Quality Crashing

Rating: 7/10 (16 July 2005)

I have been hearing rumors about this movie for a long time, about its themes, some "colorful" scenes and a audiences' reactions. The preview wasn't as exciting as I expected, but I have always been fun of Wilson and Vaughn, and who could resist the pairing of Walken and Seymour? So I decided to spend my hard earned money and partake of the communal experience. In the end, I have to say that I wasn't completely disappointed because this film has some truly hilarious moments, and the chemistry between some of the principals works very well. It even has some classy cinematography and art direction... even some really good acting.
The concept behind he film works very well because there is the depiction of friendship and the various relationships in the family members feels real and honest; though leaving out the artistic brother wouldn't have made much of an impact.
Wilson and McAdams have work very well together, taking us along as they develop a sweet and touching relationship. There are some genuinely touching moments as they take simple walks along the fantastic estates.
True, I attended this film, expecting a raunchy, crass, hilarious, and downright bawdy time, and there were scenes that fulfilled my expectations. What made me enjoy the movie even more was that the filmmakers considered that taking those aspects too far would have resulted in overkill and another dumb teenager flick. Their film was 90% good, and I just wished that the unexpected and rather unwelcome one-note cameo in the movie had been taken out. It wasn't necessary, reeked of lack of talent and almost sank the film. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are good actors and comedians, capable of emoting emotions beyond loud and simian screams. Maybe the inclusion of the character in question will highlight this performer's fault and lead to his eventual removal from a business that has suffered in the past year of lack of originality and too much reliance in marketing research that takes the usual way out. True, a series like "Faces of Death" provokes some type of sick attraction, but that doesn't necessarily reflect quality or talent. Please, stop overpaying vulgar and simplistic performers and bring back what really works: talent.