The film follows the story of Professor Philip Brainard (played by Robin Williams), a scatterbrained scientist who is on the brink of losing his job due to his absent-mindedness and inability to focus on his inventions. Brainard is engaged to his long-time sweetheart, Sara Reynolds (played by Marcia Gay Harden), but repeatedly forgets their wedding dates due to his preoccupation with his work.
Brainard’s most recent invention is a rubber-like substance he calls “flubber,” short for “flying rubber.” Flubber has the unique property of defying gravity and exhibiting extraordinary elasticity, bouncing higher and higher with each impact. Brainard hopes that flubber will revolutionize the world of science and save his struggling career.
However, Brainard faces stiff competition from his rival, Wilson Croft (played by Christopher McDonald), who seeks to steal Brainard’s ideas and claim credit for flubber as his own invention. Croft is determined to win Sara’s affections and discredit Brainard in the eyes of the scientific community.
As Brainard grapples with his personal and professional challenges, he discovers that flubber has a mind of its own and can animate inanimate objects, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and chaotic adventures. Flubber becomes the catalyst for a series of hilarious and high-flying hijinks, as Brainard and his friends try to harness its powers for good while fending off Croft’s nefarious schemes.
In a climactic showdown, Brainard must use flubber to save Sara, defeat Croft, and restore order to his life. With the help of flubber and his loyal robot assistant, Weebo (voiced by Jodi Benson), Brainard manages to outwit Croft and win back Sara’s love and respect.
In the end, Brainard’s flubber invention proves to be a resounding success, earning him fame and recognition in the scientific community. He and Sara finally tie the knot, with flubber playing a central role in their wedding ceremony, symbolizing the triumph of love, innovation, and perseverance.
“Flubber” is praised for its whimsical humor, inventive special effects, and Robin Williams’ energetic performance. While it may not reach the same level of critical acclaim as some of Williams’ other films, it remains a beloved family-friendly comedy that continues to entertain audiences of all ages with its slapstick antics and heartwarming message.