Review - Wanderlust

Lustful but Lacking

George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) are living the life in New York City.  They’ve just taken the giant leap and bought a place (a studio apartment) and are ready to move forward to take on all comers. But then…Linda’s documentary is turned down by HBO and the government has taken down George’s company. With life crashing down around them they take the only offer that is out there, they head south to move in with George’s obnoxious brother.

A long journey south to Georgia has driven them batty, the only thing that will help is a night in a soft bed and that is where the stumble into Elysium.

Elysium features some of the nicest people they have ever met, even though they are a bit eccentric. But the commune lifestyle isn’t what they were looking for on this trip, so on to the brother’s house. It takes very little time to realize that commune lifestyle is definitely better than George’s brother.

They give the free wheeling commune lifestyle a try for two weeks. Meeting character after character from the guru Seth (Justin Theroux), to the property owner Carvin (Alan Alda).

Seth’s girlfriend Eva (Malin Akerman) has eyes on George and Seth has eyes for Linda. Well since they share everything, that won’t be a problem, will it?

I came from this film virtually speechless.  There are moments where I definitely laughed out loud. But unfortunately, I had to struggle through many weird plot points and unfunny use of male organs. Why is it that everyone wants to shock you with men’s privates, and yes – I’m ducking saying the P word. This is a family blog.

The uneven nature of the film took away the gusto that should have been present. I just didn’t buy into some of the characters, and that lack of investment made some of the scenes that should have been funny, somewhat disappointing.

I’ll definitely give this one another chance, but for now, I wasn’t filled with lust or love and I immediately shaved after seeing it. (The commune lifestyle is not for me!)

C+

Wanderlust

Director: David Wain

Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, Alan Alda, Malin Akerman

Universal Pictures

Rating: R for sexual content, graphic nudity, language and drug use.

Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes