Failure to Launch (2006)

Number Rolled: 98

Movie Name/Year: Failure to Launch (2006)

Genre: Comedy

Length: 96 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Director: Tom Dey

Writer: Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember

Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper, Terry Bradshaw, Kathy Bates, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Katheryn Winnick, Rob Corddry, Patton Oswalt, Stephen Tobolowsky, Kate McGregor-Stewart, Adam Alexi-Malle, Gretchen Cleevely

Tripp is a thirty-five year old successful boat salesman with one minor issue, he still lives with his parents. After getting fed-up with the situation, his parents hire Paula (a motivator) to get him to move out. Paula makes a living getting men who live at home to fall for her so that she can raise their confidence level and convince them strike out on their own. Tripp’s case seems like one she should have no problem with.

This movie would likely be better, except it isn’t really applicable anymore. That’s saying something, since it only came out seven years ago. In this day and age, it’s becoming more and more appropriate for people not to move out of their parent’s house for a long time, if ever. Money is and jobs simply aren’t as stable as they used to be – so it’s became more acceptable to live with family. “Failure to Launch” bases its entire plot on the idea that everyone moves out in their early twenties and there is a high stigma placed on those who don’t. I live in New York and nearly everyone I know around my age is still living at home. Those who are out on their own only made it because they had help, either from funds their family put together or a second person living with them. That truth makes the plot of the movie seem almost absurd.

Social issues aside, the movie was predictable but fun. I might have liked it more, however, if another actress played Paula. Sarah Jessica Parker really just had one tone throughout the movie, and it was identical to her part in the “Sex and the City” franchise. If someone told me this was a “Sex and the City” prequel or alternate universe, I’d have believed it pretty easily.

I’m starting to reconsider my initial viewpoint on Matthew McConaughey. I didn’t like him for a really long time, but I think I’m starting to get his acting style. Even in a basic movie like this, he wound up shining for me. Since Bradley Cooper didn’t completely steal focus from him, I’d say he’s better than I once thought.

The movie is not applicable anymore, but it wasn’t a complete waste of time.

Overall Opinion – 2.5/5

P.S. There are some amusing scenes during the credits that are better than the rest of the movie.

Movie Trailer: