From Deseret News archives:

RV

Published: Wednesday, May 3, 2006 4:10 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
RV — ** — Robin Williams, Cheryl Hines, Joanna "JoJo" Levesque; rated PG (vulgarity, violence, profanity, brief drugs).

That "RV" has any laughs at all is nothing short of miraculous. Star Robin Williams hasn't really been funny in this century, and director Barry Sonnenfeld has watched his career deflate ever since the first "Men in Black" movie back in 1997.

The trailers for "RV" suggested that this silly comedy might be a cross between last year's painfully unfunny and unholy duo of road movies "Are We There Yet?" and "Johnson Family Vacation." But somehow Williams and Sonnenfeld get more mileage out of the material than you might expect.

It isn't art — in fact, it isn't even what you'd consider good comedy — but it isn't completely painful either.

Williams stars as Bob Munro, a soft-drink executive who's supposed to be going on vacation to Hawaii with his wife (Cheryl Hines) and two kids (Joanna "JoJo" Levesque and Josh Hutcherson). But instead, he drags them along on his trip to Boulder, Colo., where he has to give a big presentation just to save his job.

And for the trip, he's rented a gigantic motor home, which he can't even drive.

Story continues below
As you'd expect, a series of mishaps ensues, the worst involving sewage disposal, an infestation of raccoons and encounters with some too-friendly RV folk (Jeff Daniels and Kristin Chenoweth), whom the Munros just can't seem to shake.

For at least an hour, Williams actually manages to keep his more irksome, manic tendencies in check, and his on-screen relationship with Hines is believable. But the film ends with Williams basically doing one of his stand-up routines.

Naturally, unfortunately, Sonnenfeld and screenwriter Geoff Rodkey can't resist throwing in lowbrow gags, which the film really doesn't need.

"RV" is rated PG for crude humor relating to bodily functions (both references and sight gags), slapstick violence (mostly involving the vehicle), scattered use of profanity, and some brief drug content (references). Running time: 98 minutes.


E-mail: jeff@desnews.com

Recent comments

Normally we're a big fan of Bill Murray's low key
brilliant humor,...

L Goodwin | Sept. 12, 2005 at 10:47 p.m.

Movie Info
Rated PG for profanity, vulgarity, drug use.

Cast: Robin Williams, Cheryl Hines, Joanna JoJo Levesque
FIND LOCAL MOVIE SHOWTIMES
Image
Joe Lederer, Columbia Pictures

Robin Williams drags his family on a trip to Colorado in "RV."

previousnext

Latest comments

Like Arafat before him, Abbas is missing perhaps one of the few remaining...

Principal leaves giant imprint

GO MOM! When I grow up I'm going to be as smart as you.

Despite Anonymous' use of words that sound good, the article is actually a...

Vegas or San Diego, both yawner bowls if you've been there, done that....

It frustrates me they would close the cave. There are varying degrees of risk...

Some of the data will of course include everyone. You can't rent a dwelling...

I can't wait for Max Hall to open up the Bakery tomorrow. There will be...

Give Koufos 15 mins/game and see what he does. You detractors are foolish....

Can't wait to see a beat down of the U today. And Rich actually has 5 picks...

BYU/Utah game big

Did Pitta just say that this game is a big deal to Utah but to BYU it's just...

Advertisements