Review of What Happens in Vegas (2008) by Andy S — 27 Jan 2011

By Emily Paget for remotegoat on 01/05/08.

It seems that these rom-coms are coming hard and fast at the moment, each trying to out do the other. Whether it's comically, actor status, or the most far-fetched approach to romance. I've probably seen about six romantic comedies in the past couple of months, and I have to say that this is probably the most favourable.

The story is basic, as usual, but it's more about character than plot; so we begin with two polar opposite people, Joy (Lemon-face Diaz) and Jack (Man-child Kutcher), both suddenly thrust into these situations, one without a job, and the other without a partner. I assumed that this rarely happens to people who are this good looking, but apparently, it does. In an attempt to make themselves feel better, and shake off the feeling of rejection they both (separately remember) make their way to the city of sin, Las Vegas. And by some strange coincidence they not only end up at the same hotel, but with a computer malfunction, end up in the same room. After a debauched night of wild, craziness, they both wake up with more than a hangover.

After a mutual agreement to divorce, they jointly win the jackpot on one of the fruit machines, and suddenly their decision to separate quickly changes. Oh, and the hilarity ensues, obviously, with them eventually realising that they do actually belong together.

Joy and Jack are endearing (together and separately) if not predictably over exaggerated. Unfortunately there aren't many new twists or turns in this film, and it follows pretty much the same standard as most romantic comedies whereby you are left either rooting for the male or female. All I remember from the soundtrack was Mika (bleh), although I'm sure they threw in some 50's swing to make it a bit less screechy and a bit more "classy" and romantic, because nothing says romance like Frank (wife beater) Sinatra.

Despite the ever lacking inventive story lines and creative script this film is easily watchable, it does exactly what it says on the tin, and if you go in expecting nothing more than a couple of cheap laughs, stale gags and some attractive people, you'll be laughing, literally. You also have to remember that we have to have these mediocre films, other wise the really great ones wouldn't be that great. I love the cinema, but this isn't worth £12, wait for its Christmas showing on BBC1.