Go see “Wild Hogs”
Wild Hogs is a well-told story of four middle-aged men trying to recapture the adventure of their younger days through a motorcycle trip to the pacific. Doug, Woody, Bobby, and Dudley, are well crafted characters played by well known actors. It isn't four times funnier than any of these actors might have done on their own but its worth watching.
Allen, Lawrence, and Macy only have to be funny but Travolta's role was the corner-stone of the film. I think Travolta has acted much better in films like Phenomenon and Broken Arrow. With all the cameos this looks like a film that didn't take itself too seriously and it feels like Travolta didn't throw his all behind it. Still it doesn't wreck the film. Pound for pound Marisa Tomei turned in the best performance of the film-proving once again that she has more talent just in her face than most actresses in Hollywood. She really shines in little comedies like this and My Cousin Vinni because she is so much better than the roles she is given.
What about the “PG-13” Rating?
This movie is not trying to be family friendly nor is it really raunchy. There are two things that might bother a Christian:
1) The language; I'm not as allergic to foul language as many Christians. For me language, like nudity must be integral to the plot or it should be skipped. It wouldn't make much sense for a blue-color character to hit his thumb and then say, “Oh SUGER!” It would be out of place and damage the film's integrity. In this film the cussing does fit because it's sparse and four guys out doing guy stuff might cuss. It's still unfortunate though since without a couple bad words this would've been a kid safe film.
2) The sexual innuendo; there is some homosexual innuendo in the film, and male nudity. It all sorta fits though. I think because these men are fighting to save their masculinity it seems fitting that they would be challenged in that way.
Larger Story
There is an obvious larger story theme in men injecting adventure into their lives, but the best feature of this film is what it has to say about posing. The four main characters are all posing in different ways but so are some of the other characters. Best of all these men call each other out on things. I don't usually like movies where people bicker a lot, but in this film the guys really feel comfortable enough to put each other straight once in a while. It's a good example of a fellowship having to work through the counterfeit and back to what's real. There are some real gems in here and its fun to watch.
