DVD Voice

Vince Vaughn did a great job in this one, Couples Retreat. This comedy about a couple who feel their marriage is on the rocks wants 3 other couples to go with them on a retreat. Peter Billingsley, of A Christmas Story fame, directs this ensemble movie with Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Jason Bateman, and Malin Akerman.

This is a movie that I would have loved to have been a cast or crew member on (heck, I’d like to be that on any movie), but this one, filmed in all sorts of exotic locales – French Polynesia, Bora Bora, Tahiti, etc imagine having to go to “work” there? But beyond the beautiful scenery, if you’ll listen to this movie and follow along with what is going on in these people’s lives, you’ll see people who truly want (or don’t) want to stay together and discover things about themselves. There are timeless truths here as people show how we never really communicate well that people who love each other overlook each other and forget to make sure to tell those around them that they love them and express those feelings. They overlook, they say hurtful things, etc. So listen to what is said, especially some of the things Vince Vaughn’s character says — it does good to hear them. Yes, that’s right, Vince Vaughn, typical funny  man has lots of wise things to say. He just got married recently too.

Also always good to see Jean Reno – except he didn’t hit anyone or blow anything up.

But the movie isn’t without humor. It is good for laughs as well with Vince’s usual witty remarks. Jon Favreau’s back. An epic Guitar Hero battle (or hustle). A therapist telling his patient that “you shouldn’t pull a theoretical gun on your therapist”. Vince Vaughn getting attacked by sharks and living to tell. You can enjoy the evening with humor and have a gently reinforced message that you should be more attuned to the people you love in life – treat them better, be open and responsive to them because they are the best thing in your life.

I didn’t do anything for Valentine’s really, so this is pretty much the closest thing. And it was nice. Now, just get someone to stay along for the ride!

Rated PG-13. 107 minutes (1 hour 47 minutes). Some language. Bunches of swim swear on very shapely females and one big guy’s butt.

The Time Traveler’s Wife had more promise than most. Eric Bana is a “time traveler” he can travel through time, only not at will. He’s found this girl, Rachel McAdams, and spent time over the years going back and building a relationship with her. She sees him as her destiny and has dreamed about him all while growing up. Thing is, that for her the life she ends up with isn’t so great because he will disappear and reappear at odd times and she can never be sure where he is or if she can count on him. Anyway, so her life kind of sucks or it should and yet she can hold up a good game face.

The trouble is that the movie never really goes anywhere, yes it has the beginning and the ending and the tear-jerky parts, but it doesn’t explain why he can time travel or what the genetic mutation is. It doesn’t get into how his doctor is helping him or a glimmer of that kind of hope. It’s just a mix of scenes where he’s going through life and visiting older times or the future.

And the one thing I’d like for him (or any time traveler who might read this) is to bring me some winning lottery numbers! We know time travel exists – I just need a big boost and a couple of lottery numbers – I’d need them spread out over a few years just for safety sake – will do great! Let me hear from you, ok? Thanks!

Rated PG-1. 107 minutes (1 hour 47 minutes). Some violent things happen, a little profanity, and the time traveler arrives wherever he goes naked – can’t time travel with clothes on, it seems, so you’ll see his butt – and also one scene of the cute Rachel McAdam’s.