OLD DOGS (USA 2009) *
Directed by Walt Becker

OLD DOGS reunites Disney’s director Walt Becker (WILD HOGS) with actor John Travolta in another comedy.  But this should be taken more of a warning.

OLD DOGS (as ironic as the title sounds) is tiresome comedy.  Unfunny comedic setups are hastily put together (a break into the zoo; attack by penguins; conference tales etc.) as is the familiar plot line.  The story concerns to life-long pals Charlie (John Travolta) and Dan (Robin Williams).  Dan’s ex-wife (a wasted Kelly Preston) unexpectedly shows up with children Dan is unaware he had.  But work has Charlie and Dan move to Japan.  Dan has to make amends and get back with the family program.  How is that for typical Disney success formulaic plotting?  One must hand it to the Disney people for knowing how to play it safe.  They are so confident with OLD DOGS that they have scheduled the film to open for the American Thanksgiving long weekend.

To be fair, Travolta is quite funny as he knows how to ham it up.  He and Williams make a good team.  Unfortunately, the material is complete recycled green bin rubbish.  The fact that the film’s running time is only an hour and 10 minutes clearly says that the filmmakers have run out of material.  To say, that they have run out of ideas is paying them an unheeded compliment.

Matt Dillon, Seth Green and the late Bernie Mac (this being his last film) have supporting roles.  They at least bring a little cheer to the drab proceedings.