12 Best Movies Starring The Simpsons Actors

An intriguing 'based on a true story' film that gave Julie 'voice of Marge Simpson' Kavner the chance to shine. She plays nurse Eleanor Costello, who assists Robin Williams Dr. Malcolm Sayer in his experimentation that lead to his catatonic patients temporarily returning to their normal selves.

The star power of Williams and Robert DeNiro, who plays the first patient to 'get better', Leonard Lowe, makes the film bubble with energy throughout. Kavner's role is extremely important though, acting as Dr Sayer's unrequited love. Dr.Sayer and Eleanor ride through the wave of emotions together, first at the excitement of the improved conditions of the patients, and then the tragedy of the medication only being a temporary fix.

The film is quite low key in the way it tells its tale, a strong concentration on character development making the audience engage with both the doctors and patients equally. The exploration of themes relating to Doctor-patient relationships are handled well, with the medical staff learning to respect the patients as people as the film progresses.

The movie's only weakness is the way it tiptoes around the ethical dilemma of the drug experimentation, refusing to cast Dr.Sayer in any other light than a hero. It does though still ram home its message that there is a human being lying beneath, irrespective of their physical and mental state.

A final scene where Dr.Sayer finally asks Eleanor out for coffee is a cute moment that beautifully emphasises the core message of making the most of life while you can.