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Reviews Counted:41
Fresh:17
Rotten:24
Average Rating:5.1/10
Consensus: The Wendell Baker Story is a lackadaisical comedy of quirky characters and situations, but ultimately the lazy narrative bores instead of charms.
Synopsis: Luke Wilson writes and directs (along with his brother, Andrew Wilson) this comedy about a former conman with a heart of gold. Wendell has a way with people, but fails to make the most of his... [More]
Starring: Luke Wilson, Eva Mendes, Owen Wilson, Seymour Cassel
Director: Andrew Wilson, Luke Wilson
Luke’s script is both funny and poignant, but he and Andrew do the writing a disservice by failing to set up the onscreen delivery and stubbornly clinging to tacked-on scenarios that do nothing to further the plot.
The Wilsons’ venture was shot in Austin, the global center of slackerology, and has barely summoned the energy to leave the place.
Top CriticClick to read the article
Given Luke Wilson's affability, it's also irresistibly charming. You may not buy the film's plot, but you'll invest in him as a man whose heart is always in the right place.
As much as it looks like an enjoyable project to work on and a blast for all involved, the feeling you get watching The Wendell Baker Story is that you probably had to be there.
Top CriticI would have much rather watched Cassel and Stanton riff and try to pick up chicks for two hours. But life simply isn’t that sweet for me.
Though the first Wilson brothers' effort, Bottle Rocket, is far superior, the trio of brothers working together creates a light and enjoyable comic romp.
Top CriticIt's evident by the incremental narrative skids that come with the passing of each of its three acts that Luke Wilson started out with an energized idea that he simply couldn't sustain.
The Wilsons can't even tell a been-there-done-that story of a con artist who gets his comeuppance without calling it The Wendell Baker Story, as if the character belongs, by virtue of his Wilsonian pedigree, on a pedestal.
It's a shame it didn't come out two years ago, as it may have then been seen as something original rather than just as a knock-off of My Name is Earl.
A shiny shell of a movie, TWBS is pretty to look at, and occasionally fun to watch. But ultimately, it's an exercise in futility -- for the participants, who can do so much more, and the audience, which deserves so much better.
This isn't anything to write home about, but is pleasant enough. I
A shambling, episodic movie that, in the end, just droops along to nowhere.
An idiosyncratic and larky movie that celebrates the virtue of hospitality as a grace that lubricates relationships and facilitates community.
A little of the Wilsons goes a long way.
Wendell Baker doesn't particularly cotton to outsized ambitions. Check your expectations at the door, and you might enjoy yourself.
Luke Wilson makes the case that he can act just as cool and laid-back as his brother Owen.
I haven't seen this many old coots getting up to no good since Cocoon.
Low-key to comatose, Wendell Baker might have been improved were it shot in 16mm black and white.
That they've assembled a first-rate cast made up of veteran character actors and contemporary comedy stars to pursue this agenda makes The Wendell Baker Story all the more effective.
July 16, 2007:
Trailer & Poster review 
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