Couples Retreat
This is a frustrating film. It has an amusing premise (four couples go to a luxury resort which specialises in marriage counselling), two talented writers (Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn) and a strong cast. But the end result is pretty average.
The film has its moments, but they are few and far between. The comedy feels very safe. I don't expect gross-out gags and four-letter words every five minutes, but the humour should have been edgier. It feels like the film-makers compromised in the edit to secure a lower classification.
On a positive note, there are some entertaining and amusing supporting characters, including resort host Sctanley (yes, he spells it with a 'c') played by Peter Serafinowicz and Carlos Ponce's yoga instructor Salvadore.
However, Jean Reno, Temuera Morrison and Ken Jeong (The Hangover's Mr Chow) are wasted and the principle characters spend far too much time soul-searching, questioning the fundamental nature of their relationships and moralising about the concept of marriage. Enough, already - this is meant to be a comedy! But, like many Hollywood movies, there is a 'message' at the core of the story. And, sadly, the film sacrifices entertaining the audience so it can preach to them instead.
Despite its mediocrity, 'Couples Retreat' is currently number one at the US box office and I'm sure it will repeat that success here.
