Flubber

John Hughes once again goes to the Home Alone well, imposing his sadistic brand of comedy on this remake of one of Disney's most beloved fantasy films. One of his more despicable running jokes is the terrorizing of a young boy who is sole witness to the incredible scientific experiments next door, such as a flying car which crashes into the tree outside his bedroom window. Robin Williams stars as that car's inventor, an absent-minded professor so preoccupied with his work that he misses his wedding (for the third time!). Like Burt Reynolds, Williams is in danger of squandering his considerable audience goodwill with uninspired performances and lame vehicles like this that dilute his genius. It is up to Flubber to carry the film, and the gooey, gravity-defying and mambo-shaking gunk is a special effects marvel. Not recommended, but the low price and Williams's popularity will probably give this some bounce. (K. Lee Benson)