We're the Millers Review

We're the Millers

2.5 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

We're the Millers has been the surprise box office hit of the summer. The $37 million picture is approaching the $100 million mark in revenue and has surpassed the grosses of summer blockbusters like Elysium and Kick-Ass 2. It's holding up incredibly well and racking up the dough despite critics' negative reviews (audiences, however, are loving it). I'm really pleased that a movie like We're the Millers is performing so well because it deserves it. It's a truly funny crowd-pleaser that maintains its raunchiness amidst the sweetness. 

David (Jason Sudeikis) is a smart-talking pot dealer who sells to a few people within his local community. After one particularly strange night, he is robbed of all of his product. This causes David to have to do one "little" job for his boss, Brad (Ed Helms): to cross the border, enter Mexico, get a "smidge" of weed, and bring it back to the States. Of course this mission won't be easy. After all, how do you smuggle drugs across the border and not get caught?

To increase his chances of success, David recruits three people to join him on the job and pose as a nice, normal, American family. Rose (Jennifer Aniston) is the stripper with a heart of gold who must put aside her career and tap into her maternal side. Kenny (Will Poulter) is a geeky virgin who knows the streets as well as he knows women -- not at all. However, he's a loyal companion to David with a good head on his shoulders. And Casey (Emma Roberts) is a runaway teen with a dark and troubled life. Although she's tough and extremely difficult, she's really smart and knows how to get herself out of bad situations.

David, Rose, Kenny, and Casey become the Miller family and set off on a wild and wacky adventure that will (you guessed it) force them to become a real family in the craziest and most dangerous mission of their lives.

As cliched and hackneyed as the movie sounds, We're the Millers might surprise you. Even when you know that it's heading in the direction of becoming overly sweet, it still maintains edge and raunch. We're the Millers is a dirty R-rated comedy, and I truly appreciated the profane and occasionally mean-spirited (but not in an off-putting way) humor. There are four writing credits to the film: Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders, and John Morris. You'd think that with this many writers, the film would be messy, but it remains cohesive in balancing heart with filth. 

One of the best scenes in the film revolves around Casey and Rose learning that Kenny has no experience with kissing. Thus, his fake mother and his fake sister decide to help him out. It's an incredibly awkward scene that dares to go the distance. It's hysterical, and you will be laughing-out-loud as you cringe in your seat. The scene escalates, and you'll be tempted to shield your eyes. But when you really think about the heart of the scene, it is sorta sweet in a sick and twisted way. This is what I am talking about -- We're the Millers mixes two conflicting tones wonderfully.

Director Rawson Marshall Thurber does a fine job of maintaining control over this movie that is packed with so many ideas. We're the Millers is a hybrid between crime comedy and road-trip adventure film, and it features humor of both the physical and verbal sorts. This film never feels muddled or jarring simply because Thurber makes the most of his comedic transitions. He knows how to handle comedy of all sorts and makes sure that the humor packs a wallop. He also does an excellent job of directing his actors because everyone in this film shines.

Jason Sudeikis is playing up his usual charming yet douchey on-screen persona. Normally, if actors utilize the same schtick time after time, it becomes annoying. However, Sudeikis is an exception because he plays this sort of character so well. He's so good at being a smart-ass who is sarcastic, sassy, and witty. And even when he delivers mean jerk-ish lines, we still like him. Sudeikis kills it in each scene and always delivers the laughs, even when some of the jokes misfire.

Jennifer Aniston surprises yet again with a dark and edgy role. Like she did in the brilliant Horrible Bosses, Aniston pushes herself out of her comfort zone and excels in each scene. Aniston proves that she really does have great comedic chops. Her timing is perfect, and her delivery is often wonderful.

Emma Roberts makes the most of a role that is a little under-developed. She plays up some uncharacteristic darkness and adds a much needed punch to the film. And even though she's playing a rebellious teenage girl, Roberts makes her character cool and never annoying or cliched.

Will Poulter is an absolute scene stealer. He often elicits huge belly laughs in the film and shines during every moment. I truly hope that we see more of him in the future, because he proves that he's a hilarious and fresh face in the world of comedic features.

Sure, We're the Millers has a predictable story and resolution, and it might not reinvent the modern comedy, but it's such a hilarious and well-done film that you can't help but fall for it. If you're looking for a light yet hilarious R-rated comedy to end your summer, We're the Millers will undoubtedly satisfy.