'Couples Retreat'

'Couples Retreat' (PG-13) **

Writers: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Dana Fox
Director: Peter Bilingsley
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Malin Ackerman, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis, Temeura Morrison, Jean Reno, Kali Hawk

In 1996 Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau gave us a classic comedy in "Swingers" It announced Vince Vaughn as a major player in Hollywood and the movie became a classic. Vince Vaughn and his comic delivery of dialogue is unique and genius and he does it like no other. It is like he is the David Mamet of acting with his delivery. He was the perfect counterpoint to Owen Wilson in another new classic comedy "The Wedding Crashers". With those two and also "Old School" Vaughn was building a good career including his serious turn in "Into the Wild". Since those movies though I think Vaughn has been neutered and put in material too safe and normal. The material might not be up to his standard but his new movie "Couples Retreat" was co-written by him so here he is to blame. "Couples Retreat" is like a safe television sitcom that provides small chuckles but nothing laugh out loud. Without Vince Vaughn this would be one of the worst movies of the year but he saves it somewhat. Again his line readings and delivery are the best thing in this movie. Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau and Faison Love give good support also but the ladies are given the shaft. They are talented actresses but only Kelli Hawk is effective. This movie has a few laughs but mostly misses and the ending becomes safe and sappy. I don't want sappy Vince Vaughn, I want edgy "Old School" ,"Wedding Crashers" Vince Vaughn. The material is not here for him and the movie is light and safe instead of hilarious.