Rating of
0.5/4
Nothing.
nyp09 - wrote on 03/06/10
It is extremely hard to review a film that can only be described as a “nothing” film, which is exactly what “Old Dogs” is. It is predictable, silly and has no depth at all. Outgoing bachelor Charlie (John Travolta) and conservative Dan (Robin Williams) have been best friends for over 30 years and work together for a sports marketing firm. Just as they are about to close a life-changing deal when Dan old flame, Vicki (Kelly Preston) reappears and surprises him by bringing his twin son and daughter which he did not know about. Dan and Charlie look after the children while their mother is in jail, which, of course, causes much mayhem.
There are no surprises in “Old Dogs”. Everything which you think is going to happen does and it is extremely cliché. There are definitely some laughs, but if you have seen the movie trailer, you know where all the laughs will be coming from. The movie is just a Travolta and Williams media vehicle, so you will like the film if you like these two. It is a good film if you want an easy laugh, and are not really in the mood to think. However, apart from that, it is not a very good film at all. It is very, very basic. There is no complexity at all in the script, acting or the direction by Walt Becker. In parts, it can be just annoying and irritating with its predictability and unoriginal jokes.
As far as the acting goes, it is not a stretch at all for Robin Williams. It is a very easy role, not quite as comic as some of his other roles and a bit more serious in the lightest possible way, but still very easy. Travolta actually plays more of the comic role, but is yet another very easy role. Preston is just disappointing as Vicki. She overacts and is just plain silly. Although, Travolta and Preston’s daughter, Ella Bleu is adorable as Dan’s daughter, Emily. She is quite possibly the stand out of the film.
“Old Dogs” is a typical holidays movie. It is not a good movie, but entertaining to a degree. It serves its purpose, and that’s all it really sets out to do. So in that way it is successful and in other ways, it does not come even close.
