Random Movie Review - Patch Adams

 

When people talk fondly of the late Robin Williams, some would say his best roles are the Genie in Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire in the film of the same name and other well known and beloved films that he has done in his career. I personally have not seen every single one of his films, but I know a good film of his when I see it and this, sadly, is not one of those films. Patch Adams is an attempt to basically do exactly what Williams is known for doing, which is make people laugh and in this attempt at playing the real life doctor who aimed to make people feel happier and have a better quality of life, it's decent. But far from perfect. Some love this film, others hate it, and most feel mixed about it. It's not in any way to do with Halloween or horror, but does feature a few triggering themes like suicide and mental illness which can lead to such. Anyway, here's my take on it:

The film begins in 1969 where Hunter "Patch" Adams (played by Williams) admits himself to a mental institution after developing suicidal thoughts. There he manages to make his fellow inmates laugh to the point where he realizes that humour may actually help people. With this determination to help people through humour, he swiftly leaves the facility and enrols at what is now known as the VCU School of Medicine in Virginia, to become a medical doctor. Despite being the oldest first year student there, he does well in his grades, but his methods and his need to visit the local hospital to help the patients there, puts him at odds with his fellow classmates and the Dean (played by Bob Gunton). But he works to win them over, which may be easier said than done.

It feels like a lot of other films about an outcast trying to fit in and more. It's very much as a Robin Williams film as you can get with the heart, soul, laughter and various other things. But while it worked for most of his other films, it just doesn't work quite as well here. Sure, I laughed a few times and get the whole "laughter is the best medicine" message that the film is trying to get across. But of all of his films, this is not the worst. But far from the best, so I would put it in the middle if I were to rank his films. 7/10