Genres

Visitors Review

edwagreen 2012-05-26 06:09:18

Wendell Baker Story- A Nothing Biography **

The Wilson Brothers- Owen and Luke star in this film which is basicallynothing with nothing.Luke, as the corrupt individual bilking Medicare patients, is totallyunconvincing here as well as out-of-character. He still appears that hecan be taken to the cleaners at any time.Who cares if Eva Mendes wants Owen or not. She is totally unappealingin her role.Owen starts out as a smuggler of illegal Mexican immigrants and afterhe is jailed and pardoned, he is assigned to work at a senior citizens'residents where he sees much corruption.Harry Dean Stanton is also dead-pan in his role as one of the seniors.Isn't he always? It's nice seeing Seymour Cassel in a film? He was soappealing years ago in his supporting Oscar nominated performance in"Faces."Even the ending here is unappealing. Big surprise that good willeventually triumph over evil. Who was Kris Kristoferson supposed to be in this film? Howard Hughes?

2012-05-25 17:31:27

Zany, Southern-Fried Comedy (3.5 Stars)

Directing with his brother Andrew, Luke Wilson plays the title role in "The Wendell Baker Story," recently released quietly on DVD. A non-stop romp of action-packed comedy with strong undercurrents of pathos that blend surprisingly well, the film has a broad range of appeal for one that only took residence in 17 theaters last year. Baker is a cavalier "entrepreneur" who makes his living selling fake identification to immigrants on the Texan border with his buddy Reyes, played by Jacob Vargas. Able to sweet talk his way out of just about anything, he always manages to convince his girlfriend Doreen, portrayed by Eva Mendes, that he deserves another chance. As far as the fact that his occupation technically entails criminal activity, he is frank: "If there was a job I could do, I would do it!"A sting operation soon folds Wendell Baker International, and that means prison time, despite fine legal representation."Can't I get deported?," he asks his lawyer."Wendell, you're a US citizen!""Damn it!"Upon being paroled from prison he gets work at a state-run residential retirement hotel, working under the supervision of wisecracking conniver Neil King and his henchman McTeague, played by Owen Wilson and Eddie Griffin respectively. It is immediately clear to Wendell that neither man cares in the least about the elderly residents, but he is in position to do anything about it. Laying low, he develops a camaraderie with Boyd and Skip, portrayed respectively by acting legends Seymour Cassel and Harry Dean Stanton.Observing Baker as a benevolent spirit, the two decide to keep him around: "Maybe he can get us laid."The three team up to uncover the truth behind the suspicious goings-on surrounding the hotel, specifically the extradition of numerous residents to a surreptitious location, and to help Baker win back Doreen, who has finally moved on and developed a steady relationship with moody grocer Dave Bix, played Will Ferrell. The three soon realize they have their work cut out for them. Employing the help of Wendell's old friend Reyes and a crusty, tight-lipped resident named Nasher, played by the inimitable Kris Kristofferson, they embark on their journey.Wilson, who wrote the script, clearly has a ball playing an archetypal lead character which in a way represents a male fantasy - transgressing with a devil may care attitude, repenting and finding spiritual renewal, and then stopping at nothing to win back the girl. Perhaps inevitably, as a result of this several clichés arise, and a great deal of the dialogue is sappy and smacks of being "written."In spite of its implausibility, the film's good points outweigh the bad. If not particularly believable, it is a movie filled with laughs but also, importantly, a great deal of heart. Wilson gives each character depth and nuance, even Mendes' spot as the typically one-dimensional girlfriend, giving the actors the green light to seize the film and have fun with it. Kristofferson is particularly touching - his final scene alone makes the film worth a rental, not to mention the beautiful Texan scenery.A zealous, zany, southern-fried flick, "The Wendell Baker Story" is on par with the likes of "Wedding Crashers" or "The 40-Year Old Virgin" in terms of quality buddy comedies of the 2000's. Those looking for laughs without the intellectual insults will be pleased.

petecline55 2012-05-25 14:59:31

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time movies were for entertainment. They made you feel goodabout life. They were visual fairy tales that ended with the line---"and they all lived happily ever after." That's what this movie isto me. Doesn't require a degree in psychology or a doctorate in humanbehavior. It just tells the story of a guy who messes up, then has anepiphony and decides to make it right. He helps others along the waywithout putting his personal agenda first. Anyone who goes along withhis philosophy ends up getting rewarded in the end. And after all,isn't that what fairy tales are supposed to be about? There is enoughheartache and sorrow in life without using it for entertainmentpurposes.

Daniel Martin 2012-05-25 03:23:11

good for what it is

no trying to change the world - just a good movie. entertains,tells a good story, the cast is amusing, the owens's brothers have whatever it takes to make just about any movie turn in to something worth watching - love it

TxMike 2012-05-19 09:05:18

It was a little bit better than I expected it to be, but not that good overall.

Simple. That is an appropriate summary of "The Wendell Baker Story." Itwas written and directed by Luke Wilson, who also plays the title role.And, it comes across more as a simple story and vanity project than itdoes a feature movie. Shot in and around Austin, Texas, it is a storyof a small time con artist who gets a chance to go straight after aprison term, and perhaps re-win the affection of his one true love.Luke Wilson is Wendell Baker, who makes fake Texas I.D. cards justacross the border into Mexico. When he gets busted, he spends a fewyears in the Huntsville prison, where he has a knack for making friendsand being helpful. Bored, he reads Conrad Hilton's book and, when upfor parole gets a chance to work at a "retirement" hotel.This "hotel" is being mis-run by Neil King (brother Owen Wilson) forhis own benefit and, when certain residents get to be a burden getshipped out to a "farm" in Oklahoma. Wendell decides that he willrescue these poor should and expose Mr King for what he is.Two of the more interesting characters in the "hotel" are SeymourCassel as Boyd and Harry Dean Stanton as Skip. Kris Kristofferson isNasher, who turns out to be someone totally different from what othersthink.Eva Mendes is Doreen, who grew up knowing Wendell, and as the moviestarts is Wendell's girlfriend. But she gets tired of waiting for himto "find" himself and moves on.It is obvious that Luke Wilson wrote the script to be meaningful inplaces about relationships, but to me it came across as shallow. Amostly entertaining 95 minutes, but in the end not much of a movie.Nothing memorable.SPOILERS: Nasher turns out to be a pilot, and he flies them to Oklahomato retrieve the men that had be "Greyhounded" there. After, hedisappears. With the help of two 16 year old girls they had met at aconvenience store, Wendell, Boyd, and Skip get the cops onto King andhis assistant. Then, Wendell finds out that Nasher really was a wealthyoil and hotel magnate who is requesting that Wendell run his flagshiphotel in Austin on Lake Travis. There Wendell finally gets Doreen back.

modelcadet18 2012-05-19 03:06:22

a light comedy with local color

I just saw The Wendell Baker Story at what is its third screening, atthe Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville. Although, as stated in the prior comment, this movie will be no cultnor mainstream classic, it is highly entertaining. For a comedy, it isconsiderably light: the humor is mostly situational. I personally found Wendell Baker's greatest success in the developingof the secondary characters as foils. The movie does not have openingcredits, instead only introducing the title. As such, I was pleasantlysurprised to see many high profile actors in roles fitting well withinthe film. In the post-screening interview, Luke Wilson discussed howthis choice for no opening credits was as an "album cover" and that,with the focus directly on the introduction of an Austin Texas feel. The acting in the film is generally good. Highlights for me were theperformances of Grant James and Kris Kristofferson. I was,unfortunately, disappointed in Eva Mendes' delivery of her character. Ifeel the 'girlfriend who 'the guy' loses' cliché could have been asfresh as the other foil supporting characters. The film has many beautiful shots on location in Texas, although theediting at times is choppy (granted the film is still not finished).The music is absolutely wonderful: the folky rock feel contributing insubtle persistence to the southwestern feel of the film. I enjoyed this film. It was not profound... do not go to this movie tosee another Royal Tenenbaums. The film is a comedy, but it is neitherdark nor slapstick. It very much reminds me of Sideways in that bothtake advantage of a specific local color create a more personal andmore relaxed movie. As such, while not often was I laughing, theever-present humor kept me entertained.

2012-05-16 08:14:00

King Con

The brothers Wilson (Luke and Owen) star, direct, and wrote this comedy con tale about the self-titled entrepreneur (Luke) who takes his beautiful girlfriend, Doreen (Eva Mendez) for granted and finds unconventional ways to make ends meet.At the beginning we find him literally hooking up with his neighbor, Razz (Jacob Vargas), taking an RUV to the border to make fake ID's for entering Mexicans who want to be naturalized without government assistance. Rationalizing that they are the "Ellis Island of the Southwest," Wendell is quickly caught and taken to Huntsville Prison where reform includes educating himself into a new livelihood. Once parolled he has to start out straight--from the bottom that is. His hotel entrepreneurial destiny is to be a worker at The Shady Acres, more of a retirement home than a hotel. There he's met his match with head nurse, Neil King (Owen), whose martinet sensibilities are almost as pronounced as his dishonesty and taste for elder abuse.At the center, Skip and Mr. Summers are two residents who have nothing to lose by siding with Wendell. Between the threat of being framed for Neil King's crimes and being mauled by Doreen's current boyfriend, Dave (Will Farrell), Wendell shows that reform has never been made more difficult. Befriending a resourceful retiree, Mr. Nasher (Kris Kristopherson), he has a plan to try to get everything back in his life.The movie is often philosophical in import, even when the mischief is going full throttle. (Nasher says with clarity that he isn't going back home because when one gets old, "Yesterday, today, and tomorrow" are in the same room.) Freewheelin' fun is met with a nice message about living life to the fullest and the usefulness of the elderly. With a fairy tale element, it's basically a fun no-brainer comedy. As one character says, "Sometimes things don't turn out perfectly; they turn out well." The same could be said for evaluating the movie.

john linzetti 2012-05-15 20:05:21

Enjoyable...loved the soundtrack

Watched it last night for the first time. Although it wasn't"slapstick" humor, I still felt it was thoroughly enjoyable. In fact,it seemed almost like a breath of fresh air. Not as formulaic as a lotof other comedies out there, thank goodness. I especially enjoyedLuke's character of Wendell Baker. He comes across as being foreverboyish until he does experience loss in his life. Harry Stanton andSeymour Cassel really do bring a unique air to the film, beingseptuagenarians with a fervid love of life. Kristofferson's character Ifelt could have used a bit more development, but is overall well actednonetheless.The soundtrack to this movie really helped a lot. If it had to becalled a flavor, I'd call it "Texas BarBQ"...flavorful, colorful andspicy. Very unique.In short, this would be the kind of movie you could watch with yourfamily and not be embarrassed.

2012-05-06 18:30:19

Some funny moments but overall an opportunity missed

This review is from: The Wendell Baker Story (DVD) Before this came out I wondered how a film featuring all three Wilson brothers could labor on the shelves so long. Now I know. The biggest problem is that Luke Wilson tried to write his own Dignan-type role, when that persona is perfectly suited for Owen. Luke tries hard, but it just never worked for me. I often wondered throughout the film how it would've fared if Owen played Wendell and Luke played Neil King. Of course Owen is still great as Neil King, the evil nurse, and he gives several great lines that Owen Wilson fans will quote for some time. The "goodnight" talk over the intercom is hysterical, as is his confrontation with Seymour Cassell in the men's room. The scenes with Owen and Will Ferrell are often very funny, and from the commentary track it sounds like most of their stuff was ad-libbed. They basically saved this film and made it watchable. The writing just isn't consistently strong. I wonder what Wes Anderson thought of this film. Hopefully it was a great learning experience for Luke and he'll create a better second film.

2012-05-06 01:37:58

Great Fun

This movie does not try to be epic or even strive for greatness, which makes it even more charming. Luke WIlson has a great laid back charm. He is an thoughtful and sincere as Owen is loud and enthusiastic.

2012-05-04 19:42:51

Once in awhile an enormous talent comes along.

Once in awhile an enormouse talent comes along to reminds you that a little hard work can go along way. Luke Wilson and his brothers made this move happen. Andrew co-directed- **and every shot** Bril Really. The story is imaginative and funny. Really One of a kind. I came on Amazon just and saw the last review and felt the NEED to come and say--What 1 star are you CRAZY? 5 stars. AND no I didn't give this a good review because of anyone in it. I give it the Kelly 5 star stamp because From the 1st shot of Wendell in bed from his window I knew this movie was one of a kind--and it really is. Please buy this movie you will not be sorry! Thanks for taking the time out to read this.

2012-05-04 11:33:44

Wendell Baker

I bought this not expecting too much from it. The Wilson brothers don't disappoint comedically, however at times it seems it would have made more sense for Luke and Owen to switch roles. Will Ferrell does make a few hilarious appearances, and overall the movie isn't bad, just not one of their best.

Pick 2012-05-02 06:48:49

I loved this film and found it refreshing

The Wendell Baker Story is sort of Bottle Rocket meets a Cool Hand Luke. It is visually stimulating, with great romantic shots from Austin Texas, while being original and not feeling pasturized by Hollywood. This film is authentic, entertaining and filled with great acting and actors. Between Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Chris Kristofferson, Seymour Cassel, Eva Mendes, Will Farrell, Harry Dean Stanton and Eddie Griffin, every minute has someone on the screen you want to watch. Go see this movie today and thank me tonight.

Spaceygirl 2012-05-01 09:57:05

Forgettable

Kris Kristofferson, Seymour Cassell & Harry Dean Stanton carry thislittle film on their able backs. They are hilarious. Harry Dean Stantonin particular is brilliant in his part. The Owen brothers are usuallygood but in this they're mediocre, even though Owen Wilson relishes hisrole as a 'villain'. Will Ferrell has fun in a small, but pivotal role.It's a silly film with a silly plot, you'd be forgiven for forgettingwithin five minutes of seeing it. Eva Mendes,though luminous, doesn'thave much to do with her role and is criminally under-used. The scriptis weak and the dialogue inane. The cinematography is pretty though butdoes not make up for a bad film.

2012-04-30 08:30:16

See this movie!

This review is from: The Wendell Baker Story (DVD) This movie is a kick! Really well done. Very quirky, very endearing. Good ensemble cast. Lots of laughs. If you like this one, then see Henry Poole was Here too - also very good. There is something very geniuine about both movies. Definitely my two favorite Luke Wilson movies. Hope there are more like these to come.

random_avenger 2012-04-29 12:34:29

The Wendell Baker Story

In his writing and directing debut, Luke Wilson plays Wendell Baker, alaid-back loser who decides to start a new life after being released onparole from prison. He gets a job at an old people's retirement homeled by the shady head nurse Neil King (Owen Wilson) and his assistantMcTeague (Eddie Griffin) who keep shamelessly embezzling theinhabitants' meager income. With a few spirited residents, Wendellstarts an operation to put an end to King's schemes and to win back theheart of his old girlfriend Doreen (Eva Mendes).There are many attempts at good jokes in the movie, but sadly theWilsons' lack of directing experience is glaringly obvious. Thedifferent plot lines are very clunkily connected and don't feel likethey belong in the same movie at all. The Wendell character's change ofnature during his prison time is not very convincing and even if itwas, his relationship with the responsible Doreen never rings true. Ina lighthearted comedy it wouldn't necessarily matter, but since theDoreen plot line (involving Will Ferrell as her new boyfriend) is themost serious one in the movie, it only feels awkward and out of place.The King and McTeague characters look like they belong in a darkcomedy, while Wendell and his elderly friends' trip to the farm ofKing's mother would be closer to a cheeky road trip movie. The tripsequence is the one that works the best in any case, thanks to thecharismatic supporting actors Harry Dean Stanton and Seymour Cassel asthe ever-virile Skip and Boyd who keep stealing the show from the blandWilson. Kris Kristofferson is wasted in a small role though; I wishthat the movie had spent more time with the old folks anyway instead oftrying to fit so many different story lines in one tale.It looks like the script was a little too far-reaching for thefirst-time directors, as now the movie doesn't seem to know if it wantsto be more of a drama or comedy; the elements and plot lines just don'tmix well into a successful dramedy either. Even though I did enjoy thesetting in the Southern USA and some of the constantly playing countrysongs on the soundtrack, over all I cannot really call the film good atall. Perhaps with more writing and directing experience the Wilsons caneventually produce a more streamlined effort, but as it is now, TheWendell Baker Story remains clumsy and artificial.

2012-04-28 21:44:02

A heart warming DVD

This review is from: The Wendell Baker Story (DVD) This was a great story of Wendell Baker. Never give up on your own dreams because dreams do come true! Judy

katzfilm-1 2012-04-28 09:54:02

Spartan Aircraft Co. goes to the movies with the Wilson Bros.

In the first reel of "The Wendell Baker Story" there are many exteriorand interior shots of what I reckon to be a '54 Spartan Royal Mansion.The movie was set and shot in and around Austin Texas so the vintagemobile home sports Texas plates. It was nice to see the old bird undertow (by a mid-80s El Camino, I think) though it was distressing to seethe leading man swing a golf club inside the coach (what I could see ofthe interior past a heavy, goofy set decoration, was definitelyunrestored and kinda rough) and play for laughs the joke of his 9 ironcrunching into and getting stuck in a birch wood ceiling panel. Eventhough the vintage coach in this movie wasn't a beautifully restoredspecimen (of which there are many available) or a vintage coachpreserved in original condition, still it was thrilling to see amid-fifties Spartan featured in the movie as a key set piece. Whatcaused me to groan out loud in the theater was the leading man, withthe exquisite curves of his Spartan Aircraft Company trailer fleshingout the near background,refer to it as an Airstream. To the production designer's (or art director's) credit, the movie wasan ode to vintage aluminum, for also featured in this movie was abeautiful polished vintage twin beech aircraft, the progenitor of theairframe construction technique -- aluminum skin riveted to aluminumstuds --used by Spartan Aircraft Co. to such great effect for more thanforty years. And continuing the aluminum theme, in a much shorterappearance, a shiny Haliburton valise was used as a key prop.I don't know if this light and entertaining movie about a quirkycharacter is still in release in your neighborhood, but I'd be aterrific DVD rental. Even if you are not a vintage trailer fan, take alook at this well made little picture.Spartanaciously, Michael Katz

Gordon-11 2012-04-26 17:50:43

A boring mess

This film is about an ex-conman running a retirement home. He findsconscience and helps the deprived elderly there.Since it stars Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell, I thought"The Wendell Baker Story" would be entertaining. However, I was hugelydisappointed as it turned out to be a tedious bore. The story is notengaging and poorly developed. The lead character is unsympathetic, andindeed unlikable, and I care little about him. There is no joke orhumour in it at all. I can see Owen Wilson tries very hard to beentertaining and sarcastic as a crooked manager, but he fails to livenup the bleak atmosphere. "The Wendell Baker Story" is neither funny norentertaining. I seriously expected more of the Wilson brothers and WillFerrell.

PAUL 2012-04-26 06:44:43

IF ONLY

IF ONLY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FEW CHANGES MADE THIS MOVIE WOULD HAVE BEEN A BLOCKBUSTER. Have you ever eaten something that tasted so bad the bad taste experience just lingers on and on? Or maybe eaten a desert that burned you, and you have that experience for the next few hours?The bathroom episode with the little boy ruined the film.This part of the movie was like nasty ,nasty food that burned your mouth. The story rambles along and does pick up speed with a enjoyable climax and conclusion. Luke and Owen did a good job and were great for the story.Eva was fantastic!!! Eddie Griffen played his character so well he brought the reality to the screen that validates working with the real life characters that exactly match Mr Griffen.