Old Dads

This film will divide generations, I consider myself as quite a liberal sort of person but the mauling this is getting from certain critics says more about them than anything. If you like Bill Burr then you'll love this movie, if you are easily offended and like to pretend that everything can be sanitised and pigeonholed away then you probably won't.

It's a Bill Burr stand up routine in the form of a movie, it's not cancel culture (as some would describe) but more about how ridiculous the world seems these days compared to what people like me (a 50 something) grew up with. Personally I found it laugh out loud funny, something original in a sea of mediocrity.

It had some funny moments, but I found myself being more frustrated than anything. I guess the emasculation of men is supposed to be funny? The men do nothing wrong and the women are absolutely insufferable, but everything is the men's fault. I can't believe this wasn't written by a woman. I feel like this movie missed an opportunity to make a real statement by going in the direction they chose. In the end the only statement made is that men are terrible and it's acceptable to treat them as such.

Outside of those issues, I feel like it was a well made movie. The acting was good, in particular Bobby Cannavale who I usually do not care for.

The most amusing humor is the one that reflects reality. Jack's interactions with the school staff and other parents, and their exaggeratedly militant "faux sensitive" responses, are difficult to watch because they mirror real-life situations. Each of them hides behind a shield of political correctness, using it as a weapon, which contradicts their claimed "sensitivity." Jack confronts them, stating at one point, "All you care about is not getting in trouble." The obnoxious 20-something who takes over their company embodies the tiresome, lazy, and arrogant boss we all fear - he has never worked hard, relying on his sense of being "special" to mistreat others. Unfortunately, Jack's "epiphany" about two-thirds of the way through spoils the entire story. His wife shuts him out, citing his "anger" issues. But he doesn't have anger issues. He doesn't physically harm anyone, damage property, unjustly dismiss people from their jobs, avoid work while others labor, or torment his peers or colleagues with a superior attitude. Occasionally, he may call people names and raise his voice. That's about it. Otherwise, he is the most honest, hard-working, and fair person in the entire narrative. It's disheartening that the movie takes a downturn by depicting his "transformation" into a diluted, weak version of himself. This is a TERRIBLE outcome, yet the film portrays it as if he has achieved some kind of successful peak.

Let me start by saying that there is a definite trigger warning if you are a man in the male cast members age group. There is plenty of realism here with how women treat men especially in relation to the children. The plot is simple and pretty predictable but the men in this film took more mess than they deserved. There was really no apology or remorse from the offenders. As I said I guess it's realistic and very sad for older men. The whole scene with the children's private school and the head of the school was absolutely disgusting. The fact that the females turn on their men so quickly is just a sad thing to see. My hope is that women watching this movie will open their eyes and see how damaging their words can be and realize that..even though as a mother your child is a top priority.. you can easily push the man away at the same time.

I loved it. I haven't laughed like that in ages. Some of Jack's retorts are painful-cringe-funny. Especially when he insults Rachael Harris' character (Dr. Lois Schmieckel-Turner). At one point, I was screaming at my screen "just elbow her in the face". Speaking on behalf of all sensible women: we would have forgiven you.

You know Burr is quoting from life with a lot of these interactions, and he's right to highlight the absurdity of some behaviours, but I absolutely loved that he also showed the progress we've made as a society.

When the men are having their toxic conversations in the car and Travis (Justin Miles) breezily and confidently calls the friends out for it, I was very happy because media is a great way to normalise these types of conversations between men. I also liked that Jack pointed out it was a private conversation and people are entitled to privacy.

There was never a lull, I didn't feel the need to check my phone, and the pace was sharp. I actually forgot I was watching Bill Burr after only a few scenes. He's a genuinely good actor and fit in very well with the rest of the cast. They all had great chemistry as friends - Mike and Connor (Bokeem Woodbine and Bobby Cannavale) were the perfect combination with Jack (Burr). Mike in particular did some fine acting as a man having a bit of a mental breakdown, and Bobby has perfect comedic timing, as always. Absolute natural.

Justin Miles as Travis gets two of some of the most memorable laugh out loud scenes: one with Mike (Woodbine) in the car. Genuinely think I startled my neighbours with my cackling at that scene.

Other mentions are the actresses portraying Leah, Britney and Cara (Katie Aselton, Reign Edwards, Jackie Tohn). It makes all the difference when your actors can.. erm.. act(!) I really felt Leah's frustration and empathised with her even through just a handful of scenes. Britney had even less screen time (and her Beyoncé level of beauty was frankly, distracting..!) but she was effortless and likeable. Cara was hilarious!! Somehow, she was written to be infuriating and endearing simultaneously. She has a habit at the beginning that had me rooting for someone to punch her in the face!

I liked the ending. It didn't feel forced and because I follow Burr, and have watched films before, I knew what to expect. What makes this film great isn't the originality. Is that a thing anymore, anyway? It's the writing, the acting, the fact that you're invested, and the realistic outcomes. I particularly loved the very final scene(s). They summed up the film really well. I took away from this that we can all meet somewhere in the middle.

It's 9/10 for me.