Couples Retreat is a semi-romantic comedy about a couple, Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) who decide to go to an island couples retreat called Eden in an effort to save their marriage. They drag their friends, Dave (Vince Vaughn) and Ronnie (Malin Akerman), Joey (Jon Favreau) and Lucy (Kristin Davis), and Shane (Faizon Love) with his new girlfriend Trudy (Kali Hawk), with them on the pretense that it will be a fun getaway so that they could get the discounted group rate. Little did they know that they would all have to partake in the couples therapy in order to get to the good stuff. With the therapy team lead by Marcel (Jean Reno) and the creepy Stanley (Peter Serafinowicz) the group’s relaxing holiday quickly turns strange and awkward.

This movie isn’t ’stab yourself in the gut’ funny but it does have some good laughs. Its what you usually get from Vince Vaughn except a little toned down so its full of sarcastic comments and insults just with less swearing. Since this is a bit of a romance there is a lot of talking about feelings and that kinda stuff which, to be honest, is not why I watch a Vince Vaughn movie and does kinda make it a little boring at times. But this is a good movie to go watch with your partner as there is enough of a mix of comedy and chick stuff for you both to enjoy it.

The highlight for me was definitely the Guitar Hero battle between Dave and Stanley. Lonely is the Night by Billy Squier mixed with two older guys making fools of themselves was hilarious as was their exchange of words before and after the battle. The yoga session was also quite funny as was the shark scene. Also seeing Jean Reno as a weird spiritual man made me chuckle.

So overall it was good without being great but I suppose given that I want the comedy without the romance I was still entertained. There was enough to keep me interested throughout but if you’re a guy its best viewed with your significant other as opposed to a group of mates.

6.5 out of 10