Silly but lovable.
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05/17/07
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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
I hate to sound like a disappointed parent, but I expected more from Luke Wilson.
05/18/07
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07/14/07
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
It's evident by the incremental narrative skids that come with the passing of each of its three acts that Luke Wilson started out with an energized idea that he simply couldn't sustain.
05/12/07
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
Wilson bros' uneven comedy has dark undertones.
10/22/07
Luke Wilson makes the case that he can act just as cool and laid-back as his brother Owen.
05/17/07
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
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 CriticThere'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
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 isn't anything to write home about, but is pleasant enough. I
06/02/07
The Wendell Baker Story just feels like an attempt to rebottle the postmodern fizz of Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket. I wish instead they'd put a stopper in it.
05/16/07
Top CriticHonestly, it's more like a Texas-style home movie than a Hollywood movie, and it's not worth the ten bucks.
05/18/07
I would have much rather watched Cassel and Stanton riff and try to pick up chicks for two hours. But life simply isn’t that sweet for me.
12/30/06
The story doesn't matter as much as the genial good-time vibe.
05/18/07
If 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
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 CriticWendell Baker doesn't particularly cotton to outsized ambitions. Check your expectations at the door, and you might enjoy yourself.
05/18/07
Latest News for The Wendell Baker Story
July 16, 2007:
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