After a debaucherous night out in Sin City, a couple find themselves married and $3 million richer… What Happens in Vegas is your typical romantic comedy Hollywood formula. This time Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher take the leads, supported by a host of familiar faces in Rob Corddry, Lake Bell, Dennis Farina and Queen Latifah. Kutcher has been involved in a number of these ‘lucky in love’ movies and it would be good to seem him tackling something with a bit more grit. He plays Jack like he’s Ashton and his confidence, comedy and charm get him through the fire. Diaz takes yet another ditzy-with-brains role, which is nothing but fun.
The older woman/younger man aspect isn’t played up, despite mirroring their real-life romances. The two have some chemistry and work all the angles between love and hate. They’re both quite versatile when it comes to comedy and have a great time… having a great time. This is your standard Hollywood love affair that misfires, picks up the pieces and finds resolution. It’s predictable enough to be familiar to most movie patrons and its funny enough to keep you entertained. What Happens in Vegas… does nothing to add to the genre besides playing into the same stereotypes. It does this well, but you’ll feel like you’ve seen it all before.
What Happens in Vegas… is a fun, romantic romp. The comedy smacks of other well-known comic actors from the frat pack, and mocks the institution of marriage by putting a price on it. This allows for plenty of rivalry and cat-and-mouse mind games between the sexes. The concept seems original enough, but hinges on commercial cliches. Getting hitched in Vegas is beyond tacky and has almost come full circle. The escapist trip to Las Vegas is hedonistic and the couple have to grow up and face the consequences. The two make marked transitions through the piece and its like they were caught red-handed with the cookie jar. The stars, the bright lights of Vegas and the prospect of romance and comedy gives you a good idea of what to expect from What Happens in Vegas…
It has all the right ingredients and will probably live up to most people’s expectations. Kutcher and Diaz make all the right moves, go through the motions and give you the good time you deserve… as superficial as it seems. What Happens in Vegas… isn’t as good as It Could Happen to You with Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda, but settles somewhere between Kutcher’s A Lot Like Love and Diaz’s The Sweetest Thing.
The bottom line: Formulaic.
