The Wendell Baker Story (2005)

40% of critics liked it
(42 reviews)
40% of users liked it
(15,989 ratings)

Owen, Luke, and Andrew Wilson combine their fraternal filmmaking talents to tell the character-driven tale of a small-time con man who gets a fortuitous shot at redemption while working in a run down retirement community. Wendell Baker (Luke Wilson) is a con man whose large heart betrays his… More Owen, Luke, and Andrew Wilson combine their fraternal filmmaking talents to tell the character-driven tale of a small-time con man who gets a fortuitous shot at redemption while working in a run down retirement community. Wendell Baker (Luke Wilson) is a con man whose large heart betrays his criminal mind. Confident to a fault and consistently cool-headed, Baker is the kind of grifter who's always quick with a comeback and never lets the law get in the way of making a quick buck. When Wendell is busted for selling counterfeit Texas driver's licenses to undocumented Mexican migrant workers, he coasts through his prison sentence with the same unflappable attitude that made him the perfect swindler in the outside world. In order to pass the time behind bars without causing waves, mellow convict Wendell buries his nose in books about hotel management checked out from the prison library. Upon release the optimistic ex-con is distraught to discover his girlfriend Dorren (Eva Mendes) has taken up with a quick-tempered grocer (Will Ferrell) and his former partner Reyes (Jacob Vargas) has been forced into retirement by his law-abiding wife. Looking to put his hotel management know-how to good use and determined to win Doreen back, Wendell soon takes a job at the Shady Grove retirement hotel. Little does Wendell realize that scheming Shady Grove head nurse Neil King (Owen Wilson) has been dabbling in fraudulent Medicare payments and forced labor, and has no qualms about pinning his crimes on the carefree ex-convict. Now, if benevolent knave Wendell has any hope of turning the tables on his unscrupulous nemesis and proving that nice guys don't always finish last, he'll have to enlist the aid of fed-up Shady Grove residents Boyd (Seymour Cassel), Skip (Harry Dean Stanton), and Nasher (Kris Kristofferson), who are all more than willing to strike back at their casually cruel caretaker. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Andrew Wilson, Luke Wilson
Written By: Luke Wilson
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 11, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Oct 30, 2007
Studio: ThinkFilm

Critic Reviews

Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
Given Luke Wilson's affability, it's also irresistibly charming. You may not buy the film's plot, but you'll invest in him as a man whose heart is always in the right place.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
I think it's one of the worst movies of the year. I think it's one of the worst movies I've ever seen.
Claudia Puig, USA Today
Though the first Wilson brothers' effort, Bottle Rocket, is far superior, the trio of brothers working together creates a light and enjoyable comic romp.
Lisa Rose, Newark Star-Ledger
Wendell Baker isn't perfect. The slacker humor grows cloying at times. Still, there's an undeniable charm to the Texas tale as it celebrates nonconformity and redemption.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Though the Wilsons are no threat to the Coens as filmmakers, The Wendell Baker Story is still a pleasingly human-scaled alternative to the big, soulless Hollywood blockbusters.
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
A shiny shell of a movie, TWBS is pretty to look at, and occasionally fun to watch. But ultimately, it's an exercise in futility -- for the participants, who can do so much more, and the audience, which deserves so much better.
Heather Huntington, ReelzChannel.com
I haven't seen this many old coots getting up to no good since Cocoon.
Brian Tallerico, The Deadbolt
The Wilson brothers are as charismatic as they come, but the film feels like they're TRYING to be charismatic. It's so self-consciously deadpan that it loses that deadpan charm.
Brent Simon, FilmStew.com
If ever there were a more shrug-worthy modern hop behind the camera, it's hard to recall.
S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Wilson bros' uneven comedy has dark undertones.
Ted Murphy, Murphy's Movie Reviews
just a shaggy dog story dressed up in cowboy boots and a cool belt.
Eric Lurio, Entertainment Insiders
This isn't anything to write home about, but is pleasant enough. I
Michelle Alexandria, Eclipse Magazine
There's a reason this film sat on the shelf for over two years, it's wildly uneven in spots, but there's also moments where you can see that there's a good idea and film trying to get out.
Mark Holcomb, Time Out New York
Here's something satisfying: '70s-cinema fetishism with the courage of its convictions.
Jim Hemphill, Reel.com
That they've assembled a first-rate cast made up of veteran character actors and contemporary comedy stars to pursue this agenda makes The Wendell Baker Story all the more effective.
Josh Rosenblatt, Austin Chronicle
I hate to sound like a disappointed parent, but I expected more from Luke Wilson.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Despite a terribly conceived coda, Luke and his brothers have mostly succeeded, thanks in large part to sharp dialogue, a solid vintage soundtrack and some great older actors from the heyday of American cinema.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael S

I was UNlucky enough to catch this pile of dreck in a small, independant theatre. Easily one of the years worst films!
Joseph E

Don't get all pissed off cause I am about to say"Wendell..you rock"!~
Philip P

Luke Wilson tried-thats the best I can say-Owen had nothing to do, neither did Eva- and Will did what he could. Eddie Griffin was kind of pointless and even though it looked cheap and straight out of the 90's- I give the other wilson the benefit of the doubt in believeing he… More
Luke Wilson tried-thats the best I can say-Owen had nothing to do, neither did Eva- and Will did what he could. Eddie Griffin was kind of pointless and even though it looked cheap and straight out of the 90's- I give the other wilson the benefit of the doubt in believeing he wanted it that way. There are a few good quotes worth remembering and Luke does throw himself into the character-I guess I just expected more.
William G

Thoroughly amiable effort by the Wilson clan.
Jason R

The cast in this movie is probably one of my favorite casts I've seen in awhile. Luke, and Owen Wilson star alongside Eddie Griffin, and Eva Mendes. However there are three supporting actors who steal the show, no surprise why they stole every scene they were in becasue they are… More
The cast in this movie is probably one of my favorite casts I've seen in awhile. Luke, and Owen Wilson star alongside Eddie Griffin, and Eva Mendes. However there are three supporting actors who steal the show, no surprise why they stole every scene they were in becasue they are three of the best actors of all time, Kris Kristofferson, Seymour Cassel, and the great Harry Dean Stanton. I really enjoyed the movie funny and different, just one of those smaller indie movies that come along every once in awhile and surprise the hell outta you.
Haley A

You know, I REALLY wanted to like this movie, but just couldn't. The acting is fair and the story just doesn't cut it. For a film having Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Eva Mendes, I expected a lot more.