The Film
Remember that scene in Cocoon, where Don Ameche was breakdancing up a storm? Stretch that out into two hours and you have Last Vegas.
It's not as dated, but Last Vegas does rely on old guys doing old guy things in a "funny" way. One is the butt of jokes for trying to marry a girl more than half his age, another wants to blow his pension on blackjack, and one wants a break from his wife and has the condom to prove it.
See, it's funny because these guys are old -- or something. It's the film's go-to joke that keeps punching you in the gut for the film's entire 105-minute runtime. And maybe that would be fine and dandy if the cast wasn't filled with such legendary actors. Then again, that's the only thing that ties this film together and makes it semi-watchable.
Last Vegas has childhood friends Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline) reuniting in Vegas for a bachelor party. Billy is the one getting hitched, to someone in her 30s. However, these guys don't plan to play the penny slots. Instead, they dance, chug Red Bull and vodka, woo Mary Steenburgen, and "party like it's 1959."
Because of the drinking, the gambling, and the Vegas backdrop, Last Vegas may seem like The Hangover Part 70. However, that's not really a fair comparison -- because Last Vegas just isn't that funny. It could have been, even with the one-note jokes. However, it's got a PG-13 rating and completely saps out at the end. If this is what happens in Vegas, consider staying home.
The Picture
Last Vegas has exactly the type of the image you'd expect from a newer movie filled with A-listers. The 2.40:1 transfer offers a pretty dazzling peek at Sin City with sharp imagery throughout, whether the action is inside the casino, out on the street, or hovering high above (to the side?) of the Stratosphere Tower. It should also be noted that there's a lot of detail to be found on the film's cast. Facial lines and hair are very prominent -- and kind of distracting, when it comes to Michael Douglas. His spray-on tan and blindingly white teeth may have you thinking that there's something wrong with your video settings. However, it's very much intentional and downright impressive from an image standpoint.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for Last Vegas offers a nice match for the video. There are tons of ambient sounds to be heard around the streets, in the casino, by the pool, or throughout the crew's penthouse party. It's a bold track filled with bumping music and Mark Mothersbaugh's score. Also worth noting is that even though this track sounds a lot like a visit to Sin City, you won't be shouting "what?" The dialogue comes through clearly throughout this party.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
Bringing Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline together for one movie is surely no easy feat, so director Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure) should be commended for that. That's really where the accolades should come to a screeching halt, though. Watching Gordon Gekko, Travis Bickle, Ellis "Red" Redding and Otto West get jiggy in Sin City is sort of sad -- and age has absolutely nothing to do it, people. The material in Last Vegas is downright weak. It could have been a good flick. Heck, it should be a good flick. Look who's in it! Despite a decent AV package, the only reason to check this one out is for the cast.
Product Details
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