Spa Weekend: No Rest or Rejuvenation for Viewers of this Hackneyed Comedy

By Karen Gordon Rating: C- On paper, Spa Weekend looks like the ideal late-summer movie. Written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the writing team behind The Hangover and The Hangover 2, it boasts a dream lead cast and solid bona fides. However, the film fails spectacularly due to a poorly written script. The cast includes Leslie Mann, Anna Faris, Isla Fisher, and Michelle Buteau, known for their comedic prowess. The story follows four childhood friends—Jane (Mann), Sophie (Faris), Coco (Buteau), and Mel (Fisher)—who plan a spa weekend to escape their obligations. Their plans are disrupted by Mel’s chaotic arrival, filled with loud, inappropriate behavior. The film’s clichéd dialogue and exaggerated situations undermine its potential for humor. Despite the talented cast, the script’s flaws make Spa Weekend predictable and dull. The movie’s premise, centered on friendship and self-reflection, is undercut by its reliance on tired comedy tropes.