When George and Linda lose everything overnight they realize they have only one choice; they need to move out of New York and find somewhere less expensive to live.  They’re only option is to move in with George’s perfectly objectionable brother in Atlanta, so they pack their bags and head south, leaving their beloved Manhattan in the rear-view mirror.  On the way they make an unplanned detour and find themselves stuck in the middle of what seems like a present-day hippie commune where money and careers mean little and wearing clothes means even less.

Wanderlust is an R rated comedy that earns its rating, yet despite producer Judd Apatow’s influence in much of the cruder elements of the script, elements that actually drag the film down, Wanderlust remains surprisingly funny; much funnier than I expected going in. 

The pairing of Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston - the New Yorkers looking for something in life that doesn’t cost as much as it did in Manhattan - works extremely well.  Over the past few years, Rudd has developed into that most likable of screen characters, the well-meaning every man who often gets in over his head with embarrassing results.  Jennifer Aniston, despite some poor script choices, has proved time and again that she is an undeniably funny performer.  Her voice is just right, her expressions hit the mark and her timing is often perfect.  Plus, no matter what she wears whether it’s an evening dress or a pair of cut-offs and a raggedy old tee-shirt, she can’t help but look great.

There are times when the joke becomes labored.  Rudd’s raunchy add-libs in front of the mirror as he psyches himself into having sex with fellow commune dweller Malin Akerman is kind of amusing at first in its juvenile way, but then goes on and on and on.  It’s really not as funny as I’m sure the makers thought it was during rehearsals.  The plot itself sags about a third of the way through regarding a lost deed and some land developers wanting to use the commune land for the building of a new hotel – not exactly the most interesting of plot developments - plus the payoff lacks the kind of punch you might be hoping for. 

And yet, you find yourself forgiving the film of it obvious faults.  Despite some adolescent stupidity in its cruder moments, there is the occasional inspired moment of genuine, inventive lunacy and several good laughs among the groaners.  For a film that has Apatow’s name attached, that’s all we can ask for. 

 MPAA Rating:  R   Length:  98 minutes     Overall rating: 7 (out of 10)