Review of World's Greatest Dad (2009) by Daniel Q — 24 Jun 2010

"Worldâ??s Greatest Dad" is a black comedy that deals with some very touchy subject matter: suicide and the death of a child. Its humor is definitely an acquired taste, with lies, deceit, and the exploitation of an ungrateful childâ??s death giving way to uncomfortable laughs.

I found it funny, and Robin Williamsâ?? performance as the titular father is far deeper than it appears on the surface, but the film is not perfect. Many of its ideas were better explored in 1988â??s "Heathers" â?? both even share the setting of high school â?? but here you genuinely feel bad for the protagonist.

Instead of fueled by jealously like the characters in "Heathers," Williamsâ?? Lance is moved to do the things he does through depression. His son is ungrateful (Daryl Sabaraâ??s Kyle may be one of the most despicable characters in recent years).

His girlfriend wants to keep their relationship a secret. His students resent his class. Thus, you understand why Lance does what he does and even applaud some of his ingenuity. "Worldâ??s Greatest Dad" may be too dark for most peopleâ??s tastes and its ending feels like a cop-out, but it is an extremely unique comedy with some insightful comments on high school, depression, suicide, and feeling unappreciated.