'Failure To Launch' Never Gets Off The Ground
BY DIANA SANDERS

Boy meets girl. In the world of Hollywood, the concept is almost a default for movie making, so what happens before, during and after 'boy meets girl', it is hoped, makes the film. Moviegoers willing to devote a night out after a stressful day at work and the price of admission to yet another romantic comedy, at the least should be able to expect an original screenplay and a witty cast that can generate some laughs. If that means watching a refreshing, unrealistic, foolishly semi-entertaining chick flick, then so be it.

In "Failure To Launch", Tripp, a 35-year old boat seller hunk with a Porsche, played by Matthew McConaughey, meets quirky Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker.) What can go wrong when two good-looking people find chemistry? Something can, if the guy is still living with mom and dad and the girl is on mom and dad's payroll to get him out of the house.

Relationships for Tripp reach their endpoint when the girl gives him "the look". This look, which means she's smitten, results in a trip to Tripp's home, where she will, to her shock, realize the guy of her dreams still lives with his parents, ending the relationship. But Tripp's sweet-talking games have become too, too many for his parents, played by former pro football player Terry Bradshaw and Oscar winning actress Kathy Bates. Desperately wanting to regain their lives after 35 years of parenting, the two hire Paula (Parker), a professional who guarantees she can get him to move out.

The somewhat awkward-yet-silly plot, though, seems to fall a bit short of expectations. If two beautiful people are put together, a film can be expected to be watchable, but not so much if there's no chemistry between them. Parker and McConaughey didn't seem to connect, and Parker simply seemed her old self once again.

The supporting roles save the film. Tripp's two friends, Ace and Demo, played by Justin Bartha and Bradley Cooper, add their own sense of comedy to the flick, but it was definitely the character of Paula's roommate, Kit, played by Zoey Deschanel, that stole the show. The definite highlight of the film, Deschanel is not a typical roommate. Distinct expressions and clever one-liners humorously build the character's sarcasm. Deschanel's character is enraged by mockingbirds, and in perhaps the funniest scene in the movie, makes Ace (Bartha) shoot the mockingbird that will not let her sleep. She instantaneously feels guilty and orders Ace to give the dying bird mouth-to-mouth. Her performance gave much-needed dimension to the film.

Director Tom Dey's work did not go completely unnoticed. Although the romantic comedy won't go down in history for its excellence, as did the classic "The Philadelphia Story", slight comedic moments, along with the unusual plot, are credited to him. However, while the movie does not display anything outstanding, it does not have to. Movies like these are unrealistic-that's what makes them watchable. Violence, world issues, tragedy and unconditional love are not always ingredients for a good film. Sometimes, all you need is a simple laugh, even if the joke is unclear.