Vaughn Retreats To Old Schtick

Because of his excellent work in "Swingers" and "Wedding Crashers" I tend to have a high tolerance for Vince Vaughn's motormouth schtick. Yes, it could be said he plays pretty much the same character in every movie now, but I don't mind spending a little of my day with him.

That said, Vaughn's persona is becoming a little too familiar. Where once he elicted belly laughs, now he gets a knowing chuckle or two. Watching his latest project "Couples Retreat," which he produced, co-wrote, and stars in with old pals Jon Favreu and Jason Bateman, I couldn't help thinking it was about time for Vaughn to do something else for a change.

The story itself about three couples that go to an island paradise for a little sun and group therapy is genial, but never laugh out loud funny. It's the kind of movie that if you saw it on cable, you'd probably put it on, but then go do other things and not really pay too much attention. Along the way, they go to counseling, survive a shark attack, and encounter a scantily clad yoga teacher with no concept of personal space. And it all builds up to a fairly ridiculous formulaic finale that includes (of all things) a guitar hero face off that only goes to prove that it's virtually impossible to look cool playing guitar hero.

I like all the actors on screen. Vaughn and Favreu have a great onscreen chemistry, and Bateman continues to perfect another version of his Michael Bluth Character from "Arrested Development." But the movie is lazy even by the low standards of a high concept comedy. And first time director Peter Billingsly (A Vaughn pal for years, and Ralphie from a Christmas Story) doesn't show much inspiration behind the camera.

So in short, if you've gotta find someplace to get out of the house for a couple of hours, or your spouse or significant other wants to see this movie- don't put up too much of a fight. But don't go out of your way.

Couples Retreat: C+