Reel Reviews: ‘Failure to Launch’ surpasses typical chick flick formula
Matthew McConaughey stars in the latest romantic comedy that breaks romance down to a science. You may be familiar with the likes of ‘Hitch,’ ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,’ and ‘Sex and the City.’ All of these titles fit into the analytical-romantic-comedy genre, where courting steps and motivations are dissected, evaluated, and manipulated.
Knowing all of this, I was skeptical walking into the theater. But I soon realized that this was a fresh movie with a lot of new things to say. ‘Failure to Launch’ has an interesting premise, deep cast, and bushy-tailed energy that really entertained. In fact, I can’t remember being part of an audience that laughed so hard so much.
McConaughey plays Tripp, a 35-year-old man still living with his parents. While Tripp is perfectly happy, his parents are tired and want him out – so much so that they hire “move-out-specialist” Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker, ‘Sex and the City’). Paula simulates a real relationship designed to wean a man out of his parent’s home. Trip proves to be Paula’s biggest challenge yet as she lets feelings get in the way of her job.
Now to be fair, the plot is kind of predictable, and the scattered sex jokes and scenes are annoying. Yet the movie works at an above average level because of the cast and lively writing and film editing.
The leads, McConaughey and Parker, are a believable match, though McConaughey really shines with his slacker-suave charm (see ‘Dazed and Confused’) that is his strongest acting tool. He’s in his zone here.
Supporting cast members are an eclectic bunch, including ex-NFL star Terry Bradshaw playing Trip’s spacey dad. Bradshaw was actually pretty good, and – be warned – you see more of him than you bargain for in the film. Also, the ever-offbeat Zooey Deschanel, ‘Elf’), excels as a moody roommate whose tirades and dialogue are more than a highlight. One of the film’s funniest scenes has Jane debating ethics with a gun salesman in a retail store. And keeping the film grounded is Trip’s sweet mom, played by Kathy Bates. What a great actress.
Besides the acting, though, the blunt variety of characters and places makes the film a crowd pleaser. Just consider characters including a chipmunk, a dolphin, a lizard, a monkey, and a mockingbird. And then there are the locations, like the ocean, a paintball field, the mountains, and the jungle.
This film is cheerful escapism, and frankly less stuffy than recent romantic comedies. I get the feeling that the cast and crew had a really good time making ‘Launch.’ And, what’s more, I sure had a good time watching it.
Chris Blakesley is a film critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments and questions can be sent to him at
cblakes@cc.usu.edu.