The Triangle

Issue date: 10/9/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: John Johnson Universal Pictures/MCT

It's been 13 years since Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn teamed up in "Swingers." We all know how successful that turned out to be. Since then, the pair have both enjoyed their own individual successes. Vaughn has become one of the leading comedic forces in Hollywood ever since the massive success of "Old School" and "Wedding Crashers" and really does not seem to be slowing down. Favreau has also had the chance to star in films but has really found success behind the camera with films such as "Elf" and most notably, "Iron Man" and its upcoming sequel. The two are finally back together for the first time since "Made" in their latest outing, "Couples Retreat."

"Couples Retreat" follows four couples as they embark on a weeklong vacation in paradise in Bora Bora that is also a place for couple's therapy. Dave and Ronnie (Vaughn and Malin Akerman) are parents that are happy together but just find it difficult to find a second to have a romantic moment together. Jason and Cynthia (Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell) are an uptight couple that need to make logical calculated decisions all the time but find themselves on the verge of divorce after not being able to conceive. Joey and Lucy (Favreau and Kristin Davis) are unfaithful high school sweethearts that don't communicate and really seem to be more interested in hooking up with anyone but each other. Shane and Trudy (Faizon Love and Kali Hawk) have only been dating two weeks and Shane realizes that the age difference between them (about 20 years) is really starting to get to him. The couples go on this vacation because they believe they are getting a group rate with optional therapy sessions but soon realize that nothing is optional. This obviously leads to these couples being forced to face their problems and there is a chance that some hilarious stuff gets thrown in there too.

I am a fan of "Swingers." I think that movie is hilarious and has some great writing. Also, I love the mid '90s Hollywood setting and the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy soundtrack. Anyway, I had some high hopes going into this movie and frankly speaking, I was a bit underwhelmed. I expected "Swingers" for the middle-aged individuals, but this is not that. Despite this, I still managed to enjoy the film, but just felt that it lacked.

Vaughn and Favreau wrote this script together and it's great to see the two back together and trying something different then their previous two works. Also, it is interesting to see how their concepts have evolved as the two have gotten older. "Swingers" focused on being young in Hollywood, figuring out what one is doing with one's life, dating and relationships. "Couples Retreat" focuses on how to maintain these relationships and what it means to be middle aged and taking advantage of life. There are some great moments for everyone here, but I think this will connect better with an older, married audience.

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