Old Dogs (2009)
Release Date:
2009
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 28m

Synopsis:
Old Dogs follows the story of two best friends, Dan and Charlie, who are business partners in a successful sports marketing firm. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Dan discovers he has twin children from a previous relationship. The kids, Zach and Emily, are suddenly thrust into Dan and Charlie's world, leading to a series of comedic misadventures. As the duo tries to balance their work commitments with the challenges of parenting, they find themselves in a whirlwind of chaos, including a disastrous camping trip and a mix-up with medication. The film showcases the humorous trials and tribulations of two men who are completely out of their depth in the world of parenting, all while trying to maintain their friendship and business.






Old Dogs, released in 2009, is a comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie combines elements of slapstick humor and family-friendly themes, focusing on the comedic misadventures of two business partners who unexpectedly find themselves responsible for caring for young twins. While some parents appreciate its lighthearted and entertaining nature, others feel the humor is too simplistic or relies on clichés. Overall, the film is generally seen as a fun, albeit predictable, choice for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch Old Dogs
Old Dogs offers several positive elements that make it appealing to young audiences.
- Promotes the importance of friendship and family bonds.
- Features a humorous scene where the characters learn to adapt to unexpected challenges.
- Includes visually engaging and comedic moments that kids find entertaining.
- Showcases the value of teamwork and problem-solving.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Old Dogs
Some parents have concerns about certain aspects of the movie.
- Contains themes of parental responsibility that may be confusing for younger viewers.
- Includes slapstick humor that might be seen as too silly or unrealistic.
- Some scenes may be visually chaotic, potentially overwhelming for sensitive children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the simplistic humor and reliance on clichés.
What Parents Should Know About Old Dogs
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The characters demonstrate the importance of adapting to new situations and supporting friends. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of sudden parental responsibility may require some explanation for younger viewers. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters face humorous consequences for their mistakes, reinforcing the idea of learning from errors. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted as the characters work together to solve problems. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the value of friendship and family, showing that support and cooperation are key. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Old Dogs is praised for its comedic approach to family dynamics and the importance of friendship. However, some parents feel the humor is too basic and the plot predictable. Engaging with children during the movie can help clarify any confusing themes and enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar content, movies like "Cheaper by the Dozen" or "Daddy Day Care" might offer a more balanced mix of humor and heart.
Official Old Dogs Trailer
Old Dogs, released in 2009, is a comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie combines elements of slapstick humor and family-friendly themes, focusing on the comedic misadventures of two business partners who unexpectedly find themselves responsible for caring for young twins. While some parents appreciate its lighthearted and entertaining nature, others feel the humor is too simplistic or relies on clichés. Overall, the film is generally seen as a fun, albeit predictable, choice for family viewing.
Why Kids Should Watch Old Dogs
Old Dogs offers several positive elements that make it appealing to young audiences.
- Promotes the importance of friendship and family bonds.
- Features a humorous scene where the characters learn to adapt to unexpected challenges.
- Includes visually engaging and comedic moments that kids find entertaining.
- Showcases the value of teamwork and problem-solving.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Old Dogs
Some parents have concerns about certain aspects of the movie.
- Contains themes of parental responsibility that may be confusing for younger viewers.
- Includes slapstick humor that might be seen as too silly or unrealistic.
- Some scenes may be visually chaotic, potentially overwhelming for sensitive children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the simplistic humor and reliance on clichés.
What Parents Should Know About Old Dogs
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The characters demonstrate the importance of adapting to new situations and supporting friends. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of sudden parental responsibility may require some explanation for younger viewers. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters face humorous consequences for their mistakes, reinforcing the idea of learning from errors. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted as the characters work together to solve problems. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The movie emphasizes the value of friendship and family, showing that support and cooperation are key. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Old Dogs is praised for its comedic approach to family dynamics and the importance of friendship. However, some parents feel the humor is too basic and the plot predictable. Engaging with children during the movie can help clarify any confusing themes and enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar content, movies like "Cheaper by the Dozen" or "Daddy Day Care" might offer a more balanced mix of humor and heart.
Official Old Dogs Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Old Dogs
Old Dogs's most common core values include Family love, Friendship, and Responsibility. The movie showcases Family Love as Dan learns to embrace his role as a father, discovering the joy and challenges of parenting his twin children. Friendship is highlighted through the unwavering bond between Dan and Charlie, who support each other through the chaos of unexpected parenthood. Their camaraderie is tested but ultimately strengthened as they navigate the ups and downs together. Responsibility is a key theme as both men learn to juggle their professional lives with the newfound duties of caring for children, often leading to Humorous yet heartfelt situations.
These core values are woven throughout the story, teaching kids the importance of cherishing family, being a loyal friend, and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Being a good friend | Growth mindset | Helping others | Love | Making good choices | Perseverance | Self-discovery | Teamwork | Trying new things
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Old Dogs
Importance of Family: Kids learn the importance of family as Dan embraces his role as a father to his newfound children, Zach and Emily. Despite the initial chaos, Dan's growing bond with his kids shows that family connections can strengthen even in unexpected situations.
Embracing Unexpected Love: Children see how embracing unexpected love can change lives when Dan opens his heart to his children. This newfound love brings joy and fulfillment, teaching kids that love can come from surprising places.
Learning from Mistakes: The movie highlights how learning from mistakes is crucial. Dan and Charlie's misadventures, like the camping trip gone wrong, show kids that making mistakes is part of life, but it's important to learn and grow from them.
Supporting Your Friends: Kids observe the value of supporting friends as Dan and Charlie navigate the challenges of parenting together. Their teamwork and friendship demonstrate how having a supportive friend can lead to personal growth and success.
Treasuring Time with Loved Ones: The film emphasizes treasuring time with loved ones. As Dan spends more time with his children, kids see how important it is to cherish moments with family, creating lasting memories and stronger bonds.
Other Lessons Learned: Finding Happiness in Relationships | Letting Go of the Past | Believing in Second Chances | Practicing Empathy | Growing Through Discomfort
Why Kids Love Old Dogs
Old Dogs is a whirlwind of laughter and chaos, where kids are entertained by the hilarious antics of Dan and Charlie as they stumble through the unexpected world of parenting. The movie is filled with funny characters and silly jokes that keep kids giggling, especially when the duo finds themselves in awkward situations and slapstick comedy moments. From mishaps during a camping trip to mix-ups with medication, the film is a rollercoaster of comedic disasters that kids find endlessly amusing.
The unexpected friendships and teamwork between Dan, Charlie, and the twins add a heartwarming touch, as they navigate their way through the challenges together. Kids will love the scenes where teamwork wins the day, and the characters help each other in need, all while learning to lead in their own unique ways. With its blend of humor, adventure, and the joy of making new friends, Old Dogs is a fun-filled ride that keeps kids entertained and laughing throughout.