The Best of Robin Williams

The Best of Robin Williams

In the age of Kardashian drama and Political sex scandals, most celebrity news tends to go in one ear and out the other. However, like most, the devastating news regarding the passing of legendary comedian Robin Williams came as quite a shock. As news reports and social media updates flooded my inbox and timelines, memories began to resurface reminding me of moments the actor's happiness and laughter brought to my own childhood. As I grew older, I also began to explore his more serious and dramatic filmography, all while revisiting the classics from my youth time and time again.

Here at New Geek Protocol, I would like to take a look back at some of my all time favorites as I fire up my collection of DVDs, Blu-Rays and Digital Downloads for a week of binge watching at its finest. Without further ado, here are my contenders for The Best of Robin Williams ::

5. Good Will Hunting (1997) - Yes, Good Will Hunting is a slow burner, but it also carries one of Williams' best performances. Featuring Matt Damon in the title role as an unrecognized genius with behavioral health issues, Williams portrays his therapist, Dr. Sean Maguire, who is tasked with finding a way to break down the emotional barriers surrounding Will Hunting where all others have failed. The role won Williams his only (and much deserved) Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. "How 'bout them apples"?

4. Dead Poets Society (1989) - The Dead Poets Society is a film I may have bypassed a thousand times if not for my High School English class. Following the story of two young boys at a prestigious boarding school in the 1950s, Williams is cast as English Teacher, John Keating, who challenges the students (and audiences alike) to stand up to conventional views, go against the status quo and seize the day.

3. Aladdin (1992) - Back in the early 90s, Disney was untouchable. Films such as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast were box office sensations and Aladdin was no exception. Lending his voice talent to the cast as the fun loving Genie, Williams became one of the first actors ever to be advertised as part of an animated feature thanks to his incredible voice talents, which will forever live on as part of my childhood.

2. Hook (1991) - Providing a fresh take on the classic, Peter Pan, this film still holds up as one of my favorite renditions. Williams leads the cast as Peter Pan himself, now an adult, who must return to Neverland to rescue his children kidnapped by Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman) and reclaim his rightful place amongst the Lost Boys. Admit it, you can still hear the Lost Boys chant ... "Rufio! Rufio!"

1. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) - When it comes down to the absolute best, nothing beats Williams' performance as Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire. Listed amongst Bravo's 100 Funniest Movies of All Time (#40) and 100 years, 100 Laughs: America's Funniest Movies (#67), Mrs. Doubtfire showcases every strength Williams has to offer at their fullest potential.

Although there are many other great films missing from this list, Jumanji, What Dreams May Come, Good Morning, Vietman, etc., these are the five that have always stuck with me and the ones I will always remember. 

Here's to one of the all time greatest.

-ArchangelEZE