A bit of fun...

Wild Hogs is a film that received an appalling reception from the critics. The critics fundamentally tore it to pieces and fed its readers nothing but horrible comments. I approached Wild Hogs (on a recommendation) with caution because of the critics and found myself being pleasantly surprised.

The film is harmless entertainment with a few good laughs that is destined to provide some decent entertainment for the family. I cannot believe the critics disliked the film so much; I thought it supplied a healthy dosage of quality laughs. The first minute already had me in stitches!

Four middle-aged American blokes decide to take a break from their hectic lives, shake off all their responsibilities and hit the road on their bikes to experience "the real America". (Easy Rider, anyone?) Travelling on the road from Cincinnati to the Pacific, the men call themselves the 'Wild Hogs' (and therein lies the title, logically enough). The men come across a biker bar during their travels. While trying to fit in with the rest of the more "official" bikers they are made extremely unwelcome. These (rather clichéd) bunch of bikers then begin hunting the Wild Hogs after an incident that leaves them quite unhappy.

I thought for the most part Wild Hogs was absolutely hilarious. The first half contained all the best laughs and witty lines of dialogue. The second half didn't manage to maintain the same quality and charm that had been established. But of course there are still a number of great laugh-out-loud moments to be experienced the whole way through.

The four central cast members are fantastic! They have all pretty much passed their prime; however this is more suiting to the characters they portray. And face it: this is far better than any of the rubbish comedies that Tim Allen still continues to make in bulk. I never expected to see Ray Liotta pop up in a comedy like this. Someone of his stature actually helped the film quite a bit.

Script and direction are all standard for the genre. I liked the script for the most part; it contains some great hilarious dialogue and great moments. I just wished that they would have taken more time to remove all the clichés and conventions that shamelessly appear to no end. The second half is incredibly predictable! It's to be expected, but it's a shame that no contemporary comedies attempt to stay away from the typical clichés.

At the end of the day; Wild Hogs is a total hoot. The script contains lots of clichés as well as a number of great laughs that make the whole film worth watching.

The film is the furthest thing from a deep and meaningful experience; it's harmless entertainment that is a fun way to spend 90 minutes with the family. If you're looking for a masterpiece then I suggest you go rent something else. Wild Hogs is a comedy that is definitely worth a few screenings.