Wild Hogs

Attempting to add some excitement to their lives, four middle-aged friends go on a motorcycle road trip and end up with more than they asked for in “Wild Hogs,” a very funny 2007 comedy starring John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, and William H. Macy. Hilarious chaos happens during their misadventures, especially when these bikers fight the infamous Del Fuego motorcycle gang in an effort to save a little New Mexico town. Unexpected romance, hilarious bloopers and comic performances combine to make “Wild Hogs” a carefree good time watching it.

Director Walt Becker deserves credit for his perceptive handling of this comedy. Betty Jo Tucker noted in her review, “As soon as he read the script, Becker wanted in. “It was a story that was not only very funny but hit very close to home,” he declares.  Becker’s father went on a trip quite similar to the one taken by the characters in Wild Hogs. “He was a Baptist minister and now he had a pierced ear and a skull bandana!” Becker explains. Trying their best to look like tough bikers, the movie’s main characters wear leather jackets with a “Wild Hogs” insignia on the back -- and I also might have spotted a couple of those skull bandanas!”

Acting as the self-appointed leader of the group, Woody, played by Travolta, displays a bragging audacity that makes him resemble the real thing. His friends think he is a confident and successful businessman with a great life, but Woody has problems he’s hiding from them. Doug (Allen), once so daring he was called “The Golden Knight,” now practices dentistry and gets no respect form his wife (Jill Hennessy) and son (Dominic Janes). Bobby (Lawrence), whose wife (Tchina Arnold) scolds him constantly, works as a plumber but wants to be a writer. Rounding out the Wild Hogs group is Dudley, played by Macy, a shy and clumsy computer programmer. All four men feel important only when they bike together as the Wild Hogs.

Surprisingly, there’s no outdoing going on here among the film’s famous co-stars. Travolta takes a back seat until entering in the picture showing how eager his character has become to stay ahead of the Del Fuegos and their violent leader, played by the late Ray Liotta, absolutely terrific in this impulsive role. Allen mostly re-acts to the others throughout, giving them more opportunities to be highlighted. Lawrence saves his best work for a confrontation with his character’s spouse at the end of the movie. Finally, Macy doesn’t overdo his comical slapstick act as the nerd who finally gets a girlfriend, played by Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei, believe it or not.

Tucker said, “The classic motorcycle films Easy Rider and The Wild One zoomed their way into cinema history, but Wild Hogs -- with its lighthearted emphasis on male bonding during the dreaded midlife-crisis stage -- is definitely a lot more fun to watch.”

I saw this in the theaters with my sister and cousin and we laughed throughout the entire film. This is definitely one of the funniest movies that came in 2007. If you haven’t seen this yet, I suggest that you do. Don’t listen to the critics that have bashed this movie to pieces. See it for yourself and judge it based on your opinion.

Next week will be a change of pace. I know that this month was mainly looking at comedies, but to finish up “Marisa Tomei Month,” I will look at a serious, dramatic film, that is actually one of the best ones out there. Also, I’m sorry for posting this late, I wasn’t feeling well because of a toothache in my upper left molar.