For some reason, I wasn’t really interested in watching this one when it came out. I remember it being on the loop tape constantly in the video store I worked in. Maybe that was why. I mean, I like Bill Murray, and I like Richard Dreyfuss, both of whom famously did not get along on the shoot. And the film was directed by Frank Oz.

Why wouldn’t I have wanted to see this?

Dreyfuss is Dr. Leo Marvin. He’s about to go on vacation with his family, and following the publication of his new book, Baby Steps, he’s anticipating the arrival of Good Morning America, to conduct an interview.

Unfortunately, he’s about to get saddled with a new patient, Bob Wiley (Murray). Wiley is a hypochondriac, has abandonment issues, and has some mental health issues. And while there are a lot of laughs, the mental health issues aren’t mocked.

So when the Marvin family goes on vacation to New Hampshire, Bob is desperate to find out where they are. And after he accomplishes that, he goes to see the family and ends up causing all manner of problems.

Bob is able to get in good with the rest of the Marvin family, being funny and supportive, sharing his fears, and becoming part of the family. And that starts to drive Leo over the edge. Bob is open and compassionate with the Marvin family, while Leo is a little more aloof and reserved.

So, of course, wackiness ensues.

Oz is a great comedic director, and despite, or because of, the friction on the set between the stars, things work out to the benefit of the film.

There are some great comedic moments, and it’s fun to see the cast play off of one another. Murray really shines here, and while he is definitely getting under Dreyfuss’ skin, it works for the film.

This one is actually pretty delightful. I don’t think Marvin deserves the ending he gets. He is a mental health professional after all. He should have been able to seek some help instead of coming completely unhinged.

It’s fun and charming. And Murray shines in this. I was also delighted to see young Charlie Korsmo as Leo’s son, Sigmund.

I enjoyed this one, there were a couple of laugh out loud moments, but I find myself wondering if I would have liked it all those years ago. Comedies are always hit and miss and even if it’s great, if you’re not in the right place for it, you won’t enjoy it.

Happily, this was the right place for it, and I greeatly enjoyed it.