Wanderlust
Released February 24, 2012
Rated R
Directed By David Wain
Starring Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux and Malin Akerman
98 Minutes
Wanderlust is about a New York couple, George (Rudd) and Linda (Aniston) who are both struggling in their respective careers. They are forced to sell their apartment and move in with George’s obnoxious brother who offers him a job in Atlanta. The two tire of driving and decide to stop at the nearest Bed & Breakfast, which is called Esylium. Turns out this is a small community filled with hippies. George and Linda end up staying for the night and things take off from there, as Linda begins to fit in with these people while George just wants to get out of dodge.
The film has a very talented and capable cast in Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Malin Akerman, and
Justin Theroux. Rudd and Aniston have great on-screen chemistry as the troubled married couple. They just work extremely well together, despite Aniston’s ability to ruin every movie she’s in. Akerman is just as funny and beautiful as always (mostly beautiful) as one of the free-spirited hippies who seems to be drawn to George. Theroux puts on a great performance as Seth, the outspoken leader of the commune. He is probably the funniest of the bunch, due to his quirky, complex character. Acting is solid on all fronts in Wanderlust.
The story line plays out as expected. Unfortunately, it’s mostly predictable, due to a mediocre script. I think, at the core, the main problem with Wanderlust is it’s premise. A story like this isn’t meant to make an impression. It’s all kicks and giggles, just a party, and that’s exactly how the film comes off. Sure, there are funny moments and unique characters, but it’s comedic nature prevents it from being a high quality film. With such a silly premise and unimpressive script writing, it ends up being average in most categories. David Wain’s directing on the other hand, is quite impressive, showing he has a knack for this type of movie. The nudity in the film, I felt was unnecessary, coming off as a desperate attempt to make audiences laugh.
Overall, Wanderlust is balanced between it’s pros and cons, making it average at best. Despite the great acting and directing, it is brought down by it’s lackluster script, silly premise, and desperate, but failed attempts to make people laugh. It’s one of those movies you will want to spend a couple bucks to rent, but by no means is it a purchase. Wanderlust will be remembered most for it’s mediocrity.
Score:
2.5 out of 5
