NOT A CLASSIC, BUT WORTH A VIEWING.

COUPLES RETREAT (B)

This movie by all means is just another typical romantic comedy, and if you walk into it expecting anymore than that you are hoping for too much. The evaluation process I used to rate this movie is based solely on the genre romantic comedy that this film fits into. It was not something I need to see more than once, but that is usually how I feel about all rom-coms. This movie has a star studded cast and a gorgeous paradise for some aesthetically pleasing visuals. Not to mention the very fine women who were cast...especially Malin Ackerman.

Couples Retreat features Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell as a couple on the verge of divorce who try to convince their friends to join them at a resort in paradise that specializes in relationship skill building. Among their friends is a high profile ensemble featuring: Vince Vaughn, Malin Ackerman, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, and Faizon Love. The cast is what truly makes this movie better than just a forgettable romantic comedy. Notice the only actor not with a link on their name is Vince Vaughn for obvious reasons...wait you don't know Vince Vaughn?

The movie as a whole hardly had any slapstick humor and very few laugh out loud occasions. It was however full of moments that will make audiences smile and maybe induce a chuckle. The script was written by Vaughn, Favreau, and Dana Fox (also wrote What Happens in Vegas).

The overall composition had some decent writing that featured some development of the characters and a decent story on top of that. Though it cannot be praised because it is devoid of any real sentiment for the characters (it is a stereotypical romantic comedy) and some pretty stupid and predictable plot twists.

But as I stated earlier, this story needs to be taken for what it is and nothing more than a thoughtless story for the masses. The screenplay also drags its feet a bit at times causing the audience to become bored with the lack of comedy and story advancement.

Peter Billingsley is the director of this film, but most of you will recognize him as Ralphie from A Christmas Story. I thought the shots he used were very well done and featured a lot of camera work that added extra elements to the story. He did especially well by giving the audience fascinating visuals of the paradise the characters were in. Nothing extremely memorable, but very well done on his part.

Overall, if you are looking for an easy way to sit down and enjoy a movie, this one is probably a good choice. As long as you don't go into the movie expecting a boisterous comedy or anything more than the typical rom-com narrative. The characters are likable, funny, and somewhat engaging. Good date movie. I probably will never see this movie again unless I flip through the channels and it's on cable in a few years. I would recommend that viewers at least check it out, there is some substance there.

*