Who's
In It: Owen Wilson, Matt Dillon, Kate Hudson, Michael Douglas, Keo Knight,
Todd Stashwick, Bill Hader, Lance Armstrong, Jason Winer Who Directed It:
Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
When Can I Buy It: NOW (Region 2), NOW
(Region 2)
You, Me and Dupree - Reviewed by: Paul Heath
No
extras (region 2)
YOU,
ME AND DUPREE tells the story of Matt Dillon's Carl, and Kate Hudson's Molly,
who tie the knot in a stunning ceremony on the island of Hawaii. Their idillic
wedding sealed by the presence of family, friends and Carls' 'Best Man' Dupree
(Owen Wilson). Upon returning home, Carl gets himself a promotion with Molly's
Dad's (Michael Douglas) architecture firm, and they settle into their new home
together. Said happiness is tarnished however when Molly's father starts to come
up with ridiculous propositions for Carl (like how about taking Molly's surname
in matrimony, or having a vasectomy), and also dashing his ideas and plans for
an environmentally friendly housing community. All this is nothing compared to
what is to come. Dupree loses his job for taking time off to go to the wedding
and thus loses his apartment, and car, so asks Carl and Molly to stay for a while.
They accept, and hilarity ensues.
I
first saw YOU, ME AND DUPREE in cinemas back last year. It was one of those movies
that crept up on me, that didn't have any anticipation or expectation there, that
didn't really grab me through over the top advertising or promotion. So, seeing
it for the first time was quite nice, not knowing much about it, but knowing that
I have been a fan of most of both Matt Dillon and Owen Wilson's previous movies.
It could have gone either way.
Believe
me, Owen Wilson is the best part of this movie (bar Kate Hudson's ass). Matt Dillon
is fine as Carl, but most of this comedy's best moments come from both Wilson
and even Michael Douglas, in a rare comedic role as Molly's father. I won't go
as far as to say that I hated this movie, but it's targeted smack down the middle
of the road, to the mainstream commercial crowd. I can't say much more than the
fact that it's simply 'OK.' Granted, the three leads put in a decent enough performance,
but Michael Le Sieur's script lacks the laugh-out-loud hilarity that some of Wilson's
other comedies have easily achieve.
On
the plus side though, as I said, this is not a bad movie. There are some funny
parts such as the scene where Wilson is sat in the pouring rain at night listening
to a recording of Barry Manilow's Mandy on his Walkman (he's just been jilted
by sex crazed librarian, Mandy).
I've
never been a fan of the awkward comedy, which this is to some degree, but in saying
that, the film does almost redeem itself half way through when things turn plot-wise
in favour of Wilson's Dupree. This is where Dillon's performance Carl does start
to shine, but even then the words predictable, floppy and lame come to mind as
the film ploughs toward it's climax. I did feel that Hudson was a little wasted
as Molly, as he role simply isn't beefy enough for an actress of her caliber.
The role never gives the star to shine, and there's simply not enough of her to
satisfy, and I mean that in a character sense, in no way referring to the amount
of flesh on show (which there is a lot guys). Could be enough of an excuse to
check the movie out anyway.
I've
had worst times sitting in front of my DVD player this year, but I'm afraid YOU,
ME AND DUPREE simply 'wasn't up my street.' There are no doubt fans of the flick
out there, and some may dig it more than I did, which is why I suggest that you
check this out on a rental first.
We
were supplied with a vanilla copy of the disc, of which there were no extra features.
The region two release features zero extra features too, but region one territories
are treated to commentaries, outtakes, behind the scenes featurettes and more.
Why of why do region two crowds miss out? The mind boggles.
Who's
In It: Owen Wilson, Matt Dillon, Kate Hudson, Michael Douglas, Keo Knight,
Todd Stashwick, Bill Hader, Lance Armstrong, Jason Winer
