Couples Retreat

– Two and a half stars (out of four)
– Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
– Who’s going to like it: couples with kids (preferrably not in the theater with them), adults who’ve been through relationship struggles, fans of Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman and Jon Favreau.

A comedic, heartfelt odd take on long-lasting relationships

The subject matter of team screenwriters Jon Favreau (Swingers) and Vince Vaughn (The Break-Up) is starting to show signs that the two are “growing up.” Their themes are getting more serious and many of their laughs derive from adult situational experiences. While they are still capable of writing their typical funny scripts, they are progressively including deeper morals and themes. This idea is completely evident in their latest film, Couples Retreat.

Dave (Vaughn) and Ronnie (Malin Akerman, Watchmen) are the main couple in Couples Retreat. They have been married longer than any of their friends and are the only ones who have children. They play the “normal” couple. No matter what troubles they go through, everything “just works.” After being worn down from years of unsuccessfully trying to have children, their friends Jason (Jason Bateman, Arrested Development) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) begin having marital problems, questioning if divorce is the answer. Jason and Cynthia seek the help of Dave and Ronnie to convince the rest of their couple friends to join them in on a couples retreat where their marriage will be evaluated by a world renowned love guru (Jean Reno, The Professional), helping them to make the right decision. After being convinced by Dave and Ronnie, Joey (Favreau) and Lucy (Kristen Davis, Sex and the City) – a secretly dysfunctional and soon-to-be-divorcing couple – and Shane (Faizon Love, Idlewild) – a recently divorced “good man” – and Trudy (Kali Hawk) – Shane’s young and wild new girlfriend – come along for fun and moral support. Once upon the island, all realize that this dream resort is more like a refiners fire that will try each couple, forcing them to fully participate in the program or go home.

While Couples Retreat is filled with plenty of good laughs, serious themes are constantly arising. But the balance between sad truths and good laughs is perfect. At times it feels like a typical Vince Vaughn comedy, and others feel like a light drama. Not all of the dramatic moments work as well as intended, but the shifts between the two flow perfectly and always occur at the right moments.

The casting for Couples Retreat could not have been any better. Vaughn, Favreau and Bateman play their always-entertaining typical characters, giving plenty of room for the females to really shine. For the first time, I actually enjoyed watching Akerman on the big screen (maybe that’s because she’s usually playing unlikable characters or the movie she’s in is simply an awful. Examples: The Heartbreak Kid and 27 Dresses). She perfectly played the realistic and stable female. Both Bell and Davis were also very fun to watch do their thing. And the mostly unknown supporting was great as well.

Any adult who is (or has been) married and doesn’t mind appropriately rated PG-13 humor should be considering Couples Retreat this weekend. It’s a funny movie with a heart and honest morals.

Photo credit: Universal Pictures