Vacation Friends: A Movie No One Asked For
Welcome back, my fellow media junkies! Today, we’re diving into the chaotic world of Vacation Friends, a film that promises a wild ride but ends up feeling more like a bumpy golf cart on a rocky path. Buckle up, because this review is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, much like the movie itself!
The Setup: A Wedding and a Whole Lot of Chaos
Let’s set the stage. Our protagonist, Marcus, played by the ever-so-charming Lil Rel Howery (or as I like to call him, wish.com Kevin Hart), is gearing up for a romantic getaway to Mexico with his girlfriend, Emily. The plan? A picturesque proposal that would make even the most cynical of us swoon. But, spoiler alert: things don’t go as planned.
Upon arrival, their hotel suite is a disaster zone—flooded, ceiling fans crashing down, and all the romantic vibes are drowned faster than a cat in a bathtub. Seriously, who leaves a bathtub running in a hotel? It’s like the universe is saying, “Not today, lovebirds!”
Enter the Vacation Friends
Just when you think things can’t get worse, enter John Cena and his pregnant girlfriend, Kyla. They’re the loud, chaotic, and utterly ridiculous vacation friends you never knew you needed. They invite Marcus and Emily to share their presidential suite, which is a nice gesture, but let’s be real—who offers their suite to total strangers? It’s like inviting a raccoon into your home because it looks cute.
As the movie unfolds, we’re treated to a series of shenanigans that include boat wrecks, cliff jumping, and a whole lot of drugs. Yes, you heard that right. Marcus and his new best friend, Ron (John Cena), embark on a psychedelic journey that’s less Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and more Big Comfy Couch. I mean, the visuals are so underwhelming that I half expected to see a rainbow unicorn prancing through the background.
The Wedding: A Hot Mess Express
Fast forward seven months, and we’re back in the States, where Marcus and Emily are preparing for their wedding. And let me tell you, if you thought the vacation was chaotic, the wedding planning is a whole new level of insanity. Emily’s family is a bunch of elitist snobs who look down on Marcus because he’s a construction worker. Excuse me, but have they seen the money construction workers can make? This isn’t the 1950s, people!
The family dynamic is so cringe-worthy that it makes you want to crawl under your seat. The dad is a classic overprotective type, constantly belittling Marcus, while the brother, Gabe, is a walking threat, promising to punch Marcus in the face at every turn. It’s like a bad sitcom where the laugh track is replaced with awkward silence.
The Shenanigans Continue
Now, let’s talk about the wedding events. They have a fox hunt that’s not really a hunt, a golf tournament that’s more of a disaster than a reality show reunion, and a rehearsal dinner that feels like a hostage situation. Seriously, who thought it was a good idea to have a dinner for all the guests? I’ve been to weddings where the bride and groom barely have time to breathe, let alone host a dinner for everyone.
During the golf tournament, John Cena’s character, Ron, decides to bet a Ferrari. Yes, a Ferrari. Because nothing says “I’m a responsible adult” like gambling your friend’s car. And of course, he wins, because this movie is all about the ridiculousness of it all.
The Climax: A Series of Unfortunate Events
As the wedding approaches, the tension builds, and the chaos reaches a boiling point. The rehearsal dinner turns into a disaster when Ron and Kyla make a shocking announcement that sends the entire family into a frenzy. They claim that Marcus is the reason Kyla is pregnant, which is a plot twist that no one saw coming—except for everyone who’s ever watched a rom-com.
The ensuing chaos is a mix of misunderstandings, accusations, and a whole lot of yelling. Emily’s dad is convinced that Marcus cheated on his daughter, and the whole thing spirals out of control faster than you can say “I do.”
The Conclusion: A Messy Resolution
By the end of the film, we’re left with a resolution that feels as satisfying as a soggy wedding cake. The characters learn some lessons, but honestly, it’s hard to care when you’ve spent the last hour watching them make one bad decision after another.
The film tries to wrap everything up in a neat little bow, but it’s more like a half-hearted attempt at a gift that’s been poorly wrapped. The characters don’t really grow; they just stumble their way to the finish line, and you’re left wondering if you should have just stayed home and watched paint dry instead.
Final Thoughts: A Guilty Pleasure
In conclusion, Vacation Friends is a chaotic blend of humor, cringe-worthy moments, and a plot that feels like it was written on a napkin during a drunken night out. It’s a guilty pleasure that you might enjoy if you’re in the mood for something light and ridiculous.
Sure, it’s not going to win any awards, but sometimes you just need a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. So grab your popcorn, kick back, and enjoy the ride—just don’t expect to come away with any profound life lessons.
And remember, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re invited to a wedding, just say no. Trust me, your sanity will thank you!