Wanderlust (Two-Disc Combo Pack: Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) Review
In the culture-clash comedy Wanderlust, hard-core New Yorkers George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) lose their jobs and sadly head to Atlanta to live with George's obnoxious brother. When they chance upon a rural commune called Elysium, dedicated to nudism, veganism, and free love, the frustrated couple decide to dive in… only to discover that changing themselves isn't as easy as changing their home. Though predictable in its broad strokes (there's not much doubt about how George and Linda or the commune itself will end up), Wanderlust is crammed with unexpected moments and delightful character bits, especially from the supporting cast. George's brother (Ken Marino, who also cowrote the script) and his wife (Michaela Watkins) are a scathing portrait in suburban misery; a realtor (Linda Lavin) blithely discusses her sex life with her clients; and all the commune residents have their individual moments of madness. When Rudd tries to psych himself up for free love by talking dirty to himself in a mirror, it's excruciatingly funny. Director-cowriter David Wain (Role Models, Wet Hot American Summer) has carved out a niche where formulaic plots get invigorated by sneaky gags and small roles you want to know more about (the snide TV executive who turned down Linda's bleak documentary; what's she like at lunch?). It makes you wonder what would happen if Wain came up with a story as surprising as his characters; but in the meantime, there are plenty of pleasures in Wanderlust. --Bret Fetzer
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