Failure to Launch (2006)

A thirty-something is still living with his parents until they hire an interventionist to help him graduate out of the house. That's when the fun begins.

Director:

Tom Dey

Writers:

Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember

Stars:

Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Bates

5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew McConaughey	...	Tripp
Sarah Jessica Parker	...	Paula
Zooey Deschanel	...	Kit
Justin Bartha	...	Ace
Bradley Cooper	...	Demo
Terry Bradshaw	...	Al
Kathy Bates	...	Sue
Tyrel Jackson Williams	...	Jeffrey
Katheryn Winnick	...	Melissa
Rob Corddry	...	Gun Salesman #1
Patton Oswalt	...	Techie Guy
Stephen Tobolowsky	...	Bud
Kate McGregor-Stewart	...	Bev
Adam Alexi-Malle	...	Mr. Axelrod
Gretchen Cleevely	...	Gretchen the Veterinarian

Storyline

At 35, Tripp has an interesting job, a hip car, a passion for sailing, and a great house - trouble is, he lives with his parents. They want him out, so they hire Paula, an "interventionist," who has a formula in these cases: chance encounter, get him to ask her out, involve him in a trauma, meet his friends and get their nod, delay sex, have him teach her something, then launch him. It's worked up to now, but this gets complicated when Tripp thinks she's getting too serious and one of his pals is attracted to Paula's deadpan, semi-alcoholic roommate, who's plagued by a mockingbird. Too many secrets may scrub the launch, and what if Paula really likes him? Who can intervene then?

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Plot Keywords:

family life | usa | united states | intervention | bird loose inside a house | 

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Taglines:

To leave the nest, some men just need a little push.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Matthew McCaughney appeared in an episode of Sex and the City alongside Sarah Jessica Parker. He played himself as someone who is interested in putting Carrie Bradshaw's columns on film.

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Goofs

When Tripp is showing Paula how to shoot the paintball marker, he is clearly rolling the trigger with the marker not shooting, apparently not on, but in the next shot when Paula gets the marker, she shoots Ace in the foot. Since the marker is electric, you have to cut it on to shoot it. You couldn't see either one of them cutting the marker on. Without cutting it on, Paula shooting the marker would actually be impossible.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Melissa: I just feel really close to you.
Tripp: You ARE really close to me.

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Connections

Featured in Revenge of the Sith Review (2010)

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Soundtracks

Shouldn't Have Walked Away
by Stephen Lang, Jamie Dunlap & Scott Nickoley
Performed by Molly Pasutti
Courtesy of Marc Ferrari / Master Source

User Reviews

Lift Off!

I'm just a guy who (doesn't live with his parent's) likes to be entertained. Our theater last night was packed and we couldn't stop laughing! This is a fun romantic comedy that leaves you feeling good. What I thought was going to be a predictable movie surprised me with characters that were endearing. Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw are great as the parent's. (Remember "Meet The Focker's?) Matthew McConaughey is the perfect "lovable loser" (and yes, he's wrapped in nothing but a towel in the first two minutes!) Sarah Jessica Parker has that charm and smile that would melt anyone's heart. The supporting cast is great! Matthew's 'live at home bud's' featuring Justin Bartha as "Ace" is the perfect "nerd" and Zooey Deschanel as "Kit" has a dry sense of humor often steals the scenes she shares with Sarah Jessica. Whether you still live at home or know someone who does, "Failure to Launch" lifts off.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 2006 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Faux départ

Filming Locations:

Alabama, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$50,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$24,411,322, 12 March 2006

Gross USA:

$88,715,192

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$130,224,158

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions, Failure to Launch Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min 95 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1