Patch Adams

PG-13

Released Dec 25, 1998

1 hr. 55 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

21%

71 Reviews

Tomatometer

73%

250,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

After struggling with depression in a mental hospital, Hunter "Patch" Adams (Robin Williams) decides he wants to become a doctor. He enrolls at Virginia Medical University but is disillusioned by the school's clinical perspective on patient care. With the aid of a wealthy friend, Adams opens his own medical clinic for those without insurance. He forms a deep bond with fellow medical student Carin Fisher (Monica Potter) before a tragedy causes Adams to re-evaluate his approach.

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Critics Consensus

Syrupy performances and directing make this dramedy all too obvious.

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Richard M

I get more laughs from a Daffy Duck cartoon than 1hr. 55 min. Of this garbage. Then they ripoff elements of Dead Poets Society, such as the ending, which wasn't that great of a film to begin with.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Alfie H

The changes they made to the actual life of Hunter Adams are disrespectful.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/23/23

Full Review

Luke S

Easy watch. Easy to understand. At the same time, it has a great message. A man of such good will is tempted to give up on numerous occasions yet his arch rival is the one that gets him to keep going. You get times you laugh and times you cry. It is great. Williams has done it again!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/06/23

Full Review

Blu B

It's well acted, well shot, and focused on Patch the entire way and nothing is really broken about it at all. Pacing, and music is decent overall as well. Nothing is that wrong with every scene in isolation and there quite good most of them. The problem is once you put every aspect of this together a film is it is constantly weighed down by sappiness, over the top drama, a perfect character, self rightiouness, and predictability the entire way nonstop. This film is so on the nose (no pun intended constantly). It wants to preach rather than build an interesting character. I will say the love interest was fine and I liked that and honestly she had a more interesting character than Patch. The music is sooooooo sappy and tugs at the heartstrings constantly. The humor I don't really mind that much and found some of it clever and touching but it never lets up with the other aspects the entire way. It feels almost like Patch is a God rather than a character at points and he is showing us the way. Than the constant use of "Old vulnerable" people and Sick Children is so obvious at how it is tugging at heartstrings. This film doesn't know the meaning of subtle at all. And it always goes to extremes with Patch right from the start going to an insane asylum and the death of his girl in a violent over the top way. And right from the start Patch is perfect and has basically no flaws. It's everyone else that does. This needed to make Patch more human, stop with the over the top sentimentalness, and trying to tug at the heart strings constantly. If your a big fan of Williams or sappy over the top dramas than you'll like it. I can say it'll leave an opinion on most but it will be to varying degrees.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/04/23

Full Review

Adam S

This film unquestionably deserves a well-earned five-star rating. Inspirational True Story: Patch Adams is based on the real-life story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams, a medical maverick who believed in the healing power of humor and genuine human connection. This inspiring narrative of an unconventional doctor who challenged the rigid norms of the medical profession remains relevant and profoundly touching. Robin Williams' Tour de Force: Robin Williams delivers an unforgettable performance as Patch Adams, showcasing his unparalleled talent for blending humor and deep emotion. Williams' portrayal captures the essence of Patch's character, making it impossible not to laugh, cry, and be moved by his journey. Life-Affirming Message: At its core, Patch Adams encourages us to embrace compassion, empathy, and the healing power of laughter in our lives. It reminds us that true healthcare extends beyond physical treatments and emphasizes the importance of nurturing the human spirit. Exceptional Supporting Cast: The film boasts an incredible supporting cast, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Monica Potter, and Daniel London. Each actor brings their A-game, contributing to the film's emotional depth and authenticity. A Perfect Blend of Laughter and Tears: Patch Adams expertly balances humor and tragedy, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps viewers engaged throughout. It manages to deliver gut-busting laughs while tackling serious issues, demonstrating the complexity of life's experiences. Outstanding Direction and Cinematography: Tom Shadyac's direction and Phedon Papamichael's cinematography breathe life into the story, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. Enduring Impact: Patch Adams leaves a lasting impression, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives, values, and the way they interact with others. It challenges conventional thinking about healthcare and reminds us that compassion is a universal language. In conclusion, Patch Adams is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves a resounding five-star rating. It's a film that continues to inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences of all ages, proving that storytelling at its best can touch the soul and leave a lasting impact. If you haven't experienced the magic of Patch Adams, it's time to grab some tissues and embark on a journey of laughter, tears, and the enduring power of humanity.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/01/23

Full Review

Andrea C

Film fruibile a tutti, che visto a distanza di anni inquieta per l'incredibile vicinanza della storia del protagonista con quella del suo interprete Robin Williams; la risata come cura per un malessere interiore è un concetto che guardando quest'opera non ci si può togliere dalla testa nemmeno per un secondo. Il metodo in cui viene analizzata la battaglia del protagonista è piuttosto fazioso, non crea il dubbio interiore che ci si aspetta e anzi rischia di portare lo spettatore a credere che queste cliniche siano sempre la cosa migliore. Anche la gestione della morte del personaggio femminile è rivedibile e non colpisce nel segno. Comunque, il film è piacevole e Williams riesce sempre ad emozionare.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/14/23

Full Review

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Tom Shadyac

Director

Robin Williams

Hunter "Patch" Adams

Daniel London

Truman Schiff

Monica Potter

Corrine Fisher

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Mitch Roman

Bob Gunton

Dean Walcott

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Patch Adams: Official Clip - Final Appeal

2:59

Patch Adams: Official Clip - You Treat a Person

3:12

Patch Adams: Official Clip - The Children's Ward

2:59

Patch Adams: Official Clip - At Your Cervix

2:59

Patch Adams: Official Clip - I Want to Help People

1:01

Patch Adams: Official Clip - Patch Earns His Nickname

2:46

Patch Adams: Official Clip - Group Therapy

1:42

Patch Adams: Official Clip - To Be a Great Doctor

2:13

Patch Adams: Official Clip - He At Least Listened

1:31

Patch Adams: Official Clip - Revealing Graduation

1:20

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John Monaghan

Detroit Free Press

Only inspires me to steer clear of both hospitals and any movie that casts Robin Williams as a lovable clown.

Rated: 2/4

Jan 5, 2023

Full Review

Joe Morgenstern

Wall Street Journal

Like too many of Mr. Williams's recent movies, Patch Adams wastes the genius of a peerless clown.

Apr 2, 2019

Full Review

Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

Comics who want to do Hamlet often end up, as here, serving big, sticky slices of ham.

Apr 1, 2019

Full Review

Sean P. Means

Salt Lake Tribune

Patch Adams does serve as a platform for Williams to do what he does best: evoke laughter and wring tears. Even when the movie flatlines, Williams keeps the beat.

Rated: 2/4

Jan 4, 2023

Full Review

Jonah Koslofsky

The Spool

Patch Adams is full of shit. I truly can't think of a better way to describe it.

Feb 9, 2021

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Patch Adams is offensive in the way it trots out every hoary plot device, no matter how improbable, exploitative or downright moronic.

Rated: 1/4

Dec 18, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

After struggling with depression in a mental hospital, Hunter "Patch" Adams (Robin Williams) decides he wants to become a doctor. He enrolls at Virginia Medical University but is disillusioned by the school's clinical perspective on patient care. With the aid of a wealthy friend, Adams opens his own medical clinic for those without insurance. He forms a deep bond with fellow medical student Carin Fisher (Monica Potter) before a tragedy causes Adams to re-evaluate his approach.

Director: Tom Shadyac
Executive Producer: Tom Shadyac, Marsha Garces Williams
Screenwriter: Steve Oedekerk
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal/Universal Int
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1998, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $135.0M
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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