Aidan At The Movies: Mrs. Doubtfire

Hello, and Happy Dad's Day and belated Mother's Day to everyone around the world. For a majority of families, the holiday is incomplete due to a divorce. (In other cases, life may have taken the parent away early, but that's another story.) Divorce can be hard on families. Not just on the mom and dad, but the kids, too. And this Robin Williams classic, Mrs. Doubtfire, shows the challenges of being away from your children during a divorce and finding a way to see them. Co-starring Sally Field, Harvey Fierstein, Peirce Brosnan (one of the many 007 actors), Matthew Lawrence, and Matilda's Mara Wilson as little Natalie. It's a little-known fact that this was based on a book entitled "Alias Madame Doubtfire" by Anne Fine back in 1987.

After a disastrous birthday party Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) threw for his son, his wife, Miranda (Sally Field), could not take it any more. It was time for a divorce. Daniel was only allowed to see his kids only once a week, which he can't live with. He also now has a job at a TV station as a shipping clerk under his liaison. One day, Miranda places an ad in the paper for a nanny. That quickly gave Daniel an idea. With help from his brother, Frank (Harvey Fierstein), a makeup artist, Daniel disguises himself as an old British lady under the name of Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire. It took a little while for his kids to like Mrs. Doubtfire, but in no time, Mrs. Doubtfire became the favorite in the house rather than Miranda. Everything seemed to go according to plan, but Daniel/Mrs. Doubtfire must also deal with Miranda's new boyfriend, Stu Dunemyer (Peirce Brosnan). Now it's becoming a real challenge for this troubled divorcee. Only time will tell what he'll do to be with his children still.

This is one of many movies where you'll laugh and you'll cry. I know I did when I first saw this. Now, my parents never divorced, but my mom, as you know back in October, passed away from Stage 4 Cancer, which is a tad bit different than a divorce. So, basically, I know what it feels when parents are either gone or separated. In fact, my favorite part in the movie, without giving everything away, was at the end when Mrs. Doubtfire gave a speech about families that are different (i.e. divorce and adopted children). Trust me, that will make you tear up. Get your tissues ready.

Since he died in the summer of 2014, I cry at Robin Williams movies because it hurts to know that he's gone. I adore Robin's comedy. From being Genie in Aladdin, Mork from Ork, even Peter Pan in Hook. Robin was loved by people around the world. If only he would recognize that. This is one of those sad but true things. I miss Robin.

So, if you want a touching movie for Father's Day, watch Mrs. Doubtfire starring Robin Williams.

Parents Guide: Yes, this is a family film, but it's rated PG-13 for language and some sexual stuff. There is some drinking and a joke about smoking in a cartoon in the beginning of the movie. There is one scene where Mrs. Doubtfire gives the finger to Pierce Brosnan (without him knowing). The divorce scene in the beginning may be intense for younger viewers.

Did You Know?: The cartoon at the beginning was done by legendary cartoonist Chuck Jones. The full 5 minute cartoon can be found on the DVD. Some of the many actors considered to play the lead before Robin Williams were Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, Kurt Russell, Dan Aykroyd, Rick Moranis, Tom Cruise, and my man Michael J. Fox (who just turned 60 this month). Not only did Robin Williams star in this classic, but also served as producer. The line "It was a run-by-fruiting!" is now a popular YouTube meme.