Four middle-aged men, three stuck in dysfunctional relationships and one unable to even talk to a woman, get their motors running and head out on their Harleys in Wild Hogs, a comedy from Van Wilder director Walt Becker. Wild Hogs takes the 'let's throw in every goofy set-up we can and see if something works' approach to filmmaking and actually manages a few decent comedic moments - almost in spite of itself. Pros Travolta, Allen, Macy and Lawrence sell the friendship and fit together well Enough slapstick comedy to keep it chugging along It gets a few Brownie points for trying to include a little heart along with the laughs Cons Surprisingly homophobic for a studio film in this day and age The nerdy computer guy can't use his own laptop - yeah, right! Description Stars John Travolta, William H Macy, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, Ray Liotta, and Marisa Tomei The actors had varying degrees of experience riding motorcycles before the film, with Travolta easily the best of the group Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, and some violence Theatrical Release Date: March 2, 2007 Guide Review - "Wild Hogs" Movie Review The Story John Travolta, William H Macy, Tim Allen and Martin Lawrence play buddies who feel the need to escape from their 9-to-5 lives and decide the best way to recapture some of their lost youth is to take off on their Harleys. The foursome includes Doug (Allen), a dentist with identity issues; Bobby (Martin), a frustrated writer forced by his domineering wife to return to the world of plumbing; Dudley (Macy), a 40-year-old virgin who can't speak to a woman if his life depends on it; and Woody, the 'leader' of the pack who instigates the roadtrip. Woody's so-called charmed life with a swimsuit model wife and successful business is all a big front, and he needs to get away with his best buds to put some distance between himself and his troubles. Off they go and, of course, absolutely nothing turns out as they planned. Their tents burn down and they encounter a motorcycle cop who believes the men are lovers and wants to join in on the fun. Things get really hairy when they run afoul of a group of real bikers who don't like couch potato posers who think black leather jackets and a cool logo patch are all it takes to be bikers. To Sum It Up Although they sound like an unlikely group of actors to play friends, Allen, Travolta, Macy and Lawrence are absolutely convincing. The acting's not the problem with Wild Hogs. The film's downfall is the time spent building the backstories and showing the families of the foursome. Wild Hogs might have been much more enjoyable if it left out their families completely and just concentrated on the buddy humor, freeing up time for more slapstick comedy - the part of the film that works the best. Wild Hogs is forgettable, but fun in parts. From bull-slapping to naked waterhole antics, Wild Hogs tries its hardest to rise above road trip movie clichés and just barely makes it.Read full review
'Wild Hogs' is an All-Star Comedy that melds the talents of John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy in the cinematic equivalent of a supergroup. Most of the humor can be described as "this is so dumb I can't believe I'm laughing," but there is nothing wrong with brain-dead comedy, so long as the jokes work. Of course, the problem with most movies of that ilk is that they quickly run out of gas and the jokes fall flat. That fate eventually befalls 'Wild Hogs' as well, although it scores extra points for a fun end-credit sequence — but mostly this congenial tale of middle-aged wannabe crazies proves surprisingly entertaining. In this sissy-biker 'City Slickers', the stars are suburbanites in the throws of a collective midlife crisis. Their informal motorcycle club, the "Wild Hogs," is their only escape from their mundane existences. Dentist Doug (Allen), a one-time wild man, now spends his time watching his cholesterol and stewing over his inability to connect with his young son. Plumber Bobby (Lawrence) has to live with the ignominy that it is his wife, Karen (Tichina Arnold), who truly wears the pants in the family. Geeky, clumsy, and terminally shy computer programmer Dudley (Macy) has no real life. Formerly the most successful of all of them, Woody (Travolta) recently lost his business, his money, and his swimsuit-model wife. So what are four guys whose self-esteem is in the toilet to do but heed Horace Greeley's advice to "Go West, Young Man!"? Concept? : Travel West from Ohio to the Pacific Ocean, camping out on the open road and going wherever the highway takes them. Cell phones, wives, and kids are not allowed. Neither is common sense, apparently, as they think nothing of stopping in at a real biker bar, believing in some kind of fantasy of a motorcycle brotherhood. The Del Fuegos, headed by hotheaded Jack (Ray Liotta channeling his psycho character from 'Something Wild' & 'Unlawful Entry' & 'Goodfella's'). The bar's regulars, disagree, and they're willing to chase the Hogs across the country—or at least to the nearby town of Madrid — to assert their differences. The first half of 'Wild Hogs' is just plain silly, with the type of humor that arises out of male panic, whether it be fear of women or of homophobia (no one is ever quite sure of Dudley's sexuality, and when the quartet meets John C. McGinley's exuberantly gay Highway Patrolman, their reaction is hysterical in every sense of the word). And while Travolta, Allen, and Lawrence are pleasant enough on screen, it is Macy who steals every scene he is in, whether he is falling off his motorcycle for the Zillionth Time or mouthing one of the inept Dudley's goofball lines. The man is a national treasure. Once the Del Fuegos enter the scene, the humor is less reliable, possibly because Liotta is so intense it throws off the rhythm of the movie. And so, as stupid comedies often do, it begins to wear out its welcome. But stick around !!!! Kyle Gass' Cameo as perhaps the world's most insane karaoke singer (his cover of The 'Pussycat Dolls' - "Don't Cha" — with its refrain of "Don't Cha Wish Your Girlfriend was Hot Like Me? Don't Cha Wish your Girlfriend was a Freak Like Me?" — is worth the price of a movie ticket by itself). The laughs may be more sporadic, but they still come. And sometimes that is about all anyone can wish for. Just make sure to check that brain at home — you won't be needing it. Good Laughs !!!! Have Fun !!!!Read full review
I bought this for the Husband, and was glad I did! What a Hoot. 4 guys going thru Mid Life Crisis, and set out on a trip to CALIFORNIA, and run into a Bad Gang of Bikers (Lead by Ray Lolita). William Macy plays a Charactor (Geek)that has NO business anywhere NEAR a Bike!Travolita Plays a Broke and recently divorce Single who is all talk and no action! Martin Lawrence and William Lacy MADE this Movie Classic and funny! Tim Allen (Plays a Dentist)wasn't the star of the Movie, and also wasn't that funny in this, but the 4 of them made this Movie Fun. Enjoy!
I never watched this movie until my wife and I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico to visit a high school freind of mine and his wife. A conversation came up about movies, specifically ones that were filmed in or near Albuquerque. Wild Hogs was mentioned, and we stopped in Madrid, the place where the film takes place, mostly. Since we stopped in Madrid on our way to Santa Fe, we watched this movie that night. I thought it was kind of cool. I am not a big biker fan, but this movie had the right touch of comedy and comradship that many of us middle age guys look for. Upone returning home to New York, I bought this movie on DVD from an E-Bay auction. Nice movie!
Super Funny Movie. characters are relatable to middle aged people but, i think any age would enjoy this movie. All Star Cast, a "Must See" Movie. 2 thumbs up!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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