Review: 'Wild Hogs' Is An Uneasy Rider

'Wild Hogs' (PG-13)(out of four)

No matter how bad a road trip movie is, and there are some bad ones out there, the idea of ditching everything and following your wanderlust is part of the American dream.

The premise of the movie "Wild Hogs" -- four middle-aged suburban men trying to relive their glory days by hopping on Harleys and going cross country – makes for an hour and a half of mindless entertainment.

As quick as you can say saddle up, the flick is off and running. First, let's get the introductions out the way. Tim Allen plays Doug, the earnest dentist who longs for the days when he was a pot-smoking guy that pals called The Golden Knight. Forced to live on greens because of high cholesterol while his family chows down on roast beef and mashed potatoes, Doug throws a temper tantrum after having too much lettuce and wonders how he became so "lame."

Martin Lawrence is Bobby, a hen-pecked husband who has taken a year off from his job to write a "how to" book. While his wife nags him, his mother-in-law berates him and his kids refuse to listen to him, Bobby longs to get his own life back.

Dudley, played earnestly by William H. Macy, is a computer programmer who can't find his way while driving his motorcycle or seeking a relationship. Dudley's life is basically one, big computer glitch.

John Travolta plays Woody, the perfect man who appears to have it all, including a supermodel wife, a nice house and lots of money. He's the Hogs' ringleader and the one in the foursome who convinces the sad sacks that they need to break free.

One night while at their neighborhood watering hole with other weekend warriors, the foursome decide it's time to escape their mundane routine in Cincinnati and begin their "no rules, just the road" journey to California.

What happens next is a predictable showcase and without the ingenious casting of the film, "Wild Hogs" could have become as disappointing as "too crispy" bacon.

The four actors genuinely look like they're having a good time, even when they're slapping a bull (see the movie for an explanation on this sport) or getting their hides tanned by a group of bad-to-the-bone bikers, led by Ray Liotta.

Don't look to "Wild Hogs" to be a modern-day follow to "Easy Rider." "Hogs" has its bumps in the road. But it's like a surprise guest says near the end of the flick: "Ride hard or stay home." If you decide to take in "Wild Hogs," just go for the ride. Otherwise, listen to what the man says -- stay home.