Couples Retreat is a surprisingly charming comedy that revolves around four couples. The couples are made up of Dave and Ronnie, a couple that has a family consisting of two kids, Jason and Cynthia, whom are having some relationship issues of their very own, Shane and Trudy, who is his new 20 year old girlfriend and has been his first relationship since his divorce, and Joey and Lucy, whom have been married since just after high school. At a party, the couples discover that Jason and Cynthia have been going through some problems and that they plan on going to a luxurious resort that specializes in helping couples fixing their relationships. In fact, the two of them believe that if the resort can't help them, they are going to be forced to have a divorce with one another and that they really need the help. The only catch is that they can't afford the place unless they get a package that involves eight people. Because of this, Jason and Cynthia try to convince their six other friends to join them, saying that it will be good for them. Although they are reluctant at first, Dave and Ronnie are eventually convinced to go, because their kids want them to, and this results in the entire group going, thinking that it will be an awesome vacation. However, when they arrive, they realize that the vacation isn't going to go as they planned, because there are mandatory itineraries that involve couples therapy, which they all thought was previously optional. In the process of trying to be forced to fix their relationships, they all learn more about themselves and their loved ones in a manner that nearly makes all of them think that they aren't right for one another. 
 Couples Retreat proves to be a movie that is actually able to say a lot about relationships in a fun, original, creative way. The beginning of the movie does a solid job of starting the movie and introducing all of the different characters, as well as their relationships with one another. The middle of the movie does a terrific job of progressing the movie along, and there is an insane amount of character development in this portion of the adventure. The enticing ending manages to be quite entertaining and slightly heart-warming, although certain portions are slightly predictable and don't accomplish anything that spectacular, but it does conclude the movie on a high note. However, there are a few surprising twists and turns sprinkled throughout the plot that help to make the movie substantially more interesting. 

 Couples Retreat is a comedy that manages to have scores of hilarious moments and scenes. In fact, there is one scene in particular that involves the group being surrounded by sharks while swimming that is just priceless, because Dave's reactions and the way he freaks out is nothing short of pure delight. Also, almost every scene involving Joey is witty and clever, since he is definitely one of the better characters of the movie.  

 Couples Retreat greatly benefits from a star-studded cast that knows how to transform into their roles. Vince Vaughn does a spectacular job of playing Dave, who is basically the main protagonist of the movie, and is really able to become a character who is struggling with all of the challenges that come with being a family man. Jon Favreau does a superb job of playing Joey as well, and his on-screen time with Vince always seems to produce chuckles. Jason Bateman also does a tremendous job of playing Jason and is really able to showcase how much of a control freak his character really is. 

 Couples Retreat does a fantastic job of trying to create a movie that elucidates applicable themes, like that there are more important things in life than what most people seem to consider important, like technology, and that being happy in a relationship is of the most vital importance. Because of this, the movie feels like it is trying to be something so much bigger than just the sum of its parts. 

 Although Couples Retreat seems to be a great choice for viewers, critics strangely didn't find any satisfaction at all. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a horrific 11%, and IMDb gave the movie a poor 5.5/10. However, an outstanding 86% liked the movie, demonstrating that viewers still were able to be entertained, regardless of how critics felt.

 Couples Retreat may not have been highly regarded by critics, but it is still a movie worth seeing because it has drama, humor, a talented cast, and combines all of that together with an amazing concept to provide a movie that is sure to please.