‘Last Vegas’ is a Laugh out Loud Comedy

Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline play childhood friends who reunite in Vegas for Douglas’ wedding. Each of them is approaching the big 70 and all are dealing with it differently. Archie (Freeman) had a mild stroke and is still under the watchful eye of an over protective son (Michael Ealy), much to his frustration and he desperately yearns for his freedom. Paddy (De Niro) is still recovering from the death of his wife who passed away a year earlier. Billy (Douglas) is tired of being alone and is planning on marrying a woman more than half his age while Sam (Kline) is suffering from depression after retirement.

Curtis _50 Cents_ Jackson at the New York premiere of Last Vegas - Copy

Curtis 50 Cents Jackson at the New York premiere of Last Vegas

Once the word gets around of Billy’s upcoming nuptials, a trip to Sin city seems ideal, especially for Archie and Sam who relish the idea of getting away and rediscovering their youth. Convincing the grumpy Paddy, who would much rather sulk indoors surrounded by pictures of his deceased wife is initially an issue. Adding, he’s also still harboring a grudge against Billy for not attending his wife’s funeral, but once the geezers eventually arrive in Vegas their adventures lead to gambling, bikini contests, a dalliance with drag queens and wild parties over the course of a couple of days.

Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline in Last Vegas - Copy

Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline in Last Vegas 

Curtis ‘50 Cents’ Jackson who they mistake for a member of The Jackson 5 makes a brief appearance and Mary Steenburgen plays Diana a former professional woman pursuing her dream as a singer, who becomes the love interest of both Paddy and Billy. Directed by Jon Turteltaub (“Cool Runnings”), the entertainment is held together by the chemistry of the legendary cast for each is aptly suited to their character. Great fodder for comedy, it’s surprisingly funny, often hilarious and proves that a story doesn’t need to be completely new just as long as there’s a spin on it to make it different.

Mary Steenburgen at the New York premiere of Last Vegas

Mary Steenburgen at the New York premiere of Last Vegas

Robert De Niro and wife Grace Hightower

Robert De Niro and wife, Grace Hightower

“Last Vegas” is a timeless story that almost everyone will enjoy for the four actors work together brilliantly. There’s rivalry, bickering, courtship, geriatric jokes, Viagra humor and plenty of belly laughs.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as the Entertainment Editor for Trendy Africa. All pictures courtesy of CBS Films.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.