“Old Dads: A Scathing Critique of Bill Burr’s Lackluster and Anger-Filled Netflix Comedy”

Review: “Old Dads” – Bill Burr’s Angry, Unfunny Netflix Comedy

Introduction

Bill Burr, the renowned comedian, has taken on the challenge of directing his debut film, “Old Dads,” which unfortunately falls short of expectations. The film revolves around three middle-aged fathers, Jack (Burr), Connor (Bobby Cannavale), and Mike (Bokeem Woodbine), who lament the past and rail against what they perceive as the politically correct climate of today. However, their complaints come across as bitter and unfunny, overshadowing any potential comedic moments.

A Retelling of Familiar Themes

The premise of “Old Dads” bears striking similarities to Judd Apatow’s films, where immature men transition into responsible adulthood. However, for a group of men in their 50s, resisting the passage of time becomes more complicated. Bill Burr’s film relies heavily on nostalgic longing for the past, in which they believe they could act with impunity. Their business ventures focus on selling throwback jerseys, reflecting a desire to relive the glory days. Yet, when they face the consequences of their actions, they must confront the reality of their aging selves.

The Unimpressive Script

The script, co-authored by Burr and Ben Tishler, represents Burr’s brand of prickly comedy. It often mimics the style of Jerry Seinfeld, presenting stale gripes as insightful observations. Burr targets electric scooter users, parking problems, and the use of pronouns, employing these issues as fodder for his routine. However, these jokes fail to provide the desired impact, sounding more like recycled complaints found on social media. The most cutting joke in the film involves an uncomfortable dialogue about immigration. Burr’s humor often hinges on self-deprecation, but in “Old Dads,” it rarely hits the mark.

Character Analysis

While Cannavale and Woodbine portray well-intentioned but clueless characters, Burr’s Jack stands out as the curmudgeonly and bitter center of the film. His bitterness, however, never reaches hatefulness, even though he radiates annoyance towards everything. In a pivotal moment, Jack’s righteousness shines through as he criticizes Joe Rogan for spreading misinformation. This moment reveals that Jack’s frustration with political correctness stems from people adopting sensitivity for fear of being ostracized, rather than genuine virtue. Though cynical, this perspective offers insight into Jack’s character and his struggle with societal changes.

A Familiar Dilemma

The film’s central theme revolves around Jack’s need to choose between retiring his rage-filled act or finding a new family. This dilemma parallels Ari Gold’s journey in the television series “Entourage,” where outdated views of manhood clash with the pressures of family life. Additionally, the fear of mortality lingers in both narratives, emphasizing the proximity of death as one relinquishes their youthful pursuits. While this theme is more pronounced in Burr’s film, it fails to explore the potential growth and acceptance that can accompany such a transition.

A Lackluster Resolution

“Old Dads” wraps up with Jack’s limited growth, as he learns to keep his frustrations to himself rather than confront others. Although this realization may bring some degree of peace, it falls short of providing substantial character development or comedic material. As Jack faces the challenges that come with age, viewers are left unsatisfied by his inability to adapt or find appreciation for the modern world. Ultimately, “Old Dads” lacks the necessary humor and depth to sustain a compelling storyline.

Editorial: An Exasperated Comedy

The Importance of Humour

Comedy serves as a valuable outlet for societal critique, allowing for the exploration of controversial topics and uncomfortable truths. It provides a platform for cultural commentary and allows us to reflect on the absurdities of life. However, successful comedy requires more than just angry rants and recycled grievances. It demands nuance, cleverness, and a deep understanding of societal dynamics. “Old Dads” falls short in this regard.

Lost Potential

Bill Burr, known for his sharp and often controversial stand-up, had the potential to create a comedy film that delved into thought-provoking themes. Unfortunately, “Old Dads” fails to live up to this promise. Instead of offering incisive social commentary, the film relies on repetitive complaints and unoriginal jokes. This lack of originality diminishes the impact Burr could have had as a director, and the film ultimately comes across as an opportunity missed.

Advice to Bill Burr

Embrace Growth and Adaptation

As a comedian and filmmaker, Bill Burr has a unique perspective and voice that can resonate with audiences. However, to truly make an impact, he must be willing to evolve and adapt his comedic style. While anger and frustration can be powerful comedic tools, they need to be balanced with wit, intelligence, and empathy. By exploring new comedic avenues and embracing growth, Burr can continue to engage audiences in a meaningful way.

Collaboration and Fresh Perspectives

Collaboration with talented writers and directors can offer valuable perspectives that enhance a project’s overall quality. Seeking out new voices and viewpoints can inject freshness into Burr’s work, helping him navigate the ever-changing landscape of comedy. By bringing in diverse voices, Burr can add depth and breadth to his films, ensuring that they resonate with a wide range of audiences.

Embrace Comedy with Purpose

Comedy is a powerful tool for social commentary, allowing artists to challenge societal norms and beliefs. Bill Burr has a unique opportunity to use his platform to shed light on current issues and provoke thought. By infusing his comedy with purpose and substance, Burr can create films that spark meaningful conversations and contribute to the cultural zeitgeist.

Conclusion

“Old Dads,” Bill Burr’s directorial debut, falls short of expectations, delivering an angry and unfunny portrayal of middle-aged men grappling with societal change. The film’s lackluster script and recycled jokes prove to be its downfall, overshadowing any potential for meaningful comedy. While Burr’s talent and comedic powers are evident, “Old Dads” ultimately fails to make a lasting impact. Moving forward, Burr would benefit from embracing growth, seeking fresh perspectives, and infusing his comedy with purpose. Only then can he truly captivate audiences and showcase his comedic genius.