Bob the Butler (2005)

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

Don't make the mistake of watching this movie for Tom Green, because he doesn't really get to have any fun whatsoever. I get that he can't do random disgusting things in a wholesome family film, but even his absurd sense of humor is pushed way into the background to make room for sappy romance scenes. This movie feels like a worn-out afterschool special more than anything else, it's chock full of moral lessons and jokes so disturbingly old that it would make "Full House"-writers blush. Green is clearly out of his element and looks incredibly bored throughout, but somehow he's still the best part because his co-stars are even worse. The kids, oh dear God the kids. The pain will never go away. Tom Green's overall weirdness and undeniable comic talent can definitely be translated into family entertainment, but this just doesn't seem like the way to do it. Gotta love the scene where he kisses Brooke Shields though, you'll have a major "Road Trip" flash-back.

Bob (Tom Green) just got fired from another job. Although he works hard and shows up on time, something always goes wrong. Back in his small apartment with his pet hamster, Rascal, Bob looks through the phone book for career inspiration. There he spies an ad for "butler school". According to the description, one can complete the training in five days. Without hesitation, Bob signs up. But, the school is run by a semi-weirdo, Mr. Butler (Simon Callow) who puts the students through drills, like standing on rooftops to learn balance and posture. When Mr. Butler strips down to his skivvies to teach the art of "how to dress one's master", everyone runs away, except Bob. Meanwhile, workaholic Anne (Brooke Shields) is about to go out on a date with her French beau. But, her two children, Tess and Bates, behave so badly that the gray-haired babysitter bolts from the house. Rifling through cards, Anne finds one for "Bob the Babysitter". Of course, its the same Bob, who tried that some time ago. Nevertheless, he agrees to come right over when she calls and, curiously, the kids like his low-key approach. Making it through the first night, Bob becomes the permanent sitter/butler. But, the two young ones are still vying for their mother's attentions in bad ways. Tess is devious and rebellious and Bates follows her lead while still hoping his mother will notice his interest in basketball. Bob does his best, even when high-strung Anne rants and raves. Is it possible that Anne may realize Bob would make a better boyfriend than the Frog? This is certainly one of the more unusual family films-romantic comedies ever made. With the offbeat Green as the star, it was probably to be expected. Yet, he does a nice job in a role that has its moments and Shields high-energy turn is a good foil for his more understated delivery. As for Callow, he is great but, how did the producers ever persuade the distinguished Brit, of A Room with a View and Four Weddings and a Funeral, to take this role? What a score! The productions values, camera work, costumes, and sets are all very nice. Still, its hard to overwhelming recommend the film for families, due to a few objectionable scenes. The strip by Mr. Butler is one such while others where Bob catches Anne in the shower and Tess shoplifts and backtalks will not please some viewers. This is unfortunate, for there really are some nicely comedic scenes. Therefore, if you are one of those families who can watch films as a group and discuss tricky situations, this one will entertain most everyone. Fans of romcoms, Green, or very offbeat flicks will enjoy it, also.

I immediately raced to my local video storeto hire this as i have always been a staunch Brooke fan.I was so pleased that she carried a lot of this movie.It was great to see her diversity in acting once again.She is definitely getting older but just seems so naturally beautiful still thst her looks must get in the way of being offered grittier roles. Her surprise shower scene here is hilarious.Not forgetting how amazing her body still is being a 40 year old mother. I'm not o Tom Green fan,but at least his depature from grosse out comedy works in this film.How a guy like that could end up with Brooke though is a bit hard to swollow...only in the movies.

I saw this film at Cannes... a week of serious meetings and rubbish dinners and I laughed and laughed at this light hearted break from the reality(?) of the festival.The little bit of anti-French humour was hilarious.. Especially as I watched this film in Cannes.While the movie is reminiscent of Doubtfire, it is much less sappy and way more slapstick. Tom Green is decidedly more normal – while being as strange and funny as ever – than we have seen in his teen flicks.Shields is, as always, stunning and beautiful and, also as usual, combines her graceful beauty with physical comedy and well delivered (punch) lines.The children in this movie were very well cast, they make the movie in a number of ways that can't be discussed without a spoiler warning! Go out, rent this movie, order a pizza and enjoy.