We're the Millers

We're the Millers follows an affable small-time drug dealer named David (Jason Sudeikis) who doesn't really fit the typical profile. He's in his mid-30's, is well-spoken with quick wit and humor, and is realizing how sad his life has become. He's likable and handsome, and clever and successful in his approach to dealing marijuana. He does live by a credo though, which makes him that much more respectable; don't sell to kids. Through an unfortunate encounter, he is coerced into doing an international smuggling job for his ridiculous dealer (Ed Helms) when he owes him $40,000, so he reluctantly agrees and makes his plan. Enter Rose (Jennifer Aniston), Casey (Emma Roberts), and the hilarious Kenny (Will Poulter). They are recruited to play his wife and two kids, although their real identities are much more interesting. Aniston is a jaded, aging stripper, Roberts is a hardened street teen, and Poulter is a naive virgin who is really just a nice guy. Together, they make their trek to Mexico as The Millers.

Their journey is not without its obstacles. David isn't accustomed to playing house, and when you're taking a giant RV filled with 4000 pounds of pot from Mexico with strangers, things are likely to get a bit crazy. They piss off the drug cartel, have problems with the border patrol, meet a gangsta wannabe named Scotty P; you know what I'm sayin? and finally, link up with a good, Christian couple and their daughter on a road trip played perfectly by Nick Offerman and Kathryn Hahn. The best moments are the interactions with the Fitzgeralds and the best lines are given by Hahn. In the end, the Millers develop an unlikely respect and bond for each other, but the real fun is the burgeoning relationship from the start.

Unfortunately, many of the best lines are spoiled in the previews. You know the entire story before you sit down in the theatre, but there is still plenty to love. Sudeikis has a comedic confidence that is so refreshing. You can tell that a lot of the lines are improvised (see the outtakes at the end) and he's building a body of work like Will Ferrell more and more with each film/show he stars in. His selection of work for TV is amazing, having been in Children's Hospital, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 30 Rock, Portlandia, and of course SNL. His star is on the rise, and with more films like Horrible Bosses, or Millers, he'll be around for a long time.

Jennifer Aniston is in full "look how hot I am at 45, Brad Pitt" mode, and dances and jiggles like a real stripper (or how I imagine a stripper would dance and jiggle...) She is pretty funny and is shirking her wholesome image with every raunchy comedy that she makes, but she's doing it nicely and shamelessly. I've never been a big fan of her work, but she plays Rose with swagger, and you can tell she loves showing her body off, a la Demi Moore in Striptease, but without the actual nudity (or paycheck). Ken Marino makes a quick appearance as the strip club manager, and he fits that role perfectly, you can tell that he's enjoying himself. The nickname of one of the other strippers is comedy gold, and little details like that are what make this film fun.

The real heart of the movie comes from the teenage kids. Julia Roberts' niece is making a name for herself in her own right, and has some lines that make you double take that she actually said it. It's my kind of humor, and it's fun to see her take on roles that aren't too Disney, or too wholesome. My favorite part of the movie however, is Will Poulter as the clueless Kenny with a heart of gold. The Brit will break out with this role, but is going to gain a whole new audience in next year's young adult adaptation of Maze Runner (think a poor man's Hunger Games). The only way I can describe his character is as a grade A doofus. I mean that endearingly.

Ed Helms is a bit wasted, and overacts in what could have been a scene-stealing role. Ripe for lines and a charismatic persona, he just comes off as an unlikely kingpin who doesn't really own his importance.

Written by a couple of teams that were behind Wedding Crashers and Hot Tub Time Machine (and others), We're the Millers is a pretty original, sharp, and satisfying comedy. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber has been puttering around Hollywood since his 2004 home run Dodgeball: A True Underdog's Story, which he wrote and directed, but he's back on track now.

Ultimately, We're the Millers is a well-executed comedy. Since my only real complaint is that the previews spoil a lot of the comedy, there isn't really anything to complain about at all. Great cast, great story, great dialogue. Better than any of the other mainstream summer comedies. 8/10.