When I saw the previews for this film, I wanted to see it-after all, it's got Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon and Michael Douglas in it. Then I read the reviews, and started having second thoughts about it. In the end, I went, and I am so glad I did. I really enjoyed it-it's light, funny, a bit touching, and the performances were great. Owen Wilson's Dupree is (amazingly enough) pretty complicated-he's goofy, but well-meaning. He starts out obnoxious, but he grows more lovable throughout the movie. He's a boy trapped in a man's body, but he does have his epiphany, which makes the end justify the means. As Carl, a newlywed working for his wife's overprotective father, Matt Dillon shines. He's both befuddled, amused, and ultimately angered by Dupree, but he too comes around. Kate Hudson gave her usual bubbly, sweet performance (I never was reminded so much of Mama Goldie than in this movie)and when Molly grows to like Dupree, it's almost like the audience is given permission to like him too. The only weak link in this film is Michael Douglas. He's a terrific actor, but there isn't much for him to do here. He goes from being a jerk to downright manipulative, and then violent. Then, poof-he sees the light and decides to be nice to Carl. The movie would have been better without an obnoxious father-in-law to cause the Petersons trouble, because they have their hands full with Dupree. What went on with Mr. Thompson could have been saved for a different movie-and it's been done a million times before.
Overall, it has a lot of laughs-some side-splitting-and it's good, fun summer fare that lets you come along for the sometimes bumpy ride.
Overall, it has a lot of laughs-some side-splitting-and it's good, fun summer fare that lets you come along for the sometimes bumpy ride.