Patch Adams 4 Stars (Out of 4) Reviewed by Mac VerStandig Critic@Moviereviews.org Http://www.moviereviews.org
Kid yourself not, Patch Adams is an awful comedy. The jokes are rare, and often are overpowered by the circumstances surrounding them. Fortunately, though, despite Universal's advertising campaign, Patch Adams is far from a comedy, and most certainly a drama. And one of the best films of the year at that. Through a combination of a strong story, brilliant acting, and overall power, Patch Adams is one of the best all around films of the decade.
Hunter "Patch" Adams is a suicidal mental patient in the beginning of the film. Early scenes show him as what appears to be the one sane person in a crowd of insanity. Much resembling the 1975 film, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, this part of the film is remarkably powerful and stunningly effective. But the similarities between the two films are few enough that Nicholson's role seems to be missing, and just the scenario seems familiar.
Soon Patch leaves this institution, and begins a new life with a new goal. His objective is to become a doctor and help people. So it is that we now move to medical school, were the rest of the film is to take place. Patch is a new student who is clearly older than the rest of the crowd. He has a "prick" for a roommate, and is immediately thrown into classes that offers principles he disagrees with. He becomes a rebel constantly fighting for humanity, and is perceived to be far from a hero in doing so.
The rest of the film tracks these adventures of the medical student that dares. Patch encounters everyone from a love interest to a pancreatic cancer patient to a friend that seems to be little more than the stereotypical medical student. The story is clearly the force behind this incredible film. Based on the autobiographic book, Gesundheit! : Bringing Good Health to You, the Medical System, and Society Through Physician Service, Complementary Therapies, Humor, and Joy by Hunter Doherty Adams, the films goes on to explore many darker and harsher realities. This is far from a hero-always-does-well type story, and no part of this incredible film seems to be too much like Hollywood, always maintaining a real world aspect to it.
Robin William is OscarAE worthy as Patch Adams. He gives what is most = certainly the best performance of the year by anyone. Despite much resemblance to his previous film, Awakenings, he has created a new and original character here. He also seems to have proven once again that his talent reaches so far from comedy alone, that he truly can do anything. But the talent doesn't stop there. Hollywood newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman (Bullworth, Happiness) and Monica Potter also give award worthy performances as the roommate and love interest respectively.
Director Tom Shadyac has truly created a film that is an all around masterpiece. Parts are visually stunning, others are tragically dramatic, and some just a pleasure to watch, but none are anything less than extraordinary. Although it is Williams' performance that will be remembered, this film goes so far beyond one man's talents, not matter how perfect that man.
To not see Patch Adams would be to deny yourself one of the great privileges of the film industry. It is an incredible achievement worthy of the highest praise possible. So, do yourself a favor and don't miss this one, it's worth every penny of the $7.50.
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