October 9, 2009 Couples Retreat
Studio: Universal Pictures Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and language.
Vince Vaughn stars and is one of the writers of the romantic comedy, "Couples Retreat." He plays Dave, a video game developer who is living a full and hectic life with his wife and two children.
But some of his friends are struggling. Hoping to smooth over rocky spots in their relationship, Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristin Bell) want to visit a tropical resort to work on their marriage. But the price is pretty high. So, to get a group rate, they invite three other couples to join them.
The lure of sandy beaches and an island paradise are enough to seal the deal. However, everyone soon finds out that participation in the resort's therapy is not an option and that their cheap vacation comes at a high price.
Some of the methods used on the island are far from traditional. The men and women find that their secrets, among other things...are quickly laid bare.
I won't pretend that this movie is anything but your typical rom-com. The couples all have problems in their relationships bubbling just below the surface.
Things come to a head once they get on the island. There is crisis after crisis, with eventual solutions designed to give you a happy ending that you'll probably see coming a mile away.
That being said, I still liked it. Vaughn's dialogue is snappy and clever. Bateman gives his usual solid performance. Jon Favreau (Joey), who co-wrote the script and Faizon Love (Shane) are funny in their supporting roles.
And the leading actresses, including Bell, Malin Akerman (Ronnie), Kristin Davis (Lucy) and Kali Hawk (Trudy), are talented and beautiful. When you factor in the spectacular island settings this movie is very easy on the eyes.
"Couples Retreat" doesn't reinvent the wheel but it doesn't appear to be trying to. As a pleasant little diversion it succeeds.
On my rating scale, "Couples Retreat" earns a DOUBLE.
PRIME PICKS BONES Tonight at 8:00 PM The Tiger in the Tale
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October 9, 2009
