Son of Flubber (1963)

If not quite as good as its progenitor (The Absent-Minded Professor), the always amiable Son of Flubber is still very enjoyable family fun. Son's only real problem is in the screenplay. It's not bad, but it is a bit padded. In some films, padding becomes plodding; that's not the case here, as director Robert Stevenson keeps the pace moving along very nicely. However, the padding is necessitated by a plot that -- as laid out here -- comes across as a bit too thin. In fact, it needn't come across that way. The essential conflict, of Medfield College desperately needing a money-making scheme to save it from imminent destruction, is actually strong enough to work. But the writers don't hang the "tangents" onto that plot in a convincing way. Fortunately, none of this matters too much, as the tangents themselves are entertaining, if a bit formulaic; the "Flubber"-inspired products, and especially the ad for "Flubberoleum," are especially noteworthy. Of equal importance is the very agreeable cast, led by the eternally paternal Fred MacMurray. MacMurray is having a good deal of fun here, and it's contagious. He's well matched by the spunky Nancy Olson, the spirited Tommy Kirk, and the sleazy Keenan Wynn, plus a host of good character actors such as Leon Ames, William Demarest, and Charlie Ruggles. All this good company makes Son of Flubber a very pleasant diversion. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide