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Cast:

       Hunter "Patch" Adams - Robin Williams

      Truman   - Daniel London

       Carin - Monica Potter (Con Air)

       Dean Walcott -  Bob Gunton (Shawshank Redemption)

Director: Tom Shadyac

Previews: Forces of Nature, EDtv, Payback

Think about it. How many things do we do in this world simply because "that's the way they've always been done" or "because that's the way you're supposed to"?  How often do we follow blindly, to set guidelines, either written, or unwritten, that are outdated, silly, or just plain pointless?  We follow, simply because we don't want to rock the boat to change them, or we are afraid to step out of line. It applies to our job performance, our social skills, and even our love lives. We are afraid, sometimes, to do what we feel, in lieu of lemming along, following sheepishly. There are a few though, who aren't afraid to buck the system. They are not afraid to do what they feel, without regard to what others may think, or how it has been done in the past. These are the innovators, the groundbreakers and the ones we wish we could be more like. The thing we don’t realize,  is that we can. Simply by dropping our preconceived notions, and doing what we feel.

This is main basis of the movie "Patch Adams", a shamelessly emotional manipulation of your senses, that is a true guilty pleasure. I found this applicable to me, for the sheer fact that over the past few weeks, my reviews have stopped being fun, and started being a chore. I was less and less enthused about each one I wrote. When I first began this site, I did it because I wanted to combine my two passions, movies and writing, I also did it, so that I could get my word out, keep my senses sharpened, and provide a real persons view of the movies. I wanted to create an alternative opposed to the stuffy, overpaid, corporate critics, who seem to follow a set formula.  They   like movies that we've never heard of, or will never see, and hate the ones that we truly enjoy. Their reviews are formulaic (quippy opening, plot analysis/spoilers/reasons for like/dislike, quippy closing).

I vowed to provide an alternative. A review, for the every person, like me...that not only looks at the quality of the movie, but its sheer enjoyment factor. The fun, the emotion, the way it makes you feel when you leave the theater. That’s what really counts isn't it. We go to the movies to be entertained, to escape reality for a couple of hours, and consume ourselves in another world. It shouldn't make us think too much, but conversely, shouldn't insult our intelligence or waste our time

But, I have slipped, failed, fallen into the formula, and now, with this movie, is a good time for a change.  As with You've Got Mail, I could find flaws in Patch Adams..and I could expose, exploit, and fault the movie for them. But the sheer fact is that when I left the theater after each movie, I felt something. A strong emotion, Mail made me feel good, floating, made me want to go out, and do something wonderful. It made me realize how wonderful the world can be with people like Ryan and Hanks in it. Patch ran through my gamut of emotions, and it made no bones about it. It was never hidden, or sneaky in its motives.

The basics of the story are, Williams, as a medical student, with the unconventional methodology of treating patients, instead of disease, and by enlightening lives, instead of dwelling on the gloom. This movie is out to grab your emotions, toy with them, and get you to respond in a programmed manner. It is formulaic, simple and predictable, but made watchable by Robin Williams. The plot exists only to give him a forum to be both Adrian Cronauer, and the Dead Poet's Society teacher, all rolled into one. A compilation of all his past roles, never exceeding any of them, but still remaining entertaining.

This is nothing that you, nor I, have not seen before, but just because we've seen it once, doesn't mean we don't like seeing it over and over, if it has an entertaining element. Here, that element is Williams. Your opinion on this movie, will be based upon your like, dislike and tolerance for him. I like him, and enjoyed this. I wasn't insulted by the obvious attempt to milk my funny bone, and tear glands. I can even overlook the pointless side romance in the movie. All for the sheer fact, that when I left the theater, I was feeling emotional, drained from it, smiling, tearstained, and thinking about the message of the film. Treat the source, not the problem itself. Apply it to your own life. Don't look at what's wrong with things, but rather, focus on what's right, and let that enhance you, and strengthen you, to overcome.  Open your mind, open your heart, don't be afraid to show what you truly feel.  Let this movie into you, and let it be what it is, an emotional ride.  ($$$)

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