Review of Failure to Launch (2006) by Rev.rikard — 02 Apr 2006

I agree with Kyle Smith of the NY Post: this is not a "chick flick." It has far more in common with "40 Year Old Virgin" than a J Lo movie. It does deserve one positive comment: the subject matter is culturally relevant since more young adults are living at home.

However, like many romantic comedies, it is predictable and shallow. This film could have explored so much! [***SPOILERS***] Kathy Bates' character was dealing with the thought of living alone with her husband for the first time (a real issue that causes a lot of divorce!), Bradshaw's pent up desires set free only after the child leaves (God I wish it had been any other desire than to be a nudist; he needs a personal trainer just for his rear!), and the son's warped sense of "privilege" (he feels no remorse or shame is making his mother work like his pesonal maid).

Yet, this movie just lightly touches these serious societal issues while trying to make us laugh with the same kind of humor in most modern comedies about romance. Addressing these more "serious" issues would not have necessarily have made humor impossible.

We laugh most robustly about such issues because it is the way we "declaw" them, taking away their power to make us miserable. Examining these issues through comedy can give new perspective.

Consequently, this movie blew a great opportunity to be a memorable comedy and a contribution to the current social dialogue about family life.