MyRating: YYYDirector: Peter Billingsley
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis, Kali Hawk, Jean Reno
MPAA: Rated PG-13 on appeal for sexual content and language
US Gross: US$ 109.2 Million
US Worldwide: US$ 171.8 Million
Four couples and best friends go on a couples retreat on a tropical island with a group-rate package when one of the couples, Jason & Cynthia (Bateman & Bell) are having difficulty with their marriage and in a brink of a divorce. Even though the other three couples, Dave & Ronnie (Vaughn & Akerman), Joey & Lucy (Favreau & Davis) and Shane & and his new girlfriend Trudy (Love & Hawk) are reluctant to go at the beginning, they finally agree in order to support their friends, with a condition that they will just have fun in the island while Jason & Cynthia have their marriage theraphy.
When they arrive at the island, they find out that everything is just perfect as per the advertisement, an exotic island with beautiful beaches, a luxurious resort, and delicious foods. It feels like coming to a paradise. But they also discover one thing, that the group-rate program is compelling every couple to participate in a series of couples' therapies and exercises, with no excuses. If they choose not to participate, they will have to leave the island. Do not want to lose all the excitements offered by the island, they participate into the program half-heartedly, but all of them soon find out that they actually have problems in their relationships.
Shane has just divorced from his wife and started a new relationship with Trudy, but they have age difference issue, since Trudy is much younger and has more energy than Shane. Joey & Lucy have lost the sparks of love in their hearts towards each other, and Joey doesn't seem to be able to stop his eyes towards other beautiful women. Even Dave & Ronnie, who have the most perfect marriage, have their own issues. And all of these couples' problems are like time bombs, that could explode anytime.
I know many critics were bashing this film. But after watching it, I do not agree that this is a bad movie at all. Rather, I enjoyed it. There are quite many funny moments. The therapy sessions are funny. We can see that all the actors were having fun in this movie, including Jean Reno as the owner of the resort with his odd therapy methods. However, I also have to say that there are some jokes that are not very funny and felt a bit too forced. But in overall, I found this movie was refreshing and entertaining. The island is also beautiful and engaging enough that makes me want to visit that island.
This is not a bad comedy. Indeed, I have to say it is a good one, if not great. The problems showed by the couples are actually close to our reality, because we may face those problems ourselves. (MJ)
