Patch Adams (1998)

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 humor 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 Amazon.com

Best Underrated Williams film out there!

I don't understand why people panned this one. Williams was still a clown but rendered a dramatic performance that was second to none. Not quite as good as the "Fisher King" but then he didn't have Jeff Bridges to play off of. November 11, 2008

GOOD, but wishful thinking.

This was a good movie. I liked it a lot.
It deals with going against the rituals of programed
living. September 8, 2008

Great movie!

I have a hard time sitting still long enough to watch a movie, but this one kept me sitting. The comedy is hilarious! There are also some serious and sad parts, but they add to the greatness of the movie. My favorite part was the children in the hospital and learning that they were actually "Make a Wish Foundation" cancer patients! Highly recommend this movie! August 30, 2008

GREAT STORY, FLAWED BY FLAT CHARACTERS!

What's not to like about this film, Robin Williams plays yet another caring doctor who wants only to help people. It's all strangely familiar.....if you've seen 'Awakenings', a much better film if you ask me. I did enjoy this predictable film, but the character's have no depth. We have the kooky crazy people, the mean head physician and so on and so on. This would not be a problem if this was a comedy, but with the subject matter at hand, it really is a drama. It's based on a true story, about a man who thinks outside the box. I love people who think outside the box, if only the director had.........it could have been an exceptional film, as it is, it's a decent feel good film with a rather uneven tone. The DVD has a very good transfer.
August 25, 2008

Great movie, bit of a chick flick, Will make you laugh

I've always been a fan of Robin Williams. He's managed to make many many great movies. This being one of his best ever.

Working in the medical field myself for many years I've always been partial to good movies like these that relate to what I do. People in hospital don't want to be there thus making them laugh helps them to feel better about the problems before them.

People have remorked that this is a typical Williams movie, but hey it is still a number one hit as far as I'm concerned, this is an older one of his movies and the transfer to HD-DVD was great. Great quality transfer, my entire family has enjoyed this movie a couple times now and we still laugh hard at it.

HD quality I would rate about 4.5, some areas could be improved
Sound to me was great as well, they did a good job transfering that as well. 4.5 there as well. June 25, 2008

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