About The Movie:
We’re the Millers centers on aging pot dealer David Clark (Jason Sudeikis) who is robbed of his stash and cash after attempting to stop an assault on the street. Indebted to his supplier Brad Gurdlinger (Ed Helms) for the money that was lost, Clark agrees to help smuggle a large shipment of marijuana out of Mexico and into the states.
Inexperienced in the high risk-world of narcotics trafficking, Clark comes up with a plan to stay off the DEA’s radar by traveling in an RV with a faux-family comprised of his neighbors – a middle-aged stripper named Rose O’Reilly (Jennifer Aniston) and nerdy high schooler Kenny Rossmore (Will Poulter) – along with transient troublemaking teen, Casey Mathis (Emma Roberts). On their border crossing trip, the group encounters one setback after another, each one bringing them a step closer to their promised payday – as well as a taste of family they’ve each been missing.
What Is Good/Bad About The Movie:
Given its R-Rated setup – which includes strippers and swingers, in addition to the main drug smuggling plot line – We’re the Millers is not going to be for everyone. It’s an unapologetic and self-indulgent comedy that often takes its jokes one step across the line into some genuinely uncomfortable (and subsequently funny) territory. Viewers who are easily offended, or were expecting a heartwarming cross-country tale, aren’t likely to appreciate the type of humor that Thurber is out to explore. That said, while We’re the Millers easily provides some of the most hilarious (and shocking) comedy beats in recent memory, the film is far from flawless. Several of the characters are held hostage by thin caricature and the overall plot is a mishmash of genuinely creative familial awkwardness dragged down by a number of excessive gags that can, at times, wear out their welcome.
The storyline succeeds in selling the core premise, providing a good reason (i.e. cash money) for the fake family to come together – not to mention stick together once things get complicated. The overarching plot itself offers few surprises, and relies heavily on familiar stories of characters that are united by financial hardship – only to discover a deeper sense of camaraderie on their journey. Yet, the various comedy beats that punctuate the experience are rife with life and inventiveness – made possible by a cast that commits to each of the madcap setups.
