The news is hard to ignore any longer and the dust is far from settling.
August 11, 2014 – Comedian and actor, Robin Williams passed away at the age of 63, leaving behind an impressive and hilarious legacy.
Us here at Film Snobs are incredibly saddened to admit this painful fact.
And all of us as FSR have a Robin Williams memory. We thought it would be nice for all of our writers to individually give thanks to the late funny man.

Phoenix Finke:
The film was Jumanji. It wasn’t the first time I saw Robin at work, but it was definitely my most watched film of his. Every time my mom had me take a nap, I made her put in this old VHS tape, we recorded Jumanji on. Also recorded on it, was Twister, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and Batteries Not Included. Little did I know the force that Robin Williams was, or how greatly I would respect him at 25. All I knew is that this film had me by the arm and wasn’t letting go. It was the first movie I bought when my family bought our first DVD player, and I watched it for weeks on end.
Robin Williams was one of the most versatile actors I’ve ever seen. From Dead Poet’s Society and Good Will Hunting, to Mrs. Doubtfire and Hook – the man was unstoppable.
I can’t thank him enough for letting me grow up with his films.

William Eguizabal:
Picture this if you will.  I’m a teenager whose already had a handful of memories thanks to Mr. Williams countless childhood thought of him, whether eating spinach, playing with imaginary green substances or Bangaranging with The Lost Boys. He’d been a catalyst of my childhood. When I grew older I remember the first time I saw Dead Poet’s Society.It changed my whole outlook on writing. I wanted to write things that could move people! To motivate them in a way they thought wasn’t previously possible. I never became that sort of writer, nonetheless my passion for the trade never quelled and the inspiration in Mr. Williams’ performance gave me hope, made me wish, and marvel as I think all truly great films should.

My brother and I can recall Aladdin being played to death in our VCR trying to memorize and enjoy the little idiosyncrasies of that particular vocal performance. Running around the house trying to catch my brother the “street rat” while not the Disney film that most shaped us into the young men we are today, it’s a film that certainly played a part.

Lastly I’d like to highlight his Oscar-winning turn in Good Will Hunting his monologues on the true meaning of love hit me at a time when I truly needed to hear them. That real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself. This struck me! I want to find that, hold on to it, and never it go. He taught me to be myself, and that that was enough. You could make a living doing you. Time will tell if that only applied to him or if I’ll reach those heights I once thought were unattainable.

Hafid Acosta:
I’ve only ever seen two of the films Robin Williams has starred in. The first was ‘What Dreams May Come’ and I knew, as I watched a confused, desolate, thrilled Chris (Robin Williams, of course) marvel in his heaven, but also hurt for his now abandoned wife that Mr. Robin Williams was a fine actor. He played this role wonderfully, I was eleven when I saw this film. I also realized something very important as I followed Chris on the journey to rescue his wife. I came to the realization that movies could actaully teach you something valuable, something worth carrying and holding with a warm thought after the credits rolled. I was impressed by William’s ability to dive into his character, to make his voice tremble when he read his children’s eulogy. Acting is not easy, you have to place yourself within someone whom you’ve never met. You have to feel this person’s heartbreak, this person’s loss. ‘What Dreams May Come’ is still one of my top favorite movies, because I was reminded of my fleeting existence. I was reminded of the fact that I am here right now, but that does not mean I will be tomorrow. When I watch this movie now, I understand that in order to get these lessons, these emotions and thoughts from a film you have to have a good director. You must also have an extraordinary actor or actress. Robin Williams was that actor, he brought Chris to life, he gave substance to a character that was met with cruel endings he did not deserve. He was phenomenal.

The second film was ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ where Williams played Mr. Keating, or if you dared you could call him O Captain, my Captain. He was an English teacher, but not merely your English teacher. Mr. Keating taught his young students to seize the day, think for themselves, be expressive, to live, read, and understand that life and identity exist. Life is a powerful play and we must all contribute a verse, the question is what shall our verse be? That was a heavy thought that had suddenly landed on my big head. Robin Williams did not contribute a verse, he contributed many. You, Mr. Robin Williams, in all your films, in your appearances and fame contributed verses that shall be cemented in our minds. For that I thank you O Captain, my Captain…I don’t think I need say more.

Ron “Droog” Peltier:
The death of Robin Williams is a shock. I remember watching Mork and Mindy as a kid and loving it. His energy and craziness worked. It appealed to me. He seemed like he was having so much fun. I remember watching his comedy specials on HBO and laughing throughout. I was a bit older, but his humor still generated laughs. His turns with Billy Crystal and Whoopie Goldberg on Comic Relief were astounding. I watched them all.

Later, though, as he turned to more dramatic roles, is where I find his work most rewarding and affecting, most specifically, as the psychology instructor Sean Maguire. In 1997, I was finishing up college and for some magical reason, Good Will Hunting, connected with me. I had known many instructors throughout my years in school and had respect for all of them. Most I did not know personally, but a few I did. His measured performance resonates with me today because it reminds me of my good professors. In this performance he seemed professorial, earnest, emphatic and intellectual all at once. Qualities all my best professors shared. His insistent refrain near the end of the film “This is not your fault” is devastating.

But the performance resonates with my because of a particular relationship I had with an instructor-John Bonnell-who recently passed away. While my circumstances are hardly comparable with the character Will Hunting, it was through many conversations with John that insight and understanding of life and love etc. among other things were concomitantly deepened and broadened, in much the same way it does for Will Hunting in the film. Robin Williams’ performance reminds me of my favorite and best professor John Bonnell, and it did when I saw the move for the first time. It does now. What an exceptional gift that is, indeed.

Of course, I was also mesmerized by his performance of John Keating in Dead Poets Society. In fact, I was even part of a similar group; a “dead poets society” where we read great works of literature. We read poetry, short fiction and had a great time. Robin Williams inspired all that for me. And considering that I have never met the man, that is a truly remarkable thing.

Rest in Peace Mr. Williams, and thanks to you for putting smile upon smile on millions of faces including those of us here at FilmSnobReviews. I’m sure my brother will have his own words to say as will anyone who was ever touched, got a laugh, or cried at one of his many, many brilliant pieces of acting. He leaves behind a professional legacy of 1 Oscar Win, 4 Nominations, 6 Golden Globe Wins, 11 Golden Globe Nominations, 2 Emmys, 6 Emmy Nominations and 5 Grammys. And more personally a wife, 2 sons and daughter. The motives surrounding his death are of no importance in the scheme of his career. So we say to you now turn on your favorite movie of his, and maybe double feature it with one you’ve not seen. Regardless he’s made ONE film that’s touched everyone in some way. I won’t plug our twitter or link it to anything else we’re doing what we will do is link you to a page where you can make a donation to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America so that we may stop the disease that finally let Aladdin keep his promise, and the Genie free. We’ve never had a friend like him, and we know it!