Old Dogs Review

Educational value: Not an issue

Messages: The importance of family is demonstrated by Dan, who chooses a chance to be with his new family over a lucrative business deal. Dan and Charlie's lifelong relationship is also a good example of a loyal, unconditional friendship. But Vicki's decision to keep the twins a secret for seven years sends an iffier message.

Role models: Dan and Charlie are good examples of unconditional friends, and Dan learns what it means to unleash his imagination and be a playful father to his kids. That said, the main characters also get drunk and sometimes behave immaturely.

Violence and scariness: Comic, slapstick-style violence: Dan falls while getting a spray tan; a particularly violent game of Ultimate Frisbee leaves the protagonists bruised and battered; a character ends up with a bloody face; Dan and Charlie crack each other's joints while warming up for a game. A character is kept trapped in a gorilla's embrace.

Sexy stuff: Charlie flirts with many women. Dan flirts with and kisses Vicki. Older kids will understand that Dan and Vicki slept together the night that they impulsively got married, which resulted in the twins. Jokey references to "the birds and the bees." One scene shows a lot of Dan's body (but no sensitive parts).

Language: Relatively mild language: "idiot" and a few scatalogical words like "poop," "farting," and "scat."

Consumerism: Brands featured include Volvo, Apple, and Friday the 13th.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Charlie and Dan get drunk in Miami, drinking huge cocktails and flirting with equally inebriated women. Dan ends up marrying a woman he meets that very night. The two also take many prescription pills that have odd side effects, like lack of depth perception, ravenous hunger, and a Joker-like smile.