A couple of weeks ago when the trailer for Disney’s Old Dogs hit the web, I noted that Robin Williams really isn’t funny anymore. While I’ve actually kind of liked him in some of the dramatic roles he’s taken on as of late (Insomnia, One Hour Photo, The Final Cut), his recent comedies still leave much to be desired. Perhaps World’s Greatest Dad can change all that?

Written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, I remember a lot of people saying that it was both dark and hilarious when it premiered at Sundance earlier this year. Robin Williams plays a high school poetry teacher who dreams of becoming a writer. When faced with a family tragedy, he secretly turns the situation to his benefit. I do worry that this is may be a movie that goes for shock value, playing off the novelty of having actors like Robin Williams and Daryl Sabara (Spy Kids) deliver racy material. On the other hand, it could be a welcome return to edgy comedy in the vein of Death to Smoochy for Williams. The red band trailer premiered over on Hulu, but since that isn’t available in Canada, I have embedded a slightly choppy YouTube version below. World’s Greatest Dad hits select theatres on August 21st.