Failure to Launch
Reviewed By Sarah Downing

Tripp (Matthew McConaughey) is 35 and still living at home with his parents. He enjoys the single life and loves dating women but he just isn’t ready to settle down. The thing is, Tripp loves his Mum’s cooking and cleaning too much to fend for himself.

Thinking that their son will never leave home and give them their own space, Tripp’s parents take things to the extreme. In an act of desperation, they hire an attractive woman, Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker), to encourage him to settle down and finally flee the nest.

The problem for Paula is that Tripp isn’t the average thirty-something that lives with his parents. He is far from geeky and lacking in self confidence. In fact, he’s extremely attractive and charming. Will Paula be able to control her feelings and prevent business mixing with pleasure?

Sarah Jessica Parker shines as the leading lady in one of her first movies since the hugely successful Sex & the City. Yes, there are elements of her role as Carrie Bradshaw in Paula but, with a great amount of nostalgia still remaining for the popular television programme and that particular character, Parker is sure to achieve success wherever she uses the same style.

McConaughey is also proving to be a success as the romantic comedy’s favourite leading man of the moment, following his previous success with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. His chemistry with Parker works well and calls for an enjoyable and often amusing 90 minutes.

Failure to Launch is a heartwarming romantic comedy which is hugely entertaining. With a strong supporting cast, it is definitely one of the funniest and quirkiest movies of its kind to be released in recent months. I would urge all lovers of a good chick flick to catch this movie while they can.