What do you get when you combine Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz and a drunken marriage in Vegas? If you guessed utterly formulaic romantic-comedy, then congratulations! You win an average movie!
“What Happens in Vegas” follows the story of the unlikely pair Jack (Ashton Kutcher) and Joy (Cameron Diaz). Jack is a slovenly goof-off who would rather play basketball and hang out with his buddies than work. Joy is a clean-cut stock trader who is obsessed with organization and details. It does not take long for Jack to be fired (by his own father, of all people) and Joy to be left by her fiancé.
Naturally, they both decide that the remainder of their now dwindling finances should be blown on an expensive trip to Vegas, where they meet and drunkenly marry.
This would have been taken care of with a speedy annulment the next day, were it not for Jack pulling a $3 million dollar jackpot off a slot machine with Joy’s quarter. Hijinks ensue as the judge sentences them to be married for six months before either of them see a penny.
While it is true that this movie follows the romantic-comedy formula to the point where any literate audience member could leave halfway through and write a script that would come pretty darn close to actual movie events, that does not necessarily make it a bad movie. Kutcher and Diaz generate some real on-screen chemistry. They both commit fully to their roles, and the result is a genuinely memorable performance.
The comedy is easily the strongest aspect of the film. The jokes are punchy, fast-paced and just off-beat enough to ensure that the alt-comedy crowd gets a kick out of it but the mainstream audience is not left hanging.
An absolutely wonderful supporting performance is given by Rob Corddry as Jack’s best friend, Hater. It is not inconceivable that someday soon we will see Corddry in a successful leading role.
Those familiar with alt-comedy star Zach Galifianakis will recognize him straightaway, but his role is a small one. It is an unfortunate waste of his talent.
As was mentioned before, the romance is formulaic and none too subtle. It gets incredibly hokey at times, but the jokes are almost enough to make you forget all about it. Almost.
The end product is formulaic but not dull, predictable but not tedious, and worth seeing if you happen to be a fan of the genre. It is not a masterpiece of film, but you could do a lot worse for the ticket price.
Overall rating: 3 out of 5 Boones
