Release Date: November 19, 2013
Rating: R
Running Time: 110 minutes / Extended 119 minutes
David Burke (Sudeikis) is a small-time pot dealer whose clientele includes chefs and soccer moms, but no kids—after all, he has his scruples. After his stash and his cash are stolen, leaving him in major debt to his supplier, Brad (Ed Helms), he must become a big-time drug smuggler by bringing Brad’s latest shipment in from Mexico. One fake wife, two pretend kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the “Millers” are headed south of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang.
We’re the Millers is easily one of the most enjoyable comedies of the year. This year hasn’t been a great year for comedies so this believe it or not stands out. Yes, it’s earned its R rating but it’s not nearly as raunchy as what you’ve seen before as it’s actually more edgy than raunchy and very tolerable. There’s really only one scene I’d point out as utterly ridiculous and you’ll know the spider scene when it’s coming. Aside from that, this comedy brought the laughs and balanced out with a great story. It’s hard to find heart in a story that has a certain type of comedy really only geared towards a certain type of audience. But believe it or not, this movie has boundaries. It’s fun for the whole (adult) family. It knows what it wants to be and it hits the mark but it still cares about its audience. Unlike another comedy I recently reviewed…
The cast is top notch. It’s always refreshing to see Jennifer Aniston in a role like this and she nailed it. Emma Roberts had a chance to shine and show off her comedic side, showing off how much she has grown as an actress since Scream 4. Jason Sudeikis is hit or miss and he was a hit here. That said, Ed Helms, Will Poulter, and Mark L. Young stole the show. Kathryn Hahn and Nick Offerman raised the bar. And Molly Quinn was quite a pleasant surprise to see after only having seen her on Castle all these years. Not only was the cast a treat – these actors really added so much more color to these characters than I think even the crew thought would be added – these characters were the perfect creation. Likable. Funny. Especially when they weren’t trying to be and not in a parody kind of way. Great story, great characters, great film.
Yes, We’re the Millers is predictable and yes, it’s twenty minutes too long but yes, it’s also still worth watching if you’ve run out of comedies and are looking for a new one to check out. How else are you going to see Helms’ ice sculpture or the trouble these cast of characters get into on a road trip from Mexico to the United States? If you’re not a fan of crude humor, this isn’t for you. If you are, don’t pass this one up. It’s silly. It doesn’t take itself too seriously – just enough I’d say. It blows most of this year’s comedies out of the water. So much so that if there were a sequel, I’m the first to admit that I’d want to see it.
Bonus Features:
*Miller’s Unleashed – Outtakes Overload (8 minutes) – In this feature, director, Rawson Marshall Thurber and the cast talk about the joys of allowing improv on the set as outtakes of some of those moments are cut throughout. It’s always a blast seeing comedians at work and even more rewarding watching the actors in the scenes break character because of it.
*Stories from the Road (18 minutes) – In this feature, compromised of seven featurettes, two – four minutes each that can be viewed individually (unfortunately there is no “Play All” option) the cast a crew talk about everything from the wardrobe for each character to the RV the Millers drive in. Also, very unnecessarily, every main character says the “I Am Pablo Chacon” line at one point. What was that? Anyway, as a whole, this as close to behind the scenes goods we’re going to get so if that’s what you wanted to see, this is the feature. My favorite bit? The avocado outtake. Now why wasn’t that in the movie?
o Extreme Aniston
o The Miller Makeovers
o Road Trippin’ with the Millers
o Don’t Suck Venom
o Getting Out of Sticky Situation
o I Am Pablo Chacon
o Rollin’ in the RV
*Livin’ It Up with Brad (4 minutes) – If you liked Ed Helms’ character, Brad as much as I did, this feature was made just for you. Watch the cast and crew talk about the wackiest character of them all and what it took to create Brad’s office, a huge part of what makes Brad Brad. My only complaint? The feature ends a bit abruptly.
*When Paranoia Sets In (3 minutes) – Not a must see feature. This feature just adds onto the joke of what was actually the pot while filming. As mentioned in this feature, it’s movie magic. Oregano and whatever else they used. Really though, who cares. This feature could have been cut and this time could have been given to more outtake footage.
*Deleted Scenes (16 minutes) – There are three different versions of the “Go Stall Him” scene and five other deleted scenes only one of which is worth seeing as it involves Kathryn Hahn whispering something hysterical in Jennifer Aniston’s ear. The scenes can’t be watched individually, so you’ll have to fast forward to the scene. Oh, and “Waterfalls” for all of you Ed Helms musical fans. A trio performance ensues.
*Gags & More Outtakes (3 minutes) – These were more outtakes than gags and more outtakes that we’ve already seen than anything else if you watched the credits. Not entirely sure why there wasn’t a straight blooper reel. Bummer.
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