Completely disagree with the way the top reviewer has reviewed this film. This is a great film that is one of my all time favorites. Don't let that off the mark reviewer from 2005 dictate whether you see this film, it is great. I own it and it will always have a special film spot in my heart for it. Love this movie!!!

This film is quite an emotional roller coaster, taking you from laughter, to shock and tears at various points throughout the long, but never dragging, narrative. It basically the entire life of Garp squeezed into about 130 minutes, consisting of snapshots and various episodes that he experiences as he gets older. His mother Jenny, played by Glenn Close (in her film debut) with motherly tenderness and wisdom, was also highly impressive. Even though it's Garp's story, his mother plays an integral part in shaping his worldview, which is unique to say the least. There's so many great moments in this film, that it's impossible to pick just one. The story is touching. The performances are incredible - every single one of them. This isn't over the top Robin.... this is the subdued and funny Robin Williams. Sure, the movie is about him, but its more about those characters that swarm about around him. And the actors in the film! The movie is most worth watching for some fine, early performances: an early, serious Robin Williams; Mary Beth Hurt; Glenn Close's first role on film (she had been a stage actor previously); a funny yet tender portrayal of Roberta by John Lithgow. The movie is different than the book, for sure, but it is charming and delightful and insightful and real. Brilliant film- making at every turn.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

"Wow" is almost all I can say at this point, having just finished watching it. I knew Robin Williams was a great actor, but this has to be the best dramatic role I've ever seen him in so far (keeping in mind that I haven't seen quite a few of his dramatic roles yet). He lays his emotions bare as T.S. Garp, the "bastard son" of Jenny Fields. The film is quite an emotional roller coaster, taking you from laughter, to shock and tears at various points throughout the long, but never dragging, narrative. It basically the entire life of Garp squeezed into about 130 minutes, consisting of snapshots and various episodes that he experiences as he gets older. His mother Jenny, played by Glenn Close (in her film debut) with motherly tenderness and wisdom, was also highly impressive. Even though it's Garp's story, his mother plays an integral part in shaping his worldview, which is unique to say the least. There's so many great moments in this film, that it's impossible to pick just one. Although, there is a couple scenes towards the end that were particularly poignant in the wake of Robin Williams' untimely death. I'm not afraid to admit that I cried a couple of times. There was even some of the relationship drama that struck a chord with me due to recent events in my own life that I'm still getting over. In short, I think this is one of the best films I've ever seen in my life, and is certain to be one of my favorites in years to come. On a side note, John Lithgow has a outstanding supporting turn as a trans-woman named Roberta. While Jared Leto might have done an excellent job in DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, Lithgow did it first and better in my opinion. There's also a small cameo by Amanda Plummer, in what was probably one of her first roles. So, it is with no hesitations that I can wholeheartedly recommend this film. It is honest, unpretentious and sentimental without being sappy (for the most part). A must-see for Robin Williams fans and cinephiles in general.

This film is a treasure of acting and writing, but the DVD has been edited severely, leaving out some fine and important stuff. I saw it in its initial release (in a theater, so imagine my disappointment when memorable scenes were not there on DVD. Maybe Criterion can do something about that. This is, in my opinion, Williams' best performance; he will be sorely missed. Even his clunkers showed signs of brilliance and insight. His sweet humanity shone bright in every performance. "garp" also features excellent support from Glenn Close, John Lithgow, Mary Beth Hurt and Swoozie Kurtz. This should be in any film library that values style and substance.