Can 'Last Vegas' get by on its Oscar winners?
It's hard to remember another film in which the five lead roles were played by Oscar winners. And the fact that all of them are over 60 might be another record. So Last Vegas couldn't help but draw attention due to its casting long before anyone knew what it was about (although the concept isn't exactly deep and complex).
Kevin Kline [L], Morgan Freeman, Robert DeNiro and Michael Douglas [R] in 'Last Vegas'
Michael Douglas has two Oscars: for producing best picture One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and as best actor in Wall Street (1987). Robert De Niro also has two: supporting actor for The Godfather Part II (1974) and best actor for Raging Bull (1980). Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline both have supporting actor awards, for Million Dollar Baby (2004) and A Fish Called Wanda (1988), respectively. And Mary Steenburgen won supporting actress for Melvin and Howard (1980).
Whether all these statuettes add either quality or box office cash is debatable, but with a snappy script by writer Dan Fogelman (Crazy Stupid Love), the film is a lot more fun than any of the Hangover movies it seems to be poking gentle fun at. Read our review of Last Vegas.
Watch the trailer for Last Vegas:
It was also produced on a relatively small $28m budget, presumably with the cast opting for box office points. On its US release in November, the film took $61m. And it's still opening around the world, landing in the UK on January 3rd and travelling Down Under next month. There's definitely life in these old guys yet.
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