The Wendell Baker Story

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The Wendell Baker Story

PG-13

2005

1h 39m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

40%

Tomatometer

42 Reviews

40%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Career con artist Wendell Baker (Luke Wilson) discovers he has a talent for straightening out tense situations. Following his release from jail, he decides to pursue a new career in the hospitality industry, and winds up at a retirement home. His new boss (Owen Wilson) is a mean-spirited man who steals the residents' money and treats them like slaves, and tries to involve Wendell in his schemes. Instead, Wendell casts his lot with the residents and helps them fight back.

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Critics Consensus

The Wendell Baker Story is a lackadaisical comedy of quirky characters and situations, but ultimately the lazy narrative bores instead of charms.

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Bruce Westbrook

Houston Chronicle

Jun 8, 2007

3/4

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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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

May 21, 2007

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.

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Mark Holcomb

Time Out

May 19, 2007

4/6

Here's something satisfying: '70s-cinema fetishism with the courage of its convictions.

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Heather Huntington

ReelzChannel.com

Aug 28, 2008

4/10

I haven't seen this many old coots getting up to no good since Cocoon.

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S. Jhoanna Robledo

Common Sense Media

Oct 22, 2007

2/5

Wilson bros' uneven comedy has dark undertones.

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Ted Murphy

Murphy's Movie Reviews

Jul 14, 2007

C

just a shaggy dog story dressed up in cowboy boots and a cool belt.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Jun 30, 2025

Funny in 1 hour and 39 minutes!!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG-13 for Language and Some Crude/Sexual Humor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $127,100.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Jan 27, 2016

The characters are kind of funny, but you never really care for anyone of them. The pretty boring story doesn't help either.

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Jun 10, 2013

nothing can save this junk.

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Feb 28, 2013

More Will Ferrell would have made this a classic!

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Feb 15, 2013

I actually liked Kris Kristofferson better than anyone else in the movie.

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Dec 9, 2012

A decent flick, not great. Luke Wilson does a good job in a Owen Wilson type role.

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Luke Wilson

Director

Andrew Wilson

Director

Luke Wilson

Wendell Baker

Owen Wilson

Neil King

Kris Kristofferson

Nasher

Eva Mendes

Doreen

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Synopsis

Career con artist Wendell Baker (Luke Wilson) discovers he has a talent for straightening out tense situations. Following his release from jail, he decides to pursue a new career in the hospitality industry, and winds up at a retirement home. His new boss (Owen Wilson) is a mean-spirited man who steals the residents' money and treats them like slaves, and tries to involve Wendell in his schemes. Instead, Wendell casts his lot with the residents and helps them fight back.

Director: Luke Wilson, Andrew Wilson
Producer: Mark Johnson, David Bushell
Screenwriter: Luke Wilson
Production Co: Mobius Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Some Crude/Sexual Humor|Language)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 11, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $127.1K
Runtime: 1h 39m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, DTS

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