Couples Retreat (2009)

Dave and Ronnie, Jason and Cynthia, and Joey and Lucy are close. The group used to include Shane and Jennifer, but they divorced and she's gone. Jason and Cynthia announce that their marriage is in trouble, and they beg their friends (and Shane's young girlfriend) to join them on a couples' retreat, at the package rate, on a tropical island. The others reluctantly agree, planning to play while Jason and Cynthia work on their marriage with an island psychologist. To everyone's surprise, the package is inflexible: each couple must participate in the couples' exercises. Soon fault lines appear in all four relationships. What's in store for each couple?


Vince Vaughn films are hit and miss with me. However, this rom-com had a heart. It was funny and discussed some difficult topics concerning marriage. The breathtaking scenery provided a picturesque backdrop for a group of friends to work on their relationships. The journey this group took together had some laugh out loud moments coupled with a few tender scenes. Overall, it was a pleasant surprise.


Everyone knows by now, this is about four couples that head to a glorious island (Eden) to work on their marriages. The island and setting is gorgeous, and may be the best part of the film! The movie is a bit uneven, with more slow parts than I expected. On the other hand, the decent handful of funny scenes were very funny, especially the yoga instructor. The cast, of course, is great. Vaughn, Davis, Favreau, Bell, Reno, Akerman, Love, Hawk and Bateman all provided adequate comedic moments. I was entertained. Sure, it could have been much better, but it was not bad. I really need an island vacation after watching this.


***/*****


3/5 Stars