May 26, 2012

In Theaters Now: Couples Retreat, Good Hair & An Education

by Kyle Rupprecht | Published October 9, 2009

Couples Retreat
directed by Peter Billingsley
In this relationship comedy, four couples (Vince Vaughn and Malin Akerman; Jon Favreau and Kristin Davis; Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell; Faizon Love and Tasha Smith) go to a tropical island resort for vacation, only to discover that participation in the resort’s intense therapy sessions is not optional. While the exotic locale makes the movie seem better suited to a summer release, the once-surefire comedy team of Vaughn and Favreau can hopefully bring some Swingers magic to this potentially tired premise. Also worthy of note: Couples Retreat marks the directorial debut of Peter Billingsley, a.k.a. Ralphie from A Christmas Story, all grown up!

Good Hair
directed by Jeff Stilson
Let’s face it, these days, a worthwhile and entertaining documentary can be made from virtually any subject—no matter how seemingly limited the topic. A perfect example: Good Hair, in which Chris Rock explores the diversity of African-American hairstyles. While the topic might seem better suited to have a half-hour TV special, the movie, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, has already garnered a lot of great buzz, with some critics saying it might be the next documentary surprise hit.

An Education
directed by Lone Scherfig
In this coming-of-age story set in 1960s suburban London, Carey Mulligan (Pride & Prejudice) stars as a teenage girl whose life is forever changed by a whirlwind romance with a charming playboy (Peter Sarsgaard) twice her age. The movie was one of the biggest successes at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, earning rave reviews and the coveted Audience Choice Award. With a stellar supporting cast (including Emma Thompson, Alfred Molina and Sally Hawkins) and a script by acclaimed author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About A Boy), it wouldn’t be a surprise if An Education turns out to be one of the best movies of the year.