Who Plays Who?

Vince Vaughn Jason Bateman Faizon Love Jon Favreau Malin Akerman Kristen Bell Kristin Davis Kali Hawk Tasha Smith Carlos Ponce Peter Serafinowicz Jean Reno Temuera Morrison Jonna Walsh Gattlin Griffith Colin Baiocchi Vernon Vaughn Jim McMahon Paul Boese

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Dave Jason Shane Joey Ronnie Cynthia Lucy Trudy Jennifer Salvadore Stanley Marcel Briggs Lacey Robert Kevin Grandpa Jim Jim Magician Motorcycle Salesman

What Do The Critics Say

"The original idea for Couples Retreat came from Vince Vaughn, always a good sign in comedy. Couples Retreat is a comedy/drama mix, but it's mostly the comedy parts that work. There's nothing in the way of character development, but for the most part that's okay: this is all about the big laughs. So what's funny? Jean Reno as a relationship specialist, for one thing. Vince Vaughn swimming with sharks, for another. Then there's Jon Favreau's endless leering, the pervy yoga teacher and a Guitar Hero competition that involves to die for British comic Peter Serafinowicz." Liz Braun SUN MEDIA "The secret to a happy marriage involves falling in love over and over again with the same person. 'Couples Retreat' offers an amusing illustration of that old saying. Couples Retreat reminds us of how important good communication is in building and maintaining a healthy relationship. Directed by Peter Billingsley, the film moves along with a spirited pace. Aimed more at adults than teenage boys and their dates, Couples Retreat is a lot better than the previews would have you believe. I saw this film only because I had to review it. No wonder I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed it." Betty Jo Tucker REELTALK MOVIE REVIEWS "Everything about this movie seems right - the entertaining cast, to-die-for location shots, a fresh concept brought from Vaughn and Favreau and a solid message that everyone has problems, but it is the working through them that pulls a couple closer together. Forever likeable Vaughn and the lovely Malin Akerman save the film through their humour and accessibility. If an easy watch is what you're after this will do the trick, simply keep expectations at a modest level and it won't be a waste of time." Sarah-Jane Lamont FILMINK "There are plenty of dippy riffs. "Couples Retreat," which Vaughn co-wrote with Favreau and Dana Fox ("What Happens in Vegas"), may not be overly ambitious. It isn't nearly as pretty as the island the couples visit. Shot in Bora Bora, the sea is an uncanny azure, the sands pristine. The villas assigned to the couples are the stuff of the Conde Nast Traveler's "Room With View" feature. But the film makes up for that with a fine dose of (occasionally bitter) sweetness and a buoyant raft of witty lines. Greatly silly and unexpectedly wise at times. Vaughn finally gets couple comedy just about right." Lisa Kennedy DENVER POST

"With eight stars, character development could have been superficial or the roles shallow; thankfully, however, the majority of characters are well-rounded and far more than simply quirky personalities.There's a thoughtful message here about fighting to make marriage work despite the hardships that come in any relationship but the jokes will keep audiences entertained. Director Peter Billingsley ("A Christmas Story") smartly showcases the backdrop to make the locale as much a presence in the film as the actors. 'Couples' offers a great retreat for laughs." Jeffrey K. Lyles GAZETTE "This film’s cerebral aspects are easily overshadowed by its slapstick and sillier asides, such as the sight of a toddler innocently peeing into a toilet on the floor of Home Depot. Shot primarily against a variety of exotic backdrops, Couples Retreat is practically worth the investment for the visually-pleasing panoramas alone. A pleasant romantic romp likely to delight, provided you're willing to put your brain on pause for a couple of hours." Kam Williams SLY FOX "Troubled couples try to fix their relationships in this raucous comedy, but the twosome that sparks most agreeably is Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. The guys -- who met filming "Rudy" (1993) and shined together in "Swingers" (1996) and "Made" (2001), each building huge careers along the way: play husbands with issues. In his directorial debut, Peter Billingsley (who has produced many of Favreau's and Vaughn's hits, but forever will be Ralphie from "A Christmas Story") deftly juggles his ensemble cast. The humor isn't always highbrow, but it works." Sean P. Means SALT LAKE TRIBUNE "Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn do a great job at entertaining the movie watchers. This film is not a slam dunk, but you need to go in and understand what you are watching. The scenery alone is worth the cost of a ticket price. Bora Bora was a beautiful location to film at and added that much needed taste of paradise to a rather bitter sweet subject of a troubled marriage. Every couple goes through their own share of drama. But most don’t travel to an exotic locale to share their stories." Jolene Mendez ENTERTAINMENT SPECTRUM

The Inside Story In 1996, Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau came onto Hollywood’s radar with the comedy Swingers, penned by Favreau. The film, directed by Doug Liman, depicted the lives of two unemployed actors trying to score with the ladies and make it big in LA. It became an instant classic, launching both men’s careers and serving as the unlikely beginning for Couples Retreat. In 2007, the much-loved and often-quoted movie won the Guy Movie Hall of Fame Award at Spike TV’s Guys Choice Awards. Following the taping of the show, Vaughn and Favreau revisited one of their film’s haunts, The Dresden Room, to celebrate. There, Vaughn pitched Favreau ("Daredevil") the concept for Couples Retreat. "I had this idea about a group of friends who are married and having typical relationship problems, with some being more extreme than others," says Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers"). "One of them was the catalyst who tells the others, 'I found this place that is the Mecca for all things for couples.' He needs his friends to go because the only way he and his wife can afford it is with the less expensive group rate. The other couples think it will be a great vacation, but when they get there they realize they must participate in all of the couples therapy exercises. The fun is in seeing all of their relationships put under a microscope. I wanted to take normal people with everyday problems and put them in an exceptional setting. "The story had to be relatable so audiences would see a bit of themselves in one of the four couples and have some laughs at the situations and obstacles they face and must work through." Favreau was open to teaming with his long-time friend. "Vince approached me with the idea of collaborating together again for the first time in many years,” he says. “And when he pitched me the idea for Couples Retreat, I thought the concept was compelling." Vaughn also reached out to Scott Stuber, the producing partner with whom Vaughn had collaborated on the 2006 anti-romantic comedy and blockbuster hit "The Break-Up", about re-teaming on this film. "Vince and I always talk about new ideas to do together. When he told me about the concept for "Couples Retreat", I thought it was a great way to explore relationships through a big comedic idea." says Stuber. Once Favreau agreed to write the screenplay with Vaughn and fellow comedy writer Dana Fox, the collaborators begin fleshing out a story. They focused on four Midwestern couples: the seemingly 'perfect couple' Dave & Ronnie, the overly analytical Jason & Cynthia, the ready to split Joey & Lucy and the recently separated Shane & his 20 year-old girlfriend Trudy; whose relationships are put to the test at the resort. For Favreau, the premise of the film was one he could relate to; this would be his most personal film since Swingers. "I have experienced marriage and having small children, and there’s a lot humour in it. It’s something I hadn’t explored yet." "What I loved about the script was that it explored human behaviour and relationships, and there was real hope and joy to it," Stuber added. "I knew it would also be great to make this film with a group of us who are all friends. The more you can make films with people you share common sensibilities with, the more you want to keep replicating that experience." Vaughn’s search for a director began and ended with Peter Billingsley, who makes his directorial debut with "Couples Retreat". Billingsley had an accomplished body of work as a producer, including production partnerships with Vaughn ("Made", "The Break-Up" and "Four Christmases") and with Favreau ("Made", "Zathura", "Iron Man" and TV'S "Dinner for Five"). Billingsley's desire to direct, however, began as a young actor when he was cast to play the BB gun-loving Ralphie in the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" which was directed by three time Genie Awards winner Bob Clark. "When we were shooting "A Christmas Story", I spent a lot of time on set with Bob Clark," Billingsley says. "Over the years, I have been curious about his process, and he gave me the best piece of advice when I told him I wanted to be a filmmaker." Clark advised him to "Get in the edit room, because that’s where you’ll learn how to make a movie." "So I started spending as much time in postproduction as I could," Billingsley recalled. "I felt if directing was something that was meant to be, the right project would materialize." As a partner for the past several years in Vaughn’s Wild West Picture Show Productions, Billingsley had a relationship with Vaughn that made the choice a simple one. "Vince and I have a great shorthand, which comes from being collaborators and friends for such a long time," notes the filmmaker. "Couples Retreat" is our fourth movie together. Our earlier projects helped me prepare to direct this film. I understand how Vince likes to develop story and characters, and we both knew what we wanted to achieve with this film." With Billingsley signed as director, the project was set up at Universal Pictures under Vaughn’s Wild West Picture Show Productions’ and Stuber’s Stuber Pictures’ production deals. Vaughn, Bateman, Favreau and Faizon Love were attached to the project before the script was written, giving the writers the luxury of knowing the voices of the lead actors before shooting began. "Because Vince and I now have the ability to get films made, he was able to identify and secure the actors we wanted to play the male roles," says Favreau. "This was great because when I have a voice of somebody to write for, I have a much easier time." When casting, the director and producers looked for not just comic actors, but performers who could also handle dramatic turns. "Three of the four couples have been married for many years, so they had to have those nuances down that are common in marriage," says Stuber. "All of the actors had to be extremely likeable and have a natural repartee. Vince, Jon, Jason and Faizon have all been friends for a long time, but Kristin, Kristen and Malin were new to the group. The three of them hit it off right away and seemed like old friends. I know audiences will relate to each couple and root for them to overcome their problems and work it out." Keeping each of the pairs in line is the resort’s withering host and endless taskmaster, Sctanley (pronounced "Stanley"), played by British comedian and 2008 Golden Rose Award winner Peter Serafinowicz. Sctanley brings a very conservative nature and stiff upper lip and proves a fun antagonist for Dave. Adding to the colourful characters that comprise the Eden Resort staff is yoga instructor Salvadore, played by the Puerto Rican-born Carlos Ponse ("Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo"). With his chiselled physique and long flowing locks, Salvadore’s 'hands-on' teaching method pushes the personal boundaries of the couples he teaches. All of the teachings at Eden are based on philosophies of the world-renowned couples guru Monsieur Marcel, played by Jean Reno ("The Crimson Rivers " & "The Da Vinci Code"). "If there is one message Marcel would like to share with the world, it’s to be naked in front of the people you like," jokes Reno. "Be naked inside your mind, not only physically. Don’t hide and don’t lie. Even if it hurts, it is always better to say the truth to people that you love." That nakedness was put to the test as soon as shooting started. One of the first scenes shot is when the couples meet Eden’s relationship guru, Monsieur Marcel. In the scene, Marcel lines up each member of the couple to face his or her partner and asks them to strip down to their underwear. "It is awkward when you’re standing there with your best friends and their husbands and you have to get naked," Swedish actress Malin Akerman ("27 Dresses") stated. "It’s a very funny, as well as disarming, scene," adds Jason Bateman ("State of Play"). "Vince, Jon, Faizon and myself included, none of us fell off the cover of a magazine. But it’s a comedy, and we’ll do anything for a laugh." Locations considered for the production were in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas and Bali. Billingsley asked production designer, Shepherd Frankel, "If we could pick anywhere in the world to shoot this film, where would that be?" That led to them looking at every tropical place on the planet. Once the filmmakers saw the aqua-blue water that surrounds the white-sand beaches of the remote island of Bora Bora, they knew they had found the ideal backdrop for Eden Resort. "Couples Retreat" is the first film to shoot in this part of the South Pacific since Jan Troell shot the epic adventure "Hurricane" in 1979. The filmmakers searched more than a dozen resorts on this French Polynesian island, focusing on hotels that had over-water bungalows and exuded relaxation. "The key was to find a place that would allow us to take over an entire resort," Billingsley explained. After scouting the island, the filmmakers struck a deal with the St Regis Bora Bora Resort, which would be transformed into their Eden. The resort is a five-star hotel on Bora Bora located on Motu Piti Aau ("Two Hearts" in Tahitian). The thirteen thousand square-foot Royal Estate is surrounded by white sands and an idyllic lagoon, extends over three separate pavilions and has the towering Mount Otemanu as its backdrop. "The St Regis is spectacular and is its own self-contained island with no roads and no cars," says the director. "The only way to get there is by boat, and the over-water bungalows are amazing. They have more than eighteen hundred square feet, which gave us plenty of room to shoot inside. They also have a beautiful lagoon with the mountain of Bora Bora in the background; that worked perfectly for the yoga dock we wanted to build. They were willing to shut the entire resort down, which allowed us full use of their property." While the island provided the production with breathtaking visuals, it also posed its share of challenges. "There was a massive logistical effort by our team in preproduction," says Billingsley. Victoria Vaughn, Guy Riedel and the films unit production manager Udi Nedivi ("Rocky Balboa" & "Cloverfield") sat down with the president of French Polynesia and mapped out what they wanted to do. He and the government made it a very manageable situation for the crew. "I don’t think anyone fully understood what we had logistically gotten ourselves into. But when you have a group whose minds are made up, it’s amazing what you can accomplish," Billingsley notes. As film production rarely comes to Bora Bora, the team had to ship or fly in all of its equipment. The crew brought in fifteen twenty foot cargo containers and a couple of fourty foot cargo containers filled with equipment. In addition, it shipped in several tons of airfreight and flew in approximately one hundred and twenty cast and crew members. "In Bora Bora, everything is done via water," says stunt/marine co-ordinator Dan Malone. "We had to power up the St Regis with our generators, which went on large barges. We moved the whole production company around with these draft barges." Synopsis

Based on an original idea of Vaughn's, the comedy "Couples Retreat" follows four Midwestern couples who embark on a journey to a tropical island resort. Jason and Cynthia's marriage is in trouble. He's been battling testicular cancer and the stress has taken its toll on them. They talk three other couples into joining them at a couples resort. While they will be working on their marriage, the other couples will be able to jet ski, spa and enjoy some fun in the sun. They soon discover that participation in the resorts couples therapy is not optional. It's supposed to be Disneyland for adults: at a a great price, but suddenly, their group-rate vacation comes at a price. They came to have fun: but they signed up for the whole package. "Thanks a lot for bringing me here to problem island". What follows is a hilarious look at real world problems faced by all couples. "Now who's ready for the Yoga?"

The Verdict "If your familiar with the style of humour Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau usually produce or get involved with, then you'll pretty much enjoy "Couples Retreat". The premiss is a clever one: a couple whose marriage is under the hammer need three other couples to accompany them to a glorious retreat in the South Pacific so they can benefit from a cheaper rate. As you'd guess, it has to go pear-shaped. The catch is, there's no fun activities until each couple finishes their rehabilitation course. There's plenty of laughs and goofy moments as all four couples try to cope with the strict discipline and philosophies of the world-renowned couples guru, Monsieur Marcel. The added temptation is that the resort is split into two and, that's right, all the good times and wild partying is on: the other resort. It's a question of waiting for the cracks to appear in the couples relationships. Far funnier than "Four Holidays" but not as good as "Wedding Crashers". Good fun. 3 1/2 STARS." The Production Team

Director Written by Producers Original Music D.O.P. Film Editor Casting Production Designer Art Direction Set Decoration Costume Design

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Peter Billingsley Jon Favreau/Vince Vaughn/Dana Fox Scott Stuber & Vince Vaughn A.R. Rahman Eric Edwards Dan Lebental Sarah Finn & Randi Hiller Shepherd Frankel Curt Beech & Clint Wallace Daniel B Clancy Susan Matheson

Run Time 111 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2009 - Universal - All Rights Reserved ©1999-2009 All Rights Reserved The Movie Pages - Protected by Australian & International Copyright. Trademark Laws Apply.