Movie Reviews: "Couples Retreat"

(Originally written Monday, September 28, 2009 )
 
Couples Retreat: Yay, another Vince Vaughn comedy involving marriage and relationships!

I saw an advance screening of Couples Retreat last week, based purely on the notion that I had free passes to see it. Didn't have any idea on the plot, the characters, or any other details, other than the fact it starred Vince Vaughn. I know he's been in plenty of movies the past few years, but for some reason only Wedding Crashers comes to mind.

Speaking of Wedding Crashers, this movie is like the ideal progression to that. Vince Vaughn matures, marries a hot red head, (except this time it's not Isla Fisher, it's Malin Akerman, aka Jupiter from 'Watchmen'. You know the one, tight yellow and black jumpsuit. Yeeeah, that's right.)

We're to assume Owen Wilson choked on his own fame or set off to film another movie with Jackie Chan, so Vaughn has to find new friends, and not the kind who will crash weddings, no sir. He's married now, so he's gotta have married friends! Who does he befriend? Why, Jason Bateman of course! Playing a role he does best, the neurotic guy, with his wife, Kristen Bell. Jon Favreau, who helped to write the movie with Vaughn, also stars as one of Vaughn's close friends, playing the annoying jock who loves sports more than his Sex and the City wife, Kristin Davis. Shaizon Love is also present as the  BFF, and by BFF I mean black fat friend, who is separated from his wife and dating women in their 20's, such as Kali Hawk.

The basic premise of the movie is that all of the friends take a vacation to this tropical island on the notion that they will be partying while Bateman's character attempts to save his marriage. From there the entirety of the movie's gags and jokes are set up.

What I enjoyed about this movie is the different personalities each of the characters brings to the table, keeping the humor fresh and entertaining, but still being realistic in the sense that this could be somebody you know in real life. The counselors at the retreat, who advise the couples, are also equally hilarious.There's plenty of gags, sexual humor, though it is nowhere near as wild as Wedding Crashers was. The raunchiness is toned down, providing plenty of tense moments, but not being as overtly sexual as some other romantic comedies of recent times. Which works well, as I noticed that people from all age ranges and demographics were enjoying the movie while I was inside the theater - Young couples, older couples, that guy who has no date and brings a friend instead...oh, that's me. Oops.

However, the movie does have its flaws. I wasn't quite thrilled at how the movie ended and tied up the story between Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell; it felt forced. Couples Retreat also has some obvious endorsement with Guitar Hero, and as somebody who swears by rhythm based games (and Rockband, specifically), that kind of irritated me how they played it out in the cheesiest way possible. The moment it happens, you'll laugh, but it's going to be in the "God I can't believe this is happening" way. Like being promised chocolate but given only bittersweet pieces.

All in all, I'd give the movie a 7.5/10. Too many romantic comedies are about falling in love and being young, so seeing one about people having problems staying in love was a nice change of pace. The casting was excellent, and the movie clocks in at just the right length for a rom com - a little less than two hours. Dare I say, I look forward to more Vince Vaughn helmed projects in the future?!