The Wendell Baker Story
by Andrew Wilson
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DVD details
Actor: Eddie Griffin, Jacob Vargas, Kris Kristofferson, Seymour Cassel, Will FerrellDirector: Andrew Wilson
Brand: THINKFILM LLC
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 100 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-10-30
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Model: TF-55575
Studio: VELOCITY / THINKFILM
DVD Reviews of The Wendell Baker Story
DVD Review: Zany, Southern-Fried Comedy (3.5 Stars)
Summary: 4 Stars
Directing with his brother Andrew, Luke Wilson plays the title role in "The Wendell Baker Story," recently released quietly on DVD. A non-stop romp of action-packed comedy with strong undercurrents of pathos that blend surprisingly well, the film has a broad range of appeal for one that only took residence in 17 theaters last year.
Baker is a cavalier "entrepreneur" who makes his living selling fake identification to immigrants on the Texan border with his buddy Reyes, played by Jacob Vargas. Able to sweet talk his way out of just about anything, he always manages to convince his girlfriend Doreen, portrayed by Eva Mendes, that he deserves another chance. As far as the fact that his occupation technically entails criminal activity, he is frank: "If there was a job I could do, I would do it!"
A sting operation soon folds Wendell Baker International, and that means prison time, despite fine legal representation.
"Can't I get deported?," he asks his lawyer.
"Wendell, you're a US citizen!"
"Damn it!"
Upon being paroled from prison he gets work at a state-run residential retirement hotel, working under the supervision of wisecracking conniver Neil King and his henchman McTeague, played by Owen Wilson and Eddie Griffin respectively. It is immediately clear to Wendell that neither man cares in the least about the elderly residents, but he is in position to do anything about it. Laying low, he develops a camaraderie with Boyd and Skip, portrayed respectively by acting legends Seymour Cassel and Harry Dean Stanton.
Observing Baker as a benevolent spirit, the two decide to keep him around: "Maybe he can get us laid."
The three team up to uncover the truth behind the suspicious goings-on surrounding the hotel, specifically the extradition of numerous residents to a surreptitious location, and to help Baker win back Doreen, who has finally moved on and developed a steady relationship with moody grocer Dave Bix, played Will Ferrell. The three soon realize they have their work cut out for them. Employing the help of Wendell's old friend Reyes and a crusty, tight-lipped resident named Nasher, played by the inimitable Kris Kristofferson, they embark on their journey.
Wilson, who wrote the script, clearly has a ball playing an archetypal lead character which in a way represents a male fantasy - transgressing with a devil may care attitude, repenting and finding spiritual renewal, and then stopping at nothing to win back the girl. Perhaps inevitably, as a result of this several clichés arise, and a great deal of the dialogue is sappy and smacks of being "written."
In spite of its implausibility, the film's good points outweigh the bad. If not particularly believable, it is a movie filled with laughs but also, importantly, a great deal of heart. Wilson gives each character depth and nuance, even Mendes' spot as the typically one-dimensional girlfriend, giving the actors the green light to seize the film and have fun with it. Kristofferson is particularly touching - his final scene alone makes the film worth a rental, not to mention the beautiful Texan scenery.
A zealous, zany, southern-fried flick, "The Wendell Baker Story" is on par with the likes of "Wedding Crashers" or "The 40-Year Old Virgin" in terms of quality buddy comedies of the 2000's. Those looking for laughs without the intellectual insults will be pleased.
Description of The Wendell Baker Story
Wendell Baker (Luke Wilson) is a dreamer and schemer whose latest scam lands him in jail and alienates him from his longtime girlfriend (Eva Mendes), best friend Reyes (Jacob Vargas) and even his dog, Junior. Eternally optimistic, Wendell makes the most of his time behind bars and vows to turn his life around. Upon release, he gets a job at the Shady Grove retirement hotel, where he befriends some of the colorful residents. Wendell's new friends advise him on how to win back his girlfriend, while he helps them battle the hotel's evil head nurse, Neil King (Owen Wilson) and his right hand man, Mcteague (Eddie Griffin).Bestsellers in DVD
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