Four couples decide to take a couples vacation on a beautiful beachside resort. One of the couples, Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell), are experiencing troubles and the resort also has couples counseling. Without this counseling they believe their marriage will fail and the only way they can afford the cost of this resort is through a group rate. Bateman and Bell come across as the quintessential over organized and over analytical couple. Their acting is solid in these roles and the audience believes in their despair. The other couples sign on, thinking they will enjoy the beaches, jet skis, the bar, and they’re helping out friends through a tough time. Unbeknownst to the couples, the counseling is not optional and the fun vacation has now turned into a giant support group.
New Age Zen
The couples are plunged into a new age, over the top, Zen retreat. Couples Retreat focuses on their reaction to their new, slightly uncomfortable encounters. Shane (Faizon Love) and Trudy (Kali Hawk) are the middle aged divorced man and the twenty something young woman couple. Although funny to watch, the duo doesn’t seem to bring much to the screen. Their performance is comical at times but mostly bland. Dave (Vince Vaughn) and Ronnie (Malin Akerman) have the most difficult time coping with their counselor. They find the experience over the top and completely ludicrous. Vaughn and Akerman’s chemistry is a little off and doesn’t feel heartfelt as opposed to Joey (Jon Favreau) and Lucy (Kristin Davis). Favreau and Davis had the most chemistry among the star studded cast. The audience could feel their struggles and near hatred for each other during the counseling sessions, from the arguments that shocked the seasoned therapist and to their hunt for extracurricular activities were fabulous.
Verdict
Filled with a star studded cast, Couples Retreat creates a balance between the funny and the serious. Although funny overall, with some solid, hold your ribs laughs, this is not a movie you feel you have to see over and over again. Couples Retreat will most likely not make it into your favorite’s list. As for your DVD collection if it’s on sale you’ll buy it, if it’s not, you can wait. Couples Retreat was a little predictable and some of the scenes were simply classic not new. No thought and analysis is required to enjoy this movie, so you could sit back and enjoy the one-liners. Word of warning; keep your eye out for the Yoga instructor (Carlos Ponce). Boom, Boom. His presence is by far the funniest portion of this movie and his character was almost reminiscent of Jim Carey’s early years, before he decided to hit the more serious roles.
Actors: Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis, Malin Akerman, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk, Jon Favreau
Director: Peter Billingsley
PG-13, 113mins.
Rating: C+
Two drinks come to mind when viewing this movie; the classic beachside frozen and the sweet and tawdry. One for the traditional and one for those wanting a little excitement.
Piña colada
With a blender combine:
- 2 oz. Coconut rum
- Equal parts coconut cream and pineapple juice
- Fill with ice and blend, reaching a creamy consistency
Pour into a hurricane glass
Quick tip: can use a premade Piña Colada mix instead of coconut cream and pineapple juice.
“All roads lead to rum”
~W.C. Fields
Naughty School Girl
Combine the following ingredients:
- 2 oz. Raspberry Vodka
- 3oz Fresh Lemonade
- ½ oz Pomegranate Liquor
Shake in mixing tin filled with ice to chill
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a lollipop or a Blow pop sucker
“One martini is all right. Two are too many, and three are not enough.”
~James Thurber
Michelle Jones - Michelle Jones is a student at Macon State College in Macon, Ga. She currently has an A.A. in Foreign Languages and is currently pursuing ...
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