When it comes to Vince Vaughn and Jason Bateman, I have a hard time being impartial. Not only do I find the guys entertaining in nearly every capacity, their ability to create humor from even the lamest of dialogue is nothing short of an art. However, unlike many of their other films, the two leading stars are joined by an unbelievable cast in Peter Billingsley's Couples Retreat; one that includes Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Malin Akerman, Kristen Bell and Jean Reno. Together, the cast merges to form an undeniable force of dry humor, sharp wit, and that little thing we call love. Unfortunately, the film itself doesn't live up to its potential, missing the mark on a few occasions, becoming a barely above average laugh-a-thon by credits end.
Let me begin with the bad, which I will proceed to tell as if pulling off a band-aid - fast and against the hairs. The premise was complete yet unrealistic, which was to be expected. The characters are all one-dimensional (a norm for these types of loose comedies), and their interactions are almost always forced. The couples rarely resemble human beings that you could actually see ending up together, and the all too expected ending had you longing for a dark screen long before it became a reality.
Kali Hawk, who is making only the second film of her career, shows off her untrained act. Her role is hilarious, (a 20 year-old Foot Locker Associate dreaming of the big leagues in management), but the way she presents herself is anything but admirable. Her dialogue is forced, her 'ghetto' ring a bit over-done, and her supposed love fling with Faizon Love is not only wrong, it is downright disturbing. All said and done, she is the lone misfire in a mountain of comedic talent; and anytime you set yourself up against the best, your faults will not only be noticeable, but as big as Mount Everest.
Now for the good -which I will savor with all my might. Besides the obvious (i.e. Vaughn and Bateman), I have to give some credit to Kristin Davis, Malin Akerman, and Kristen Bell. Not only did they each hold their own opposite their 'husbands,' each of which were bigger and brighter stars at the beginning of the feature, but the women provide enough estrogen to transform the film from a guys-only romp to a mutually appealing laugh-fest. Their timely delivery and ability to work their subpar characters out of the rut that has often plagued each of their big screen careers helped the film hold on to its average status, preventing it from falling off the deep end to join such long lost tales as Land of the Lost and The Love Guru.
Additionally, I want to credit director Peter Billingsley for seeing what was great in the film, and focusing in on it. The story reads like a series of short stories, all of which take place within a two week period and are presented in chronological order. The fact that the story provides an eventual conclusion to each of the four relationships is only coincidental as the comedy is the true driving force here. Instead of trying to make the film appear like one long story, we get several mini stories, all of which result in some sort of humorous or awkward moment. There are the yoga lessons, the message experience, the helpless waterfall, Eden East, and that all important 'shark attack.' Together, they are a bit much, but when seen as individual experiences, a lot of good can be had by all.
Regretfully though, when looking at the big picture, the film just doesn't live up to the hype. The cast is undeniably stacked, the premise quite unique, and the youngest son of our leading couple is undeniably cute, (think big cheeks and a slight lisp). But the flow is off, the characters a bit unrealistic, and the outcome too predictable. Those who have experienced relationships will find the circumstances slightly humorous; though those who have not will be left out in the open water as shark bait. But one must remember when seeing any film, you judge it on its entertainment value, and Couples Retreat does possess a few great moments. So sit back, and relax a little. This is an entertaining comedy, worth seeing once, but it will hardly go down as one of the best.
