Failure To Launch Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
To leave the nest, some men just need a little push.
Tripp is a thirty-five years old bachelor man that still lives with his parents, Al and Sue. Al and Sue hire the manipulative interventionist Paula to play Tripp's girlfriend and seduce him, convincing Tripp to move out of their home. Paula and Tripp fall in love for each other, but Tripp's best friends Ace and Demo accidentally find the truth about Paula and Demo discloses to Tripp, spoiling the plan and their relationship. When Tripp and Paula miss each other, their friends plot a scheme trying to arrange an encounter to fix the situation.
| Matthew McConaughey | Tripp |
| Sarah Jessica Parker | Paula |
| Zooey Deschanel | Kit |
| Justin Bartha | Ace |
| Bradley Cooper | Demo |
| Terry Bradshaw | Al |
| Kathy Bates | Sue |
| Tyrel Jackson Williams | Jeffrey |
| Katheryn Winnick | Melissa |
| Rob Corddry | Gun Salesman |
| Patton Oswalt | Techie Guy |
| Stephen Tobolowsky | Bud |
| Kate McGregor-Stewart | Bev |
| Adam Alexi-Malle | Mr. Axelrod |
| Gretchen Cleevely | Veterinarian |
| Tom Dey |
5.70 out of 10 (8725 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Better than expected
posted on 16 Aug 2009I went along to see 'Failure to Launch' unsure pairing SJP and Matthew McConaughey was going to work. - I was wrong! They made for a great on screen pair,As did the supporting actors - especially Kit (Zooey Deschanel) who plays SJP's flatmate. Her wry sense of humour really adds a lot to this film. She would make for a great lead herself.It's also nice to see a film that centers on a middle aged guy who enjoys living at home. It's not that he's a loser, or using his parents, he just knows that he's on to a good thing.This may be classed as a chick flick, but it is what it is: a good movie, with great performances, story, and humour. Those movie goers who can appreciate a good film when they see it .....will!
Miscasting, Thus No On-Screen Chemistry
posted on 16 Aug 2009Many of us have witnessed this already. A physically healthy adult living with physically/emotionally healthy, financially comfortable parents. The adult child is: a leach, and a sponge, with expendable cash as there's no bills of their own. They are maturity failures. It must be some other parents kids that are like that, not me. They never see themselves this way. The parents quietly despair. They still love their offspring, but most don't reach their breaking point in order to regain their own privacy. Do the people YOU know like that seem - interesting? I thought it would be a good parody or satire. This movie was a disappointment. The movie was over-hyped in the previews/trailers. The movie was flat due to the stone faced leads.In no particular order, Failure To Launch was a dud because:[1] The script was terrible (all over the place, aimless) [2] Miscasting of the two leads: M. McConaughey, S.J. Parker. This was supposed to be a comedy. Neither were funny. Not even close. There was no on-screen chemistry. [3] The movie was promoted as a vehicle where the parents appear to be a major part of the movie. They're not. [4] Kathy Bates was underused. [5] Cinematography/(Directing?): There were too many lags & stalls. You wait for them to hurry up and say something funny.The positives:[1] The female roommate (Zooey Deschanel) is the funniest actor in the film. Hands down. She brought the scenes to life. [2] Kathy Bates & Terry Bradshaw were a fun duo to watch. [3]The trio of Failures to Launch were entertaining. As a trio. [4] The movie finally ended.Personally, I think the script could've been resurrected if these 2 participating actors were the lead characters: Zooey Deschanel and Patton Oswald. (Oswald plays Spencer on The King Of Queens. He also does stand-up comedy). Now THAT would've been a funnier combination. Sorry die-hard McConnaughey & Parker fans, but they just couldn't keep this movie afloat. It's not a complete waste of admission price. My suggestion is: if you really want to see it, wait til it's on DVD or in the bargain bin.
Hilarious
posted on 08 Aug 2009I thought that this movie was very funny. Although, you should see this only if you are looking for humor, not for plot. Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker were amazing together! Zooey Deschanel was brilliant as Sarah Jessica Parker's best friend, she was so witty and hilariously sarcastic. McConaughey's best friends in the movie were very funny as well as believable. The entire theater was shaking. There were elderly people, moms, dads, teens, and preteens there to see the movie and it was obvious to me that all were enjoying this incredible film. It was nice to have a romantic comedy that wasn't a chick flick as well, the story was told mainly from McConaughey's point of view. Kudos to everyone who had a part in the making of this movie!
Buck Naked and Just Wrong
posted on 06 Aug 2009In a scene from "Failure to Launch" Matthew McConaughey as Trip along with the audience comes upon his Dad Al played by Pro Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw buck naked feeding his pet fish in the den aquarium. I was hoping for Sarah Jessica Parker. I could have tolerated Matthew McConaughey. With all due respect to the talents of Terry Bradshaw, that is just wrong. This indelible image is illustrative of what goes awry in Director Tom Dey's "Failure to Launch". The screenplay by Tom Astle and Matt Ember begins with a novel and topical subject: Thirty-something adults still living with their parents. However, Astle and Ember squander whatever chance to make an intelligent comment on this American cultural phenomenon with a contrived romance, stupid animal humor, and an unintended plot twist that cheapens one of its character's integrity. "Failure to Launch" is not the worst way to kill a couple hours. Although, what is most disappointing about "Failure to Launch" is that it wastes the talents of McConaughey, Parker, Kathy Bates, and Terry Bradshaw.A key miscalculation may be the casting of Matthew McConaughey as home squatter Trip. Don't get me wrong. I am a fan. Matthew McConaughey is today's classic leading man. He is one the screen's most natural and genuinely charming actors. He has such an ease and grace about him. He is also deserving of his People Magazine Sexiest Man Alive distinction—he is strikingly handsome with chiseled abs. So McConaughey playing Trip, who is supposed be this 35 year-old "loser" who is a burden upon his parents Al (Bradshaw) and Sue (Kathy Bates), requires a leap of faith or something. Trip is a boat salesman with commitment allergy to women. Shocking. Al and Sue hire Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker) who is some sort of interventionist that gets thirty-something men to leave the parent nest. Admittedly, Paula (Parker) tells Trip's parents that he not her "typical" kind of client—after all he is Sexiest Man Alive 2005. Also Paula has a rule that she never has sex with her clients. However, being that we the audience is smarter than the script, we know otherwise.To their credit Astle and Ember do their best to create interesting fluff. Trip's buds are fellow dudes who still live with their parents: Ace (just right nerdy Justin Bartha) who is a software genius and Demo (crazed funny Bradley Cooper) who no one is exactly clear what he does. Trip is not totally irresponsible. He has a surrogate nephew Jeffrey (cute Tyrell Jackson Williams). Though well intentioned, this relationship is really just a plot device that is explained later. A very good and funny Zooey Deschanel plays Paula's free-spirited roommate Kit who is obsessed with killing a mockingbird outside her bedroom window that has been keeping her up for months. Amazingly Deschanel's wacky Kit is the muse of common sense in "Failure to Launch".Even in the midst of this movie gone astray, there is a touching and sweet scene with McConaughey and Bates as Trip and his Mom. Sue tells Trip that with him at home, she was not responsible for getting to know her husband all over again. This is a reminder of what good actors McConaughey and Bates are. This is also a reminder of what a wasted opportunity "Failure to Launch" is as a whole. Instead of talking about relationships in a compelling fashion we get Trip being bit by a crazed dolphin, squirrel, and lizard in the context that his soul is not in sync with the universe. Amazing—though not in a good way. Matthew McConaughey is good and at his charming best. Sarah Jessica Parker is dead on as the anal retentive and clumsily controlling Paula. Although both are very appealing stars, I personally did not get the chemistry. This is another failure in "Failure to Launch". More than anything watching "Failure to Launch" is frustrating and disappointing, because it could have been something really worth watching.
Failure to Launch Does Just That **
posted on 29 Jul 2009This inane film gives us the idea that Tripp, played by a 35 year old guy named Matthew McConaughey still lives home with his parents. The guy is a swinging bachelor, not necessarily in the Frank Sinatra mode, but his life is far from bad. Each time the girl gets too serious, Tripp brings them home to see his parents-and end the relationship.In desperation, his parents hire Sarah Jessica Parker to woo him so as to get him out of the house. The natural complication is that they fall for each other. Surprise! Surprise!It turns out that Tripp was supposed to wed 6 years before but his fiancée died leaving a young child that calls him Uncle. The race angle is used well as the late girlfriend and child are black.Naturally, there are fireworks when Tripp finds out what his parents have been up to. I didn't expect him to tell Parker to get the f--- out of my car. It was inappropriate.Of course, love conquers all, but is this film believable? I think not.
Decent film, cop out ending
posted on 19 Jul 2009This film starts out really well, but it suffers from a few large problems.First of all, Sarah Jessica Parker is too old for this role. She plays Zooey Deschanel's roommate, but looks old enough to be her great grandmother. Sarah needed at least another pound or two of make up. She looks far too old for Matthew Mconnaughey.Then there's the cop out ending which just didn't sit well with me. It wasn't satisfying and I really think they could have done it better.With that said, there are some good comedic moments with the supporting cast, but the film is bogged down by Sarah Jessica Parker and a sub-par ending.Worth a rental at most.
Overall impressions
posted on 15 Jul 2009The only time this movie made me laugh was when a scene was so stupid I was laughing about how stupid it was. The only clever thing in the movie was the "reality TV" scene. And the one big problem was: Who was taking care of Trip's kid when he wasn't around? What kind of a dad was he, really? I thought he was a selfish moron and I didn't care how it turned out for him.I was surprised that I actually liked Sarah Jessica Parker in this movie. She is so whiney in "Sex in the City". But in this movie she really makes you believe that she is helping people and doing her job. And the truths about how to get a man interested were pretty insiteful. This is one I would rent when I'm bored.
This movie is neither funny nor romantic
posted on 15 Jul 2009This movie is neither funny nor romantic. I only spent a dollar at the red box to rent it and that was too much. You don't care about the characters, the script is lame, and there are several terrible scenes involving puppet animal attacks. Don't bother watching this movie, it's lame. Now I am going to continue to type because I have to complete ten lines of text in order to submit this review. My sister (the one who wanted to rent this movie) is now giving up on it and going to bed without watching the ending. And she even likes fluffy chick flicks much more than me. Let's see if I can submit this review yet. The two redeeming qualities of this movie are the fact that kathy bates rocks and that there are some pretty outdoor scenes.
if this was real life
posted on 13 Jul 2009the movie is about a handsome thirty five year old male who lives with his parents. If this was in real life, these folks belong in the office of a professional therapist rather than a self trained "motivator" who makes her living luring young men out of the nest and then dumps them. Where is the logic here? The film could have been a poignant story of a young man who has lost a love and seeks the comfort and security of his parents home. He rejects women because he fears losing them. Parents spoil him rotten then vent their frustration at neighborhood barbecues.The animal scenes are pointless, and the ending scene of being bound to a chair until he acquiesces to the demand of his so called friends is not very amusing. I would say unethical as well.
More Bates and Bradshaw!!
posted on 07 Jul 2009"Failure to Launch" didn't really make much sense to me. Matthew McConaughey plays Tripp, a 35 year old "man-boy" who simply refuses to leave his parents house because he has it so good. He's not unemployed, he certainly does not lack self-esteem and he definitely has quite the social life, so will somebody please must explain to me why he will not leave? I must admit, I wouldn't mind living with my parents if they were anything like his, but still, not at 35 years of age. A semi-explanation is offered about midway through the film, but I still wasn't buying it. At any rate, enter Paula, Sarah Jessica Parker, the "a little too old to be playing parts like this" interventionist who is employed by Tripp's parents for the purpose of coaxing him out of his comfortable nest and into independence. This is where they completely lose me, no other woman could do it, but this one will? But, she is a "professional" and I guess this is supposed to speak to his parents' desperation. Moving on...Much more interesting are the peripheral characters. Tripp's parents are played by Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw, who are both extremely funny and enjoyable to watch as a couple. I would rather watch an entire film based on their two characters than to have to deal with the convoluted storyline involving Tripp and Paula. Bradley Cooper, the memorable, villainous boyfriend from "Wedding Crashers" and Justin Bartha play the role of sidekick to Tripp and are actually quite enjoyable as well. As is Zooey Deschanel, the quirky and effervescent roommate of Paula, who's character is probably the best reason to watch this film. Without giving too much away, watch for her scene at the sporting goods store, it's basically the highlight of the movie. You'll also have a good laugh at Bradshaw later on the film when he's in his "naked room". Hilarious. Overall, this is a decent film to be enjoyed for what it is: A fairly light comedy with some solid character acting and a thin plot line. The ending is, in my opinion a little too cheesy. But If you don't expect too much, you won't be disappointed.6/10...Just Barely.
Wow, what a stinker
posted on 29 Jun 2009Zero chemistry. Almost zero story. And SJP has the acting chops of Naomi Campbell -- "Can you see my chest better from this angle, or that one? So many choices..." Not worth a rental. Garry Marshall normally makes pretty good if overly sweet movies. I guess the bad casting of the female lead is partly to blame, but other characters have little going for them as well.Matthew can't save this one. Run for the hills! (Gave it 2* instead of 1* because I laughed accidentally once.)Time for more lines of text. This will surely make my comment better.Wait, I have a better idea. Why don't I bribe the comment engine. Inserting stolen Chuck E Cheese tokens now.
Too Many Blue Eyes
posted on 25 Jun 2009You're a Guy, and you wonder if you can you see this movie with a Chick. The answer is: "Yes." You're a Chick, and you wonder whether you can invite a Guy to see this movie. The answer is: "No."This is a Romantic Comedy. Its major flaw? It has too many, far too many, blue eyes. In this, the producers made a mistake. Ticket buyers need to dream, but they also need to identify. Most people in America do not have Blue Eyes. The producers misjudged.So. If you are not seeking a formulaic date-night seduction, I suggest waiting until this movie comes out on DVD. Then, most 50 year old women will love it. It's a good date movie, or a title to remember for Chick-Night rental.
Good romantic comedy.
posted on 21 Jun 2009I like Matthew anyway, so to go see this movie was a given. And I didn't have to con my husband into taking me, so that was good. I think Matthew, Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw were just wonderful in the parts they played. As for Sarah Jessica Parker, I think a different girl would have been better, but I don't like her much anyway.The story line was good, and we have a friend who lived with his mother until last year. He just turned 61 years old, but we think of him as much younger. Maybe living with your parents is as much for them as for you. Anyway we laughed and laughed at the whole situation. And probably would have laughed at our friend, too, if he had had some of the same stuff happen to him.
horrible
posted on 21 Jun 2009When I saw the trailer for this film i never imagined i'd ever see it but low and behold i'm watching it now. this film has a horrible plot surrounding a successful and attractive thirty-something who still lives with his mother and father. to persuade their son out, they hire a woman who professionally, well, "works with parents to get their mature sons out of their house" - how convenient! we don't feeling anything for these characters and the casting is off. am i to imagine hottie McConaughey is old friends with that clumsy guy or sjp is chummy with zooey? they also interslice bits of really offbeat, inappropriate and disconnected from the rest of the film McConaughey gets bitten by a squirrel in one seen and it turns all slapstick - so dumb.the dialogue is uber lame as well. every joke misses the mark by such a wide margin, it becomes agonizing to watch and you just want to cry. and also, sjp's eyebrows look WEIRD!
boy meets girl, girl looses boy, girl wins boy back
posted on 17 Jun 2009I happen to be a sucker for romantic comedies and happy endings.(I cannot tell you how many times I have seen "You've Got Mail") This one did not disappoint. Admittedly, it was a little contrived and utterly predictable but who really cares. It was laugh out loud funny. I am crazy about Sarah and Matt, but Zooey and Terri were absolutely hilarious.Zooey looks very familiar, but I can't place her @ the moment. This movie is not educational, award worthy, a call to action, or thought provoking. It is just a plain good old fashioned comedy and a great way to escape for a couple of hours. Pre-Katrina Louisiana is breathtakingly beautiful.
'Failure' Adequate Title for the Movie that Never Launched
posted on 17 Jun 2009I thought that it would be cute to take my wife out to see a nice, lighthearted cute movie. My expectations were quite low. I didn't expect a masterpiece, just to feel some warm and fuzzies and maybe a chuckle or two. Even so, the movie fell completely short.To start, the characters lacked any sort of depth. They were bumbling cartoonish oafs who delivered completely lame dialog and fit predictable stereotypes. Trip's (Mcconaughey) friend were not the fun, dopey guys you could poke fun at like Adam Sandler's buddies on Billy Madison. They were like boring dorky cousins you avoided at your family reunion.The undeniable likability of Matthew Mcconaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker could not save this movie. I cannot see what either one saw when they read this script other than being able to do an okay job with a formulaic crap that sometimes is well received by audiences. This is no "How To Lose A Guy" or "While You Were Sleeping". It is not even "Maid in Manhattan". The last time I saw such garbage was when I went to see "View From the Top". Avoid this film and save the two hours of your life.
half way interesting
posted on 07 Jun 2009This movie was nothing unique; the same ole romantic comedy starring 2 big stars. It did have a few laughs; hey it is comical for a 35 year old guy to live with his parents and when he's ready to end a relationship, he brings the girl over. The 2 best roles were Tripp's parents, played by Bradshaw and Bates. Those 2 were very amusing together. Parker and McConaughey were lack luster together. SJP is too old for Mathew McConaughey. They sure didn't look like a couple in love.And what was with all the animal attacks, a dolphin, chipmunk, etc... It wasn't funny and I'm still not sure why it was included.FINAl VERDICT: Very bland. Only see it if you have to see all romantic comedies that come out.
Within its genre it is a very good movie.
posted on 22 May 2009Within its genre this is a very good movie. The premise, of course, is a familiar one to many of us parents whose children—especially sons—have been to college and are reluctant to leave the comfortable nest they've called home for most of their lives. This was my first exposure to Matthew McConaughey, although my Texan wife raves about him—no bias there! I thought that the role of Trip that was played by McConaughey could have been played by any number of actors in that age bracket, and I believe the same could be said for Sarah Jessica Parker's role. However, it must be said that they each played their parts well, or at least more than adequately. What can I say about Terry Bradshaw? The interesting thing was that he was surprisingly good. So was Kathy Bates, but then I'm not sure I've seen a bad role from her. Zooey Deschanel was delightful--what a doll! Where did she come from? My home state of Maryland looked good. This makes a change from the scenes we're used to seeing in Homicide or The Corner. Maryland isn't all Baltimore, and Baltimore isn't all about drugs and murder. Very refreshing.
All you could ask for in a romantic comedy!
posted on 18 May 2009Well I have no idea what all the negativity is about! I loved this movie, and so did the rest of the theater the night I watched it. I laughed out loud at least 15 times, and I am stingy with my laughter. Now it helps that I adore both leading actors, but I still think the movie is deserving of praise rather than mockery. Akin to "Wedding Crashers" and better than "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days/Dates???." Sure some parts or the ending may be predictable, but it's a comedy, not a drama, you know it's gonna be a happy ending, so is it so wrong to expect it?? I thought the chemistry between Parker and McCaugnehay was believable and endearing and the story line to be fresh and witty. I am sorry but I do not see the connection with Hitch?? that is way out is left field! I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a light laugh, and an entertaining hour and a half.
A nice light movie, good for a laugh
posted on 18 Aug 2009It isn't a must watch movie of the year.. but if you've watched everything else.. it's a nice light comedy. Will crack you up here and there. Make your eyes roll several times.It's too nice, too light and too frivolous to tell the truth. But if you can see it for free... i'd say go for it. I wouldn't, however, want to be one of those people who paid movie going prices for it. I think it was one of those safe movies to make some money with. Something people wouldn't hate or love.. but some think cute enough. I do suggest if you watch this movie you go to the more section on the disk and watch the two guys who talk about living at home, one is 32 and one 38, made me extremely happy my son moved out at age 20!