Couples Retreat
Couples Retreat is not exactly a comedy except for a few laughs; and it is more a drama. Well, the story is about four couples who have problems in their respective relationships and how they give it one last chance by resorting to go on a holiday. Peter Billingsley directs the movie and the Couples Retreat has a story but lack of characterization is a major let down.
The trailer of the film suggested that the film would be a laugh riot but much to the disappointment of the audience the movie has does not contain great laughing moments.
The story thus revolves like this, Jason and Cynthia (Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell) are going to a island resort on a holiday and they have a discounted offer if they are four couples, so the two compel their friends to join them on their vacation to the resort, which is known to heal relationships.
Jason and Cynthia are upset because they do not have children and their friends Dave and Ronnie (Vince Vaughn and Malin Akerman) do not have time for romance, as they are busy with taking care of their children, the other couple Joey and Lucy (Jon Favreau and Kristin Davis) cannot tolerate each anymore and the fourth couple Shane and Trudy is played by Faizon Love and Kali Hawk- Shane is a divorcee and is living with his girl friend.
This group of friends come on holiday only to realize that more than fun and partying, the holiday is more about sorting the problems in a relationship. Among the four couples the relationship between Dave and Ronnie seems to be the strongest, as there seems to be love in their relationship but because of parental duties the two are unable kindle the romance in their marriage.
The problems start erupting, as the four couples start realising as to what is expected from them. The climax of the movie is so predictable, everyone knows what is going to come next and to sit through the same old formula is quite frustrating.
Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristin Davis, Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk in Couples Retreat
The Couples Retreat could have been a good movie with a strong storyline but the characters are involved in depicting the problems that their character is completely overshadowed. Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn have written the movie but they have not provided sufficient comic moments. Nevertheless, Vince Vaughn has come out with a good performance and the timing of his dialogue delivery is worth applause.
The film has a few one-liners and some comic moments, and that is about it. Most of the comic moments come from the supporting cast who have definitely provided the laughs that was much needed for the movie.
Otherwise the movie does not has anything to boast about and the audience will be badly disappointed if they are expecting more from this film because it is has got nothing much to offer.
The director could have dealt with the subject more effectively considering the fact that it has potential actors and the story is also not that bad. And yes, you can give this one a miss, as there are far more good movies you can choose to watch.
| Film | Couples Retreat |
|---|---|
| Cast | Vince Vaughn as Dave Jason Bateman as Jason Faizon Love as Shane Jon Favreau as Joey Malin Akerman as Ronnie Kristen Bell as Cynthia Kristin Davis as Lucy Kali Hawk as Trudy Tasha Smith as Jennifer Carlos Ponce as Salvadore Peter Serafinowicz as Stanley |
| Director | Peter Billingsley |
| Writers | Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Dana Fox |
| Producers | Vince Vaughn, Scott Stuber |
| Runtime | 1 Hour 47 Minutes |
| Rating | 2/5 |
Posted on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am