WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS (2008)

Directed By: Tom Vaughan
Written By: Dana Fox
Cinematography By: Matthew F. Leonetti
Editor: Matt Friedman

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Rob Coddry, Lake Bell, Zach Galifianakis, Dennis Farina, Jason Sudekis, Queen Latifah, Treat Williams, Dennis Miller, Michelle Kruseic, Krysten Ritter, Andrew Daly, Ben Best, Maddie Corman, Billy Eichner


Set in Sin City, story revolves around two people who discover they've gotten married following a night of debauchery, with one of them winning a huge jackpot after playing the other's quarter. Unhappy pair try to undermine each other and get their hands on the money -- falling in love along the way.

I blame myself for being taken in by this film. At first i saw the trailer and knew to avoid it. I usually don’t like Ashton Kutcher films. Then I watched the commercials when it was coming out and it seemed to be a silly comedy that didn’t take itself seriously and looked like Cameron Diaz was in her silly hot phase from Charlie’s angels boy was I wrong. The warning signs were there but I kept moving forward and paid the price.

Everything in this move feels fake and plastic, but shiny and colorful to distract you of what poor quality the material is.

The two leads have no chemistry and no offense to CameronDiaz, but she looks too old for him. Like a cougar after her prey. She’s not old enough to look like his mother, but maybe a aunt or older sister. It doesn’t matter he is married to an older woman Demi Moore in real lfe. Maybe Casting Kate Hudson would have been a better idea. Half the time Diaz resorts to her comedic theatrics that she has used before notably in CHARLIE’S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE

Even in states of undress. She is sexy but not captivating. The only time it seems fun is when they are both drunk and being goofy other then that there are a bunch of scenes that they try very hard to sell and squeeze the last bit of humor out of which comes off as desperate.

A combination of any of the co-stars in this movie would have made a more interesting and entertaining movie. Even by popcorn movie standards this was bad. Everything feels artificial and fake.

At least the film moves fast so that you don’t remember too much as it races by.
The film has so many good people in it. That could have made a better movie with.

The writing and overall feel of the film comes off as sitcomish. Like a extended episode.

The film is so bright and shiny in it’s sets and atmosphere that it could cause a seizure.

It seems like the thought is the more cameos and supporting characters they could get a big name to come in do a bit and leave like a special guest star. Hoping they make another appearance half of the characters are despicable. So are the leads until we get short scenes to see what motivates the so all of a sudden now we’re supposed to forgive them for the appalling behavior. Since it is set in vegas I guess they figured go throw everything in that you can see what works and what sticks. Plenty of gaudiness.

Skip It

GRADE: F