We're the Millers (2013) Cinema Review

6

With a relatively straight forward premise, We're the Millers succeeds on the charm and wit of the assembled cast, and the whip smart script which balances risque humor, schmaltz and a gentle underlying message about the importance of family, regardless of the level of dysfunctionality.

6

David Clark (Jason Sudeikis), an affirmed bachelor and small time pot dealer has a small problem. As penance for becoming involved in a local stoush between his neighbor Kenny (Will Poulter), a homeless girl Casey (Emma Roberts) and a knife-wielding gang, Clark is robbed of his pot supply and takings, which puts him on a collision course with the exuberant, yet crazy drug lord Brad Gurlinger (Ed Helms).

Offered a chance at redemption if he can travel across the border to Mexico and return with a "smidge or marijuana", Clark has precious little time to secure some help, and therefore a believable cover story in order to get back to the United States with the illegal haul. Of course, that's just the start of the troubles.

6

Helmed with panache by the impossibly named Rawson Marshall Thuber, the laughs come thick and fast, with impossible situation after impossible situation compounding on each other, resulting in absurd yet hilarious sequences, topped by an emergency testicular spider bite hospitalization.

6

The cast are uniformly good, and pros at the comedy game. Jennifer Aniston might be well into her 40's, but she's lost none of her spark, nor looks. Will Poulter will likely find this film is responsible for a career break out, after previously appearing in a few indie flicks, and the second Chronicles of Narnia sequel. Emma Roberts is a little too attractive to play a homeless runaway, but she pulls it off with enough talent.

6

In a year that's bought us some rather unfunny so-called comedies (I'm looking at you Hangover Part III, We're the Millers is a breath of fresh air, and whilst it might find more longevity on the small screen that the cinema screen, it's well worth a Friday night viewing.