Is Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1988)

📖 The Core Premise

Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis returns to the screen in 1988, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "It's been nearly a generation since we've visited Dobie Gillis, and the middle-aged Dobie is nothing like he was as a youth, having sown all of his wild oats. He's settled into the predictable adult life, married to the reliable Zelda (who was chasing him all through high school), and assumed his father's role of running the family variety store. All of a sudden, key industries in the town shut down, putting hundreds out of work and severely threatening the local economy. Dobie, as head of the town council, is looked upon to lead the town out of this desperate crisis. When all seems lost, life-long friend Maynard G. Krebs appears, representing an old acquaintance who has a strange demand."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Dwayne Hickman attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.