With an opening gambit of a cast containing Morgan Freeman, Robert De Niro, Kevin Kline and Michael Douglas, ‘Last Vegas’ certainly has enough to grab people’s attention. Masters of their craft, and with more films between them than you can shake a stick at, the cast are surely linked together here in a great film? Well, yes, to an extent. Last Vegas is definitely recommended viewing for a fun romp of film. There’s a sense of fun amongst the cast where they are clearly not taking themselves too seriously, instead poking a bit of fun at themselves and how they are deemed too old to be partying in Vegas.
The premise is simple enough, Michael Douglas’s character, Billy the aging playboy is getting married to a young 30-something and when he lets his three lifelong friend know, they are adamant that they throw him a bachelor party in Vegas. Being the playboy that he his, Billy was always there for them for their bachelor parties and so the other three friends feel it is their time to return the favour.
Billy (Douglas), Paddy (De Niro), Archie (Freeman) and Sam (Kline) make quite a crew and take Vegas by storm. Well, actually, no, not quite. All on various medications, as well generally being considered too old to party, they slowly get into the swing of things. As the film progresses, old gripes between the friends being to surface. Each has their own worries that have affected them over time jealously, family deaths, stale marriages etc. It really shows how the friendship between them has had to stand the test of time, and it’s during those testing times in particular where friends are most welcome.
The film has some quirky and frankly endearing moments when the boys are all out to party they are often portrayed as being clearly out of touch of with things but always seem to come out on top. There is a new love interest, Diana (Mary SteenBurgen), who adds some female charm to the mix. Great moments to look out for include the friends judging a pool-side bikini contest, their very own house party, and a fight inside a Vegas night club.
However, the film is rather skin deep, and what you see is what you get. It’s akin to the Hangover Trilogy, but with the restraint of old age. So while there are many laughs and cringe-y giggles to be had, don’t expect too much of a deep film.
Overall Verdict: Definitely great for a laugh on a night out, the film comes is recommended but is unlikely to be remembered as a classic.
Reviewer: Kevin van der Ham