The Wendell Baker Story (2007)
Tomatometer
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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
Reviews for The Wendell Baker Story
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Click to read the article Full Review |
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 4/10 |
I haven't seen this many old coots getting up to no good since Cocoon. Full Review |
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2/5 |
Wilson bros' uneven comedy has dark undertones. Full Review |
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C |
just a shaggy dog story dressed up in cowboy boots and a cool belt. Full Review |
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2/4 |
Click to read the article Full Review |
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 3/4 |
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. Full Review |
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2.2/4 |
This isn't anything to write home about, but is pleasant enough. I Full Review |
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C |
There's a reason this film sat on the shelf for over two years, it's wildly uneven in spots, but there's also moments where you can see that there's a good idea and film trying to get out. Full Review |
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I think it’s one of the worst movies of the year. I think it’s one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. Full Review |
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4/6 |
Here’s something satisfying: ’70s-cinema fetishism with the courage of its convictions. Full Review |
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3/4 |
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. Full Review |
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1.5/5 |
I hate to sound like a disappointed parent, but I expected more from Luke Wilson. Full Review |
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2.5/4 |
Though the first Wilson brothers' effort, Bottle Rocket, is far superior, the trio of brothers working together creates a light and enjoyable comic romp. Full Review |
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2.5/4 |
Despite a terribly conceived coda, Luke and his brothers have mostly succeeded, thanks in large part to sharp dialogue, a solid vintage soundtrack and some great older actors from the heyday of American cinema. Full Review |
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3/4 |
Wendell Baker isn't perfect. The slacker humor grows cloying at times. Still, there's an undeniable charm to the Texas tale as it celebrates nonconformity and redemption. Full Review |
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2.5/4 |
Though the Wilsons are no threat to the Coens as filmmakers, The Wendell Baker Story is still a pleasingly human-scaled alternative to the big, soulless Hollywood blockbusters. Full Review |
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2/4 |
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. Full Review |
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2.5/5 |
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. Full Review |
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2.5/4 |
Wendell Baker doesn't particularly cotton to outsized ambitions. Check your expectations at the door, and you might enjoy yourself. Full Review |
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D |
The movie undercuts whatever good graces it has generated with a feel-good ending that is just stunningly stupid. It's hard to be hip when your finale is so square. Full Review |
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July 16, 2007:
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