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.
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06/08/07
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The Wendell Baker Story (2007)
41
%
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Reviews Counted:41
Fresh:17
Rotten:24
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.
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... [More]
Starring: Luke Wilson, Eva Mendes, Owen Wilson, Seymour Cassel
Director: Andrew Wilson, Luke Wilson
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Reviews for The Wendell Baker Story
Top CriticThough 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
An idiosyncratic and larky movie that celebrates the virtue of hospitality as a grace that lubricates relationships and facilitates community.
05/17/07
Wendell Baker doesn't particularly cotton to outsized ambitions. Check your expectations at the door, and you might enjoy yourself.
05/18/07
Luke Wilson makes the case that he can act just as cool and laid-back as his brother Owen.
05/17/07
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
At once insouciantly laid back and beguilingly loony.
04/23/07
Top CriticIf its aspirations are modest, The Wendell Baker Story does embody the dry wit and easy charm that has (along with Luke's looks) won the Wilsons so many fans.
04/23/05
Silly but lovable.
05/17/07
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 CriticThough 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 CriticHere’s something satisfying: ’70s-cinema fetishism with the courage of its convictions.
05/19/07
If its nostalgia is a bit creaky, it's nonetheless also delivered with great heart.
05/14/07
The story doesn't matter as much as the genial good-time vibe.
05/18/07
It's a light and smoothly winning tale of friendship, loyalty, love, and the fine art of (finally) becoming a grown-up. Plus (and most important) it's really very funny.
04/11/05
This shambling, good-natured comedy is a Wilson family affair.
05/18/07
Top CriticLuke’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
The Wilsons’ venture was shot in Austin, the global center of slackerology, and has barely summoned the energy to leave the place.
05/14/07
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 CriticLatest News for The Wendell Baker Story
July 16, 2007:
Trailer & Poster review 
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