Old Dogs - 1 1/2 smiles

Thanksgiving weekend used to indicate a solid box office (after Memorial Day, Christmas and July 4). Now, apparently, it’s a dumping ground. How else can you explain the release of “Old Dogs”? Every attempt at comedy is not only obvious, but also forced, including lots of pratfalls and references to bear poop, dog urine, and human flatulence. Plus “Old Dogs” marks the last screen appearance of Bernie Mac, whose death resulted in the movie’s opening being delayed by about six months. It’s also the last film John Travolta made before the death of his son, Jett, although the rest of the Travolta clan, wife Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Bleu, have roles. Robin Williams has given a strong dramatic performance in the recent “World’s Greatest Dad,” but it makes you wonder why he’s having so much trouble with comedy. Gotta be the script - you think?

The two ‘old dogs’ are best buddies Charlie (Travolta) and Dan (Williams), who have been in business together for close to 30 years. On the eve of their signing a lucrative contract with a Japanese firm, Dan discovers that a 24-hour fling seven years ago with Vicki (Kelly Preston) resulted in the birth of fraternal twins Zach (Conner Rayburn) and Emily (Ella Bleu Travolta). With Vicki due to spend two weeks in jail on a civil disobedience charge, she needs Dan to take care of the children. This leads to a series of misadventures, including a camping trip, a golf game and visit to the zoo. “Old Dogs” really isn’t that funny. There are more enjoyable movies out there. 12/3/09