I think the story was ok, considering it was based on a true story but it was too much with this "curing with empathy and communication". Arguments about being a doctor weren't actually presenting an ettical dilemma. One of them is a scientific fact and the other one is worth almost nothing without scientific facts. So its not a powerfull argument. They presented Patch's medical knowledge as a god given talent, they didn't show him studying for once. We all know thats not the case if you are in the medical school. So they based it on a true story but they tried so hard with this.

Patch Adams is a poor movie with a an average plot and a cast that does its very best with a lackluster script. Robin Williams is, of course, the most redeeming quality of this film. While a lot of the dialogue his character is given is cheesy, he still manages to deliver it with pure and honest sincerity. His characterisation for Patch is stellar and his dedication to the role is undeniable, it is just a pity he threw himself in to a role that was not really worth his time. The emotion is very forced, it is in no way subtle, there's not a whole lot of build up to them. It's simply one scene after another where it's clear that the director, writers and actor's objective was to leave you in tears., but when it happens so frequently we are left simply feeling irritated. The characters are also very poor. I do not blame the cast, but the writers, for giving them such tedious dialogue and making them very two dimensional. The only character you will sympathise for is Patch, the rest, such as Carin and Truman, never have a personality established enough to make us feel for them as real people. It throws so much at its audience expecting them to feel something, but it tries so hard that we are left feeling numb. Poorly written and paced, Patch Adams was not worth Williams' time, nor will it be worth yours. A student doctor who believes that laughter is a valid form of medication finds himself at odds with the medical establishment. Best Performance: Robin Williams / Worst Performance: Daniel London

This is what the world should be like... an amazing presentaion of human expresion brought forward and focused on bonding with others, with what? a simple smile and a few moments of conversation - Not out for personal gain, merely to make others smile and make them feel sound in themselves. after all health is more important at the end of the day..." to make one smile" is Robins god given gift and with his warm heart he has concocted an ideal man/person we should all try to become... forget fancy cars, posh night out eatings etc... take a few moments to look a round and try to get to know the people beside you, to bond for a few moments can make those around you feel welcome and magically warm and healthy inside..." Patch Adams is a gem in any film collection, it's funny, sad, truthful and a great film. There are twists and turns when everything seems simple and on the right track, and at parts when disaster strikes it can't help but bring tears to your eyes. Patch Adams is a beautiful film, well made, well written and all the actors perform to perfection especially Robin Williams who will make his way into your heart.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Patch Adams is the most Robin Williams Robin Williams movie I've ever seen. Unfortunately, the cute premise far overstays its welcome and we miss our disbelief which we have to suspend at the door. Williams is typically fine - not nearly as fun as he is in superior work Good Morning Vietnam or Mrs Doubtfire - but solid. Monica Potter sleepwalks through the movie with a sour face and little else, whilst Daniel London contributes next to nothing. For me - what a non- shock - the standout is Phillip Seymour Hoffman, whose furious monologue at his fun-loving slacker roommate is startlingly profound and out of place in what is otherwise a dull screenplay.The film stays about forty minutes too long, with Williams and the always good Bob Gunton having the same argument every three or four scenes. Lots of slapstick comedy makes for a good return on investment but does the story of real life Hunter Adams a great injustice. The final scenes play out like a far less well executed version of Scent of a Woman, which feels completely flat despite having much higher stakes. A comparison with Billy Madison would be more apt - and not in a good way.