‘Wanderlust’ strays from traditional comedic path

David Wain’s style of comedy definitely isn’t for everyone… “Wanderlust”

Directed by: David Wain

Starring: Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston

Grade: B+

David Wain’s style of comedy definitely isn’t for everyone. The director best known for the hit “Role Models” has his roots with the offbeat comedy troupe Stella, whose hyper-absurdist sketches were at times polarizing among viewers. His latest cinematic project “Wanderlust” walks the line between the accessibility of “Role Models” and the absurdly offbeat humor of his past projects.

The film begins with a wealthy young couple purchasing a property in the West Village of New York City. The husband, George (Paul Rudd), is neurotic and sarcastic, while his wife Linda (Jennifer Aniston) is a free spirit with no set career path. When George loses his Wall Street job as a result of the economic crisis, the couple is forced to move in with George’s brother in Atlanta. Before the couple can make it to the city, they find themselves in Elysium, a living community full of nudists and hippies. The plot thickens when the free-love aspect of the Elysium community threatens George and Linda’s marriage. Matters are only made worse when the camp’s leader, Seth, takes a particular interest in Linda.

Rudd plays his trademark sarcastic, slightly pretentious but lovable character perfectly, making for some hilarious dialogue between George and the Elysium camp members. Aniston’s performance, however, was lukewarm, providing for some laughs but an overall forgettable character.

Unlike many recent comedies, “Wanderlust” delves into the absurd without forcing viewers to disregard plot structure and coherence. The film’s laughs come from some well-timed jokes, like George’s pre-sex pep talk and good old-fashioned situational irony. There are, of course, instances when Wain’s affinity for the absurd makes for some awkwardly unfunny moments. When George’s character attempts to use the bathroom in the doorless Elysium camp, he is interrupted by various members, making for a joke that simply doesn’t land but continues to try.

“Wanderlust” continues a tradition of well-written and smart comedies that break the monotony of overdone comedic tactics of the past.