The Wilson brothers lead the cast in my opinion, playing off each other in a way that only two very close individuals can. Owen's incredible sense of timing makes up for occasionally soft writing, while the earnestness that Luke provides his character always keeps you guessing. Inez was great as well, using facial expressions and body language to convey much more than words could.
As for the story, I think it comes down to a coming of age/social commentary deal. The two intertwine throughout the film, providing a backdrop upon which the characters can develop (or not develop). The coming of age element is made obvious from the very beginning when Dignen presents Anthony with the 5 year, 10 year, 15 year, 25 year, 50 year and beyond plans. It is something that everybody goes through as they enter adulthood. These guys just struggle with it a little more than most. As for the social commentary, it constantly digs at suburban complacency and naivete. From Bob's parents being gone for such periods of times that he doesn't even know where they are, to his brother just showing up at odd times (always in a leisurely outfit) to the fact that Anthony could purchase his mother some expensive earrings when he never had a job, the movie is constantly poking at the unrealistic world that has been created in American suburbia.
Now, the wild cards in the film....
Where does Dignan live? How does he support himself? This is never addressed, possibly because he is supposed to represent the quintessential suburban twenty-something, with no roots, no direction, but still full of these grand ideas, no matter how unrealistic.
Who exactly was Mr. Henry? Why did he latch on to Dignan? In my opinion, this is because Mr. Henry represents the real world.... always waiting, ready to pounce on the naive, hopeful young person. In so doing, he really hurt Bob, but we see that in losing some of that suburban comfort, growth actually occurs.
So, overall, a really good film. The laughs are constant throughout while it is working on other levels as well. More could be said about Anthony, but I will leave it here.....
Ever since I watched The Royal Tenenbaums, I have been very intrigued by the Wilson brothers. They have great chemistry and their sense of humor is sarcastic, dry and damn funny. Besides my tremendous crush on Owen, I think that his delivery is great. I'm sure the movie is atrocious but I must say that I'm even a little curious about that new one he's in with Eddie Murphy......so sue me...
Anywho-aside from the Wilson attraction, I think the film is pretty kewl. Funny, funny, funny...A must see!
I'll move on to Owen Wilson (Dignan) who I don't think, contrary to Digit's opinion, is as hot as Luke, but hilarious nonetheless... "Pointless act! You don't give a $500 tip to the housekeeping!" You know he's lost it when during the trio's getaway from a not-so-daring bookstore robbery, when he excitedly states, "We're heading back to Bob's, we're gonna split up the loot, and go on the lam!" Such a great character. We've all had a friend like Dignan who doesn't quite have all his screws in - I like to compare him to Ping Pong...
Anyway - this is a must see. I'm going out tonight to get Rushmore - either that or Bubble Boy.