Couples Retreat (2009) * * *

 

Directed by:  Peter Billingsley

Starring:  Vince Vaughn, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk, Jean Reno, Carlos Ponce, Ken Jeong, John Michael Higgins, Peter Serafinowicz

Couples Retreat is one of those comedies that grows on you.  At first viewing, it was a slight comedy with a feel-good ending.  Something made me go back and view it again, and I found it more palatable and funnier the second time around.  These are appealing comic actors and they elevate the material. 

The movie centers around four sets of couples at different stages of marriage doldrums.  Dave (Vaughn) and Ronnie (Akerman) aren't unhappy, but are just in a passionless groove.  Joey (Favreau) and Lucy (Davis) are itching to find other sex partners.   Shane (Love) is divorced and has a younger girlfriend named Trudy (Hawk), whom he can't keep up with.  The couple in the most dire state is Jason (Bateman) and Cynthia, who are mulling a divorce and want all four couples to attend a retreat on a paradise island.  Jason's motives aren't entirely friendship-driven.  If four couples go, it's half-price.  

The retreat is gorgeous, with blue water, palm trees, sandy beaches, and top-notch food.  I can figure even half-price is more expensive than a trip to Tahiti.  The island is run by Marcel (Reno), an expert in couples counseling who includes therapy, couples activities, and yoga in their itineraries.  These are not optional.  Marcel's second-in-command is Cstanley (Serafinowicz), who tells the group in no uncertain terms that they must partake in what's on the itinerary if they want to enjoy the benefits of paradise. 

There is also the other side of the island, where temptation and hedonism await, which suits Joey just fine.  Do we know that the couples will make it to the other side and only then will they realize they love each other?   Will there be reconciliations?  Is the sun hot?  The plot is predictable, but there are some funny moments like Dave's "shark attack" and Joey popping a boner during his massage session.  Because these actors are so comedically skilled, they make Couples Retreat fun.