I usually have Mondays off from work. Since my classes are online this semester and pretty flexible I like to start my coursework on Weds night. Mondays I like to go to the theater. Right now I've seen virtually everything that I want to see, and all that was left was
Last Vegas. Well, I like my movie night, so what the heck...
It actually turned out to be a pretty good movie!
When you get a high powered cast of legendary stars together is can be brilliant if they have chemistry...or it can be in overindulgent, crass grab at the cash that they phone in. Luckily it seems to be the former. Another trap is to fall into the rut of "we're so old" jokes. Well, they do have some jokes about their age but mostly they work. The pleasant surprise is that the movie has a story, compelling characters and some actual heart. It's a plausible look at life, too. No killing hookers and burying them in the desert, no stealing tigers and crossing mobsters. It's more about growth, loss, friendship and learning to accept your life.
Another happy surprise to me is Robert DeNiro! I had feared that the great actor was gone for good, buried under the weight of too many mediocre comedies and fish-out-of-water farces. But he shows flashes of the formidable talent that made him a living legend.
This movie isn't a masterpiece but it was well done and enjoyable. It was particularly great to see Kevin Kline onscreen again; I can't remember the last movie I saw him in. Nice chemistry from some veteran actors, and some genuinely funny moments. Worth a watch on your next boring Monday.
