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Patch Adams [1999]
from Universal Pictures UK
starring Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bob Gunton
directed by Tom Shadyac

Features:

• PAL
• Widescreen

Editorial Review:

Patch Adams raises two schools of thought: there are those who are inspired by the true story of a troubled man who finds happiness in helping others--a man set on changing the world and who may well accomplish the task. And then there are those who feel manipulated by this feel-good story, who want to smack the young medical student every time he begins his silly antics.

Staving off suicidal thoughts, Hunter Adams commits himself into a psychiatric ward, where he not only garners the nickname "Patch" but learns the joy in helping others. To this end, he decides to go to medical school, where he clashes with the staid conventions of the establishment as he attempts to inject humour and humanity into his treatment of the patients ("We need to start treating the patient as well as the disease", he declares throughout the film). Robin Williams, in the title role, is as charming as ever, although someone should tell him to broaden his range--the ever-cheerful, do-gooder à la Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society is getting a little old. His sidekick Truman (Daniel London) steals the show with his gawky allure and eyebrows that threaten to overtake his lean face--he seems more real, which is odd considering that Patch Adams does exist and this film is based on his life. Monica Potter is the coolly reluctant love interest and she makes the most of her one-dimensional part. While moments of true heartfelt emotion do come through, the major flaw of this film is that the good guys are just so gosh-darn good and the bad ones are just big meanies with no character development. Patch Adams, though, does provide the tears, the giggles and the kooky folks who will keep you smiling at the end. --Jenny Brown

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

• Deplorable
  Mawkish to the point of being gruesome, each scene without exception is sunk by a tidal wave of faux sentimentality. The script is awful, the characters feeble. Utterly painful.

• Brilliant Fun!
  I had the chance a few years ago to purchase the book on Patch Adams' life, took time to read it and enjoyed every second, but it was probably the hardest book I have ever tried to read. Filled with medical terminology that uses up every letter in the alphabet in each word, it was a chore at times. I am after all, no doctor!!!
  Thank God that this film was not that difficult. In essence, what they have done is base the story on the book, but in usual Hollywood fashion, have added that huge dollop of fun... more info

• PAINFUL
  My friend Olly didn't like this film. I thought it certainly wasn't Robin's best (doesn't compare to Dead Poets'). In fact, it was quite painful indeed. It was insulting to patients, doctors and psychos. It was also factually incorrect.
  Please. Don't.

• Sappy at times but crosses the ramp
  A movie the cynics love to hate, "Patch Adams" has its sappy and manipulative aspects, but it is also good-hearted, innocent and entertaining. Certainly not the worst of Robin Williams' roles, but not one of his best, either.
  I recommend that cynics avoid this movie at all costs, because you will despise it. However, for those without a cynical bone in their body, you may really enjoy this. There are some very moving moments, although the film requires a strong suspension of disbelief and a willingness... more info

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