solid summer road trip movie

Rating: 7/10 (26 August 2013)

I've seen both films released locally on my birthday, August 9th, and while I felt that "Elysium" was a long mile better than "Total Recall," released last year on August ninth, I must admit, in spite of all my reservations before entering the theater,"...Millers" deserved a Fourth-of-July weekend release. I mean, who decides these things. It's obvious, too, it's got legs, more than what Aniston can offer, as it had earned over 90 million as of the latest box office figures, while "Elysium," probably getting as many or more screens, had faded to 69 mil'.
And given the obvious Fourth-of-July tie in for the first of three climaxes, all of which are good, it's just bizarre to me that this film was pushed back to August 9th, where they release the films that are second tier at best.
Granted, Aniston is about as believable as a stripper as she would be as a country singer or secret agent, but, she shines in so many other areas of comedic ensemble, deliver-the-line-and-get-out-of-there acting that she has honed over the decades, that one can easily forgive her stereotyped stripper moves. Sudeikis is given more of a chance to flex his considerable talent, and he is truly believable in every aspect of his character. This film is a solid step forward for him in an already impressive comedic career.
As with most road movies, the plot twists and turns require more than a little leap of faith, but our genuine caring for all four of the "Millers" makes us want to stretch out our suspension-of-disbelief the extra long summer highway mile. Wacky, warm, gross, guttural, shocking (and it takes a lot to shock me) fun that's like pure carnival cotton candy. Melts in the mouth, empties the brain pan, and I get to forget all about it after it's gone.
Take the one hour and forty minute ride. I can tell when I like a movie. Unlike "Elysium," after "Â…The Millers," I stayed for all the credits, and left the theater with a little spring in my step.
Excellent work from a great cast plus good writing and direction. Now someone tell me why it was pushed back to an August release? Was it just too much fun for the Fourth? Producers surely lost some money out of the gate by holding it back. I'm sure it will continue to earn overseas and in rental and HD. But the accountants should not have "counted to three" on its release.
So here's a tarantula on your balls. Only summer movie I have really liked so far. "Millers" is lite but satisfying.