R-rated comedy “Old Dads” is not particularly bad and not particularly good, but it is entertaining, disposable entertainment. Directed and co-written by comedian Bill Burr, the film has some funny (if sometimes stale) jokes and a watered-down premise that makes it mostly a throwaway. In other words, it’s your typical mass-produced Netflix movie.
Best friends and business partners Jack (Burr), Connor (Bobby Cannavale), and Mike (Bokeem Woodbine) became fathers later in life. The trio finds that raising kids in your late 40s isn’t easy, and they decide to sell their successful sports apparel company to an eccentric millennial CEO (Miles Robbins). The gang are subsequently cut out of their business, which makes Jack boil over with anger. This spreads into his everyday life, from causing a rift with his pregnant wife (Katie Aselton) and starting a battle with his son’s ultra-progressive preschool principal (Rachael Harris). Leaning on his buddies to help him get his life under control, Jack and the boys go on a quest that takes them through the streets of Los Angeles and the strip clubs of Palm Springs.
The comedy is raunchy, vulgar, and aimed at people who are angry at the modern politically correct society and culture. The film feels like a vehicle for Burr to air his grievances and rant against progressive thought, and some of his observations are funny (because they’re true). The reason you’ll laugh out loud is that once in a while, Burr hits on a universal anecdote about the hypocrisy surrounding today’s culture war that’s dead accurate. He never really pushes the envelope too far, though, and tries hard not to offend the liberals who will see themselves on the receiving end of his barbs and wisecracks. What helps is Burr’s sarcastic delivery and angry man persona, which you’ll either find hilarious or annoying.
There are a fair share of dad jokes and shopworn one-liners that made me wince, but the stuff that’s funny is truly hilarious. It’s also worth noting that you don’t need kids to find the movie humorous, because it’s an enjoyable spectator sport to poke fun at the pretentiousness of glib, self-righteous parents.
“Old Dads” has its moments, even if it’s not a slam dunk. Quality-wise, it lands squarely in the middle of the pack: and that’s probably just good enough for its intended audience.
By: Louisa Moore
