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Couples Retreat (2009)

Director: Peter Billingsley

Time Out rating

Average user rating

9 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

The residual affection for ‘Swingers’ duo Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau comes perilously close to depletion with this ensemble comedy exposing the foibles of fortysomething relationships. They co-wrote and co-star in this plot-heavy affair which brings four couples to the sun-splashed surroundings of ‘Eden East’, then puts them through a compulsory programme of marriage-guidance therapy before they can get on the jet-skis.

The pretext is enabling old pal Jason Bateman to procreate with partner Kristen Bell, but circumstances expose the flaws in both Vaughn and Favreau’s own relationships. So, expectations of farce are stymied by long stretches of mid-life navel gazing, notwithstanding Favreau’s willingness to humiliate himself as the lecherously frustrated hubby in the party. Meanwhile, the director is unable to impose rhythm or focus on the escalating complications, and allows scene-stealing yoga teacher Carlos Ponce’s amusing shtick to go on far too long. Somehow though, Vaughn’s cheeky appeal remains intact, but he needs better material. They all do.

Author: Trevor Johnston

Time Out London Issue 2043: 15 - 21 October, 2009

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User reviews of this film

munch13 said...

Posted on Nov 08 2009 16:20 Boring film to start off with until they go to the island. had a few laughs but wouldnt recomend going to see this film alone or you will end up falling asleep.

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broony said...

Posted on Nov 03 2009 18:19 shut up pseu

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Tony said...

Posted on Oct 30 2009 16:19 Terrible. Why do we stick with this horrific and soulless american movies? Does Eurpoe have anything better to offer?
WE ARE BORED OF HOLLYWOOD !!!!

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Lana said...

Posted on Oct 25 2009 20:19 Maybe the worst comedy of all time. If I knew any of these people I would hate them and their lack of anything interesting to say or think.

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Jenny said...

Posted on Oct 18 2009 09:55 The key is in the title. Retreat.
Absolutely dire.

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usman khawaja said...

Posted on Oct 18 2009 01:50 went to see couples retreat and after an hour of ludicrous marriage counselling on an exotic island with 4 dysfunctional couples who were all indulging in some seriously retarded dialogues ,pathetic sexual jokes and comic monotony to the level of stereotype haven i retreated from the cinema -wonder why divorces are so rampant -bless hollywood-and the retreat is ironically called eden -have to get the geography right too now -crap made on crack

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Kath Newham said...

Posted on Oct 17 2009 16:41 lots of laughs, liked the insight into different relationships, light hearted no mind stretching film, just sit and enjoy.

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jenni ball said...

Posted on Oct 16 2009 10:14 i love the men in thiss as they remind me of my dylan :) xxxxxxxxxx

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Pseu said...

Posted on Oct 14 2009 07:43 Ella, you have now given the film 5 stars and you haven't even seen it! A trailer is designed to make a film look good - surely you have been to see films on the basis of a brilliant trailer only to find yourself disappointed? I know I have. The two star rating on this movie is given by the professional critic not people comments. I just hope that any further 'people comments' will be from people who know what they are talking about...

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