The Absent Minded Professor (1961)
Synopsis:
In The Absent Minded Professor, Professor Ned Brainard is a scatterbrained inventor who accidentally creates a miraculous substance called "flubber," which has the ability to defy gravity. As he tries to demonstrate the potential of his discovery, he faces a series of comedic mishaps and challenges. His invention catches the attention of various parties, including a businessman who wants to exploit it for profit. Meanwhile, Professor Brainard's personal life is in disarray as he repeatedly forgets his wedding plans with his fiancée, Betsy Carlisle. The story unfolds with a mix of scientific experiments and humorous situations as the professor attempts to balance his professional ambitions with his personal commitments.
Where To Watch: The Absent Minded Professor
Parental Feedback
The Absent Minded Professor, released in 1961, is a classic family comedy that blends elements of science fiction and slapstick humor. As a movie rated G, it is designed for kids and offers a lighthearted and whimsical experience that many parents appreciate for its nostalgic charm and inventive storyline. The film's playful tone and imaginative plot have generally been well-received, with most parents enjoying its harmless fun and creative antics.
Why Kids Should Watch The Absent Minded Professor
The movie is celebrated for its imaginative and entertaining qualities.
- Promotes creativity and the value of scientific curiosity.
- The character of Professor Brainard showcases perseverance and innovation.
- Kids enjoy the humorous and fantastical elements, such as the flying car.
- Offers a glimpse into classic film-making techniques and storytelling.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Absent Minded Professor
Some parents note minor concerns about the film's outdated elements.
- The portrayal of certain gender roles may feel old-fashioned.
- Some slapstick humor might be seen as too silly or unrealistic.
- Visual effects, while charming, may not engage all modern viewers.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers creativity, humor, and a sense of wonder.
What Parents Should Know About The Absent Minded Professor
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Professor Brainard's dedication to his experiments demonstrates perseverance and problem-solving. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The professor's absent-mindedness leads to humorous misunderstandings that may require explanation. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film shows the professor facing challenges due to his forgetfulness, highlighting the importance of responsibility. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The storyline includes moments of teamwork and collaboration, especially in resolving the central conflict. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the value of innovation and the importance of using one's talents for good. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Absent Minded Professor is praised for its creativity and humor, making it a delightful choice for family viewing. While some elements may feel dated, the film's core messages about innovation and perseverance remain relevant. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the film's themes and comparing them to modern-day scientific advancements. For those seeking similar family-friendly classics, consider exploring other Disney films from the same era.
Official The Absent Minded Professor Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Absent Minded Professor
The Absent Minded Professor's most common core values include Creativity, Problem-solving, and Determination. Throughout the movie, Professor Brainard's inventive spirit showcases creativity as he experiments with his groundbreaking discovery, flubber. His ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions is a key element of the story. Problem-solving is highlighted as the professor navigates various challenges, using his scientific knowledge to overcome obstacles and demonstrate the potential of his invention.
Determination is evident in his relentless pursuit of success, despite facing numerous setbacks and comedic mishaps. Kids can learn from his perseverance and the importance of not giving up, even when things don't go as planned. An example from the movie is when the professor uses his invention to solve a major problem, demonstrating his ability to apply his creative ideas in practical ways.
Other Core Values Explored: Curiosity | Responsibility. | Perseverance | Imagination | Teamwork | Making mistakes | Learning from failure
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Absent Minded Professor
Solving Problems Creatively: In The Absent Minded Professor, kids learn the importance of thinking outside the box when Professor Brainard invents flubber. His creative approach to solving problems shows children that innovation can lead to exciting discoveries and solutions.
Believing in Yourself: The movie teaches children to have confidence in their abilities. Despite facing skepticism, Professor Brainard believes in his invention and its potential, demonstrating to kids that self-belief is crucial in pursuing one's goals.
Learning from Mistakes: Children see that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Professor Brainard's journey is filled with errors, but he learns from each one, teaching kids that mistakes are opportunities for growth and improvement.
Never Giving Up: The story highlights perseverance as Professor Brainard faces numerous challenges. His determination to succeed despite setbacks shows children the value of persistence and not giving up on their dreams.
Using Talents Responsibly: The film emphasizes the importance of using one's talents wisely. Professor Brainard learns to balance his professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, teaching kids the significance of managing their gifts responsibly.
Other Lessons Learned: Earning Success through Hard Work
Why Kids Love The Absent Minded Professor
The Absent Minded Professor is a whirlwind of fun and chaos, where kids are swept into a world of wild inventions and hilarious mishaps. Professor Brainard, with his quirky personality, creates a bouncy, gravity-defying substance that leads to a series of laugh-out-loud moments. Kids will be thrilled by the slapstick comedy and funny sound effects as the professor's experiments go awry in the most unexpected ways. The movie is filled with awkward situations and clever problem-solving, as Brainard tries to fix the chaos he unintentionally creates. Children will enjoy watching him outsmart adults and stand out with his unique ideas, all while navigating the challenges of his personal life.
The film's blend of science experiments and comedic adventures keeps kids entertained, as they root for the professor to succeed in his zany endeavors. With its mix of humor, creativity, and action, The Absent Minded Professor is a delightful ride that captures the imagination and keeps kids laughing from start to finish.