itssosublime

"Failure to Launch" didn't really make much sense to me. Matthew McConaughey plays Tripp, a 35 year old "man-boy" who simply refuses to leave his parents house because he has it so good. He's not unemployed, he certainly does not lack self-esteem and he definitely has quite the social life, so will somebody please must explain to me why he will not leave? I must admit, I wouldn't mind living with my parents if they were anything like his, but still, not at 35 years of age. A semi-explanation is offered about midway through the film, but I still wasn't buying it. At any rate, enter Paula, Sarah Jessica Parker, the "a little too old to be playing parts like this" interventionist who is employed by Tripp's parents for the purpose of coaxing him out of his comfortable nest and into independence. This is where they completely lose me, no other woman could do it, but this one will? But, she is a "professional" and I guess this is supposed to speak to his parents' desperation. Moving on...

Much more interesting are the peripheral characters. Tripp's parents are played by Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw, who are both extremely funny and enjoyable to watch as a couple. I would rather watch an entire film based on their two characters than to have to deal with the convoluted storyline involving Tripp and Paula. Bradley Cooper, the memorable, villainous boyfriend from "Wedding Crashers" and Justin Bartha play the role of sidekick to Tripp and are actually quite enjoyable as well. As is Zooey Deschanel, the quirky and effervescent roommate of Paula, who's character is probably the best reason to watch this film. Without giving too much away, watch for her scene at the sporting goods store, it's basically the highlight of the movie. You'll also have a good laugh at Bradshaw later on the film when he's in his "naked room". Hilarious.

Overall, this is a decent film to be enjoyed for what it is: A fairly light comedy with some solid character acting and a thin plot line. The ending is, in my opinion a little too cheesy. But If you don't expect too much, you won't be disappointed.

6/10...Just Barely.

Now granted, comedy is subjective and everyone has their own opinion of what is funny and what is not. Personally, I found this to be a terrifically funny and entertaining look at what life on the road is like for many modern-day comedians. Patton Oswalt has always been a favorite of mine, but I very much enjoy Brian Posehn, Maria Bamford and Zach Galifianikis as well. Maybe it's because I more closely identify with them and their "off-beat" personalities, this probably stems from the fact that I've been a proud "nerd" all my life. These are people who were brave enough to stand out by simply being themselves and not trying to fit into any category or alter their personalities in order to endear themselves to a wider audience. Brian and Patton are 40- year old comic book lovers, how could you not find that refreshing? Too many people take life much too seriously and spend most of it worrying about what everyone else thinks of them, these are INDIVIDUALS who could not care less about that. The comedy in this film is not always laugh-out-loud funny, but it is not forced. It's honest and unapologetic, which is what comedy is really all about.