The Wendell Baker Story

I think the reviews here are a little unfair to the impact of the movie. As far as I go, it's that rare heartwarming movie that stays with you even after the end of the credits. What I liked about the story was the infusion of wit and cheek in the simplicity and goodwill of the plot. Wendell Baker is a greatly likable scamp who has his heart in more than one right place. The attention to racial sensitivity, for example, affirms Baker's charm, from his mercenary yet political business of selling fake ids to immigrant Mexicans to joking with his black inmates about 'aryans and crips ruling together', which had me laughing because of the ease with which he does or says those things. I'm probably ruining those moments by making them explicit because it's precisely the subtlety and matter-of-factness with which these things are woven into his crazy character that make him work for me. The gender angle, on the other hand,, was pretty screwed, because who cares for old women? Another thing I liked was that the movie ends on a note of reasonable success, not the sort of incredible feat that one is asked to admire in movies like the pursuit of happiness. All this, and Luke Wilson looking so cute is why I'd rate the movie above average.

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

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.

Wendell Baker (Luke Wilson) is picked up one work day in south Texas by his longtime girlfriend, Doreen (Eva Mendes). He is startled to have her pull over for a chat. Its a day of reckoning. Eva loves Wendell but she is unhappy that he can't hold down a steady job and that he is always pursuing get-rich schemes. So, she wants to move on and Wendell has to play along. Shortly after, WB and his close friend Reyes (Jacob Vargax, from Romy and Michelle) are caught by cops in their side business of giving identification cards to migrant farm workers so they can stay in the United States. Pleading for leniency for Reyes, Wendell takes most of the punishment, two years in prison. But, when he gets out, he's a changed man. He's going to enter the hotel business and get Doreen back. But, first, the Feds say he has to work at the "retirement hotel" run by an evil nurse (Owen Wilson) and his nefarious sidekick (Eddie Griffin). All too soon it becomes clear that the residents of this place are in fear for their lives from the two people in charge. Can WB team with a few of them to turn the tables on those who would do them all wrong? Yes! This fun film was written by Luke Wilson, directed by Andrew Wilson and starring Owen and Luke Wilson. Its Wilson entertainment and its enjoyable. It also stars some wonderful secondary actors in Vargas, Mendes, Griffin, Harry Dean Stanton, Seymour Cassel, and Kris Kristofferson. What a pleasure this company is! The sets in Rio Grande area Texas are harshly beautiful while the costumes and other amenities are just fine, thank you. Are you up for a sequel to the Tennebaums? If you said yes, get the WB story now!

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 lot of other comedies out there, thank goodness. I especially enjoyed Luke's character of Wendell Baker. He comes across as being forever boyish until he does experience loss in his life. Harry Stanton and Seymour Cassel really do bring a unique air to the film, being septuagenarians with a fervid love of life. Kristofferson's character I felt could have used a bit more development, but is overall well acted nonetheless.

The soundtrack to this movie really helped a lot. If it had to be called a flavor, I'd call it "Texas BarBQ"...flavorful, colorful and spicy. Very unique.

In short, this would be the kind of movie you could watch with your family and not be embarrassed.