The Wendell Baker Story (2005)

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

This is a nice movie that packs some laughs & entertainment as well as an inspiring message. Luke Wilson plays the protagonist Wendell, a seemingly clueless dreamer whose "capitalist ventures" always land him in hot water.This movie carries a great message about what it takes to succeed as a human being. In particular, the line in the title of my review (spoken by Kris Kristofferson) applies to Wendell. If you like movies about people who stay fresh & optimistic despite life's hard knocks, this is a good one to watch. Other films that delve into the same theme are "Little Miss Sunshine", "Chocolat", "The Marc Pease Experience" and the classic film "Zorba the Greek"."The Wendell Baker Story" features a lot of veteran actors whom you may not recognize at first, such as Harry Dean Stanton (who played the leading role in "Paris Texas" and also a memorable role in "Alien"), Seymour Cassel (who got an Oscar nomination for his role in the 1968 film "Faces") and my favourite of the lot: Kris Kristofferson (one of the best musician-turned-actors I've ever seen).Unfortunately, some powerful scenes featuring these actors were cut from the final version of this film. I suppose it was to give the movie more of a snappy comedic appeal instead of carrying a heavier vibe. But you can still see these scenes in the deleted material on the DVD.The film, as it was released, balances itself squarely between comedy and heart. In other words, it's not a laugh-a-minute riot, nor is it a film that makes you stop & ponder your place in the universe ...though it could have gone either way. I suppose you can take it at your own pace. Me, I would've liked it to be at least a half hour longer & feature more of the dramatic scenes that were cut.The music is a real treat and lends a nice, rustic Texas vibe to the whole show. Peppered throughout the film are songs by Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, etc. Oddly enough I don't think there was anything by Kris Kristofferson. But his excellent performance on screen is enough to satisfy any fan.

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.

If you don't find this movie funny, or don't like the music that the Wilson brothers used...nobody is forcing you to watch it. It's that simple...but obviously not simple enough for some people. If all you do is watch a movie to cry and moan about it, then what is the point? Andrew and Luke Wilson co-directed this film, the first for Luke, who also stars in the leading role of Wendell Baker. I admit, not the entire movie is funny, but it is not supposed to be, some parts are just dramatic. On the other hand, seeing Will Ferrell being weird and punching someone IS funny.Owen Wilson also costars with Eddie Griffin as two guys who run a nursing home. Their goal, to take all the money with no fuss from the residents. This time however, with Wendell Baker on their side, the residents have a fighting chance.If you are a TRUE fan of the Frat Pack, you will like this movie. Therefore, i gave it 9 of 10. I enjoyed it.

Don't waste your time.Next to the "Rat brained Humans" creation of John Travolta, this rates as the worst movie ever and I like the Wilson boy's quirky on screen persona's. Their characters are usually interesting when directed and written well.The first act takes 80 minutes to develop a plodding, uninteresting list of characters and histrionics. Cassel and Stanton bring some of the only bright spots to the story as co-heroes.When the second act sets up the drama with Luke Wilson and a sleeper like Howard Hughes character in Kris Kristofferson as Heroes pitted against the villainous Owen Wilson and Eddie Griffin, your left to wonder "who cares"? And finally, the good old boys saves the day finale, is counter climatically. Wilson was really to clueless to "get the girl".Sorry Wilson Bro's, but you blew it!!