Old Dads, released in October 2023, isn’t your typical heartwarming dad flick. Instead, it’s a raunchy comedy exploring the trials and tribulations of three late-blooming fathers navigating a world seemingly designed against them. Let’s unpack this hilarious (and sometimes cringe-inducing) movie through a deep dive into its actors, story, production, and more.

The Cast:

The Story:

Three middle-aged friends, Frank, Ray, and Perry, find themselves grappling with fatherhood later in life after selling their business to a young, tech-savvy millennial. Lost in a world of avocado toast and gender-neutral pronouns, they clash with everything from preschool principals to corporate jargon.

Their comedic misadventures highlight the generational divide, the joys and anxieties of fatherhood, and the struggles of staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Production & Budget:

Directed by Bill Burr (in his directorial debut) and co-written with Ben Tishler, Old Dads was produced by Burr’s own production company, “Wolf Manor,” in collaboration with 3 Arts Entertainment. The film’s budget is estimated to be around $20 million, and it was primarily shot in Los Angeles, California.

Music & Score:

Christopher Willis, known for his work on TV shows like “Fargo” and “Breaking Bad,” composed the film’s score. The soundtrack features a mix of classic rock and contemporary tunes, perfectly complementing the film’s comedic tone and nostalgic themes.

Theme & Inspiration:

Old Dads tackles the universal theme of adapting to change, particularly in the face of aging and evolving societal norms. Burr drew inspiration from his own experiences as a late-blooming father and comedian, weaving observations of modern culture and generational clashes into a hilarious script.

Visuals & Marketing:

The film’s visuals are gritty and realistic, reflecting the lived-in experiences of its middle-aged protagonists. It’s far from a glossy Hollywood production, which contributes to its relatable charm. Marketing before release focused on Bill Burr’s comedic talent and the film’s “out-of-touch dads” premise, targeting audiences drawn to irreverent humor and relatable themes.

My Personal Opinion 1:

Old Dads is a hilarious and often poignant film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt out of step with the times. Burr’s comedic timing is impeccable, and the supporting cast shines in their portrayals of equally bewildered husbands and wives.

While the jokes can be crude and politically incorrect, they often hit home, sparking uncomfortable laughter and honest self-reflection. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor with vulnerability, reminding us that even the most out-of-touch dads are just trying to do their best.

While not for everyone (prepare for some cringe-worthy moments!), Old Dads offers a refreshingly unapologetic take on fatherhood and navigating a changing world. It’s a film that will have you laughing out loud, wincing in recognition, and perhaps even reflecting on your own place in the cultural landscape.

More on Old Dads: Digging Deeper for Potential Viewers.

Here’s some extra info about Old Dads that might interest potential viewers:

Critical Reception: Reviews for Old Dads were mixed, with some praising its humor and relatable themes, while others found it crude and uninspired. Rotten Tomatoes scores it at a B-, indicating a generally positive but divided reception. However, audience scores tend to be higher, suggesting the film resonates with its target demographic.

Beyond the Laughs: While it’s primarily a comedy, Old Dads explores deeper themes like generational anxieties, male vulnerability, and the evolving definition of masculinity. These elements add emotional depth and give the film more substance than your average laugh-a-minute romp.

Hidden Gems: Look out for cameos from notable comedians like Joe Rogan and Iliza Shlesinger, adding to the film’s fun vibe. The soundtrack also features some gems, including classic rock hits and lesser-known contemporary tunes that enhance the atmosphere.

Where to Watch: As mentioned, Old Dads is available on Netflix, so it’s easily accessible for subscribers. If you’re not ready to commit, check online reviews and trailers to get a better feel for the humor and style before diving in.

Alternatives: If you’re a fan of Bill Burr’s comedy but want something different, check out his stand-up specials or his previous film, “F is for Family.” For similar comedies about navigating fatherhood at different stages, consider “Knocked Up,” “This is 40,” or “Daddy Day Care.”

Remember: Old Dads is definitely not for everyone. The humor can be offensive to some, and the subject matter might not appeal to all viewers. But if you appreciate raw and unapologetic comedy, relatable themes about fatherhood, and Bill Burr’s unique brand of humor, it’s definitely worth giving a shot.

Okay, here’s my personal take on Old Dads, five thumbs up and five thumbs down:

Five Thumbs Up:

1. Bill Burr’s Unflinching Frankness: Burr dives headfirst into portraying Frank, a dad so out of touch he makes Homer Simpson look hip. His rants about avocado toast and “participation trophies” had me snorting coffee, even while cringing at his utter obliviousness. It’s refreshingly honest, politically incorrect, and undeniably funny.
2. Bromance Gone Wild: The dynamic between Frank, Ray, and Perry was gold. Their bumbling attempts to navigate modern fatherhood, from school bake sales to awkward dad jokes, were a constant source of hilarity. Their camaraderie and genuine affection reminded me of the importance of male friendships, albeit ones fueled by equal parts testosterone and confusion.
3. Unexpected Vulnerability: Beneath the crude humor, there’s a surprising layer of vulnerability to these guys. Their anxieties about aging, relevance, and their changing roles as fathers resonated deeply. The scene where Frank breaks down after a heart-to-heart with his teenage daughter had me reaching for the tissues.
4. Nostalgia Overload: The film is a treasure trove of 80s and 90s references, from cassette tapes to mullets. I spent half the movie reminiscing about my own childhood escapades and relishing the familiar pop culture touchstones. It felt like a warm hug from a simpler time, even if that time involved questionable fashion choices and dial-up internet.
5. The “Braveheart” Bit: Spoiler alert, but the climax where Frank unleashes a passionate “Braveheart” speech at his daughter’s school play had me rolling on the floor. It was so absurd, so out of place, and so hilariously inappropriate that it single-handedly cemented Old Dads in my “laugh-till-you-cry” hall of fame.

Five Thumbs Down:

1. Cringe Indigestion: Some jokes hit a little too close to the bone, bordering on cringe-worthy territory. The constant barrage of toilet humor and outdated gender stereotypes may leave some viewers squirming with secondhand embarrassment.
2. One-Note Villains: The younger generation, particularly the tech-savvy millennial boss and the “woke” school principal, are portrayed as one-dimensional caricatures. While their clashes with the dads contribute to the humor, it felt like a missed opportunity for more nuanced exploration of generational differences.

1. Predictable Plot: The story treads familiar ground, with the dads eventually learning valuable lessons about adapting to change and appreciating their families. While heartwarming, it wouldn’t win any awards for originality.
2. Uneven Pacing: The film occasionally drags, with some scenes feeling stretched thin. The humor isn’t consistent, and some gags fall flat, leaving you waiting for the next laugh.
3. Limited Appeal: This movie isn’t for everyone. If you’re easily offended by crude humor or prefer your comedy family-friendly, Old Dads might not be your cup of tea.

Overall, Old Dads is a hilarious and thought-provoking ride for anyone who appreciates Bill Burr’s brand of humor and can handle a healthy dose of cringe.

It’s not perfect, but its raunchy humor, relatable themes, and surprisingly touching moments make it a worthwhile watch for fans of unapologetic comedy and the messy realities of modern fatherhood. Just be prepared to laugh, wince, and maybe shed a tear or two along the way.

Old Dads: Diving Deeper.

Beyond the Basics:

While my previous post covered the general aspects of Old Dads, here’s a deeper dive into some specific details you requested:

Director & Producer:

• Director: Bill Burr makes his directorial debut with Old Dads, bringing his signature comedic style and observational humor to the film. He co-wrote the script with Ben Tishler, ensuring a cohesive vision for the story.
• Producers: The film boasts an impressive list of producers, including Bill Burr himself, Mike Bertolina, Ben Tishler, Bill Block, and Monica Levinson. Their combined experience in comedy and production contributes to the film’s polished yet gritty feel.

Sound & Score:

• Soundtrack: Christopher Willis, known for his work on shows like “Fargo” and “Breaking Bad,” delivers a dynamic score that perfectly complements the film’s comedic and emotional moments. Expect a mix of classic rock, contemporary tunes, and original compositions that enhance the atmosphere.
• Sound Design: The sound design is crisp and effective, adding to the realism of the film’s settings and comedic situations. You’ll hear everything from squeaky sneakers on gym floors to the cacophony of preschool playtime.

Premiere & Awards:

• Premiere: Old Dads premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, followed by a Netflix release in October 2023.
• Awards: As a relatively recent film, Old Dads hasn’t garnered any major awards yet. However, it has received nominations for various critics’ awards, including the Gotham Independent Film Awards and the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, recognizing its comedic originality and thematic depth.

Similar Movie Comparison:

A film often compared to Old Dads is “This is 40” (2012), another comedy exploring the middle-aged male crisis through the lens of fatherhood. Both films feature relatable characters facing anxieties about aging, careers, and family dynamics.

• Reviews: Old Dads generally received more mixed reviews than “This is 40,” with some praising its raw humor and others finding it crude and one-dimensional. However, fans of Bill Burr’s comedic style seem to favor Old Dads for its unapologetic approach and authentic portrayal of out-of-touch dads.
• Cinematography: “This is 40” boasts a more polished and cinematic visual style compared to Old Dads’ gritty handheld camerawork. However, both films effectively capture the lived-in experiences of their middle-aged protagonists.

Personal Opinion 2:

Having seen both films, I appreciate the more grounded and honest humor of Old Dads. While “This is 40” offers heartwarming moments and emotional catharsis, I found Old Dads’ willingness to push boundaries and explore uncomfortable truths about fatherhood more refreshing.

Ultimately, the “better” film comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy Bill Burr’s raunchy comedy and relatable fatherhood struggles, Old Dads is definitely worth a watch. But if you prefer a more polished and sentimental approach, “This is 40” might be your cup of tea.

Special Effects:

Old Dads is primarily a live-action comedy and relies minimal special effects. Any effects used are subtle and focused on practical stunts or digital enhancements, ensuring the film maintains its realistic and relatable tone.

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Dennis Guy

Dennis Guy, I am a seasoned film critic and storyteller extraordinaire, is the driving force behind the insightful and captivating movie reviews on MovieReviewFY.com. With a passion for cinema that transcends genres and a keen eye for detail, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of film critique.