Wanderlust

By Sean O'Neal | November 3, 2011 | 9:32pm

Aux News Coming Distractions

David Wain’s first feature since Role Models contains a lot of familiar things: Paul Rudd once more playing a likably put-upon everyman; The Object Of My Affection co-stars Rudd and Jennifer Aniston coupling up again; a generous sprinkling of members of The State. It also seems like two somewhat rote comedic premises crammed into one, beginning as Rudd and Aniston’s married, harried Manhattanites are forced to move in with Rudd’s obnoxious brother-in-law (Ken Marino) in Atlanta—the mere mention of which provokes a melodramatic scream—then taking a sideways trip into a story about Rudd and Aniston accidentally getting in touch with themselves after stumbling upon a clothing-optional hippie commune.

And yes, plenty of easy jokes about gross homeopathic teas, crazy drug trips, and free love follow in what sometimes seems like a funnier Martha Marcy May Marlene. But as with Role Models, we’re guessing most of the good stuff happens in the looser back-and-forth exchanges between actors, and that doesn’t always translate to the trailer. There’s certainly enough promising talent involved to suggest that, with a supporting cast that includes Alan Alda, Lauren Ambrose, Ray Liotta, Kathryn Hahn, and Malin Akerman. And hey, as a bonus, you get to watch real-life couple Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux fall in love while playing with a cow’s nipple.