Old Dogs
Reviewed by Lynn Breau
“Old Dogs” is about two middle-aged, lifelong friends and business partners who are used to taking care of just themselves, but suddenly find that they are now responsible for others. Others, as in children of one of the men, Dan (Robin Williams), that he never knew existed. His friend and business partner, Charlie (John Travolta) is the not-so-responsible one who continually supports Dan, albeit immaturely, in Dan’s new role as a parent.
I have to say I laughed until it hurt in the middle when the men are suffering from the side effects of medications taken by mistake. Emily, (Ella Bleu Travolta) is adorable and shows off her acting talent. Vicki, (Kelly Preston), is semi-believable as Emily and Zach’s (Conner Rayburn) mom. She didn’t quite capture the desperation of a mother leaving her children with someone who is, to them, a complete stranger to serve time in jail.
Jimmie Lunchbox, (Bernie Mac) makes his last and very brief appearance in this movie, but he showed his true comedic style that will be sorely missed.
Warning and spoiler: Brief funeral scene of Charlie’s beloved dog that may upset some younger viewers and animal lovers. The antics in the zoo make up for all that, though. Usually the commercials show all the good scenes, but trust me when I say, “You haven’t seen them all.”