OLD DADS – Millennials Vs. Generation X on Netflix!

OLD DADS is directed by Bill Burr. The film stars Burr, Bobby Cannavale, and Bokeem Woodbine.

Three men, all parents, sell their replica jersey business to finance the education of their children, leading to a millennial takeover of their workplace. Meanwhile, the trio, very set in their “be your own boss” ways and a long bygone era, find themselves at odds with the modern world, from rough relationships to clashes with principals and those in the workplace. Will the three of them be able to get along in an ever-changing society there the way of life they know has been left by the wayside?

I don’t follow stand-up comedy too closely, but I have been aware of Bill Burr for several years now. While I’m not a die-hard follower of the man, one thing I won’t deny is he’s very funny. And this moviegoer was especially curious to hear that Mr. Burr would be making and starring in his directorial debut for Netflix, so I obviously couldn’t pass up the chance to screen the movie in a theater.

OLD DADS delivers about what you’d expect; an older generation clashing with millennials and overly political correct individuals and societies at large. It’s unabashedly crude at times, but luckily, the movie plays to the strengths of Burr and his co-stars. Some plot elements are shafted and not given the proper emphasis, but I watch comedies to laugh, and OLD DADS delivered in that department. For most movie streamers who want an R-rated comedy experience, it should be good enough.

Have you ever found yourself in inner turmoil thanks to a society where you can’t speak your mind due to the risk of offending someone? Are you sick and tired of having to water down everything you say? Are you a bit turned off by the changes in the world? OLD DADS is your movie. The premise is simple but it works. Bill Burr plays our aging Generation X “everyman” type who’s had enough and is subject to outbursts, but who must try to restrain himself for the sake of his career and family. Thankfully, the movie isn’t without a heart despite its crudity, so the results feel more believable.

Luckily, the casting of everyone else is just as effective. Viewers will truly believe these three friends and their kids and romantic interests truly are friends and family. There are moments of romance and bromance, not to mention the expected clashes that everyone faces. Seeing Generation X take on a millennial society isn’t exactly an original fish-out-of-water story; OLD DADS certainly isn’t the first take on it. But damned if it isn’t laugh-out-loud funny.

The weakness of the film is that some plot points and characters get more emphasis than others, and the lacking development in those areas is a disappointment. Certain characters are introduced and quickly shafted; one character appears in only a single scene and serves no purpose other than bodily functions. The script of the movie was good enough already; it didn’t need to be dumbed down with bodily humor. Luckily such scenes are rare, and the movie does rely more on witty verbal humor than lame physical gags.

OLD DADS is flawed but funny. If you’re looking for something hilarious to watch on a streaming service, this one will get plenty of laughs out of you despite the overall minor issues. Recommended.