Four Old Friends Make It Happen In 'Last Vegas'

By Darlene Donloe

It’s a sure bet that if Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert DeNiro and Kevin Kline, all Academy Award-winners, team up for a movie, it’s going to be a doozy.

Last Vegas is just that.

In this slick comedy, out nationwide Fri., Nov. 1, three sixty-something friends, who’ve been friends since they were young boys, take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal, who, until now, was deemed a confirmed bachelor.

The pal is Billy (Michael Douglas) and the friends, of course, are Sam (Kevin Kline), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Paddy (Robert DeNiro).

MORGAN FREEMAN, MICHAEL DOUGLAS,
ROBERT DENIRO and KEVIN KLINE

Billy is scheduled to marry a woman who is young enough to be his daughter. While his friends make jokes about the age difference, they are also legitimately concerned about whether their friend is doing the right thing.

The foursome used to be as close as the Three Musketeers. However, in recent years they have grown into their complacency.   This may be their last hurrah.

While in Vegas, Billy, Sam and Archie plan to kick up the heels for what may be the last time. Paddy, however, is being a bit of a stick in the mud. A cantankerous sort who would rather sit in his dated apartment eating on a TV tray and sitting in his easy chair, Paddy is still mourning the death of his wife, who was the love of his life.

Archie has some aches and pains and is being handled with kit gloves by his son, played by Michael Ealy. Sam, too, is feeling the symptoms of age.  But they both still have some fire in their bellies.

When the quartet reaches Vegas, they stop in a bar where they hear a torch singer played by Mary Steenburgen. Both Billy and Paddy fall for the singer and soon old secrets and old wounds are revealed.

The film’s focus is friendship, enduring friendship, the kind that can withstand anything.

The story is a bit weak, but the film is a lot of fun. An older version of The Hangover movies, this is a fun romp and a chance to see these Old Skool actors do what they do best.

The chemistry amongst this quartet is palpable. It’s clear they had fun making this movie. Brilliant casting.

ROBERT DENIRO and MICHAEL DOUGLAS

Romany Malco turns in a hilarious performance as a hotel/casino handler.  Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson makes a funny cameo appearance.

Last Vegas, (CBS Films) directed by Jon Turteltaub and written by Dan Fogelman and Adam Brooks, stars Morgan Freeman, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Mary Steenburgen, Jerry Ferrara, Romany Malco, Roger Bart, Michael Ealy and Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson.

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (OK) and E (excellent), Last Vegas gets an O (OK).