Customer Reviews

The Wendell Baker Story : Widescreen Edition

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

***1/2

As played by Luke Wilson, Wendell Baker is the kind of character authors like to refer to as a "lovable rogue" - a smooth-talking scam artist with a tongue as nimble as the pen of a scribe (to borrow a phrase from scripture, if I may be so bold). The trouble is that a good-hearted guy can run afoul of the law for only so long before he risks losing the woman he loves (Eva Mendes) and before he is finally forced into taking a long, hard look at his life. Thus, once he's paroled from prison, Wendell decides to go straight by taking a job at a retirement home (he's been duped into believing that this is a first step on the road to a career in hotel management) run by a sadistic administrator (Owen Wilson) and his toadying staff. There's a little of the feel of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," as the con man leads the put-upon inmates of the "asylum" in a well-coordinated rebellion against their oppressors.

The chief attraction of "The Wendell Baker Story" is the opportunity it affords us of seeing the Wilson brothers appearing together in the same movie - and what a treat it turns out to be. Luke has written a script filled with the kind of dry, wry wit that has been the hallmark of both of their performances over the years, and their scenes together crackle with understated cynicism and humor (Luke co-directed the feature with yet another brother, Andrew, making this a family affair in the fullest sense of the term). The movie is also blessed with an amazing team of supporting players, including Harry Dean Stanton and Seymour Cassel as spry oldsters who find a supportive helpmate in Wendell Baker; Kris Kristofferson as a mysterious, stoic resident who is harboring a carefully guarded secret about his past; Will Ferrell as the grocery store owner who is Wendell`s chief rival for his now ex-girlfriend`s affections; and Eddie Griffin who serves as chief henchman for the home`s scalawag of a director.

Their performances and the laidback tone of the humor compensate for the occasional dry spots and the fact that the movie itself doesn't really add up to all that much when all is said and done.

This movie is a kick! Really well done. Very quirky, very endearing. Good ensemble cast. Lots of laughs. If you like this one, then see Henry Poole was Here too - also very good. There is something very geniuine about both movies. Definitely my two favorite Luke Wilson movies. Hope there are more like these to come.

I thought this movie was very funny. If you like the Wilson Brothers' other movies, then you shouldn't be disappointed here. It's full of their usual oddball comedy, with surprising cameos and a great soundtrack. I hope Luke Wilson is not put off by those pedantic critics who don't get it. He and his brothers, along with their pal Wes Anderson, have a unique take on comedy that is fresh and highly entertaining.

Once in awhile an enormouse talent comes along to reminds you that a little hard work can go along way. Luke Wilson and his brothers made this move happen. Andrew co-directed- **and every shot** Bril Really. The story is imaginative and funny. Really One of a kind. I came on Amazon just and saw the last review and felt the NEED to come and say--What 1 star are you CRAZY? 5 stars. AND no I didn't give this a good review because of anyone in it. I give it the Kelly 5 star stamp because From the 1st shot of Wendell in bed from his window I knew this movie was one of a kind--and it really is. Please buy this movie you will not be sorry! Thanks for taking the time out to read this.

Actually 3 and a half.
When I showed up at the video store check-out, the cashier told me it was the worst movie she'd ever seen. I thought about putting it back, then remembered that she also thought Wild Hogs was the funniest movie she'd watched all year.
Basically, the movie is a good-natured film with some small laughs and a few big ones("I feel like a million pesos"). It's funny (but not as funny)in a Napoleon Dynamite sort of way, and the acting is good- especially the old men at the nursing home. There's several touching moments here, and some of the funniest.
Luke Wilson plays a free spirited, can't quite settle down type who goes to jail, loses his girlfriend, and takes a job at a nursing home upon parole. You can tell it was low-budget, and the plot wanders, but if you like the Wilson brothers you should like this. In its own way it's better, more genuine than most Hollywood comedy hits.
The soundtrack is excellent- a great collection of country and other songs.
I'm definitely glad I didn't listen to the cashier.

Before this came out I wondered how a film featuring all three Wilson brothers could labor on the shelves so long. Now I know. The biggest problem is that Luke Wilson tried to write his own Dignan-type role, when that persona is perfectly suited for Owen. Luke tries hard, but it just never worked for me. I often wondered throughout the film how it would've fared if Owen played Wendell and Luke played Neil King. Of course Owen is still great as Neil King, the evil nurse, and he gives several great lines that Owen Wilson fans will quote for some time. The "goodnight" talk over the intercom is hysterical, as is his confrontation with Seymour Cassell in the men's room. The scenes with Owen and Will Ferrell are often very funny, and from the commentary track it sounds like most of their stuff was ad-libbed. They basically saved this film and made it watchable. The writing just isn't consistently strong. I wonder what Wes Anderson thought of this film. Hopefully it was a great learning experience for Luke and he'll create a better second film.

This film is truly a great hidden gem of a movie. It was written by Luke Wilson, and co-directed by him, and his older brother Andrew Wilson (who starred in Whip It, another must see movie) Andrew really handled the directing, Luke worked with the actors. Speaking of which what a fantastic cast. Owen Wilson (yep the third talented Wilson brother.) plays a creepy dude to perfect comic affect. Eva Mendes shines as always, and the real joy in this film comes from the amazing performances of the supporting cast, Eddie Griffin, Seymour Cassel, Kris Kristofferson, and Harry Dean Stanton. The movie does sort of amble along. It's leisure pace is actually refreshing. This is the type of movie that while you watch you find yourself guessing where its going, though it never falls into any cliches of plot.It really is a very well written movie. Andrews direction is uneven at times. There are some great shots, and well done passages. While somehow it does seem to drag in places. Don't get me wrong this is nit-picky at best, because this film is a must own DVD for anyone who likes great movies. BTW speaking of great movies with Luke Wilson in it if you haven't seen "Henry Poole is Here" then order that one too!
I just recently saw the Wilson brothers first film the truly brilliant "Bottle Rocket" directed by Wes Anderson. That movie reminds me of Wendell Baker in that it also has a odd pace that sneaks up on you, and after you have watched it you realize that it was a masterpiece. Oh one last thing the Wendell Baker DVD has several great extras including a fun bit with Luke, Andrew, Seymour, and Harry. Sitting around talking, nice, and a great commentary as well!

Anything movie with both Owen and Luke Wilson is a must have. I found this movie on here after never hearing about it before and it is great. just a great commedy with a finish that can't help but to leave everyone with a happy face.

I bought this not expecting too much from it. The Wilson brothers don't disappoint comedically, however at times it seems it would have made more sense for Luke and Owen to switch roles. Will Ferrell does make a few hilarious appearances, and overall the movie isn't bad, just not one of their best.

This was a great story of Wendell Baker. Never give up on your own dreams because dreams do come true! Judy