I would never have made an effort to see the pic “What Happens in Vegas, ” but since it was on cable I decided to give it a look. The movie centers on two New Yorkers, Joy McNally (Cameron Diaz) and Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher). They are polar opposites. Joy is a high-strung, over-achiever and Jack is so afraid of failing that he doesn’t even bother to try. Both head to Las Vegas, with best friends in tow, to forget their troubles (Jack was fired by his father and Joy was publicly dumped by her fiancé) and soothe their weary souls.
Coincidence of all coincidences, the four-some errantly end up in the same Las Vegas hotel room. After bilking the hotel for all perks possible, the four new friends hit the town hard.
Jack and Joy instantly click and over the course of the evening are amazed that they can actually be themselves with each other, no games involved.
Cut to the next morning when they realize they’ve drunkenly gotten married. Both feel it’s a terrible mistake, but are offended that the other wants to end it.
As a result of their fighting, they magically win a three million dollar jackpot (isn’t that always the way). Now the fighting is really on. It was Joy’s quarter, but Jack pulled the handle.
Since neither side will relent, they’re court ordered to try to make their marriage work for six months. If their court-ordered therapist feels that one of them is trying to sabotage the marriage, they will lose their claim to the money. Of course, the hi-jinks ensue from there.
Jack steals the bathroom door, Joy tempts Jack with loose women and the list goes on.
Here’s the secret twist (avert your eyes to avoid a huge spoiler): somewhere along the way Joy and Jack have fallen in love. I know…I wasn’t expecting it either. Caught me totally off guard.
It’s obvious that I don’t have a lot of love for this flick, but it has less to do with the oft-recycled, rom-com storyline and more to do with the two main actors.
Cameron Diaz has played this role many times and has done it far better. She seemed liked she was going through the motions during a lot of the movie. And Ashton Kutcher is a good-looking guy, but he hasn’t been able to find a believable character outside of “That 70’s Show’s” Michael Kelso.
Bottom line: Typical rom-com scenario. Lackluster performances by Diaz and Kutcher.