The Wendell Baker Story (2007)
44 %
Reviews Counted: 39 Fresh: 17 Rotten:22 Average Rating: 5.1/10
Consensus:
The Wendell Baker Story is a lackadaisical comedy of quirky characters and situations, but ultimately the lazy narrative bores instead of charms.
Rated: PG-13 [See Full Rating]
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Theatrical Release: May 18, 2007 Limited
Box Office: $48,120
Synopsis: Luke Wilson writes and directs (along with his brother, Andrew Wilson) this comedy about a former conman with a heart of gold. Wendell has a way with people, but fails to make the most of his charms, making his money by selling fake ID cards to illegal Mexican immigrants with the help of his... [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Luke Wilson, Eva Mendes, Owen Wilson, Seymour Cassel, Harry Dean Stanton
Director: Andrew Wilson, Luke Wilson
Screenwriter: Luke Wilson
Producer: David L. Bushell, Mark Johnson
Composer: Aaron Zigman
Screenwriter: Luke Wilson
Producer: David L. Bushell, Mark Johnson
Composer: Aaron Zigman
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Reviews
Comment
Given Luke Wilson's affability, it's also irresistibly charming. You may not buy the film's plot, but you'll invest in him as a man whose heart is always in the right place.
06/08/07
Top Critic
There's a reason this film sat on the shelf for over two years, it's wildly uneven in spots, but there's also moments where you can see that there's a good idea and film trying to get out.
05/21/07
I think it’s one of the worst movies of the year. I think it’s one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen.
05/21/07
Top Critic
Here’s something satisfying: ’70s-cinema fetishism with the courage of its convictions.
05/19/07
That they've assembled a first-rate cast made up of veteran character actors and contemporary comedy stars to pursue this agenda makes The Wendell Baker Story all the more effective.
05/19/07
I hate to sound like a disappointed parent, but I expected more from Luke Wilson.
05/18/07
Though the first Wilson brothers' effort, Bottle Rocket, is far superior, the trio of brothers working together creates a light and enjoyable comic romp.
05/18/07
Top Critic
Despite a terribly conceived coda, Luke and his brothers have mostly succeeded, thanks in large part to sharp dialogue, a solid vintage soundtrack and some great older actors from the heyday of American cinema.
05/18/07
Wendell Baker isn't perfect. The slacker humor grows cloying at times. Still, there's an undeniable charm to the Texas tale as it celebrates nonconformity and redemption.
05/18/07
Top Critic
Though the Wilsons are no threat to the Coens as filmmakers, The Wendell Baker Story is still a pleasingly human-scaled alternative to the big, soulless Hollywood blockbusters.
05/18/07
Top Critic
A shiny shell of a movie, TWBS is pretty to look at, and occasionally fun to watch. But ultimately, it's an exercise in futility -- for the participants, who can do so much more, and the audience, which deserves so much better.
05/18/07
Top Critic
As much as it looks like an enjoyable project to work on and a blast for all involved, the feeling you get watching The Wendell Baker Story is that you probably had to be there.
05/18/07
Top Critic
Wendell Baker doesn't particularly cotton to outsized ambitions. Check your expectations at the door, and you might enjoy yourself.
05/18/07
The movie undercuts whatever good graces it has generated with a feel-good ending that is just stunningly stupid. It's hard to be hip when your finale is so square.
05/18/07
Top Critic
Luke’s script is both funny and poignant, but he and Andrew do the writing a disservice by failing to set up the onscreen delivery and stubbornly clinging to tacked-on scenarios that do nothing to further the plot.
05/18/07
This is a faux feel-good movie, and its hipster insincerity and rote sentimentalism are a dispiriting mix.
05/18/07
It's a shame it didn't come out two years ago, as it may have then been seen as something original rather than just as a knock-off of My Name is Earl.
05/18/07
Related Forums
(2007 release)-THE WENDELL BAKER STORY skedded to open on May 18th!!!
by: REEL_REVIEWER 5/24/07
by: REEL_REVIEWER 5/24/07
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• The Wendell Baker Story at Rotten Tomatoes
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• The Wendell Baker Story at IGN
• The Wendell Baker Story at AskMen
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