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:

loose bird | friend | intervention | moving | secret | 

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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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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, partial nudity and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Failure to Launch

Filming Locations:

Annapolis, Maryland, 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:

$128,402,901

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Justin Bartha and Bradley Cooper, who played Matthew McConaughey's friends, appeared in The Hangover trilogy.

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Goofs

In the dinner scene with Paula and Tripp's parents, Tripp drains all of his wine. A few shots later, his glass is 1/4 full of wine though he never picked up the bottle to add more.

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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

Referenced in Arrested Development: A New Start (2013)

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Soundtracks

Crazy Little Thing Called Love
by Freddie Mercury
Performed by The 88
Produced by Ethan Allen
By arrangement with Natural Energy Lab

User Reviews

Fun Chick Flick

No, this won't win any major awards or impress the art world's elite, but it is a funny, delightful diversion on a date night. My husband and I laughed all the way through it - as did the entire theater. I go to movies for a diversion from reality and this met the bill. If you don't expect deep meaningful, life altering messages or commentaries on the deep ills of society you will enjoy the movie.

The performances by the supporting cast were delightful and the best of the movie - especially Kathy Bates and Zooey Deschanel. While the chemistry between the leads was lacking spark, their performances were still fun to watch.

The critics need to relax a little and not expect searing dramatic performances from romantic chic flicks!