Popcorn dumb fun movies like Cocaine Bear are one thing. Forcing class 7 wali comedy in the name of dumb fun is another. The second one is exactly what ‘The Out-Laws’ is. It showcases flashes of comedic brilliance, but it fails to maintain a consistent level of hilarity. While the film promises laughs and a blend of action and comedy, it never really is successful in blending them together, leaving us more angry than disappointed. Such a mixed bag of amusement smh.
Plot
Picture this: Owen Browning, a clueless bank manager, finds himself suspecting his own future in-laws of being masked bank robbers. I mean yes, in-laws can be pricks, but this is traumatic lmao. Played by the goated duo of Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin, these long-lost parents add a dash of chaos and criminal swag to Owen’s life. But problem tab hoti hai when the movie transitions from a comedy of errors into an all-out action-comedy extravaganza. We get that the makers have tried going for the bonkers approach, but the plot’s potential for depth and character development falls short. The result? Predictable twists and underutilized actors like Nina Dobrev and Michael Rooker. “The Out-Laws” entertaining toh hai, but it fails to reach its full comedic potential.
Performances
Easily the film’s most talked about aspect, the cast of “The Out-Laws”, delivers performances that range from absolutely hilarious to surprisingly un-utilized. Adam DeVine shines as the clumsy and oddly funny Owen Browning. His physical comedy and easy dad jokes will tickle your funny bone, but at times you also feel like he’s trying too hard. Richard Kind and Julie Hagerty also stand out as Owen’s conservative parents, bringing awkward comedy in the mix. Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin, the OGs are heavily under-utilized despite the screentime they get. They are so damn charming that you’re reminded of their peak eras. It’s also a missed opportunity to showcase their comedic prowess fully.
Screenplay
A comedy roller coaster, complete with twists, turns, and occasional immature, dumb fun is the best way I can describe this movie. “The Out-Laws” bombards us with a barrage of jokes (good and bad both), right from the start. Teenage humour, cheap thrills, and a tonnes of dick jokes are the three main pillars of this script. However, this popcorn dumb comedy is what fcks things up when they move to the action-filled second half. It fails to maintain the intensity of the bullets and water guns in the last hour. The action is all guns blazing level good for a comedy, and the graveyard scene is the highlight of this movie fr. Overall, expected thoda aur maturity along with the over-the-top action scenes but ok. Also the fact that it feels like a khichdi of everything we’ve ever seen is what bums you out more.
Writing
“The Out-Laws” takes us on a comedy ride that’s part amusement park, part middle school playground. The writing attempts to inject constant humor and witty banter but often feels forced and falls flat (alliteration much?). Tired clichés and forgettable dialogues really cringe you out at times, and there’s no memorable one-liner that you can use on your friends. The lack of character development is the biggest letdown though. Yes Owen ‘mans up’ to save his future wife, but baaki characters pe bhi toh focus karo??? While there are moments of unhinged fun and laughter, the writing misses the opportunity to take risks and deliver a truly memorable experience.
All in all, “The Out-Laws” aims to entertain with its wacky premise and comedic escapades, but is far away from being a good one. Weak writing and an overreliance on immature humor prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may provide your dose of popcorn dumb fun, the saturation of forced comedy and a lack of story will more likely cause comedy enthusiasts to be pissed at the movie.
