Old Dogs is an over-the-top, broad, slapstick comedy starring Robin Williams and John Travolta. Having reached, that certain age, they are both still mining for comedic gold, and in this family film, they hit pay dirt. Robin Williams plays a man who falls apart after his divorce. His best friend and business partner, Travolta, kidnaps him and takes him on a wild, drunken spree in Miami in order to jolt his friend back into the land of the living. While there, they meet Kelly Preston and Rita Wilson. And in an act of inebriated spontaneity, Robin Williams’ character marries Kelly Preston, only to have the marriage annulled the next day.
Eight years later, he still regrets his impulsive marriage; not that it happened, but that he let her get away. A heartfelt letter follows, which leads to contact, and the stunning news that he is the father of seven-year-old twins. Being a family style comedy, I don’t need to tell you what happens next. These old dogs must now adapt to a life that includes children. But you can expect a lot of grandpa jokes, bumbling parental attempts, friendships being tested, and really cute kids.
What I like about this film is the tone and the way it balances heart with humor. This vehicle is the perfect frame for Robin Williams’ manic talents. And John Travolta is hilarious as a handsome ladies’ man that is coming to grips with his imminent old age. The comedy is broad, silly, and full of belly laughs, including the scene where a giant Silverback Gorilla is cradling Seth Green like a baby. There are also a lot of good lines, which any person over the age of 40 can really identify with. Old Dogs is an excellent family film as long as you like your comedy big and your slapstick bigger. With an outstanding supporting cast, this is a film that the whole family will love.
Rating: First Run Growing Old has never been funnier
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
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At first I struggled with this movie, but, it kept getting better and better. Travlota and Williams were classic. Matt Dillon priceless.
ReplyDeleteIn the very beginning, when Travolta's charater takes Willaims character to a Miami Tatoo shop to get a Free Man tat on his chest, something gets lost in translation and he ends up with "Fremont". Then, Travolta's character flirting with the tanning store's clerk a little too long, until Willaim's charater gets a "little" overdone. Then, people in the airport asking him questions in other languages and a little kid telling his mom, "look, there's an oompa loompa".
It really gets good after that, as their medication gets mixed up, etc.