Old Dogs

     I just finished up watching Disney's 'Old Dogs', one of their family films from last year. The movie follows Disney's family comedy format of such movies like 'Wild Hogs' and 'College Road Trip'.  'Old Dogs' follows two sports marketing executives, Charlie (John Travolta) and Dan (Robin Williams) through a series of events occurring during one of their biggest business events in their company. Through back stories, we learn these two have a long thirty year history together and watching each others back.

     The main story point in this movie centers around Dan finding out that due to a crazy weekend in South Beach a few years ago, he has two kids that have suddenly entered into his life. Dan has a past history of being a klutz and with letting people walk all over him. Charlie is the complete opposite, he's very outspoken and very take charge. Thus allowing one to balance out the other, or at least try to, when they are given a situation. When Dan is asked to watch the kids, who just came into his life for two weeks, they will change his world forever. Constantly interfering with his work and causing chaos around the house, Dan and Charlie, are at wits end on how to deal with the children and make this business deal at the same time. Ultimately, it comes down to the big question, what matters more in life, work or family?
     Review wise, the movie is your cookie cutter Disney family comedy. Unfortunately, it does not deliver as their other ones have recently. Most of the movie feels as though they are trying to hard to make the jokes and story work. There was great potential for something really good and truly funny, but, I think this was a swing it and miss. When I dug into this movies past, it seems there is a reason for this. Originally, Touchstone was to release this movie with a 'R' rating. Due to poor test screenings, the decision was made to drastically alter the film, which required re-editing and cutting it down from 107 min. to its 88min. With the new edit came a 'PG' rating and a change in distributor to 'Walt Disney Pictures' with the aim at a kid-friendly audience. Also coming with this movie was some more bad news for it, three delays, which created a nearly year long delay in releasing. Bernie Mac, who has a small part in this movie had passed away. Then Jett Travolta, son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston (who also has a role in this movie) also had passed away. Then there was one other delay, when Robin Williams, encountered a medical problem requiring surgery.
     Unfortunately, I think Disney has realized, not everything works being made kid-friendly. But, just cause an adult may find this movie a little unfunny or forced funny. Kids will surely be amused by the physical comedy (oh yes, the glorious golf ball to the crotch moment) and the zaniness of Travolta and Williams. This was just a movie that seemed plagued with problems from beginning to end and it shows, but, don't let it stop you if your a fan of Disney family films or of the stars.