Film Fest: Owen Wilson
Owen Wilson is a big part of 4 movies I watched recently, voicing the lead in Cars (2006 animated comedy), and playing the best friend in 3 live action comedies, Hall Pass (2011 with Jason Sudeikis), The Internship (2013 with Vince Vaughn), and Zoolander 2 (2016 with Ben Stiller). I had seen all but Zoolander 2 before, finding them all funny with bits of heart thrown in, and Owen Wilson usually plays a goofy but likeable co-lead in comedies, half of which are usually family friendly. I was on vacation when I watched these films so its like Wilson was a travel companion, a part he has also played before (both as a travel buddy and a third wheel). He excels at comedies, usually as a best friend or a charming cameo, and has also been trying to extend his range into action, thrillers, and dramas. Here are 4 of his comedic performances.
Cars
2006, G, 1h 57m
Distributor- Buena Vista
Budget / Worldwide Box Office (in millions) – $120 / $462
IMDB – 7.1
Cars is an animated comedy for the entire family about a race car that learns about family and friendship. Animated by Pixar and Walt Disney Studios in California, Cars was nominated for 2 Oscars (for Best Original Song by Randy Newman and for Best Animated Feature) and was largely successful at the box office, making $462 million worldwide based on a $120 million budget. Having made computer animated films for over 10 years since the first Toy Story, the studio was able to make this film colourful and vibrant, with the car racing scenes feeling as if they had used real cars. Lightning McQueen (Wilson) lead the way for making toys based on this film, Mater the tow truck has multiple funny lines, and the overall message in the film was blended well with the excitement of auto racing. This was the last Pixar film to be released on VHS and was the first to be released on Blu-Ray. Director and co-writer John Lasseter previously directed Toy Story 1&2 (1995 & 1999), and would next direct Cars 2 in 2011. Owen Wilson was previously in Wedding Crashers (2005 comedy with Vince Vaughn) and would next be in You, Me and Dupree (2006 comedy with Kate Hudson). His laid back surfer delivery worked for the character as a hot shot that is somewhat oblivious to how his actions are affecting others, but is humbled once attempting to learn a lesson. Other voice actors include Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, and Michael Keaton, in addition to multiple car racing icons.
Hall Pass
2011, 14A, 1h 45m
Distributor – Warner Bros.
Budget / Worldwide Box Office (in millions) – $36 / $83
IMDB – 5.9
Hall Pass is a comedy made for adults about 2 husbands that get a week long pass from their wives that allows them to not be held accountable for their actions. Filmed primarily in Georgia, the movie put on display the comedic talents of stars Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis, as well as had strong roles for the female leads, Christina Applegate and Jenna Fischer. Some of the humorous moments were so well delivered that they felt improvised by the comedic cast, a delivery method that the Farrelly brothers have perfected over the years. Co-directors and co-writers Bobby and Peter Farrelly previously made The Heartbreak Kid (2007 comedy with Ben Stiller) and followed up with The Three Stooges (2012 comedy with Sean Hayes). Owen Wilson previously was in Little Fockers (2010 comedy with Ben Stiller) and would next be in Midnight in Paris (2011 romantic comedy by writer director Woody Allen). His ability to casually coast into over the top situations and calmly talk through awkward moments served him well as the somewhat reluctant member of the gang. Jason Sudeikis was previously in Going the Distance (2010 rom-com with Drew Barrymore) and followed up with Horrible Bosses (2011 comedy with Jason Bateman).
The Internship
2013, PG, 1h 59m
Distributor – Fox
Budget / Worldwide Box Office (in millions) – $58 / $93
The Internship is a comedy about a pair of salesmen who lose their job and try to find a place for themselves in the now digital age while applying for program at Google. Filmed mostly in Georgia, in addition to the Google campus in California, the movie blends a group of young misfits with the more experienced yet less modernized pair of Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. While trying to stay relevant and also encourage their younger counterparts, the pair riff on each other, the changing of technology, and get plenty of laughs from their own learning curve. Director Shawn Levy previously made Date Night (2010 comedy with Steve Carell), Real Steel (2011 action with Hugh Jackman), and followed up with This is Where I Leave You (2014 drama with Jason Bateman). Vince Vaughn also co-wrote, was previously in A Case of You (2013 rom-com with Justin Long) and followed up with Delivery Man (2013 comedy with Chris Pratt). Owen Wilson previously was in The Big Year (2011 comedy with Jack Black) and was next in Are You Here (2013 comedy with Zach Galifianakis). His ability to appear both too old to fit in with the young crowd and too young to be irrelevant helped add to the heart warming punch of teaching the gang life lessons while quietly looking out for himself. Also appearing is Rose Byrne, Aasif Mandvi, Josh Gad, and Rob Riggle.
Zoolander 2
2016, PG, 1h 42m
Distributor – Paramount
Budget / Worldwide Box Office (in millions) – $55 / $56
Zoolander 2 is a comedy following 2 male models who are the targets of a conspiracy while working in Rome. Filmed mostly in Italy, the movie had a tough time making its investment back at theatres, and received mostly negative reviews. A sequel to 2001’s original, the film is filled with winks to the first, modern fashion references and cameos, and multiple ridiculous settings and jokes that may have lead to a love or hate reaction to the movie. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson continue the adventure of being out of touch with most people as they live in the world of modelling, once again building on their cinematic chemistry that sees them work together often. Ben Stiller also directed and co-wrote, recently directed The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013 adventure comedy with Kristen Wiig) and will next be seen in Brad’s Status (comedy with Jenna Fischer). Owen Wilson was previously in the action thriller No Escape (2015 with Pierce Brosnan) and was next in Masterminds (comedy with Zach Galifianakis). Wilson shines here as the wiser model, believable as a free love spirit obsessed with his looks, all the while dealing with parental issues. Also appearing is Penélope Cruz, Will Ferrell, Justin Theroux, and Kristen Wiig.
Links
Cars
Hall Pass
The Internship
Zoolander 2