Mr. Mom (Stan Dragoti, 1983, USA)

Mr. Mom is one of the quintessential 80s comedies. It was the ninth highest-grossing comedy of 1983 and successfully launched the career of Michael Keaton. Keaton, who was several years from launching into the stratosphere with his role as Bruce Wayne, successfully embodied the 80s American everyman in his role as Jack Butler. Produced by TV mogul Aaron Spelling, Mr. Mom was originally conceived as a pilot for a TV series, and it feels like that. Certainly, the tropes on display in the film were to become a staple of sitcoms throughout the 80s and 90s.

Keaton plays Jack Butler, an engineer living in the Detroit suburbs. When Jack is laid off, his wife has an easier time finding a job than he does. She begins working as a marketing executive. Jack must stay at home and watch over the two kids. The comedy ensues as Jack must adapt to the realities of raising two small children. Written by John Hughes before he truly exploded as an icon of family films, Mr. Mom is anchored by two fun performances from Keaton and Teri Garr as Caroline, Jack's wife.

Though Mr. Mom is not particularly sophisticated, it is easy to see why the film became a major success. The film manages to marry the anxieties of the early 1980s recession and humor. While it is a bit far-fetched to believe that an engineer like Jack could not figure out how to use a washing machine, the film works nevertheless. The film also features a turn from comedic actor Martin Mull as Caroline's sleazy boss at the marketing company, as well as Christopher Lloyd and Jeffrey Tambor as Jack's co-workers. Mr. Mom is light, fluffy early 80s entertainment that is perhaps not the most rewatchable film but fun nevertheless.

6/10