Rama's Screen

OLD DOGS pisses me off. It’s the worst and the most unfunny comedy of 2009. Just like The Men Who Stare At Goats, OLD DOGS tickles you only in the trailers/previews without leaving anything worth laughing at for the movie itself. I don’t even feel like writing this review, that’s how much I hate this movie. OLD DOGS should be taken to the vet and be put down for our sake….

Two best friends — one unlucky-in-love divorcee (Robin Williams) and the other a fun-loving bachelor (John Travolta) — have their lives turned upside down when they’re unexpectedly charged with the care of six-year-old twins while on the verge of the biggest business deal of their lives. The not-so-kid-savvy bachelors stumble in their efforts to take care of the twins (newcomers Ella Bleu Travolta and Conner Rayburn), leading to one debacle after another, and perhaps to a new-found understanding of what’s really important in life.

There’s no doubt that Robin Williams and John Travolta work together very well. I got nothing against their collaboration or chemistry because it’s obvious that they’re having a blast, making themselves look foolish, going through all the physical slapstick but the problem is that’s all this OLD DOGS’ got. I’m disappointed because Wild Hogs wasn’t so bad, I expect more of director Walt Becker. The plot is just awful. Not to mention it has a short attention span, it moves from one scene to another so briefly and without much reason other than to see how much more pain in the ball-sack can one character take. You hardly see the kids, it tries to make that father and children connection but in the end you don’t give a damn about neither.

Watching OLD DOGS is literally a waste of time. I know it’s just comedy that shouldn’t be analyzed seriously but if it doesn’t succeed in making you laugh or making you sympathize with the characters, then what’s the use?!
It’s a shame really because Williams is one of my favorite funny men of all time and seeing him in this role makes me sad. Travolta can be funny.. when he’s playing a bad guy.. but when he’s trying too hard to be funny, now that’s another story, that’s OLD DOGS for ya.
Even the guest appearance by the late great Bernie Mac doesn’t help at all. Seth Green is more annoying than ever.
Here’s one movie that I’m definitely not thankful for in 2009, OLD DOGS!

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