In a world where pocket-sized, harmless popcorn comedies like The Out-Laws are becoming scarce, you can’t help but wonder if we need more of these forgettable yet enjoyable adventures. Meet Owen Browning, a clumsy and timid bank manager played by Adam Devine, who’s about to marry his yoga teacher girlfriend, Parker McDermott (Nina Dobrev). Their families couldn’t be more different, with Owen’s conservative parents disapproving of Parker’s groovy, hipster parents (Pierce Brosnan and Ellen Barkin).
But when Owen’s bank is robbed, he suspects Parker’s parents to be the infamous Ghost Bandits. Cue the entrance of FBI officer Oldham (Michael Rooker), and chaos ensues. The stage is set for a delicious spread of comedic scenarios, like an awkward family lunch and an action-packed sequence involving Owen as Shrek.
However, as the movie unfolds, it veers into silly jokes and cheap thrills, squandering its potential. The Out-Laws relies heavily on humor, sacrificing character development and overlooking plot loopholes. Even talented actors like Dobrev and Rooker are underutilized, leaving viewers yearning for more substance.
The film’s relentless pace of jokes might make you grow fond of it, but ultimately, it becomes a buzzkill when you realize it lacks depth and falls into the typical pitfalls of its sub-genre. Amidst car chases in cemeteries and Pierce Brosnan’s impressive performance at 70, The Out-Laws leaves you with a bittersweet taste, reminding you of the state of modern comedies.