What Happens in Vegas (2008) - Movie Review

I made the foolish mistake of renting What Happens in Vegas, with the expectation that it was not going to be very good at all. After all, the movie stars Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz as two wild and crazy people who hook up in Vegas, and, in a spree of intoxicated fun, the two get married. Shortly thereafter, Kutcher goes on to win millions of dollars at the slots. Kutcher wants the money for himself, but Diaz - legally his wife - wants her share. For some reason, the courts order them to live together for a month or two to work out their differences, and the stage is set for the rest of this bad movie.

What Happens in Vegas is watchable, but that's about it. The romantic comedy does have a few funny moments, but otherwise it is just a poorly written, poorly edited attempt to make some quick cash by banking on its two stars. Writer Dan Fox, the mind behind the equally dull The Wedding Date, has written a movie so absurd in its premise that it's hard to ever take seriously. Sure, worse concepts have been had, but why would a court order two people who were clearly married during a night of drunkenness to "work out their differences?" And can we really believe that after weeks of trying to sabotage each other out of their money that the two would finally fall in love?

Regardless of the story, though, What Happens in Vegas is pretty stupid. One situation follows another that outweigh the previous in ridiculousness, and as an audience member, I just didn't care. Neither of the main characters are particularly interesting or likable, and the supporting cast - made up primarily of Rob Corddry and Lake Bell - ranges from annoying to boring. Good job, Dana.

Of course, Tom Vaughan and his editing crew have to share the blame, as What Happens in Vegas is just a sloppy film altogether. The movie cuts from one scene to another as if the studio wanted every unnecessary moment sliced, including necessary transition and setup.

What Happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas and out of your DVD player.