🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ivan Reitman
- Genre: Comedy, Road Movie
- Release year: 1997
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10 (17K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 24%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two guys think they might be the dad of a runaway teen, so they embark on a road trip filled with awkward encounters and Sugar Ray concerts, only to discover they were both catfished by the same woman; dad jokes ensue.
🍿 Fathers’ Day: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Setup
Collette Andrews, a desperate mother, seeks help finding her runaway son, Scott. She contacts two of her ex-boyfriends, Jack Lawrence, a lawyer, and Dale Putley, a struggling writer, telling each that he is Scott’s father. Collette hopes that paternal instinct will motivate them to find Scott.

The Odd Couple
Jack and Dale, strangers with vastly different personalities, unexpectedly cross paths while searching for Scott. They discover Collette’s deception and realize they are both chasing the same boy, believing him to be their son. Initially frustrated, they begrudgingly agree to team up.

The Road Trip
The unlikely duo embarks on a chaotic road trip, following leads to find Scott. They encounter various obstacles, including Nikki, Scott’s girlfriend, and a band called Sugar Ray, whom Scott is following. Their clashing personalities and comedic mishaps add to the absurdity of their quest.

Revelations and Confrontations
As they get closer to finding Scott, Jack and Dale confront their own issues and insecurities. Jack grapples with the possibility of being a father, while Dale seeks purpose and validation. The journey forces them to confront their pasts and consider their futures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Dale Putley (Robin Williams): An eccentric and emotionally vulnerable writer who is conned into searching for a runaway teenager he believes to be his son.
- Jack Lawrence (Billy Crystal): A successful but cynical lawyer who is also tricked into believing he’s the father of the same runaway teenager.
- Carrie Lawrence (Julia Louis-Dreyfus): Jack’s suspicious wife who is confused by his sudden involvement in searching for a teenage boy.
- Collette Andrews (Nastassja Kinski): The manipulative ex-girlfriend who convinces both Jack and Dale that they are the father of her runaway son.
- Scott Andrews (Charlie Hofheimer): The runaway teenager who is the subject of the search by two potential fathers.
- Bob Andrews (Bruce Greenwood): Collette’s current husband and Scott’s stepfather, who also searches for him and suffers multiple mishaps.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dale Putley: “I’m going to be a father!” – Dale exclaims this with joy upon hearing that he might have a son, which immediately changes his plans of committing suicide.
- Jack Lawrence: “I’m a lawyer, people lie to me all the time.” – Jack says this to his wife when discussing how he knows he’s being lied to, showing his cynicism and experience with deception.
- Jack Lawrence: “He’s having some problems with his testicles.” – Jack says about Dale and Scott trying to bond but just ends up badly, with an awkward and hilarious moment between the two when they meet for the first time.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $85,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $28,598,376
- Worldwide Gross: $28,598,376
💥 Fathers’ Day Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this as a kid because of Robin Williams, and while it’s not his best work, there are still some genuinely funny moments. The scene where he practices different ‘dad’ greetings in the mirror always cracks me up. It’s a lighthearted movie that’s good for a casual watch, especially if you’re a fan of Williams or Crystal.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Robin Williams and Billy Crystal”
- “Viewers who enjoy buddy comedies”
- “People interested in 90s comedies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Suggestive humor”
- “Brief scenes of violence”
- “Thematic elements involving a potential suicide attempt (briefly mentioned)”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite the comedic talents of Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, ‘Fathers’ Day’ struggles with a predictable plot and uninspired humor, making it a disappointing remake.
- IMDb: “While the pairing of Williams and Crystal promised laughs, ‘Fathers’ Day’ fails to deliver a consistently funny experience, with some jokes falling flat and the storyline lacking originality.
Audience Reactions
Robin Williams’ comedic improvisations and energy kept the movie afloat for many viewers.: Viewers generally appreciated the chemistry between Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, but felt the script didn’t fully utilize their talents.
Overall Consensus: Despite the star power of Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, ‘Fathers’ Day’ is considered a mediocre comedy with a predictable plot and uninspired humor.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is a remake of the 1983 French comedy film ‘Les Compères’.”
- “Robin Williams and Billy Crystal were good friends in real life, and this was one of the few times they starred together in a movie.”
- “Mel Gibson makes a cameo appearance as a body piercer.”
- “Julia Louis-Dreyfus received a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actress for her role in the film.”
🖥️ How to Watch Fathers’ Day?
Fathers’ Day is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Fathers’ Day, you might like these similar films:
- Les Compères (1983): The original French film that ‘Fathers’ Day’ is based on, with a similar plot but a different comedic style.
- The Birdcage (1996): Another American remake of a French movie that features similar humour and themes.
- Dumb and Dumber (1994): Road trip comedy film with two oddballs together like Robin Williams and Billy Crystal in Father’s Day.
🛒 Fathers’ Day Related Products
- Fathers’ Day [DVD]: The official DVD release of ‘Fathers’ Day’ allows you to own the movie and watch Robin Williams and Billy Crystal’s comedic antics anytime.
- Robin Williams: Come Inside [Digital]: Enjoy Robin Williams stand-up special and see the comedy genius perform routines that make him famous
- Men’s Best Dad Ever T-Shirt: Declare the world’s best dad ever with this fun, family-themed apparel! A classic cut and soft cotton make this t-shirt a wear-daily favorite!
🎧 Soundtrack
Fathers’ Day features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Fathers’ Day is a remake of the 1983 French film ‘Les Compères’.
Filming locations included Reno/Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada.
The band Sugar Ray makes an appearance in Fathers’ Day, and the plot involves the runaway son following them on tour.
Yes, Mel Gibson has a cameo as a body piercer in Fathers’ Day.
🔥 Bonus Content
Amitabh and DP’s bond 🥹
Want to understand the heart of “Piku”? This short video dives into the beautiful, sometimes frustrating, but always relatable bond between Amitabh and Deepika’s characters. Honestly, it made me appreciate the movie even more!
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