A common thing that is arising in this generation of comedy is the true honest moments being littered in between the gags. Like with portions of Vince Vaughn’s previous film The Break Up, Couples Retreat makes sure it has moments that will make you cringe. It dos a good job of making sure you nod in agreement as well as laugh at the stupidity.
The films follows the story of a group of 4 couples who are tricked into going to an island getaway only to have to be forced to do couples building activities led by a really funny Jean Reno and Temeurra Morrison (where has Jake the muss gone) which strains all the relationships .
Couples Retreats gives a good amount of time introducing the mad couples. Vince Vaughn and Malin Ackerman show up first as the loving couple who are always juggling a million different things from children, work to renovating the house. These guys are the most believable of the group and a well written by Favs/Vince. You see the love they have for each other but also the little time they get to show it. Malin is so beautiful in this film that you can’t fault her whilst Vince is just playing Vince and it always wins you over.
We then switch the philandering couple John Favreau and Sex and the City’s Kristen Davis. They are funny even though Davis doesn’t get much deeper than just a reflection of her famousTV role. Favreau on the other hand thrives on his current run of asshole roles that he is so good at it makes you wonder if he’s acting but you must also remember that Favs wrote him so of course it will be good.. He is not a character that you will love but you will definitely laugh at him.
The third couple is Faizon Love and a little 20 yr old girlfriend that he just rebounded with after his wife left him earlier. He is the lovable big guy who your heart goes out to. His girlfiend is played perfectly as pain in the ass younger girl who just loves the older men. Annoying but just because of her age not because of her personality.
The lucky last couple are the more serious ones. Jason Bateman plays the most anal man in the world and Kristen Bell as the suffocated wife. Their relationship troubles start the whole holiday and it is crazy to see Bateman play such an idiot. But he plays it brilliantly to the point of disliking him and the only thing that saves it is Bateman’s natural charm. Bell is easier to like than her previous Sarah Marshall character and you actually get invested in her relationship drowning. Also (and not to brag) Kristen Bell is just an amazing person to meet . So sweet and damn hot.
Being part of the modern day comedy the film is littered with familiar faces that just add extra laughs to an already great comedic cast. The laughs of this film are plenty but the great thing the director Peter Billingsley done with it is to add in soft touches to stop is from becoming American pie on an island. The dialogue is great and obviously written to the strengths of the characters as you see how damn talented the Favreau/Vaughn team are.
Whilst it may not appeal to some low brow humorist I genuinely think this is a film that will be more appreciated by older couples . With it’s precise jabs and real characters Couples Retreat has broad enough humor will make you laugh no matter what your status. I have to admit I love hijiinks and with some of the top comedy actors today involved you just can't help but like it.