2008 Woodie Awards
"Failure to Launch" takes off at the box office
Lauren Willams
Issue date: 3/23/06 Section: A & E
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Matthew McConnaughy plays Tripp, a 35-year-old slacker who still lives at home with his parents Sue (Kathy Bates) and Al (Terry Bradshaw). Fed up with their son's late night lady visitors and other immature behavior, Tripp's parents hire Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker).
Paula, a professional interventionist begins her "fail proof" program with Tripp while guaranteeing his parents their simulated relationship will give him the confidence he needs to finally move out of his childhood home. Her plan is simple; "You look nice, you find out what they like and you pretend to like it too."
Her agenda also includes experiencing something sad together, meeting his friends and having him teach her something. In their case he likes paintball, her dog has to be put to sleep (it's not really her dog), his friends like her and he teaches her how to sail.
Staying true to typical chick flick form, however, things don't run as smoothly as Tripp's parents and Paula would have liked. Paula's methods are thrown for a loop when she begins to have feelings for her deviant client Tripp.
If the plot seems familiar- it may be because it is similar to another romantic comedy also released by Paramount Picture's and featuring McConnaughy.
"It's just like "How to lose a guy in 10 days" only the cute blonde chick is different. Even though I hate to admit it, I have to say "Failure to Launch" is actually worth seeing, it's pretty funny and a great date movie," said Ryan Straus, junior, Staten Island, N.Y.
April Carlson, graduate student, Derby also recommends the film.
"If you want to laugh, I definitely think it's worth seeing. With Matthew McConnaugy's humor, wit, charm and good looks he plays the perfect loveable loser and the supporting actors are awesome. Really the supporting cast is great and is where most of the funny parts of the movie come into play. Personally I thought they were the best part. And Sarah Jessica Parker's roommate was hysterical. She's freaky, and weird and hilarious. I look forward to seeing her in more films," she said.