Name: Old Dads
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2023-10-20T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, Bokeem Woodbine, Katie Aselton, Reign Edwards

The opening scene of Old Dads sets the tone with Bill Burr‘s character, Jack Kelly, being publicly berated by his son’s preschool director for the audacity of being two minutes late. It’s a moment that feels painfully specific to our times—middle-aged men navigating a world that seems increasingly hostile to their existence—and it’s where the film finds its sharpest edge.

Directed by stand-up comedian Bill Burr in his feature debut, Old Dads follows Jack (Burr), Connor Brody (Bobby Cannavale), and Mike Richards (Bokeem Woodbine) as they grapple with modern life after selling their business to a bunch of millennial CEOs. The premise is ripe for comedy, and Burr doesn’t shy away from leaning into the generational divide, particularly in scenes where Jack’s frustration with political correctness boils over or when Mike discovers his much younger girlfriend is pregnant despite his vasectomy.

The film’s strongest moments come from its performances. Burr brings his signature cranky energy to Jack, making him both infuriating and oddly relatable. His performance is a highlight, capturing the exasperation of a man who feels increasingly out of step with the world around him. Cannavale and Woodbine hold their own as his long-suffering friends, with Cannavale’s deadpan delivery providing a nice counterbalance to Burr’s volatility. The trio’s dynamic is the heart of the film, and their chemistry shines through in scenes like their road trip to convince a reclusive hermit to represent their company or their late-night casino bachelor party.

However, Old Dads stumbles when it tries too hard to be edgy. The jokes about political correctness and millennial sensibilities often feel tired and one-note, relying on outdated stereotypes rather than clever satire. For instance, the scene where Jack is forced to apologize to a room full of parents and children for his outburst feels more like a setup for a punchline than a genuine exploration of the character’s growth. The film also struggles with pacing, particularly in its third act, which feels rushed and convoluted as it tries to wrap up multiple storylines.

Where the film truly falters is in its lack of originality. While the premise has potential, Old Dads often feels like a rehash of better generational comedy films like Step Brothers or The Other Guys. The script leans too heavily on shock value and crude humor, which undercuts the moments of genuine insight into middle-aged male insecurity. For example, the scene where Mike’s young girlfriend reveals she’s pregnant despite his vasectomy is played for laughs rather than as a moment of genuine emotional complexity.

The film’s production values are solid if unremarkable, with competent direction from Burr but little in the way of standout visuals or innovative storytelling techniques. The soundtrack is a mixed bag, with anachronistic music choices that sometimes feel more distracting than nostalgic. For instance, the use of Leonard Cohen’s music feels oddly out of place in a film about middle-aged men struggling with modern sensibilities.

Despite its flaws, Old Dads has moments of genuine humor and heart. The performances are strong, and the film’s central premise taps into a real cultural tension. The dynamic between Burr, Cannavale, and Woodbine is the film’s strongest asset, and their chemistry elevates even the weaker moments. For instance, the scene where the trio confronts their misogynistic banter being recorded by a hidden camera is both funny and surprisingly poignant.

The film also touches on themes of fatherhood and aging with surprising depth at times. Jack’s struggles with his son’s preschool director highlight the frustrations of modern parenting, while Mike’s unexpected pregnancy forces him to confront his own mortality and readiness for fatherhood again. These moments add a layer of emotional resonance that elevates the film above mere shock humor.

Old Dads is a film that will likely resonate with a specific audience—middle-aged men who feel increasingly out of step with the modern world. It’s a film that your weird conspiracy theory uncle might love, one that leans into outdated stereotypes and crude humor to make its points. However, it also offers moments of genuine insight and emotional depth that may appeal to a broader audience.

The film’s release on Netflix in October 2023 speaks to its target demographic—streaming audiences looking for something familiar and comforting. It’s not a film that will win over critics or redefine the comedy genre, but it has its charms. The chemistry between Burr, Cannavale, and Woodbine is undeniable, and their performances carry the film through its weaker moments.

In terms of comparisons, Old Dads shares DNA with films like Step Brothers, which also explores the dynamics of middle-aged male friendship and frustration with modern life. However, where Step Brothers excels in its absurd humor and heartfelt moments, Old Dads often feels more cynical and less willing to take risks.

The film’s directorial debut by Bill Burr shows signs of promise, particularly in his ability to wrangle strong performances from his cast. However, the screenplay’s reliance on tired jokes about political correctness and millennial sensibilities holds it back from reaching its full potential. The humor often feels more mean-spirited than clever, and the film struggles to find a balance between satire and genuine emotional resonance.

Old Dads is not without its moments of brilliance. The scene where Jack encounters a reclusive hermit who has chosen to live off-grid since the 1980s is both funny and thought-provoking, highlighting the film’s potential for deeper exploration of its themes. Similarly, the dynamic between Burr and Rachael Harris as Dr. Lois Schmieckel-Turner adds a layer of complexity to Jack’s character, showing his struggle with anger management and the expectations placed upon him as a father.

Ultimately, Old Dads is a film that will divide audiences. Those looking for a straightforward comedy with familiar jokes about generational differences may find it entertaining, while those seeking something more original or insightful may be left wanting.