At The Movies

Flubber Runtime: 93 minutes Age Rating: PG Release Date: November 26, 1997 Studio: Walt Disney Pictures Franchise: Flubber Franchise Position: 5th Absent-minded professor Philip Brainard (Robin Williams) invents a flying rubber-like substance called Flubber to save his college from financial ruin. Amidst his chaotic experiments, he juggles his romantic relationship with Dr. Sara Reynolds (Marcia Gay Harden) and confronts rival inventor Wilson Croft (Christopher McDonald). Ratings: My Rating: 6.5/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 5.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 24% (Critics), 81% (Audience) Metacritic: 38/100 Plot Summary: Philip Brainard discovers Flubber, a bouncing, flying substance that could save his college from financial disaster. He experiments with Flubber while navigating comedic mishaps, his love life, and corporate rivalry. The film blends slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and the importance of balancing work and personal life. Critics Review: Mixed reviews. Robin Williams’s pe...

Absent-Minded Professor: Trading Places Runtime: 92 minutes Age Rating: PG Release Date: October 22, 1989 Studio: Walt Disney Television Franchise: Flubber Franchise Position: 4th Professor Henry Crawford (Harry Anderson) faces unexpected consequences when his Flubber invention goes awry, creating comedic situations he must resolve. Ratings: My Rating: 6.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 5.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: A sequel to the 1988 TV adaptation, Professor Crawford’s Flubber causes chaos, and he must fix the problems while navigating humorous predicaments and challenges in the town and school. Critics Review: Received as an enjoyable, family-friendly TV film with fun special effects and slapstick humor. Christian Perspective: Encourages problem-solving, responsibility, and using God-given talents wisely. Family Friendliness: Rated PG. Suitable for children and families, mild comedy, and fantasy antics. Notable Songs: N/A

The Absent-Minded Professor Runtime: 90 minutes Age Rating: PG Release Date: May 15, 1988 Studio: Walt Disney Television Franchise: Flubber Franchise Position: 3rd Harry Anderson stars as Professor Henry Crawford, who discovers Flubber and uses it to save his college from financial ruin in this TV adaptation. Ratings: My Rating: 6.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Metacritic: N/A Plot Summary: This television remake of the 1961 film follows Professor Crawford as he experiments with Flubber, facing comedic obstacles while trying to rescue his school and maintain his personal life. Critics Review: Generally well-received as a lighthearted family TV film, praised for keeping the whimsical Disney spirit alive. Christian Perspective: Promotes creativity, responsibility, and perseverance, in alignment with Christian moral values. Family Friendliness: Rated PG. Appropriate for family viewing, with mild slapstick comedy and fantasy elements. Notable Songs: N/A

Son of Flubber Runtime: 102 minutes Age Rating: G Release Date: December 18, 1963 Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Flubber Franchise Position: 2nd Professor Ned Brainard returns with Flubber, now perfected, to help his college and town while facing new challenges, including romantic misunderstandings and government scrutiny. Ratings: My Rating: 6.8/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (Critics), 70% (Audience) Metacritic: 75/100 Plot Summary: Professor Brainard uses his flying rubber invention, Flubber, to revolutionize aviation and sports, while attempting to clear up misunderstandings with his love interest, Betsy Carlisle. The story continues with comedic escapades, inventive contraptions, and a heartwarming focus on helping others. Critics Review: Reception was generally positive, noting continuity with the first film and effective use of comedy and visual effects. While slightly less innovative than the original, it retained charm and audience ap...

The Absent-Minded Professor Runtime: 98 minutes Age Rating: G Release Date: July 27, 1961 Studio: Walt Disney Productions Franchise: Flubber Franchise Position: 1st Professor Ned Brainard invents a revolutionary substance called Flubber (flying rubber) that allows objects to defy gravity. He attempts to save his financially struggling college while dealing with romantic entanglements and comedic mishaps. Ratings: My Rating: 7.0/10 The Dove Foundation: N/A IMDb: 7.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 88% (Critics), 79% (Audience) Metacritic: 80/100 Plot Summary: Professor Ned Brainard, a brilliant but absent-minded scientist, discovers a rubber-like substance capable of flight. Using Flubber, he performs incredible stunts, revolutionizes transportation, and attempts to save his college from bankruptcy. The film blends science-fiction whimsy with comedy and romance, making it a timeless Disney classic. Critics Review: Critics praised the film’s creativity, humor, and charming performances, particularly...