I am not someone who listens to critics. However, the critical response to Couples Retreat has been so damning that i thought we may have another Code Gigli on our hands. Empire Magazine even went as far to say "The collective shipwreck that this creates makes Four Christmases, Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past and The Ugly Truth almost worth a return visit" Well I'm here to tell you that this statement is horseshit. Not only is Couples Retreat far more enjoyable than the aforementioned films but we all know that we would rather consume large quantities of cyanide than make a return visit to a look at me I'm shirtless McConaughey or no one will love me because I'm so uptight Heigl Romcom.
I feel the harsh critical reception mainly stems from a case of sour grapes. After all Vaughn and Favreau have written a script that has allowed them to go to a tropical paradise with their best friends, surrounded by beautiful women. This is hardly justification for labelling it the worst film of the year! Fame 2009 anyone?Anyone?
Couples retreat is far from flawless. The first half of the film succeeds well in holding interest as we too are eager to view what awaits for our couples on this tropical paradise. However once we are are there and the initial awe of the lush green fauna and sparkling blue water have worn of, we-like our couples-must accept that what comes next is not so good. The second half seems to drag on aimlessly until you find yourself wondering what the actual point of the last half hour has been. The ending is also so contrived that you can't help but thinking Vaughn, Favreau and Fox just pulled it out of their backsides so that they could go back to sun baking.
Character development is also another problem. Favreau's Joey and Kristen Davis's Lucy are so at odds and seemingly devoid of love throughout the entire movie that their hasty reunion in the last ten minutes seems completely ridiculous. After spending an hour and twenty minutes trying to get into bed with anyone of the opposite sex, all it takes is for Joey to see Lucy dancing with another man for him to realise his undying devotion. To make matters worse Shane-played by Faizon Love-has his divorced wife Jennifer appear completely out of the blue professing her undying love. What the? Jason Bateman's and Kristen Bells marital problems are resolved so fast after a long downward spiral that you can't help but wondering why he couldn't just of told her he loved her in the first place and save everyone the trip. The women are also seriously underdeveloped in comparison to their male counterparts. If you asked me to describe Malin Ackerman's character my response would be a blank stare. Vince Vaughn once again plays... Vince Vaughn but is so gosh darn likable you just can't hold it against him.
It is also plainly obvious that the film is written by men. Four average looking guys with smoking hot girlfriends? This is plainly evidenced in the drop trow scene. The women of course all possess super ripped size zero bodies, their male counterparts....not so much. Men with bad bodies are hilarious but a women with a bad body or even an average body would be disgusting and wrong!
But the film does try to make some meaningful statements about relationships. While it uncovers nothing new e.g the grass is not always greener, it is better to be with someone than alone-you can't help feel a little bit warm and gooey inside by the end.
Despite it's flaws, there is also much to like. A stellar cast, beautiful locations, hot bodies (if your a guy) and yes even a few laughs! Couples Retreat never pretends to be anything more than what it is-A highly enjoyable, if rather forgettable romcom perfect for a date night.
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