Couples Retreat (2009)

I find nothing more dreadful than watching married couples bicker, especially in a comedy. It is a chore. Seriously, it's like visiting my parents. Yet, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and director Peter Billingsley (Ralphie!) give us “Couples Retreat,” a dull romp about four couples who vacation in Bora Bora for R&R, but get instead stuck with awkward therapy sessions. Screaming matches and door slamming ensue. Fun? No. Every laugh was dumped in the previews, even the kid and toilet display scenes. Sure “Retreat” looks good. It made me miss sunny getaways. What I don’t miss: The “Swingers” boys rehashing their ancient bromance hi-jinks, which peaked a decade ago. These guys actually create a dude who sells video games for a living (really?) for no other reason than to set-up a “Guitar Hero” gag late in the film. And Jason Bateman again as a tightwad who must learn to have fun? Zzzz. With “Retreat,” “The Break-Up” and “Four Christmases,” Vaughn has created a new film genre: Romcom Torture Porn. D+