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A Retreating Reunion
By Wendy Tan
Grown Ups
Rating(out of 5): * * * ½
(Buena Vista Columbia Tristar)
Starring: SALMA HAYEK, ADAM SANDLER, ROB SCHNEIDER, KEVIN JAMES, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SPADE
With the best comedians in the business, you know you can expect nothing less than laughs and guffaws in Grown Ups.
Five friends and former teammates reunite years later to honor the passing of their favourite childhood basketball coach. They spend the Fourth of July holiday weekend together with their families at the lake house where they celebrated their one and only championship years earlier.
The thing is, Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider all offer different brands of comedy. So were they successfully brought together in Grown Ups? Yes, they were which actually made the movie a lot better.
The script was also not as cringe worthy as one might have expected it to be since this is not a slapstick comedy. It has more humour and fun. It does make us think what kind of life we live now especially in an urban context. Imagine ripping ourselves away from technology and chilling out in the woods and enjoying nature? Can it be done? It is sad when you watch the kids have fun at a theme park and it makes you wonder when was the last time you took your kids to a theme park or had a weekend getaway where you bonded with your family alone without gadgetry to assist.
It was really good to see Salma Hayek in Grown Ups. It has been a long time coming and it is nice to see her grace the silver screen once again. She looks hot as always and fit the role perfectly as the jet setting, high flying famous fashion designer.
All in all, a pleasant movie to catch at the cinema if you want a stress-free time. Just remember to take a break and go on a retreat yourself after.
