Writer: Asha Gizelle M.

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Watch this if you liked: “The Hangover”, “The Guilt Trip” & “Hope Springs”

There is the bad boy (Robert De Niro), player (Michael Douglas), geek (Kevin Kline) and a thread that holds everyone together (Morgan Freeman) who have treasured their brotherhood for a good long 58 years. They come together one day and this time it isn't exactly a formal meet. It is in the Sin City where the sixty-somethings have truckloads of fun in the name of a stag party (Yes. Billy, played by Douglas, hasn't exactly found true love in 58 years). But reality sets in after much bro-fun and a soul-searching that threatens their 58-year-old camaraderie and Billy's (Douglas) wedding with a woman half his age.

Written by Dan Fogelman ("The Guilt Trip" & "Cars") and directed by Jon Turteltaub ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice" & "While You Were Sleeping"), "Last Vegas" encompasses all elements that ought to be in an American comedy - even-paced, hot blondes and brunettes, lots of slapstick comedy sequences, curse words, emotions running high and a classic funny ending.

"Last Vegas" is indeed a starry affair on many levels. With an absolute stellar cast, a money-spinning genus, a good theme and a decent plot to work on, "Last Vegas" has found its place in the 2013 movie charts.

Robert De Niro carried over his bad boy persona over from "Malavita" to "Last Vegas" and known to nail every part in a movie (from Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" to "Meet the Fockers") , De Niro sure did prove that he is the Jack of his trade. Like they say, 'Always Bet on De Niro'!

Michael Douglas who has ruled Hollywood for almost five decades hasn't ceased to amaze us with his capricious roles. The "Basic Instinct" star in "Last Vegas" couldn't be pictured playing the role of Paddy (De Niro), Archie (Freeman) or Sam (Kline). Douglas grew from his original character of a playboy who can pretty much get anything he dreams of, to a mellowed man who yearns for love after Sophie (Paddy's childhood sweetheart and wife).

Morgan Freeman's usual quiet charm was exchanged for a cheeky old man's droll persona. Although it feels a little far-fetched to see this "The Shawshank Redemption" star who is normally at his best in serious fares, it was a welcoming sight of him in "Last Vegas". And Kevin Kline, who is no stranger to comedies such as seen in "Wild Wild West" and "A Fish Called Wanda", is the perfect fit to complete the foursome. Just as "The Hangover's", Stuart Price, Kline's Sam felt like a completion to the gang of full-fledged, over the hill, fun-lovers.

Without Mary Steenburgen's Diana, "Last Vegas" would have strictly been an all-boys film. And the best friends wouldn't exactly have had a chance to relive their glory days to the fullest and falling in love again comes as part of the package.

Another familiar face that one may recognise in "Last Vegas" would be Michael Ealy starring as Ezra, and if you are still clueless to who he may be, please watch Beyonce's "Halo" music video again to jog your memory.

Besides just these cast members, there are also cameo roles played by Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) and Red Foo of LMFAO and they too aren't spared of the rude shocks of "Last Vegas".

The plot isn't exactly renewed from the usual far, but it is good to watch and relate to. The storyline is doable. Kept just as light and fluffy as an old man's memory, "Last Vegas" could be hailed as a 90-minute of Vegas swag with the Aria as the film's predominant backdrop, lots of bright lights, clean fun, and the coming together of Hollywood's darlings of yesteryears. If you haven't had enough of "The Hangover", catch this tastefully aged and relatable drama.

One really needs to watch this movie that essays the chronicles of life and death in a comical style. And also, do watch "Last Vegas" if you agree that Sin City is a must on every bucket list.

Cinema Online, 16 December 2013