Flubber Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A goofy professor keeps missing his wedding because he’s too busy inventing sentient green goo that turns his basketball team into NBA superstars, attracting the attention of gangsters and his jealous computer girlfriend.

🍿 Flubber: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Professor Brainard and Medfield College

Dr. Phillip Brainard (Robin Williams), an absent-minded professor at financially struggling Medfield College, is deeply engrossed in his experiments. He’s missed his wedding to the college’s dean, Dr. Sara Jean Reynolds (Marcia Gay Harden), not once, but twice! The college’s future hangs in the balance, putting immense pressure on Brainard to make a breakthrough.

The Discovery of Flubber

On the day of his third attempt at getting married, Brainard accidentally creates a green, bouncy substance he dubs ‘Flubber’ (Flying Rubber). This substance possesses incredible energy, allowing objects to bounce incredibly high and even defy gravity. He demonstrates it with a bowling ball, creating a chaotic scene in his lab. This discovery could save Medfield College, but Brainard once again misses his wedding.

Rivalries and Romance

Sara, understandably upset, begins to spend time with Wilson Croft (Christopher McDonald), a rival professor from another college. Meanwhile, a corrupt businessman, Chester Hoenicker (Raymond J. Barry), learns about Flubber and its potential. He sends his henchmen, Smith (Clancy Brown) and Wesson (Ted Levine), to steal it, seeking to exploit it for his own gain.

Weebo’s Role

Brainard has an AI companion named Weebo. Weebo is equipped with the capacity of having complex thoughts and feeling the need to show affection and love. The film also explores the themes of artificial intelligence and what that means to the future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Professor Philip Brainard (Robin Williams): An absent-minded professor who discovers Flubber while trying to save his college and win back his sweetheart.
• Dr. Sara Jean Reynolds (Marcia Gay Harden): The president of Medfield College and Philip’s long-suffering fiancée who is losing patience with his forgetfulness.
• Wilson Croft (Christopher McDonald): A rival professor and Brainard’s academic nemesis who seeks to steal Flubber and Sara’s affections.
• Weebo (Jodi Benson): Professor Brainard’s intelligent and emotional flying robot assistant who aids in his research.
• Chester Hoenicker (Raymond J. Barry): A corrupt businessman who initially wants Brainard to pass his son but later schemes to acquire Flubber for his own gain.
• Smith (Clancy Brown): One of Chester Hoenicker’s bumbling henchmen tasked with stealing Flubber.
• Wesson (Ted Levine): The second of Chester Hoenicker’s inept henchmen who endures slapstick mishaps while trying to steal Flubber.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Phillip Brainard: “I’ve discovered a substance that can change the world.” – Professor Brainard excitedly shares his groundbreaking discovery of Flubber.
• Weebo: “Warning: I am programmed to protect Professor Brainard, even from himself.” – Weebo’s loyalty and protective programming are highlighted in this line.
• Phillip Brainard: “Flubber isn’t just a substance, it’s a whole new way of thinking!” – Brainard expresses his excitement about the possibilities of Flubber.
• Weebo: “I love you with every circuit in my body.” – Weebo professes her love for Brainard.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $80,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $92,977,226
• Worldwide Gross: $177,977,226

💥 Flubber Reviews

Personal Review

As a kid, I loved ‘Flubber’! The green goo bouncing around was so funny, and Weebo was the coolest sidekick. Rewatching it now, it’s definitely a bit cheesy, but the nostalgia is strong. Robin Williams is always great, even if the movie isn’t his best. The scene where the basketball team uses flubber to dunk is still hilarious.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families with young children”
  • “Fans of Robin Williams comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy slapstick humor and special effects”
  • “Those looking for lighthearted, feel-good movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Slapstick violence (e.g., characters being hit with objects)”
  • “Mild comedic themes of greed and rivalry”
  • “Brief moments of peril”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Although the special effects are dated, Williams’ comedic timing is evergreen, allowing Flubber to entertain both nostalgic viewers and children who are new to the movie.
• IMDB User Review: “Robin Williams shines as the absent-minded professor, bringing his trademark energy to the role. The slapstick is hit-or-miss, but the visuals and Danny Elfman’s score make it an enjoyable, albeit somewhat forgettable, family film.
• IMDB User Review: “While not a cinematic masterpiece, ‘Flubber’ delivers on its promise of lighthearted entertainment. The special effects are impressive for their time, and the story, though predictable, offers enough fun moments to keep kids engaged.

Audience Reactions

Kids loved the crazy antics of Flubber and the flying car scenes.: Viewers generally agree that ‘Flubber’ is a fun, family-friendly film, although some found the humor childish.

Weebo’s character, especially her sacrifice, was a standout for many.: Fans praised the visual effects, especially Flubber himself and Weebo’s CGI design, considering the film’s age.

Overall Consensus: Flubber is a decent family film that is largely held together by its cast and nostalgic appeal. While a remake of an earlier film, some of the special effects have remained impressive for their time.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Wil Wheaton has said that Robin Williams improvised so much during filming that there was enough footage for an entirely different movie.”
• “Jodi Benson, the voice of Weebo, is also known for voicing Ariel in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’.”
• “The special effects, particularly the animation of Flubber itself, were groundbreaking for their time, utilizing cutting-edge CGI to create a believable and expressive character.”

🖥️ How to Watch Flubber?

Flubber is currently available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Flubber, you might like these similar films:

• The Absent-Minded Professor (1961): Direct comparison: This is the original Disney film that ‘Flubber’ is a remake of, featuring a similar storyline and characters.
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989): Thematic Similarity: Shares the theme of a quirky inventor creating something unexpected that leads to comedic adventures.
• Back to the Future (1985): Thematic Similarity: Showcases inventive science, quirky inventions, and humorous situations.
• Robots (2005): Thematic Similarity: This movie is a family movie with robots that also have the same tone as Flubber.

🛒 Flubber Related Products

• Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (HBO Documentary): A poignant and intimate look into the life and career of the iconic comedian Robin Williams. Explore his genius and struggles in this compelling documentary.
• Disney Pixar Toy Story Alien Remix Flubber Figure: The beloved aliens from Toy Story are cosplaying as other Pixar characters! This figure is a remixed Alien dressed up as Flubber.
• Flubber Movie Poster: The official movie poster for ‘Flubber’, featuring Robin Williams as Professor Brainard and the titular green goo.
• Disney+ Subscription: Access the entire Disney library, including ‘Flubber’ and other classic Disney movies, plus new releases and original shows.

🎧 Soundtrack

Flubber features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Flubber Mambo” – performed by Danny Elfman
• “Nutty Professor” – performed by Montell Jordan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Ultimate Venom Flubber Mash-Up Trailer! (Nerdist Remix)

If you’re a fan of Flubber and Venom, or just enjoy creative mash-ups, this video is a must-watch. It’s a fun and imaginative take on the movie that will leave you entertained.

Flubber – Nostalgia Critic

Nostalgia Critic’s review of Flubber is a great watch for fans of the movie, as well as those interested in a more critical analysis. His insights and humor make for an entertaining and informative viewing experience.

San Jose film locations in the Disney movie “Flubber” – 1997

If you’re interested in learning more about the production of Flubber and seeing where some of the iconic scenes were filmed, this video is a great watch. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking.

Did you know THIS about FLUBBER (1997)?

Did you know that Robin Williams improvised some of his lines in Flubber? This video is packed with fun facts and trivia that will make you appreciate the movie even more.

✨ Rate