Four legends (Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Kevin Kline, and Morgan Freeman) are heading to Vegas. J.P. reviews “Last Vegas.”
LAST VEGAS
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 104 minutes
Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
Produced by: Laurence Mark, Nathan Kahane, Amy Baer, Matt Leonetti
Written by: Dan Fogelman
Cast: Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman
Studio Synopsis:
Four Academy Award© winning legends, with a combined 6 Oscar© wins, 9 nominations, and films that have grossed nearly $16 billion in worldwide box office, together for the first time on the big screen. Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline star as lifelong friends who opt to stop acting their age and relive their glory days when the pack’s sworn bachelor decides to get married to his girlfriend (who is half his age). The destination? Las Vegas. But the four quickly realize that passing decades changed the game: Sin City has had its own coming-of-age and a rivalry has strained the bonds of their friendship. The Rat Pack may have once played the Sands and Cirque du Soleil may now rule the Strip, but it’s these guys who are taking over Vegas.
J.P.’s Take:
What do you get when you pit four Hollywood legends against a Las Vegas backdrop? That’s right a geriatric version of the “Hangover.” C’mon I know some of you were thinking the same thing, even I felt like it laid across those lines. What director Jon Turteltaub (TV series “Jericho,” “National Treasure” films) and writer Dan Fogelman (“Bolt,” “Tangled”) churn out is an innocuous, if a bit conveniently plotted senior chuckle fest that may be sure fire hit with the elderly populous.
“Last Vegas” plays out just like its title suggests; as a last hoo rah for childhood friends calling themselves the Flatbush Four to live it up as if they were youth again. Much of the story pivots around Billy (Michael Douglas), the only bachelor in the bunch. He’s basically the aging rich guy sporting 30 something arm candy to prove he still has what it takes to woo the ladies. In an odd turn of events, however, Billy decides to propose to the supposed love of his life at a funeral of all places. Billy wants to celebrate this joyous occasion by rallying his old pals.
To understand the comical antics surrounding this group is to learn of their stories. Billy’s pals consist of Archie (Morgan Freeman), once the dashing young card shark back in his time, now the sufferer of a mild stroke. He is condemned to his recliner watching reruns of “Housewives,” under the watchful eye of his son who means well. Sam (Kevin Kline) has a loving wife Miriam (Joanna Gleason), who understands he’s lost his spark. She encourages him to go to Vegas and gives him a card with a condom and a little blue pill attached. There’s that “what happens in Vegas theme.” Then there’s Patrick, a.k.a. Paddy (Robert De Niro), the tough as nails stand up type of guy. Now he’s a widower and is reduced to a bathrobe wearing pussycat who doesn’t want to be bothered with any one. Not even with his friend Billy.
When these four stories collide, they draw out some of the films more amusing, as well as some bitter issues among the Flatbush Four. Bad blood between Billy and Paddy arise surrounding the death of Paddy’s wife. Sam goes on the hunt for – eh hem – young honeys to play with. Antenna sprout up with intrigue as Archie returns to his glory days at the card tables. But what really throws a wrench in the works is when an attorney-turned-lounge singer named Diane (Mary Steenburgen) enters the picture. This creates a love triangle between Paddy, Diane and Billy that maybe you do see coming. This further increases the rift between Paddy and Bill.
All of these factors are just a set up for the wannabe bad boy behavior the four displays while partying like rocks stars. “Last Vegas” doesn’t reach “Hangover” status in terms of outlandish behavior, nor does it set out to seriously offend anyone. Instead, the film plays up the beautiful scenery of the Aria hotel and its lavish accoutrements, almost becoming a full length infomercial in its approach. To top it off, the old buzzards have blast hanging out at various exotic locals within the hotel grounds; while wallowing in the lap of luxury. All their amenities are handed to them on a silver platter, while they try to salvage their friendship. The love triangle finds a happy medium and seems to work it self out in a story book way.
”Last Vegas” is basically a feel good old timer’s party movie, done with style and comedy. I didn’t really have many complaints about it as a whole, but overall nothing stood out enough to become memorable. I liked Steenburgen’s performance being the love interest and as the lounge singer. The four silver screen veterans performed well and seemed to fit their parts just fine. At least if you’re looking for a low key popcorn movie to pass the time, then “Last Vegas” is innocent enough to fulfill your needs.
