LuckyWill"You, Me and Dupree" Review
August 30th 2006 00:13
A romantic comedy, comedic romance or vehicle for Owen Wilson fans?
Whilst all are partially true; this comedy film has got the right intention, is moderately entertaining but ultimately forgettable. The film surrounds newly weds Kate Hudson playing the easy-going wife to her hubby Matt Dillon in awkward form, cautiously mitigating whether to play the lead, to play a serious role or to support the other cast. And Owen Wilson of course plays the titles namesake and probably the reasons for the film – Dupree. Michael Douglas also turns in a performance as the discerning father to Hudson and the coldly aloof father-in-law to Dillon. Apart from Wilson he’s the only energetic cast member showing some of his charisma and looking to be enjoying the role.
This film feels like a series of intertextual nods to other parts of films that have worked. We have Dillon playing a young Walter Mathau of “Grumpy Old Men” and “Dennis the Menace” fame, Wilson playing invariably the roles he always stars in – the goof – and Douglas as the looser version of Robert De Niro as the distrusting father in “Meet the Parents/Fockers”. Invariably, when it works, it works, while the rest plods along without any reference to expect other than Wilson’s intermittent antics.
There are some funny moments however. Similar to “The Break Up” there’s moments of impending anxiety watching Wilson’s influence on Dillon to invite the guys over for a “boys night” before Hudson returns home. Or Hudson’s chagrin at the smell of Wilson’s use of the bedroom toilet which Dillon and her both sleep next to. And Douglas’ embarrassing requests of Dillon to slowly but surely whittle him down in the hope the marriage won’t work out.
But overall, the film does try. It utilizes previous winning formula’s but unfortunately doesn’t come up with any of it’s own to truly give it identifiable elements or constitute reasons to see it. Aside, Owen Wilson is a stand-out in “You, Me and Dupree”. If you like him, you’ll like this film. He’s just like your unfortunate best friend with the positive attitude you can’t help but love.
"Cheeee-ese!"
Whilst all are partially true; this comedy film has got the right intention, is moderately entertaining but ultimately forgettable. The film surrounds newly weds Kate Hudson playing the easy-going wife to her hubby Matt Dillon in awkward form, cautiously mitigating whether to play the lead, to play a serious role or to support the other cast. And Owen Wilson of course plays the titles namesake and probably the reasons for the film – Dupree. Michael Douglas also turns in a performance as the discerning father to Hudson and the coldly aloof father-in-law to Dillon. Apart from Wilson he’s the only energetic cast member showing some of his charisma and looking to be enjoying the role.
This film feels like a series of intertextual nods to other parts of films that have worked. We have Dillon playing a young Walter Mathau of “Grumpy Old Men” and “Dennis the Menace” fame, Wilson playing invariably the roles he always stars in – the goof – and Douglas as the looser version of Robert De Niro as the distrusting father in “Meet the Parents/Fockers”. Invariably, when it works, it works, while the rest plods along without any reference to expect other than Wilson’s intermittent antics.
"Dupree.."
But overall, the film does try. It utilizes previous winning formula’s but unfortunately doesn’t come up with any of it’s own to truly give it identifiable elements or constitute reasons to see it. Aside, Owen Wilson is a stand-out in “You, Me and Dupree”. If you like him, you’ll like this film. He’s just like your unfortunate best friend with the positive attitude you can’t help but love.
Rating: 2 starz
3/1/2 starz if you are an Owen Wilson fan.
3/1/2 starz if you are an Owen Wilson fan.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
The only other film Ive enjoyed with him in it was The Minus Man. Directed by actor Hampton Fancher this a low key serial killer film. Starring a seemingly gentle natured and genuine Wilson in the lead role. His role and the movie itself is complex and subtle.
Comment by Justin
In "You, Me and Dupree", he's less fizz than in the Shanghai series and I kind of like his persona..
"The Royal Tenanbaums" is on my must-see list when I get a chance. Similarly with "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou".
"The Minus Man" sounds interesting. Have to check it out too.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Justin
Is that the film where Bill Murray is a teacher fending off the advances of one of his students from his love-interest? He's hiding behind walls watching them and treating the student as an adult threat while losing all respect and dignity he once had?
If it is, I really liked the film. If not, I must find it to watch it again anyway.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Thanks for the review!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Just make sure you cruise over to my blog and from time to time.