Don't make the mistake of watching this movie for Tom Green, because he doesn't really get to have any fun whatsoever. I get that he can't do random disgusting things in a wholesome family film, but even his absurd sense of humor is pushed way into the background to make room for sappy romance scenes. This movie feels like a worn-out afterschool special more than anything else, it's chock full of moral lessons and jokes so disturbingly old that it would make "Full House"-writers blush. Green is clearly out of his element and looks incredibly bored throughout, but somehow he's still the best part because his co-stars are even worse. The kids, oh dear God the kids. The pain will never go away. Tom Green's overall weirdness and undeniable comic talent can definitely be translated into family entertainment, but this just doesn't seem like the way to do it. Gotta love the scene where he kisses Brooke Shields though, you'll have a major "Road Trip" flash-back.

It appears Tom Green has gotten over trying to be Alan Funt's vulgar imitation and is actually not trying to actively repulse his audiences for once.This movie is plotted rather bland and predictable for the most part. The camera-work is acceptable, the audio soundtrack is okay, the audio editing is only slightly above sub par (sharp audio cuts in musical tracks rather than volume fades plus failure to score out scene music to proper lengths to fit the mood and failure to gauge spoken audio levels in many scenes to emphasize emotional shifts).As for the plot, a man who gets fired regularly from jobs gets butler training, takes over for a neurotic woman's babysitter as a butler, predictable boring bratty kid events occur, non-prudish butler guy eventually adapts and bonds with kids, neurotic woman views butler as potential father figure, butler quits job for professional reasons, woman chases after butler, butler marries woman becomes father to kids. It was nice to see that Tom Green can not make a repulsive jackass of himself for once although the movie is boring as all heck.

Bob (Tom Green) just got fired from another job. Although he works hard and shows up on time, something always goes wrong. Back in his small apartment with his pet hamster, Rascal, Bob looks through the phone book for career inspiration. There he spies an ad for "butler school". According to the description, one can complete the training in five days. Without hesitation, Bob signs up. But, the school is run by a semi-weirdo, Mr. Butler (Simon Callow) who puts the students through drills, like standing on rooftops to learn balance and posture. When Mr. Butler strips down to his skivvies to teach the art of "how to dress one's master", everyone runs away, except Bob. Meanwhile, workaholic Anne (Brooke Shields) is about to go out on a date with her French beau. But, her two children, Tess and Bates, behave so badly that the gray-haired babysitter bolts from the house. Rifling through cards, Anne finds one for "Bob the Babysitter". Of course, its the same Bob, who tried that some time ago. Nevertheless, he agrees to come right over when she calls and, curiously, the kids like his low-key approach. Making it through the first night, Bob becomes the permanent sitter/butler. But, the two young ones are still vying for their mother's attentions in bad ways. Tess is devious and rebellious and Bates follows her lead while still hoping his mother will notice his interest in basketball. Bob does his best, even when high-strung Anne rants and raves. Is it possible that Anne may realize Bob would make a better boyfriend than the Frog? This is certainly one of the more unusual family films-romantic comedies ever made. With the offbeat Green as the star, it was probably to be expected. Yet, he does a nice job in a role that has its moments and Shields high-energy turn is a good foil for his more understated delivery. As for Callow, he is great but, how did the producers ever persuade the distinguished Brit, of A Room with a View and Four Weddings and a Funeral, to take this role? What a score! The productions values, camera work, costumes, and sets are all very nice. Still, its hard to overwhelming recommend the film for families, due to a few objectionable scenes. The strip by Mr. Butler is one such while others where Bob catches Anne in the shower and Tess shoplifts and backtalks will not please some viewers. This is unfortunate, for there really are some nicely comedic scenes. Therefore, if you are one of those families who can watch films as a group and discuss tricky situations, this one will entertain most everyone. Fans of romcoms, Green, or very offbeat flicks will enjoy it, also.

Whether one likes a movie or not is totally dependent upon what one is looking for. If you're looking for superb production or a totally realistic story line this wouldn't be the one for you. (Aren't movies supposed to take us away from reality for a time?) If you liked "Hook" "Jumanji" or "Lemony Snicket's A series of Unfortunate Events" you will definitely like this one. Though I missed the very beginning it was an easy plot to pick up on, moves along well enough and has redeeming value. I immediately recognized Simon Callow from "Room With a View", and "The Woman in White" among others, so I figured it was worth staying and seeing what it was about and it was on the Disney channel so it was safe for my child to watch. I found the movie entertaining, funny, not overly cheesy, and felt good when it was over. What more could we ask for?