For all the buzz surrounding the film coming out of Sundance, you’d think “World’s Greatest Dad” was one of the funniest comedies of the year. Alas, it isn’t as great as many people made it out to be, but writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait’s sophomore effort is still a must-see for anyone who likes a little variety in their moviegoing diet. Robin Williams stars as Lance Clayton, a high school poetry teacher with dreams of becoming a published writer. Everything he’s ever written has been rejected up until now, so when his jackass son Kyle (Daryl Sabara) dies from auto-erotic asphyxiation, Lance is given the opportunity to exploit the tragic accident, as long as he can learn to live with himself for it. Though that may sound a little too dark to be considered a comedy, there are definitely laughs to be had – just not very many of them. In fact, the movie works better during its more dramatic moments thanks to Williams’ strong performance, and though you wouldn’t expect it to be so touching, “World’s Greatest Dad” is at its best when exploring the instictive love that a father has for his son.
