Watch Doc Hollywood
- PG-13
- 1991
- 1 hr 44 min
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6.3 (40,843)
Doc Hollywood is a 1991 American romantic comedy film directed by Michael Caton-Jones and starring Michael J. Fox, Julie Warner, and Barnard Hughes. The movie is based on Neil B. Shulman's novel, What? Dead ... Again?, which was inspired by his own experiences as a doctor. The movie follows a young, talented, and ambitious medical school graduate, Benjamin Stone (Michael J. Fox), who is on his way to a highly paid position as a surgeon in Beverly Hills when he gets sidetracked in the small town of Grady, South Carolina. He accidentally crashes his car into a fence, and the town's judge, Judge Evans (Barnard Hughes), sentences him to community service at the local hospital until the car is fixed.
Initially, Benjamin is reluctant to do the community service, but soon he realizes that he enjoys working in a small-town hospital where he gets to know the patients and has a chance to make a difference in their lives. He also falls in love with a young and attractive ambulance driver, Vialula or "Lou" (Julie Warner), who is trying to save money to realize her dream of running a flower shop in California.
The conflict arises when Benjamin's arrogant and ambitious attitude confronts with the small-town values and way of life. He also faces a moral dilemma when he is offered a lucrative job in Beverly Hills and is forced to decide whether to follow his dreams or stay in Grady where he feels appreciated and needed.
Doc Hollywood is a charming and heartwarming comedy that uses familiar tropes to shed light on larger and more important issues. It explores the value of small communities and the importance of stepping back from our goals and ambitions to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. It also tackles the difficult issue of balancing our personal aspirations with our responsibilities towards others.
The movie works on multiple levels, offering clever and witty dialogues, delightful romance, and an engaging plot. Michael J. Fox delivers a charming and charismatic performance, showcasing his skill as a leading man. Julie Warner is equally impressive, portraying a strong, independent, and relatable character that is easy to root for.
The supporting cast also deserves praise, particularly Barnard Hughes as the wise and kind-hearted Judge Evans and Woody Harrelson as Hank Gordon, a local man with a dubious past who befriends Benjamin and helps him on his journey.
The film's direction is also noteworthy, emphasizing the stunning landscapes and architecture of Grady and capturing the slow pace and warm hospitality of southern towns. The soundtrack, featuring some classic songs of the era, adds to the film's nostalgic and pleasant tone.
Overall, Doc Hollywood is a classic romantic comedy that still holds up today. It reminds us of the importance of seizing the moment, valuing the small things in life, and treating others with kindness and respect. It is a movie that will make you laugh, feel good, and maybe even inspire you to reexamine your own goals and values.
Doc Hollywood is a 1991 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 56.