Failure to Launch
Performance & Direction: Failure to Launch Review
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Failure to Launch (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Romance.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Failure to Launch features a noteworthy lineup led by Matthew McConaughey . Supported by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Zooey Deschanel , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Failure to Launch
Quick Plot Summary: Failure to Launch is a Romance, Comedy film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. At 35, Tripp has an interesting job, a hip car, a passion for sailing, an active dating life, and a great house - trouble is, he still lives with his parents, Al and Sue, who are not happy about it. Al and Sue are fascinated when friends whose adult son has recently moved away from home reveal they hired an expert to help. In desperation to push Tripp out of the nest once and for all, Al and Sue hatch a plan to hire Paula, an "interventionist," who has a formula in these cases. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Failure to Launch
Ending Breakdown: Failure to Launch attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Failure to Launch reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Failure to Launch?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Romance films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Failure to Launch
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $130.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Failure to Launch Budget
The estimated production budget for Failure to Launch is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Failure to Launch
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Failure to Launch Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFailure to Launch Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about Failure to Launch age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Failure to Launch is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Failure to Launch is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Failure to Launch worth watching?
Failure to Launch is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Failure to Launch parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Failure to Launch identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Failure to Launch?
The total duration of Failure to Launch is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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Critic Reviews for Failure to Launch
A simply OK film, though the last 20/30 minutes or so does drag a tad. Matthew McConaughey is good, Sarah Jessica Parker is good, the support cast (which includes an early role of Bradley Cooper's) are good. I didn't overly enjoy what I was watching, but I wasn't particularly bored with it either. I don't really have much to say about it in truth. At around 90 minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome. That makes it a watchable, if slightly forgettable, flick from 2006 in my books.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
