Spa Weekend: Tranquility And Relaxation Turns Into Hilarious Chaos

Spa Weekend is one of the funniest movies to hit cinemas in recent years, and it’s no surprise considering it was written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore who were behind the huge box office hits The Hangover and Bad Moms.

Filmed in Queensland, the movie stars Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, Anna Faris and Michelle Buteau as a group of friends from childhood who venture on a relaxing and luxurious spa weekend to escape the problems in their everyday lives. “We’re going away of a spa weekend bitches!” one of the women excitedly announces and so the ‘therapeutic’ and ‘stress free’ weekend commences!

Isla Fisher is the standout as the chaotic and vivacious Mel who joins the group at the last moment unbeknown to the group. Where Mel goes, disaster follows as she attempts to solve the problems of her friends. “We are here to party!” she announces whilst another states, “Mel is a lunatic! Who invited her! She’s the friend we don’t like and she’s going to ruin our weekend!”

What transpires is a spa weekend gone wrong, as fist fights in the lobby eventuate after tempers flare as each of the women reveal their problems with nasty bosses and adverse issues with their spouses.

Enter the extremely handsome hot yoga teacher portrayed by Aussie actor Adam Demos to spice up the weekend!

Are spa weekends truly relaxing? Can Mel sort out all her friend’s issues and no longer be considered the black sheep of the group? Will the women go home as friends or will this ‘relaxing’ weekend away evoke further issues and strain longtime friendships?

Quite clearly this synopsis is not original. There have been many films with similar storylines and themes, but what stands this one aside from others is the hilarious dialogue and situations which the characters find themselves in. The ensemble cast are likeable and work well together. Isla Fisher once again displays her exceptional skill in portraying a character which is energetic, chaotic, high-strung and a natural in making all the wrong decisions.

The filming locations in Queensland are a postcard to the world, boasting beautiful sunsets and peaceful beaches with beautiful ocean views and five-star hotels.

There are also many Aussie actors in minor roles including Robert Coleby, Damian Walsh-Howling and the late Rachel Carpani in one of her final roles.

Audiences should warmly relate to this movie. Don’t we all have a friend in our group who is a troublesome party animal that arouses havoc, but then we ultimately come to the realisation that life is quite dull and boring when they’re not around?

Spa Weekend is a hilarious girl-trip chick flick that should appeal all audiences – including the men folk. It’s pure enjoyable silliness for audiences to indulge in – a distraction from the problems in our everyday lives.

***1/2

In Cinemas Now