Unfinished Business

Unfinished Business is a 2015 comedy-drama directed by Ken Scott and is built around the comedic chops of its star-studded cast including Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco, and Tom Wilkinson. The movie spreads over a narrative filled with adult humour, slapstick moments, and situational comedy earmarking the signature style of Vaughn’s comedy.

The film revolves around the protagonist, Dan Trunkman (played by Vince Vaughn), a hard-working man who finds himself often looked down upon. A year before the film's main storyline, Trunkman quits his job at a major corporation due to issues over a pay cut. Following this life-altering moment, he decides to start his own business venture—a small sales company named Apex Select.

In his team are the loyal but desperately aging Timothy McWinters (played by Tom Wilkinson) who was involuntarily retired from their previous company, and Mike Pancake (played by Dave Franco), a young, innocent, and socially awkward man whose lack of worldly knowledge and experience often leads to hilarious situations. Together, they form a trio, each member distinct with their unique flaws and quirks.

Their venture, however, remains starved of the breakthrough deal they direly need to ramp up. The opportunity, after a year of struggle, finally throws itself up when they learn about a potential deal they could secure that would safeguard the future of their tiny start-up. This pivotal sales deal is set with a giant corporation and could potentially put their company on the map. It does, however, require them to travel across the world to Germany.

While it appears to be a simple business trip at surface level, the trio soon finds themselves way out of their depth navigating through difficult and often absurd situations. They have to deal with fierce competition from their ex-employers, outlandish cultural scenarios, unexpected familial complications, and a global economic summit. The occurrences of these eccentric events craft an ideal canvas for the film to play out its share of comedic set-pieces and hysterical gaffes.

Vince Vaughn, known for his fast-talking and sharp-witted characters, provides a convincing portrayal of Dan Trunkman. Trunkman, against all chaos and personal complications, is staunchly committed to securing his professional future and giving his family the life they deserve. Despite his character being the straight man in the comedy trio, Vaughn gets to deliver his wisdom-laced one-liners and situational comedy quips, keeping fans entertained.

In contrast, Tom Wilkinson’s character McWinters, a seasoned sales professional, is unhappy with his forced retirement and is hung up on showing the world that he still got it. Wilkinson, traditionally known for dramatic roles, gives his comedy best in playing an endearing yet eccentric elderly man experiencing a particular sort of midlife crisis.

Franco’s character Mike Pancake undoubtedly has the most eccentric role of the trio. Pancake's naivety and his lack of understanding of the world take the audience on a joyous ride full of laughter, as he rattles off innocent yet incredibly hilarious statements.

Aside from the primary trio, Unfinished Business also boasts an array of noteworthy supporting performances, including Sienna Miller as Dan's ex-boss and rival, James Marsden as the alpha-male businessman they must impress, and Nick Frost as his eccentric right-hand man. Each actor adds an extra layer of comedic dynamics to the story.

The movie's take on contrasting American and European business practices, workplaces and cultures is entertaining and offers more sitcom moments.

Unfinished Business, at its core, is a muti-layered comedy centered around the realities and harshness of life, as well as a bit of slapstick humor that beautifully underscores the movie. Despite its sometimes absurd and slapstick comedy, the film manages to inject genuine human moments that keep the audience invested in the characters' journey.

With its unique blend of improvised comedy and character-driven humor, Unfinished Business creates a playground where Vaughn, Franco, and Wilkinson shine in their respective roles. The film is for those who are a fan of character-driven comedies, with each character charmingly flawed and yet charismatic in their own ways. It offers plenty of laughs along with moments of realization, aiming to showcase how the corporate ladder can lead to bouts of unfinished business.