Director: Tom Vaughan

Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz, Rob Corddry, Lake Bell

Official website: http://www.whathappensinvegasmovie.com/

'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!'

Most of us are all too familiar with this popular expression that is constantly associated with the Sin City, invoking a stereotypical image of shed inhibitions, wild partying - and of course - gambling. Unfortunately, this catchy slogan certainly holds true for the upcoming romantic comedy What Happens in Vegas (starring Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz), as the film, contrived and predictable, perhaps should have stayed in Vegas.

The story begins with a feisty Wall Street broker, Joy (Cameron Diaz), who gets dumped by her supercilious high-flying boyfriend during his surprise birthday party in front of all their friends. Meanwhile, Jack (Ashton Kutcher) is an underachieving, charming party guy who gets fired - by his own father! These two wildly mismatched strangers then coincidentally decide to run away from their bad luck, hitting Las Vegas to forget their problems. While in a drunken stupor, these two vacationing New Yorkers get married. Thus, they find themselves wed and in bed after a wild night of Vegas-style shenanigans, coupled with the realization that they despise each other.

Raising the stakes, one of them has hit the jackpot after playing the other's quarter. Their plan to split the money equally through a quick divorce fails after the intractable and unsympathetic Judge Whopper (Dennis Miller) sentences the irresponsible couple to "six months hard marriage". A greedy struggle soon ensues, signaling the battle between Jack and Joy with the help of their wacky (well-named) best friends "Hater" (Rob Corddry) and "Tipper" (Lake Bell) respectively.

Mildly and sporadically amusing, the comedy is, at times, effective, but the slapstick with fast-paced repartee falls flat on a few occasions, offering a combination of clichés and over-done jokes that does not seem to bring anything new. What Happens in Vegas has some endearing moments, which however, are grossly overpowered by the film's sub par "battle of the sexes" narrative structure. This head-on confrontation between husband and wife is followed by silly, juvenile pranks that can get painfully annoying and ridiculous at times. For instance, Joy enters the bathroom; we hear a splash, while Jack - sniggering - holds up a toilet seat.

Nevertheless, there is some chemistry between lead actors Diaz and Kutcher, especially towards the final act of the film when their characters begin to fall in love with each other. Kutcher, known for his somewhat restrained acting in previous substandard romantic comedies, proves in this film that some of his familiar goofball, humorous disposition still exists.

Supporting cast members Lake Bell and Rob Corddry also deserve some praise in dramatizing the conflict of the story, triggering some hard-to-contain laughter.

While this easy-on-the-eye romantic comedy makes for a pleasant, undemanding date movie that promises to provide some laughs and fun, we've seen it all before - and funnier - elsewhere.

Watch the extended version of the trailer.

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