We're the Millers

We're the Millers is a 2013 American comedy film directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. This hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt road trip movie is packed with an impressive cast led by Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter.

Jason Sudeikis stars as David Clark, a veteran pot dealer living in Denver, Colorado, who operates under the radar in a fairly black-and-white moral universe. His moderate lifestyle gets complicated when some teenagers rob him, stealing his stash and his cash, leaving him in a substantial debt to his wealthy drug lord supplier, Brad Gurdlinger, played by Ed Helms. In order to clear his debt, David is forced by Gurdlinger to smuggle a large shipment of marijuana from Mexico into Denver.

Understandably fearful about crossing the border alone, David develops a creative plan to form a fake all-American, middle-class family as a cover. Thus, "The Millers" are born. Jennifer Aniston plays Rose O'Reilly, David's cynical neighbor who's a stripper down on her luck, coerced by David to pose as his loving wife. Emma Roberts stars as Casey, the tough and street-savvy teen runaway who agrees to masquerade as David's eldest daughter. And lastly, Will Poulter as Kenny, a kind-hearted yet socially awkward teenager and another reluctant neighbor of David, completes the Millers as the faux son.

Together, they set off in a giant RV, posing as a wholesome family on vacation in Mexico, embarking on a wild and unpredictable adventure. Their journey is filled with wacky mix-ups, unexpected encounters with other hardcore criminals, and peculiarly authentic bonding among the strangely assembled fake family. Throughout the journey, the Millers encounter numerous comic situations and see their fair share of crude humor and raunchy slapstick.

Jennifer Aniston delivers a charismatic performance playing against her type while sustaining her knack for comedy. Her character Rose is authentic, particularly during scenes where she must suddenly switch between her colliding identities as a stripper and a conservative suburban mum. Jason Sudeikis, known for his appearances on Saturday Night Live, perfectly nails his character, the sardonic, petty drug dealer experiencing a midlife crisis. Emma Roberts adds depth to her rebellious character, and Will Poulter beautifully manages to be the source of some awkwardly funny moments with his naive and innocent portrayal of Kenny.

Notably, the film also features Nick Offerman and Kathryn Hahn as the Fitzgeralds, a seemingly perfect family embarking on their own road trip, who develop an unsuspected comical relationship with the Millers. Offerman and Hahn both deliver wonderful performances, adding an extra layer of humor to the narrative.

Though We're the Millers is unashamedly silly and over-the-top at times, it's also satisfyingly laced with undertones of authentic warmth and unexpected emotional depths, as these four misfits navigate through their self-created chaos. As they start to appreciate the value and feel of a real family dynamic, glimpses into their vulnerable selves are gradually revealed, generating a heart-warming feel amid the ridiculousness.

We're the Millers packs a lot of laughs, thanks to a witty screenplay by Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders, and John Morris. It's raunchy, it's irreverent, but it's also a delightfully funny road trip adventure with surprising emotional beats interplayed throughout. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber appropriately balances the comedy with emotional moments, making it a memorable journey for both the characters and the audience.

From laugh-out-loud moments to genuine emotion, We're the Millers embraces its absurd premise with a brilliantly comedic cast and sharp script, delivering a fun and entertaining experience. With periodic moments of slapstick humor to smartly placed puns and comedic situations, the story offers a plentiful blend of laughs in its compelling travelogue.

In conclusion, We’re the Millers exploits a ludicrous plot with a mighty cast, delivering a hilarious comedy that offers plenty of laughs and a surprising amount of warmth. It's an adventure full of charm and unexpected twists that will carry you along for a fun ride packed with laughter.