Being the Robin Williams fan that I am and a lover of predominately most of his movies, but for most of his post -2000 efforts, I always break out a smile when I hear, see or read when one of his movies are aired on TV.
And yet many of his movies that are shown on TV networks and channels tend to be his most popular works. Of the movies I've seen of Robin's on TV, they are Good Morning, Vietnam, Mrs Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Flubber (which gets aired a great deal), Good Will Hunting. Hook, Patch Adams and Jumanji gets shown, once in a while but mostly on Sony Movie Channel, which is a subscription-based tv channel.
As any fan of his will know, Robin Williams's filmography spans 4 decades, if you also count his TV work on Mork & Mindy. He has also appeared in low-key, so-called semi-forgotten and lesser beloved films before he had his first real breakout hit, Good Morning, Vietnam in 1987 and in-between heavy hitters such as Aladdin, Hook, Mrs Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting.
Sadly, and unfortunately, as well as fortunately, the only way you can see these offerings that I have listed below is on DVD, as well as online streaming film sites.
Here are 7 films starring or co-starring Robin Williams that although they may have not garnered the enormous success of Mrs Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin to name that any fan of his should still see:
The World According to Garp (1982)
Why they will not air this film: despite the rave reviews about Robin's performance, it just doesn't have that big of a presence as Dead Poets Society, Good Morning Vietnam and Good Will Hunting
Why they should air this film: because it was Robin Williams's major debut in a dramatic role and one in a feature-length film and a first also, after light-hearted turns as Popeye and Mork in Mork and Mindy. That and the film isn't too bad
The Survivors (1983)
Why they will not air this film: too obscure for mainstream viewers tastes
Why they should air this film: it's a Robin Williams comedy with a funny and manic turn by Robin as Donald. Despite its initial box office flop in the States, I enjoyed this one in places.
Seize The Day (1986)
Why they will not air this film: too obscure, the story is depressing, far too bleak and too sad and the ending is sad
Why they should air this film: Robin's performance is great and he makes it watchable, despite the bleak script and pedestrian direction by the director, Fielder Cook
Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
Why they will not air this film: because it bombed tremendously and the film is not that well known, especially compared to the worldly renowned Aladdin by Disney
Why they should air this film: Robin Williams as Batty Koda is great and funny, that & he is worth watching for than for any other reason. Oh & to remind viewers that Aladdin's Genie isn't the only animated character he has voiced
Toys (1992)
Why they will not air this film: This is awkwardly surreal, at times barmy & so bizarre but also messed up in places that is so leftfield. & it also bombed back in 1992. So much so it has become largely ignored and is rarely ever mentioned
Why they should air this film: yet it is also watchable in places with an entertaining performance by Robin Williams and really good support in LL Cool J, Michael Gambon, Joan Cusack and Robin Wright. After several viewings, for me, Toys is nowadays a Robin Williams film that in hindsight is nowhere as horrific as the critics made it out to be
Jack (1996)
Why they will not air this film: the idea of Robin Williams playing an ageing child is too oddball for them to comprehend
Why they should air this film: as cringing as it is in places, it has some nice and touching scenes and is not completely farcical. Though it's played for laughs, it's nice to see more of Robin's emotional qualities come through
Fathers' Day (1997)
Why they will not air this film: one reason - the suicide scene
Why they should air this film: but for the suicide references it is so damn hilarious and that Mrs Doubtfire isn't just the only comedy film on Robin's resume
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