 1980´s recession and foresees the beginning of the decline of the Detroit´s automobile industry. The plot has many clichés but is entertaining and hilarious. Michael Keaton and Teri Garr show chemistry and have great performances. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Dona de Casa por Acaso" ("Housekeeper by Chance")

Going into this film, I expected some trite family comedy with a lot of cheap gags involving things like the normal guy trying to change diapers. That's why I was really impressed. I enjoyed it a lot! This movie proves why it's a shame that Michael Keaton has turned to "Michael Who?" in the eyes of Hollywood. I hope to God he doesn't start doing direct-to-video crap like some once-popular actors. He is a true talent with impeccable comic timing!

The script is well-written. Though you can call it predictable, it deserves to be predictable. Besides, the plot turns make sense in the context of the characters, and don't feel contrived. The film delivers a fine message without suffocating you with corny sentiment. And Keaton's wonderful performance keeps the film airtight.

There are many hilarious moments. The gag in which Keaton plays poker with a group of homemakers, using coupons instead of money, is absolutely priceless! Plus, I felt for the characters and when you feel for the characters, the jokes are always funnier. When Keaton gets himself into one dilemma after another, I was laughing because I felt sorry for him, and that's the key to physical comedy. You have to care for the character's intentions.

"Mr. Mom" is a funny, sweet, kind-hearted family comedy that doesn't cater to any particular age group. At first glance, it looks an anti-parenting film that manipulates us guys into thinking, "Geez, I'm never gonna have a kid." But as Keaton's character goes through his arc, your attitude changes along with his. Go see it! A truly entertaining movie that's likable in all aspects!

My score: 8 (out of 10)

This is a funny movie. And, not very many comedies can say that - most unfortunately. Michael Keaton was great. I'm not a big Teri Garr fan, but she was more than adequate as a second banana in the film.

If you have no children, are a man, and have never had to raise any children even for a weekend, then you will certainly appreciate this movie. Everyone should appreciate it, but those of us who have never had the "pleasure" of changing a diaper will probably identify the most.

I cannot imagine how this movie only got a 6.1 on IMBD. I have never known anyone who did not enjoy it.