Performance & Direction: What About Bob? Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What About Bob? (1991) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and What About Bob? features a noteworthy lineup led by Bill Murray . Supported by the likes of Richard Dreyfuss and Julie Hagerty , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of What About Bob? (1991) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: What About Bob?
Quick Plot Summary: What About Bob? is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Before going on vacation, self-involved psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin has the misfortune of taking on a new patient: Bob Wiley. An exemplar of neediness and a compendium of phobias, Bob follows Marvin to his family's country house. Dr. Marvin tries to get him to leave; the trouble is, everyone loves Bob. As his oblivious patient makes himself at home, Dr. Marvin loses his professional composure and, before long, may be ready for the loony bin himself. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: What About Bob?
Ending Breakdown: What About Bob? concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of What About Bob? reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch What About Bob??
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: What About Bob?
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $63.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
What About Bob? Budget
The estimated production budget for What About Bob? is $35.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: What About Bob?
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Where to Watch What About Bob? Online?
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Google Play MoviesYouTubeWhat About Bob? Parents Guide & Age Rating
1991 AdvisoryWondering about What About Bob? age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What About Bob? is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, What About Bob? stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1991 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What About Bob? worth watching?
What About Bob? is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.9/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What About Bob? parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What About Bob? identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of What About Bob??
The total duration of What About Bob? is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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