Disney couldn't resist the temptation to remake 1961's popular comedy
The Absent Minded Professor, so they cast Robin Williams as Professor Philip Brainard (a role vaguely related to the character originated by Fred MacMurray), and the result is a comedy that, frankly, doesn't fully deserve its modest success. It's admittedly clever to a point, and certainly the digitally "flubberized" special effects provide the kind of movie magic that's entertaining for kids and parents alike. The professor can't even remember his own wedding day (much to the chagrin of his fiancée, played by Marcia Gay Harden), and now his academic rival (Christopher McDonald) is trying to steal his latest and purely accidental invention--flying rubber, or ... flubber. The green goo magnifies energy and can be used as an amazing source of power, but in the hands of screenwriter John Hughes it becomes just another excuse to recycle a lot of
Home Alone-style slapstick humor involving a pair of bumbling would-be flubber thieves. There's also a floating robot named Weebo and some catchy music by Danny Elfman to accompany dancing globs of flubber, but the story's too thin to add up to anything special. Lightweight fun, but, given the title, it lacks a certain bounce. Of course, that didn't stop Disney's marketing wizards from turning it into a home-video hit.
--Jeff Shannon
1 Not as good as i thought it would be
Flubber was a very interesting movie. Some scenes were funny, and some scenes were just not. But Robin Williams did a okay job. This movie you should worth seeing once.
2 Very disappointing
I didn't have high expectations for this movie, yet it still managed to completely disappoint me. I adore Robin Williams, and his performance was the best thing of the movie. But the script was abysmal and Sara, played by Marcia Gay Harden, was a completely one dimensional character. The antics of the sidekick robot and the "flubber" itself were just plain embarrasing to watch. Too bad, because the idea is great - but frankly, the original was pretty bad too. They really could have done so much with this story either the first OR the second time around.
3 flub you!
there is a really old version to this too.the only real 2 flaws in this one are robin williams and his pesky wife.why cant he seem to get along with women in any of his movies?well,robin is an extremely absent minded inventor who makes a jelly like putty that is semi-intelligent and has many many uses.the kids dont really go for it except when the putty is about.its worth seeing once id say.like i mentioned,robin has a girls name and cant seem to keep it together with chicks in his films.in birdcage he was gay.he was a cross dresser in mrs doubtfire.there was some movie about drag queens where he was in briefly as a gay character.i think ive made my point.kids tend to cry when robins robot dies.that guy who played in the rocky horror picture show as a transvestite is robins rival in this one.
4 Can U Say BORING????
Most of Disney's new movies are very, very boring. And this one is no exception. I'm not saying that the original B&W version was good, but this one is bad, too. In the original, Flubber was not a green humanoid figure. It was a gray blob. There are some things that are better in this one, but it is still BORING!!
5 Typical unimaginative Disney claptrap.
Have you ever been invited to some friends' house for an evening and thought that you were going to be doing something interesting or fun, only to find out that they rented a video for all of you to watch? It's always something you never would have rented for yourself in a million years.
For all of it's former ingenuity and creativity, today's Disney films certainly have a habit of showing a lack of imagination and originality. If you think about it, most of today's Disney animated films are based on old stories that have been around forever, and most of the studio's live action films are remakes of early Disney-era classics. This is not to say that the occasional enjoyable Disney film doesn't make an appearance at your local theater now and then. Some of them are hard not to enjoy.
When the overpaid, brain-dead executives at Disney decided to remake the 1961 hit film, "The Absent-Minded Professor", they indicated the type of audience the film would be catering to by dumbing down the title of the film to "Flubber".
"The Absent-Minded Professor" is not necessarily one of my very favorite of Disney's classic era 50s and 60s films, but it was a well-written, creative story that could be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, and it has held up pretty well through the decades. This remake is nothing more than an attempt to show what can be done with today's overblown computer animation technology. In the story, an absent-minded professor, who's always forgetting his wedding date (this is where the mandatory love interest comes into play), accidentally invents a form of bouncing, flying synthetic rubber, and as luck would have it, is able to use it to help the local high school basketball team finally win a game. The fate of the free world seems to hinge on this small town team winning this game. That simple story was enough to make the 1961 film a winner with audiences but today's kids (and some adults) would find that boring because they've had technology shoved down their throats since birth. So in this new film, we have incredibly stupid scenes such as the little blobs of Flubber changing into the shape of little fat men and dancing to rhythmic quasi-Latin music. The Flubber men also change their shapes to become different Latin percussion instruments during the song. Oh, that Disney magic! What would we do without it to make our lives worth living???
This is a fairly repulsive film for a non-thinking audience.
6 Cute But Absentmindedly Twisted
Recently I went to a theater showing the Disney remake, Flubber, starring Robin Williams. Although I still prefer the original The Absent Minded Professor, Flubber was a whole lot of fun.
Robin Williams plays a science professor looking for a new form of energy. As the film opens, Williams is already in danger of missing his own wedding for the third time. But while guests wait patiently Williams discovers the semi-intelligent Flubber. Much of the rest of the film is spent trying to win back the heart of his fiance and subsequently save the collage from bankruptcy and closure. Williams is aided in his endeavors by two robots. The first is an exceptionally capable housekeeping robot. The second is a levitating, self-aware intelligence with full emotions. While fun companions movie-wise, the technical aspects of these robots would be more than enough for Williams to save the college. In the End Williams wins back his fiancˇ, defeats the bad guys trying to close the college and finds a future for Flubber.
While Flubber is very enjoyable it seems like the writers added details for the sake of cuteness without thinking about the implications. Williams is looking for a new energy source yet he has a robot that can defy gravity and powered by simple electricity. He needs a discovery worth money yet he has two very successful and useful robots, one of them alive. Flubber itself has been made into some kind of life form. This may be good for merchandising but one can only wonder about the source of powdered Flubber or the implications of flight resulting from intentionally causing the organism's decay. Selling the rights to flying cars to Ford made for a funny scene but now there can potentially be millions of semi-responsible drivers flying through the country's airlanes while carrying radioactive materials. Additionally, a few scenes were changed from the original and are now less plausible. For instance, in the original, the fiancˇ calls the professor when he is late for the wedding again.
So if you are looking for fun then this is your movie. However, if you tend to rebel at inconsistencies and like your plots to make sense, then you might want to avoid this one. It's up to you.
7 Flubber
A Great Movie!!!! I laughed alot! I like the way the flubber entered the Villian's mouth and went thru his system and came out of his Butt was extremely funny. The crooks getting hit in the head with the golf ball and bowling ball was funny and the crooks saying it sure gives you a headache. The only bad thing about the movie is some cussing that should have been left out.
8 Dancing Globs make me wozzy
Wow this was disappointing. The stupid parts outweight the good stuff. What a waste. With all the potential to make a real interesting story, and with all the high tech capabilities now vs when the original was made this should have been a real fun movie to watch. It is not. Most of my kids had left the room before the end. definitely rent before you buy.
9 Flubber
I specifically searched for this movie. I had watched it at th emovie theater and wanted a DVD copy. I enjoy Robin Williams' performance and the comedy in this movie. It is a "good, clean" movie that children can watch without nightmares (except the poor boy in the movie that saw the flying men and car) and isn't filled with profanity.
10 Good family fun and inspiring for inventive types
The movie is a great escape, with some good humor and energy. After seeing the cool flying robotic assistant and the flying car, it made me enjoy dreaming and innovating. Some of those negative reviews were apparently given by those with the sense of humor of a piece of wood. Robin Williams is great at playing an absent minded professor, with some hillarious statements and events. His fiance was a great companion in the movie, with her sweet disposition.
11 Good family fun and inspiring for inventive types
The movie is a great escape, with some good humor and energy. After seeing the cool flying robotic assistant and the flying car, it made me enjoy dreaming and innovating. Some of those negative reviews were apparently given by those with the sense of humor of a piece of wood. Robin Williams is great at playing an absent minded professor, with some hillarious statements and events. His fiance was a great companion in the movie, with her sweet disposition.
12 The car saves the film from the scrap heap!
Robin Williams soaring in the heavens in his cool T-bird is the only thing worthwhile in this remake of the classic "The Absent-Minded Professor". The robot assistant is cute and the dancing flubber shows off the prowess of the special effects technicians, but, as a film, "Flubber" insults even the intellect of a three-year-old.
13 FLUB-A-FLUB-FLUB...
It pains me to say this, but I found this film to be completely gormless.
14 My husband had to have it....
I purchased this video for my husband for Valentine's Day as a little extra gift. He had been going on and on about how much he loved this movie and wanted to own it. Needless to say he was very excited when he opened his little extra gift that he had wanted so very badly.
15 Just not very good....
Okay, by the time the guy forgot his first wedding, how come those who knew him NEVER THOUGHT TO CALL HIM ON THE PHONE WHEN HE WAS LATE?! Rather, they sit in the chapel for hours, thinking, "Gee, where is the kooky, whacky prof who has disappointed his bride-to-be more than once? Oh well, he hasn't shown--let's leave."
Besides this element of idiocy, it's obvious the "flubber" is extremely powerful, volatile, and potent, and a few people suffer impact injuries due to its strength when added to inanimate objects. Yet the GENIUS (?) of a professor always MAKES sure to douse shoes, basketballs, bowling balls, what have you, unleash them in his cluttered basement or hardwood basketball court, and let the consussions "fly." Just HOW smart is this professor, again? You'd think after the golf ball nearly added an extra orifice to his head, he'd have learned to use his creation in moderation...but no.
Besides THIS, the "love story" is completely worthless, the "humor" didn't even make my four year-old laugh, and the movie all-in-all has no correlation with reality. Professor can create a FLYING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MACHINE and flubber, yet he's stuck earning a pittance at a measly university that may be shut down. Shouldn't he be headmaster dean of robotics technology at MIT, or something? Shouldn't he OWN MIT?! This movie was so bland and inane, I literally couldn't care less what happened by the end. Perhaps the flubber somehow spontaneously procreated and engulfed the world in a bouncing ball of luminous goo...I don't care. If I sound like I really did not like this movie, my intent has been achieved. If I spared some unfortunate from watching it as well, I have done a good thing.
16 Robin Williams stars as an abesent-Minded professor.
Flubber is a remake of a 60's movie called the Absent-Minded Professor.
Robin Williams is the professor. When the movie opens we meet Professor Phillip Brainard (Williams). It is his wedding day. He is marrying his school's president named Sara Jean Reyonalds (Marcia Gay Harden). The only problem is that Brainard can't remember his wedding.
This is the 3rd time for the couple. And the 1st two that Brainard forgot. When Brainard gets an idea. He gets to work. While that Reynolds is the church waiting for him. Brainard invents Flubber. And the next morning, at 6:30 Brainard remembers his wedding.
But he is supposed to get married Friday night. His has a computer machine named Weebo (voice of Jodi Benson) that keeps his caldendar. So he drops by Sara's office and she is ticked off at him. He tries to tell her that Flubber can save the college. And tries to prove it buy going out the window, fall to the ground and come up unharmed. But while he is doing it the Flubber leaves his pocket.
There is aslo a boy that refues to go to sleep because he is afaird of monstars coming in his window. So that night, Braindard fixes is car to have him fly. And decides to park at Sara's house. But once thier Sara doesn't see him. She is in the middle of a date with Braindard's rival (Christopher McDonald).
Phillip overhears a bet. That if Meyfield wins, that she will buy Brainard's rival dinner or go up to the mountains for the weekend. Will Meifield win? Will Brainard and Sara finnlay get married? Watch to find out.
17 The first (and hopefully last) Disney let-down
Well, even the best have to fall someday, and Disney managed it with the release of Flubber. Robin Williams, who isn't greatly entertaining at the best of times, is actually quite acceptable in this film. However the general jist of the story, and the comedy, and the adventure, and the dialogue ...etc etc has all been done better before. The story follows a professor (Robin Williams) and his discovery of an exciting new elastic material - technically known as Flubber - though he is hunted down by corporate businesses, whilst his absent-mindedness severely puts his love plans on hold. Predictable, dull and a genuine failure of a film. The 1967 original is much better.
Looking for good family entertainment? Go buy Free Willy
18 "Flubber" --- Another Robin Williams Classic
I don't see why a lot of people didn't like "Flubber." It might not be Robin Williams's best movie, but it's not bad either. I just saw the movie a few weeks ago with my cousin and we both laughed throughout most of the movie.
Robin Williams develops a new kind of life in the form of flying rubber, hence the name 'flubber.' He's so into his new experiment that he misses his wedding and his life falls apart. He must try to get back the woman he loves while also trying to keep his new invention from thieves.
"Flubber" has many funny parts, but it will also keep you interested and it has a good storyline. If you like most of Robin Williams's other movies, I don't see why you wouldn't like "Flubber." I recommend anyone to buy it any day of the year.
19 People don't like this, do they!
I don't know why, but it's not a well-accepted film by most. I enjoyed the original more, but if you were to watch this film for the first time, you'd enjoy it. Great music, Williams is on top form, and great computer effects. It has some difficult slow moments though where you find yourself putting on the kettle. However, the film is actually good enough to resume tempo by the time the kettle has boiled -making you stay in your seat! You will enjoy the film, but younger viewers may be bored by the science jargon. Indeed it is used in a funny way, but it may be a bit over their heads. A good film, but not one of the best.
20 BAAAD....
Robin Williams is definitely not like wine... As time goes by, he gets worse and worse, accepting ridiculous scripts like this one. I hope he improves, because he has already given us great performances like "DEAD POETS SOCIETY".
21 Suitable for kids aged 0-100!
Oh, I loved this movie, I was so surprised. Robin Williams is a brilliant actor, and he's in his comedic element here! He plays a mad scientist who keeps on postponing his wedding to create his ultimate invention - FLUBBER - a rubbery substance that has a life of its own and can make you fly. Yes, I'm 30 years old and an action fan, and a guy that doesn't appreciate chick flicks. but kids flicks I can tolerate. My five-year old niece had this for her birthday, I sat and watched it with her and laughed out loud all the way through. The special effects are superb as well!
22 ! DANGER! This film blows chunks
This is an excellent example of a bad film. Disney has really outdone itself on this one... Viewers should be warned that this film has been documented to cause decay in the frontal lobe of the subjects brain. Please, I beg you, Do NOT even bother viewing this. I'm suprized Robin Williams hasn't lost his will to live after participating in the making of this monstrosity.
23 SLEEP MASTER 2000! GAURENTEED SLEEP IN MINUTES!
I gave it one star because there was nothing lower! This piece of trash wasted the rest of my night. I fell sound asleep in 15 minutes. I didn't wake up until 9:00 am. I'm just warning you not to watch this poorly done movie. There absolutley no plot-line what so ever. A spray that can make you bounce in the air higher than a basket-ball hoop in the NBA! Please! Kinda funny I heard, but I wouldn't know of course because I was asleep. If you like robin williams, get Jack , patch adams, or jumanji.
24 Not very good
Flubber was an okay concept but the movie was just too slow and dull. It was supposed to be quick and entertaining, but wasn't exactly entertained. All the sick Disney characters ruined it and I just think it was dumb. Robin Williams was kinda bad in this too, and his studdering voice in this movie was annoying. The only highlight to this movie was the credits, when the audience finally woke up and left.
25 I Really like the Idea of a piece of rubber named Flubber.
It is about a professer that Invents a piece of rubber named flubber that bounces and goes crazy sometimes when it gets ready. The flubber saved the college because hoenickel wants to close the college. the flubber won the basketball game.
26 It was really good and funny!!!!!!!!
It was an amazing invention.I wish I could see it again.It was suitable for everyone to watch.My favourite part was when Flubber was dancing. Anyone who has'nt seen it should!! I felt sad when the robot died!!!!!!!
27 WATCH THE ORIGINAL INSTEAD OF THIS JUNK!!!
Once again disney has to go back to the past for new ideas.This time it 's "The Absent Minded Professor" or as it now known by this dumb title "Flubber".The movie is slow,dumb dialogue,zeebo gets annoying always showing her disney junk on her screens!!The flubber itself also got annoying!!!This movie is soo bad I feel asleep in the theater !!!adults avoid this one and watch the original instead!!!
28 A very funny movie
Flubber the green jelly is the most funny person because it made the basketball team jump higher.
29 It stunk!!
This was a horible movie!! It made me puke when I watched it!! This was the worst movie I have ever seen(other than the adventures of Barney).
30 GOT RUINED BY SLAPSTICK COMEDY
THIS FILM IS FUN TO WATCH,BUT WHAT RUINS IT IS IT'S RESORT TO SLAPSTICK COMEDY IN MANY SCENES.
31 FLUBBER is bouncingly good entertainment!
In Disney's 1997 remake of its own "The Absent Minded Professor," "Flubber" shows itself to be different, yet just as good, as its 1961 predecessor. Robin Williams is just right as the scatterbrained Prof. Phillip Brainard. He brings a class to the character hardly any other actor could have. This film has the irresistable momentum of a bullet train. There is rarely a low moment. As if the superb special effects and pleasant performances weren't enough, composer Danny Elfman turns in one heck of an enjoyable mamba-tinged score. Overall, this movie can be enjoyed by adults as well as children. If you're expecting a deep cerebral experience, don't even bother. This movie is just pure fun!
32 I give this a one becuase ther is nothing lower
Here are some of the things that FLUBBER is missing. - Acting - A point - Some funny parts - Did I mention a point - Intelligent dialoge - And of coarse the all importent point to the movie.
