COUPLES RETREAT: REVIEW
This
is a movie in which the cast look like they're having so much fun in the sun that
the script was completely forgotten about. However, as a date movie, this is a
winner with the tropical island location of Bora Bora being a standout.
The
basic premise involves four couples being whisked off to a beachside resort to
help save the marriage of one pair (Jason Bateman & Kristen Bell). The resort
is looked after by a spiritual minded Frenchman (Jean Reno) who has selected a
series of non negotiable therapy sessions with all four couples. Vince Vaughn
is a loose actor who loves to talk, in 'Couples Retreat' he loves to complain.
In a rather amateur but amusing moment when he is being attacked by a shark, he's
still complaining. The adults in question don't always behave like adults. Suggestive
yoga sessions to massages leading to extra excitement are part of the many questionable
comedy routines.
During the movie, there are countless reminders
of how relationships are so important, extended afterthoughts of love get a mention.
These couples are still together, but not exactly happy. Whether it is sipping
champagne in the spa or drinking out of coconut shells, while trying to repair
their respective partnerships, there are plenty of cocktails consumed to help
lighten the mood.
First time director Peter Billingsworth,
has worked as a writer on many of Vince Vaughn's former films including last year's
'Four Christmas's'. His debut must have been an easy one with his cast seemingly
under no restraint of their own shenanigans. The upbeat jokes are crowd pleasing.
The ones that fall flat are largely due to the repetitive nature of what's going
on.
The girls are all slim, attractive and fit in well with
their photogenic surrounds. Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) & Jason Bateman actually
are the only couple who make a good pair though, the rest are seem mismatched
to the pint of exhaustion.
The bickering is funny for the most
part but scene after scene of this gets annoyingly dull. Dr. Phil has more interesting
therapy sessions than a few in this film. The worst moment comes in the form of
a lame Guitar Hero showdown. This is a computer game that should never ever feature
in a motion picture again.
Overall however, 'Couples Retreat'
does have its moments. The upbeat soundtrack also fills the ears with joy. Jason
Bateman is a long way from 'Teen Wolf' too - his charm makes the movie actually.
Jon Favreau, now an esteemed director himself, is a jolly addition to Vaughn's
banter of discontent with every situation he is placed in.
Shane
A. Bassett
