Couples Retreat

What it's about:

Four couples go on a relationship-building holiday to a paradise island and discover that they actually know very little about their relationships at all.

What we thought of it:

The name really does say it all. A good laugh at other couples' far worse problems is like a mini-holiday for any stale relationship.

Vince Vaughn really put everything into this movie; starring in, writing and producing it. For once, this three-pronged approach hasn't tanked the final product. With a varied and interesting cast, Couples Retreat is full of surprises.

Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) are trying for a baby, and their lack of success has taken its toll on their marriage. They want to give it one more go by visiting Eden, an adult resort offering couples counselling. But they can't go unless their friends all join in.

When the four couples arrive, things are not as they seem. Jean Reno is at his creepiest as the relationship counsellor who encourages nudity, swimming with sharks and super-sexual yoga. These scenes provide most of the laughs, catalysed by clashing personalities.

However, if you're in the same boat as some of the characters, you'll be laughing at yourself. Jason is the epitome of every neurotic "wife", while Cynthia is as carefree as many of the "husbands" I know, and Lucy (Kristin Davis) is refreshingly at ease with projecting her sexuality outside of her marriage. Maybe the characters are a little stereotypical, but we're all trying to avoid becoming that couple.

Vaughn strikes the right chord as a comic actor without being the crude, creepy dude, and gee whizz, you'll almost find him sexy. Almost.

Couples Retreat is just another rom com, but it's great therapy if your relationship needs a little R&R.