The Wendell Baker story was a family venture, something the Wilson brothers are known for. Luke Wilson wrote it, directed it with brother Andrew, and all three siblings starred in the film. Wendell Baker Story experienced several snags in both production and distribution that prevented it from getting the fame it deserved. Nevertheless, the outstanding plot and cast (including Eva Mendez and appearances by Will Ferrell) made this movie one of a kind.
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Wendell Baker is an optimist who has a lovely girlfriend Doreen (Eva Mendez)…The only problem is that he’s a criminal. And he isn’t attentive enough. And he hangs out with the wrong kind of crowd…Eventually, he is thrown into jail and soon after that, Doreen finally decides to move on. When Wendell is paroled, he is required to work at a nursing home where the elderly patients are being scammed.
Notes of interest:
This is one of a few movies in which the Wilson brothers star together. They were first in Bottle Rocket, followed soon after by Rushmore. (The Rushmore DVD was released in 1998). The most well known of films in which they co-star together is likely The Royal Tenenbaums. (The Royal Tenenbaums DVD was released in 2002 and is available in various formats.)
This is one of several movies in which one of the Wilson brothers appears alongside Will Ferrell. Both Luke and Owen Wilson starred with Ferrell in the Royal Tenenbaums, and Luke appeared with him in Anchorman. (While the character Ron Burgundy was a riot, Luke’s character Frank Vitchard also had some memorable lines.) The most notable film that featured both Ferrell and Luke Wilson was Old School in which Ferrell played the unforgettable and outrageous Frank the Tank.
