Liz Lopez Rating C-
From all the trailers that have been shown on television to date for ‘Wanderlust,’ it is very obvious there is plenty of nudity in the film because the story contains a clothing optional community. I know that. What I did not expect to see so much of was the full frontal nudity on a few occasions. I must have lost track of the time, but full frontal scenes of men and women garnered a stronger rating than an R, but in 2012 this film is rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, graphic nudity, language and drug use.
‘Wanderlust’ is directed by David Wain, who co-wrote the script with Ken Marino, both of which produced alongside Judd Apatow and Paul Rudd. Wain directed ‘Role Models’ (2008) that starred Paul Rudd, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, Kerri Kenney-Silver and return to work with Wain on the ‘Wanderlust’ production. Richard Vane is the Executive Producer for this raunchy comedy that follows a couple who leave New York after their losses. Not having a job and income can make people act and think in different ways as never before in their lifetime.
George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) hit hard times in Manhattan shortly after purchasing a studio loft from a realtor, Shari (Linda Lavin). No longer able to pay their mortgage or other needs, they hit the road to Atlanta to stay with George’s brother Rick (Ken Marino) and sister in law, Marissa (Michaela Watkins). The scenes with Rick have been relayed several times in trailers, but I really enjoyed the lines given to veteran actor Lavin, TV star from the ‘Alice’ series. She can deliver comedic lines well!
George and Linda have a hard time adjusting to their new life in Atlanta, especially after their overnight stay at the Elysium community, founded by Carvin (Alan Alda) and many friends in the early 1970s. Over the last four decades, Carvin has a vast array of characters stay and embrace the lifestyle of few rules, including share everything and shed the clothes if you want.
To escape Rick’s rants and Marissa’s unhappiness in their marriage despite all the expensive trappings, stressed out George and Linda return to join the Elysium community for a couple of weeks. Seth (Justin Theroux) and Eva (Malin Akerman) are ready to share George and Linda, but the new couple is apprehensive at first. One of the funniest scenes I enjoyed in this film is Paul Rudd talking to himself in the mirror as he is about to take a giant step forward in his life with Eva. I am amazed at the range of things Rudd said and does, so for that few minutes, I was rolling in my chair with laughter. I wish I could say that about the whole film, but no.
Some of the other characters at the Elysium community include Karen (Kathryn Hahn), Almond (Lauren Ambrose), Wayne (Joe Lo Truglio), Kathy (Kerri Kenney-Silver) and many others who have let time pass them by. They are certainly not ready for developers to come through and take over the property they have helped Carvin care for and maintain so many years. Seth shows his true colors about the community after he thinks he has won over Linda’s heart and soul.
As for this romantic comedy, it is predictable and it ends with George and Linda resolving their differences and sudden money and success lands in their lap. Happy endings are fine, but this is old and tasteless overall.
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