MPAA Rating: R
Director: David Wain
Film Pulse Score: 6/10
It’s no secret that I’ve been a huge fan of David Wain’s films since Wet Hot American Summer, which has become one of my all-time favorite comedies. Because of this, it’s with a heavy heart that I must say Wanderlust is nothing more than average. From the thin plot, to the wasted talent, Wanderlust provides only a few notable moments, and a handful of laughs.
The film stars Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston as a couple who are forced to leave their fast-paced city lives and end up staying at a hippie commune called Elysium. Alan Alda plays the commune’s elder lion, and there’s an interesting group of characters that inhabit the small community. As the couple acclimates to the very different lifestyle, their relationship becomes tested, and drama abounds. It’s a fish out of water story that had potential, but ultimately fell flat.
There are certainly some memorable moments in the film, mostly involving Paul Rudd and his awkwardness with every situation, but Jennifer Aniston held her own against a very well-rounded cast of comedic actors as well. Nearly everyone from Wain’s previous films made at least a small appearance in this film including Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, Malin Akerman, Kerri Kenney, and David Wain himself.
With a cast like this, and the plot-line, one would think there would be Wet Hot American Summer level of zaniness, but everything felt slightly dumbed down. There are a few outrageous moments throughout the film, including several scenes of full-frontal male nudity, but with the exception of a few hilarious lines, the script was slightly bland.
The pacing of the film also felt inconsistent. The first act felt rushed, while the latter calmed to a much slower, even pace. This might be intentional, to show the transition between the before and after lives of the couple, but I don’t think that’s the case. The film lacked a cohesive flow, which unfortunately detracted from and already predictable story.
All the negatives aside, it wasn’t a terrible movie, it just wasn’t as good as it should have been. If only there was a more polished script that made better use of the great cast, this would be something more than run-of-the-mill. It’s still worth checking out, but, and it pains me to say this, it’s more of a rental than a trip to the theater.
