Lance Clayton (Robin Williams) is a man who has learned how to settle, in many aspects of his life. He has large dreams of being a rich and famous writer, but he finds himself working as a high school poetry teacher instead. His only son, Kyle (Daryl Sabara) is a nasty freak who makes life unpleasant for anyone around him. He's dating the cute art teacher Claire (Alexie Gilmore), but she doesn't want anything serious, and doesn't even want anyone to know that they are dating. A strange twist of fate involving a tragic accident suddenly gives Lance the opportunity of a lifetime, and the ability to achieve all of the fame he has dreamed about. Will Lance be able to overcome the facts of how this fame would be achieved, in order to have everything he has ever dreamed of?