From Deseret News archives:
RV
Film review
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.
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
