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MOVIES
Vince Vaughn had the original idea, and he and Jon Favreau scripted it.
Old sidekick Peter Billingsley, who was the legendary "Ralphie" in the classic "Christmas Story", directed.
Joyce: This is very funny, mature film. I don't think I would send the kids. Hopefully, they wouldn't get it. You will. It is very well written, dealing with real adult issues. And surprisingly it isn't filled with four letter words.
Rico: The idea is that Jason Bateman pressures his three buddies to take their wives on a vacation in a tropical island. But unfortunately, he can't afford it on his own, so he comes up with a power point presentation to reveal they will get a heavily discounted rate as a group.
Joyce: Bateman is excellent as the kind of guy who over organizes everything and responds to everyone intellectually. He's irritatingly funny.
But there is an important catch to the trip.
Rico: Bateman is there to work on his marriage which is in pretty rocky shape. The three other couples are there to just have fun in the sun. But the catch is they must all participate in a couples' therapy program designed and run by Jean Reno, known as Marcel.
Joyce: And the program is not optional - they must all participate to earn the discount. Believe me, some of the therapy sessions are hilarious, some downright realistic.
Rico: Very quickly, the film becomes a hilarious romp, happily with Vaughn returning to form. He is can be a very funny guy - as in "Swingers" and "The Wedding Crashers".
Joyce: At first I wasn't too keen on seeing another Vince Vaughn film. His last supposedly funny romance with Jennifer Anniston was just plain mean. and not fun. This film has some scenes which I'm sure have happened in real life. I thought Jon Favreau and Faizon Love are particularly fun.
Rico: Along with the audience I enjoyed it very much.
I had some doubts, but was quickly won over.
**** Green light for big laughs.
Joyce: To my surprise I gave it ***1/2.
Film: Couples Retreat
Director: Peter Billingsley
Writer: Jon Favreau
Cast: Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis, Malin Akerman, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Faizon Love, Jean Reno, Peter Serafinowicz
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 1:47
Rated: R (PENDING APPEAL)
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