Last Vegas
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“Last Vegas” is a heartwarming and charming ensemble comedy that proves Hollywood’s elder talents can take Sin City by storm, even if they are members of the AARP.
The film follows four childhood friends who decide to throw an epic Las Vegas bachelor party for the sole friend who’s remained a suave, unmarried ladies man all his life.
All four friends have their respective reasons for wanting a wild weekend in Vegas. Billy (Michael Douglas) is the long-term bachelor who can’t quite face the fact that he’s not 25 anymore.
Sam (Kevin Kline) is continuing to live in marriage stalemate, and even his wife wants him to come back feeling younger by giving him the OK to cheat. Archie (Morgan Freeman) is plagued with an overprotective son after suffering a mild stroke. Paddy (Robert De Niro) is living in devastating grief after his childhood sweetheart-turned wife passed away and harbors a strong resentment against Billy for not showing up to the funeral.
The issues between Billy and Paddy come with them to Vegas and start to become clear when they both take a liking to lounge singer Diane (Mary Steenburgen).
However, even their titanium hips and cashing out their $15,000 pensions couldn’t prepare them for hilarious encounters with the wilder ways of partying, drag queens and guarded secrets.
Despite their age and their battles against the vitality of Vegas, the “Flatbush Four” manage to keep the laughs coming. De Niro, Douglas and Freeman are known for their dramatic roles, but they allow themselves to uncoil and have some fun in this relaxed comedy.
As always, Kline has perfect comedic timing. The chemistry between the four is electric and hilarious and each one’s unique acting personality is never forced or contrived.
The film allows the four Hollywood legends to make fun of themselves in all their older glory. Despite its look, “Last Vegas” isn’t a senior citizen version of “The Hangover” and doesn’t even attempt to be.
There are some dramatic moments, but they’re incorporated so seamlessly that you never doubt these seasoned pros have it under control. “Last Vegas” never lets go of the fact that the “Flatbush Four” are just having a good time.
The lack of gravitas from this famous quartet is what makes “Last Vegas” special and they deliver a genuinely funny comedy that’s like a fine wine: it only gets better with age.
— Avery Thompson
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