Review of Last Vegas (2013) by Joel M — 17 Apr 2014

"Last Vegas" is no grand scale of a motion picture, but at the same time you will not be a sinner if you roll with this movie set in the city of sin. The movie stars legendary Oscar winning-actors Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline.

They play four lifelong friends who have reunited in Las Vegas for the wedding of Billy (played by Douglas) who is taking the plunge with a woman half his age. So basically it was not much of a stretch for Douglas playing this character; Sorry Mr.

D, just had to lay out all the cards on that one. The wedding weekend itinerary also includes a bachelor party; come to think of it, I think I liked this movie better when it was called "The Geriatric Hangover".

Kidding! De Niro plays Paddy, the loner widower who unwillingly goes on the Vegas trip, but goes ahead and does it with a little help from his friends; even though he has recently held a grudge against Billy.

Freeman portrays Archie, who had suffered a stroke so his son goes all out to make sure that he does not have another stroke by looking out for him like a hound. However, this Archie opts to get some "sugar sugar" in Vegas and lies to his son about his Vegas voyage.

Kline plays Sam, the bored Florida retiree who surprisingly gets a hall pass from his wife to sexually sin it up in Sin City; so it might be his time to for Sam to sing "Viva Viagra" in Vegas.

Director Jon Turtletaub let the legendary actors have fun with their roles and it seemed that he was more in turtle mode in orchestrating the picture; which is not a bad thing in this type of landscape.

Dan Fogelman's screenplay had its wins & loses but for the most part it was a verbal success. None of the performances were standout from these Oscar winners, but it was great to see them have fun with their roles.

Mary Steenburgen, a past Oscar winner herself, also seemed like she was having a ball with her role as lounge singer Diana. "Last Vegas" is not a movie to taken seriously, but if you have fun with it, I am sure you will like it; kinda like the city of Las Vegas itself.

The concept of four lifelong friends still having a strong bond through thick and thin was what lured me in to a fun slot to visit this movie. So go ahead and have a good old time with "Last Vegas".

**** Good.