Bill Burr’s ‘Old Dads’ Is Not About Being A Dad As Much As It Is About Just Being Old

The age for first-time fathers has increased, with the percentage doubling for first-time dads over 40. While research around this trend is sparse, in general becoming a parent later in life is seen as a good thing. Older dads are more financially secure, they’re better able to spend time with their kids, and theoretically, they’re more patient. Also, though, they’re older. Energy levels aren’t quite what they were when these fathers were in their twenties. They’re less in tune with pop culture. They’re edging into “get off my lawn” territory.

As such, the plight of older dads is an extremely topical subject for comedy. Dealing with the aches and pains of aging while attempting to chase young’uns around, playing catch with declining eyesight and reflexes, and resisting the urge to yell “get off my lawn!” when the neighborhood kids come to visit are things many of us deal with, even those of us who sired offspring in our thirties rather than our forties or fifties. Thus, when I saw that comedian Bill Burr, who became a father at 48, decided to delve into the topic with his new movie “Old Dads” on Netflix, I was intrigued.

Alas, the movie isn’t actually focused on the fatherhood angle, which quickly recedes into the background. Starring Burr (Jack), Bobby Cannavale (Connor), and Bokeem Woodbine (Mike) as three friends and business partners, the film opens on the topic of dads, with the trio at a party at Jack’s house.