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Release Date: March 2nd, 2007 by Touchtone Pictures. The Cast: Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence, William H. Macy, Ray Liotta, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Durant, M.C. Gainey, Jill Hennessy, Dominic James, Tichina Arnold, Stephen Tobolowsky. Directed by Walt Becker. BASIC PREMISE: Four men avoid a mid-life crisis by going on a road trip on motorcycles. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Wild Hogs fails to be entertaining because of the lack of charisma and chemistry of its four middle-aged leads: Tim Allen as Doug, John Travolta as Woody, Martin Lawrence as Bobby and William H. Macy as Dudley. It’s not clear even clear how they became good friends to begin with or what their real purpose is for going on the trip. Once they leave their life in suburbia and hit the open road, that’s when the comedy kicks into full gear—or at least tries to. Since when is it funny to watch a bunch of men skinny dipping while a flamboyant biker cop flirts with them or when a family with kids jumps into the water? In later scene, Bobby squirts mustard and ketchup all over another character’s face. Dudley stands out as the funniest and only likable character—an insecure, clumsy computer programmer who has his eye on a beautiful woman (Tomei) he meets in New Mexico. If only he were a main character. In a rather silly, contrived subplot, the bikers cross paths with a rival motorbike team called Del Fuegos, led by Jack (Liotta). The script by Brad Cooper offers very little in terms of originality and imagination. Many scenes feel quite juvenile with awkward innuendos and slapstick humor that often falls flat. Director Walt Becker simply doesn’t know how to properly film action sequences without inducing headaches. Becker’s last movie was the direct-to-cable Buying the Cow. This movie should have also gone direct-to-cable. Moreover, it’s quite disappointing that he didn’t include any bloopers during the end credits. Watch for a cameo by one of the stars of Easy Rider, a classic motorbike buddy flick from the late 60’s that actually had style and memorable characters with charisma. SPIRITUAL VALUE: None is required or desired. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None, as long as you check your brain at the door. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 6 IN A NUTSHELL: Juvenile, uninspired and unfunny. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: TV Main Page Alphabetical Menu Chronological Menu The "W" Menu ______________________________________________________ |
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