Scat Happens

"What's all that racket?" "I don't know. It could be immigrants.....or raccoons." It is difficult to tell exactly what type of movie Old Dogs was attempting to be, but I do know this: It made me laugh heartily. I do know that. I also know that the lady sitting in there was also truly enjoying the comedy of the movie. The premise in itself is a bit ridiculous considering it is a Disney movie. It's based on a drunken one night stand/14 hour marriage resulting in children that the dad is unaware of until the mother contacts him seven years later when she is in town because she has to spend two weeks in jail. Plot hole: the mother lives in Vermont where she was charged with environmental terrorism; HOWEVER, she is being sent to prison somewhere in New Jersey. What the heck is that all about?! Whatever, the movie made me laugh, I don't question holes in the plot like that. I'm not exactly sure what made me laugh so much at this film, but I did. Some key points of comedy: (a) Robin Williams (the dad/Dan) and John Travolta (Charlie) switch their old man pills, leaving Dan with a loss of depth perception during an important golf game, and Charlie with a face paralyzed into a Joker smile during a bereavement potluck. Where do they come up with this stuff? Pure genius. (b) The children are at an age where they could easily be the grandchildren and there are numerous "old person" jokes. For example, Charlie "wets" his pants at a restaurant while trying to hit on a young waitress (Oh Rachelle, why weren't you played by Kristen Bell. The attraction would have been so much more realistic). (c) Dan and Charlie take the children on a camping trip, where it is presumed that they act as "dual" fathers to the children. Once again hilarity ensues. Bonus comedy: Ultimate frisbee is featured at the camp (unfortunately, they all cheated/were not good), and Dan and Charlie rub bear scat on their faces in preparation. (d) While in South Beach, Charlie convinces Dan to get a tattoo saying "Free Man" due to his recent divorce. The tattoo artist misunderstands and writes "Fremont." Who are these writers?! The list could go on, but I don't want to ruin the movie for you. So, basically, the first hour and ten minutes or so were brilliant, comedic genius. Then it got sappy (except for the love shown by a 500 pound gorilla toward Seth Green's character, who, as it just so happens, loves karaoke), and I won't bore you with the details. All in all, a much better movie than I was expecting as far as laugh factor. About what I was expecting as far as storyline. Oh yeah, while in prison, the mother managed to personalize two license plates for her kids and carve a bunny rabbit figure out of soap for Charlie. Nice.