“Couples Retreat”
Rated PG-13 on appeal for sexual content and language.
“Couples Retreat” is a sex comedy, except there is little sex and virtually no comedy. The film can’t decide if it is romantic or satiric. It isn’t sensitive enough to be romantic and acidic enough to be satiric. It is, in a word, lame. And that is a shame since “Couples Retreat” is jammed packed with talent potential. Quality talent does not necessarily a funny film make.
Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau wrote the script and star in the movie. Jason Bateman is also in the film but I am fairly sure it will not be mentioned in his obituary unless it is listed as his greatest regret. Peter Billingsley directed the film but I am sure this film will not overshadow his contribution to “The Christmas Story.”
Four couples go to a resort somewhere in the South Pacific. One couple is in crisis because they can’t conceive. They convince the three “couple friends” to go in on a group deal to a resort that specializes on marriage experiences. The other couples are not interested in the marriage encounters but the snorkeling, massages, and jet skis sound appealing. When they get there, it is more of a New Age, touchy-feely nightmare than a paradise.
The clichés are abundant; and the jokes elicit only mild, meager and anemic chuckles. And there are the stereotypes: there is the Spanish hunk who tempts the women; a Frenchman (Jean Reno) who is the pseudo Ying-Yang resort master who speaks in pseudo-therapeutic clap trap. And then there are goofy therapists and a very heavy black man who plays…a funny fat black guy. Irony: you got to love it…or miss it as in the case with this film.
The jokes seem to be premature — and by that I mean half-baked. It is a pity that Vaughn and Favreau didn’t let the screenplay simmer a bit longer in the ol’ creative oven.
The film is not devoid of entertainment; the little blonde kid (Colin Baiocchi), who plays the son of Vince Vaughn, is a real corker. And the bit with the yoga master (Carlos Ponce) is not overly dull.
What is good is not very good and what is bad is very, very bad. I really thought the male organ jokes were on a ninth grade level. And to use another analogy: erectile jokes should never be flaccid. Sorry, but sub-standard comedy breeds sub-standard puns.
But don’t waste your time unless you are desperate for a date movie, under 25, and quality comedy deficient.
“Couples Retreat” gets two bow ties out of five.
On the Screen
‘Retreat’ packed with talent, potential but lacks punch
- On the Screen
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‘Woman in Black’ gives unexpected twist
“Chronicle”
Rated PG-13 (for intense action and violence, thematic material, some language, sexual content and teen drinking).“The Woman in Black”
Rated PG-13 (for thematic material and violence/disturbing images). -
‘Descendants’ a smart, compelling film
“The Descendants”
Rated R for language including some sexual references. -
‘Artist,’ ‘Iron Lady’ earn their share of bow ties
“The Artist”
Rated PG-13 for a disturbing image and a crude gesture.“The Iron Lady”
Rated PG-13 for some violent images and brief nudity -
‘Contraband’ is more of the same old, same old
“Contraband”
Rated R (for violence, pervasive language and brief drug use). -
‘Dragon Tattoo’ stays true to Swedish location
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Rated R (for brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language). -
Print edition, December 29, 2011
Headlines in today's Union-Recorder.
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‘Mission Impossible’ delivers what’s expected
“Mission Impossible — Ghost Protocol”
Rated PG-13 (for sequences of intense action and violence). -
‘The Sitter’ is an overall forgettable film
“The Sitter”
Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material and some violence -
Nearing the end of the year, a look back at cinema
One month remains in the year, but the knuckleheads in Hollywood who decide what film opens in the land of rubes and suckers (everywhere but New York and Los Angeles) sent our local theaters nary a new film to review this weekend.
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Trio of Christmas movies all hit the holiday mark
Arthur Christmas
PG for some mild rude humor. - More On the Screen Headlines
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‘Woman in Black’ gives unexpected twist
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
