You, Me, and Dupree
By Tony Farinella
August 25, 2006 - 08:12
 |
Wilson stars as Randolph Dupree, or as his friends call him just plain old Dupree. He never had an interest in holding down a real job, responsibility, or settling down. He lives by his own terms, and his occupation as he says is "living." He is the best man of a newlywed couple Molly (Kate Hudson) and Carl Peterson (Matt Dillon). They look to enjoy the newlywed life of sex, each others company, and the joys of marriage, but Carl finds out that Dupree was fired from his job from taking the week off to attend the wedding, and couldn't pay his rent. He's sleeping on a cot at the back of a bar.
Carl hating to see his friend in such a dire situation decides to take in his friend Dupree. Dupree seriously wears their patience as he sleeps in the nude with this ass shown in plain view. Having loud, drunk parties with nachos, beer, and many friends. Including Neil (Seth Rogan) who has a controlling woman and rarely is able to get out. Also having weird sex rituals with Molly's friend Mandy which includes butter and lots of candles. Don't ask. This leads to their house being semi-burnt and them wondering just what to do with this Dupree. Carl is also dealing with a comically villainous father played by Michael Douglas.
Outside of Dupree, and the occasional chuckle from Douglas who is basically winking at the camera and playing a heightened version of himself, YOU, ME, and DUPREE suffers from interesting characters to bounce lines and ideas off each other. Matt Dillon who is a very underrated actor has shown great comedic depth in films such as THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY is playing the boring straight man here. Which is a set up for him to be used and laughed at, at the expense of Dupree.
Hudson is basically just the sex appeal of the film as she flaunts about with her sexy feet, which Dillon admires, her tight underwear, and short bikinis. Which is quite easy on the eyes, but not too much depth or interesting qualities to her. Unless you consider breasts interesting qualities. Seth Rogan's Neil is good for a laugh here and there, but he comes and goes. This is basically the Dupree show. Dupree is the kind of house guest you love to see as someone else's guest, but not necessarily as yours. He's a bit obnoxious.
The story for DUPREE gets a bit predictable many times. You sit back and watch Dupree get himself in trouble and be a pain, but after it's done so much, you expect it. It's the same problem as the original MEET THE PARENTS. At first it's a bit amusing to see someone mess up so many times, but eventually you come to expect it, rather then be entertained or surprised by it. Also, any film which has toilet humor is not really aiming that high. Neither are films which relie on a main character being caught in a masturbatory session.
Despite all these misgivings, I had a certain affection for this film. Maybe because I relate to and understand the Depree character on a certain level. The guy who is loyal, caring, and just rather laid back while all his friends are married, with big jobs, and much success. It is a rather relatable character. Wilson has some moments that are entertaining and unique, such as his chase with a Samoan security guard. Also, his 7 different kinds of smoke speech he often gives. It's a light film, it goes down smoothly on a Tuesday afternoon, but does not break any ground.
In the end, YOU, ME, and DUPREEE is a mildly entertaining film that should have been a lot better then it ended up being. 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN and AMERICAN PIE were so great because they had a great cast of characters and people to see. A rotating door of goofy, horny, and wackos who are likable and that we know. This film only has one. But people are going to see this film to see Owen Wilson do his thing and he does his thing in this film. So a mild but hesitant recommendation for YOU, ME, and DUPREE.
Grade: B-