Mr. Mom (1983)

Jack and Caroline are a couple making a decent living when Jack suddenly loses his job. They agree that he should stay at home and look after the house while Caroline works. It's just that ... See full summary »

Director:

Stan Dragoti

Writer:

John Hughes

Stars:

Michael Keaton, Teri Garr, Fred Koehler

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Keaton	...	Jack
Teri Garr	...	Caroline
Fred Koehler	...	Alex (as Frederick Koehler)
Taliesin Jaffe	...	Kenny
Courtney White	...	Megan
Brittany White	...	Megan
Martin Mull	...	Ron
Ann Jillian	...	Joan
Jeffrey Tambor	...	Jinx
Christopher Lloyd	...	Larry
Tom Leopold	...	Stan
Graham Jarvis	...	Humphries
Carolyn Seymour	...	Eve
Michael Alaimo	...	Bert
Valri Bromfield	...	Doris

Storyline

Jack and Caroline are a couple making a decent living when Jack suddenly loses his job. They agree that he should stay at home and look after the house while Caroline works. It's just that he's never done it before, and really doesn't have a clue.

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Plot Keywords:

home | camera shot of feet | laid off | blockbuster | baby | 

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Taglines:

When mom goes to work, dad goes berserk!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 July 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mr. Mum

Filming Locations:

1050 Arden Road, Pasadena, California, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$64,800,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aaron Spelling Productions, Sherwood Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The name of the fish franchise was "Schooner Tuna".

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Goofs

When the baby eats the chili, she knocks the can on the floor from her stroller and it makes a clank sound as if hitting a hard floor. But it lands on the carpet and there should not have been any sound coming from an empty can landing on carpet when dropped from a height of just a foot or so.

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Quotes

Jack Butler: My wife and I went to the movies the other day, we saw Rocky. While I'm watching it, I'm thinking 'This guy has taken some falls' you know.
Auto Worker 1: Which Rocky was it? 1 or 2, or 3?
Jack Butler: I don't know. Three I guess. But...
Auto Worker 2: Hey, did the guy have a mo-hawk like Mr. T?
Jack Butler: OK forget Rocky. The point is... when you're down, not not exactly out... I mean, I mean you gotta hang tough... I don't know.
Auto Worker 1: Well Hang tough baby! Do what Rocky would do!
[walks out]
Auto Worker 1: He didn't see Rocky

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Connections

Referenced in Shut Up & Sing (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Nadia's theme"
(uncredited)
(from The Young And The Restless)
by Perry Botkin Jr. & Barry De Vorzon

User Reviews

I really enjoyed this movie!

Going into this film, I expected some trite family comedy with a lot of cheap gags involving things like the normal guy trying to change diapers. That's why I was really impressed. I enjoyed it a lot! This movie proves why it's a shame that Michael Keaton has turned to "Michael Who?" in the eyes of Hollywood. I hope to God he doesn't start doing direct-to-video crap like some once-popular actors. He is a true talent with impeccable comic timing!

The script is well-written. Though you can call it predictable, it deserves to be predictable. Besides, the plot turns make sense in the context of the characters, and don't feel contrived. The film delivers a fine message without suffocating you with corny sentiment. And Keaton's wonderful performance keeps the film airtight.

There are many hilarious moments. The gag in which Keaton plays poker with a group of homemakers, using coupons instead of money, is absolutely priceless! Plus, I felt for the characters and when you feel for the characters, the jokes are always funnier. When Keaton gets himself into one dilemma after another, I was laughing because I felt sorry for him, and that's the key to physical comedy. You have to care for the character's intentions.

"Mr. Mom" is a funny, sweet, kind-hearted family comedy that doesn't cater to any particular age group. At first glance, it looks an anti-parenting film that manipulates us guys into thinking, "Geez, I'm never gonna have a kid." But as Keaton's character goes through his arc, your attitude changes along with his. Go see it! A truly entertaining movie that's likable in all aspects!

My score: 8 (out of 10)