My Blu Ray Pick for 9-5

Mr. Mom

This weeks blu ray offerings are on the slim side, but one classic is making it's debut, 1983's Mr. Mom.

After his star making turn in Night Shift, Michael Keaton earned leading man status with this turn as a happily married family man who has just been laid off from his job as an auto engineer. His wife, Teri Garr, takes a job at an ad firm while Keaton takes on the toughest job of his life, being a stay at home dad.

This is one of those movies that's harmless enough, and would probably be forgettable if it wasn't for Keaton's funny and likable performance. He truly elevates the proceedings. It also helps that he is surrounded by a game cast. Garr is a terrific and reliable player as always, as are Martin Mull, as Garr's sleazy boss. And Ann Jillian as the neighborhood hottie who has eyes for Keaton. Christopher Lloyd and Jeffrey Tambor turn up in supporting roles. Keaton beat out Chevy Chase, Michael Douglas, Steve Martin, and John Travolta for his part. And Garr snagged her role over Farrah Fawcett, Sally Field, Karen Allen, and Jane Curtain.

The screenplay was an early effort from John Hughes. Even though he gets sole writing credit, producer Aaron Spelling brought in a bunch of sitcom writers to punch up the script. Lauren Schuler, another producer on the film stated however that the original script by Hughes was a lot funnier.

Either way, this is a sweet little flick that is made even more enjoyable by the terrific cast.