Clearly Williams didn't get the memo that you definitely shouldn't work with John Travolta. Old Dogs is Williams at his worst; enthusiastically playing up to material that is neither funny on purpose or by accident. It is a film from the bargain basement of middle aged men comedy, endlessly flogging the dead horse that simply being a bit old, a bit lacking in self-awareness and a bit tragic is somehow worthy of jokes. It isn't and it never will be: just as simply pointing out things that happen in other films in an idiotic manner will ever make anything like Scary Movie funny. There are some good cameos - like Justin Long - but the issue is that the film uses them as the most valuable currency, superseding even Williams and Travolta, and the worst part of the thing is that it is entirely understandable. This definitely is Travolta's level, which is tragic in its own right, but Williams feels like he's baffled at the very idea that he even landed the role. His comic timing is all over the place, his character is an utter clod and the entire film is a push at its 5% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Unfortunately it feels a little like Williams was proving he was game for anything, particularly when he appears in his speedos getting a spray tan. Which are your favourite and least favourite Robin Williams performances? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
