Green goo and effects are the stars of Flubber

FRESH from Oscar success, Robin Williams is back with something completely different.

The kid-pic Flubber is an updated version of the Disney classic, The Absent-Minded Professor.

Bearing the unmistakable Disney stamp, that 1961 box office hit thrilled audiences of all ages.

Thirty-seven years later, Disney are hoping for more of the same. They trumpet Flubber as the most exciting comedy of the year, saying it shows the studio at its most hilarious.

In some ways, it is certainly the thrill ride it was intended to be. It has grabbed young American and British audiences and is still riding high in the UK top ten.

Funny man Williams plays batty Professor Phil Brainard in what looks like his most energetic performance yet.

"I took my son to see the original as a result of being offered the part," Williams said says. "He was laughing like mad which I thought 'a good sign'."

The Prof is a man lost in his thoughts, even forgetting to wed his sweetheart Sara (Marcia Gay Harden).

But he has a lot on his mind. With help from his robot assistant Weebo, he works on a substance that could be a revolutionary new source of energy.

If he's successful, it will mean salvation for his financially- troubled Medfield College, where his beloved Sara is very much in charge.

The Good Will Hunting star claims a love of his own for science.

"I also have a fascination with the character of the Prof," he says. "He's the type who can explore the universe but not know where his shoes are."

On the afternoon of his third attempt at a wedding, all of the Prof's hard work in the lab comes together when he creates a miraculous goo.

Flubber defies gravity and looks like rubber, but when applied to any object or person they fly through the air.

This leads to some amazing scenes with a flying car and an astonishing display by the college basketball team.

What the Prof didn't plan for is that the green gunk also has a life of its own.

Sara's not impressed, especially since she has been stood up three times. Step forward Wilson, the Prof's former partner and now his rival in love.

Naturally there's a villain, the evil Hoenicker (Raymond J Barry) who wants Flubber all for himself.

But when it comes to the crunch the little jelly ball is faithful to its creator.

It's obvious writer John Hughes had a field day, dreaming up all the inventions. And the lab in the hands of Robin Williams is a riot of fun.

Flubber is definitely not for adults.

The only fun parents will have in the cinema is in watching the joy on their children's faces.

l Sunday News reader Arthur Brady lives in Rathfriland, Co Down. If you would like to review a film, write to Cinema Hotseat, Sunday News, 46- 56 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6QY.

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