Flubber (1997)
Synopsis:
Professor Phillip Brainard is an absent-minded scientist working at Medfield College, where his sweetheart Sara serves as president. Consumed by his research, he collaborates with his assistant Weebo to develop a revolutionary new energy source that could save the financially struggling institution. His dedication to science has already caused him to miss his own wedding twice, but on the afternoon of his third attempt to marry Sara, he finally achieves a breakthrough. Brainard successfully creates "flubber," a remarkable substance with the extraordinary ability to make objects fly through the air. This comedic family adventure follows the professor as he navigates the challenges of his groundbreaking discovery while trying to balance his professional ambitions with his personal life and his relationship with Sara.
Where To Watch: Flubber
Parental Feedback
Flubber delivers a fast-paced, slapstick-driven comedy built around physical gags and science-fiction whimsy. Parents should expect broad humor, cartoonish action sequences, and a lighthearted tone that prioritizes visual comedy over emotional depth. The film moves quickly between laboratory mishaps, romantic misunderstandings, and energetic chase scenes, maintaining an upbeat atmosphere throughout while exploring themes of dedication, forgiveness, and the consequences of being absent-minded.
Why Kids Should Watch Flubber
This family-friendly science fiction comedy offers several appealing elements for younger viewers.
The inventive premise centers on a bouncing, flying green substance that creates visually entertaining sequences, sparking curiosity about science and experimentation. Children will enjoy watching the creative ways flubber interacts with objects and people throughout the story.
Robin Williams brings his characteristic energy to the role of Professor Philip Brainard, delivering physical comedy and enthusiastic performance that keeps the tone playful and engaging. His portrayal of the absent-minded inventor provides plenty of humorous moments.
The film celebrates persistence and creativity, showing how dedication to solving problems can lead to unexpected discoveries. Professor Brainard's determination to save Medfield College demonstrates the value of not giving up on important goals.
The blend of comedy, family dynamics, and science fiction elements creates an accessible adventure that doesn't rely on scary or overly intense moments. The lighthearted approach makes it suitable for families seeking uncomplicated entertainment.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Flubber
Parents may want to consider a few aspects before viewing with younger children.
The slapstick violence includes characters being bounced, thrown, and physically knocked around by flubber's properties, which some parents may find too rough even in its cartoonish presentation. While played for laughs, the physical comedy is frequent and energetic.
The subplot involving Professor Brainard repeatedly missing his wedding to Sara Jean Reynolds may confuse younger viewers about relationship priorities and commitment. The romantic tension and repeated disappointments could raise questions about reliability and respect in relationships.
The antagonists, including Chester Hoenicker and his henchmen Smith and Wesson, engage in threatening behavior and attempts to steal the flubber invention, creating mild peril that might concern sensitive children. The conflict involves property damage and confrontational scenes.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Flubber earns approval as a lighthearted family comedy that delivers energetic entertainment with positive messages about perseverance, though parents should be prepared for cartoonish slapstick action.
What Parents Should Know About Flubber
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Professor Brainard demonstrates dedication to helping save Medfield College and ultimately learns the importance of keeping commitments to loved ones, though his repeated absences initially model unreliable behavior. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The repeated disappointment Sara Jean Reynolds experiences when Professor Brainard misses their wedding ceremonies may resonate emotionally, though the overall tone remains light and comedic rather than deeply dramatic. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The antagonists who attempt to steal flubber face consequences for their actions, and Professor Brainard must work to repair the damage caused by his absent-mindedness and broken promises. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film shows Professor Brainard working with his assistant Weebo and ultimately needing to make amends with Sara, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and taking responsibility for mistakes. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Children will understand that scientific curiosity and dedication are valuable, but not at the expense of important relationships and commitments to the people who matter most. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally view Flubber as harmless family entertainment that successfully combines science fiction concepts with physical comedy. Many appreciate Robin Williams' energetic performance and the film's emphasis on creativity and problem-solving, finding it suitable for elementary-aged children who enjoy action-oriented comedies. Some parents note that the slapstick violence, while cartoonish, is frequent enough to warrant consideration for very young or sensitive viewers. The romantic subplot and themes about balancing work with personal relationships tend to resonate more with older children who can understand the consequences of broken promises. Overall, families report that the movie serves as lighthearted viewing that sparks conversations about science, responsibility, and the importance of showing up for loved ones, though it may not offer the emotional depth or lasting impact of more substantive family films.
Official Flubber Trailer
Why Kids Love Flubber
Professor Brainard's lab is packed with wild science experiments and cool gadgets, including his flying robot assistant Weebo who zips around causing mischief. When he finally creates flubber, the green goo makes objects bounce and fly through the air in totally unpredictable ways. Kids love watching the cartoon-style chaos as flubber sends people and things soaring across rooms with hilarious sound effects.
The movie delivers non-stop slapstick comedy when the bouncy substance gets into the wrong hands. Henchmen Smith and Wesson crash into walls, ceilings, and furniture as they chase after the professor and his invention. Every scene with flubber turns into a wild rollercoaster moment full of pratfalls and awkward situations that keep the energy high.
Professor Brainard uses his smart problem-solving skills to save Medfield College from closing, turning science into the ultimate adventure. The flubber helps fix impossible problems, from making a basketball team fly during their game to creating fast-paced action sequences. Kids enjoy watching this absent-minded inventor finally get things right, using his wacky creation to help people in need and outsmart the bad guys chasing him.