In the interest of full disclosure, I admit to having a soft spot in my heart for Las Vegas. After all, it’s the place where my ex-husband and I reunited after being divorced and estranged for almost 20 years. That’s partly why I enjoy films set in Vegas so much. I also love the energy and excitement that practically jumps off the screen in such movies as Vegas Vacation, What Happens in Vegas, and Honeymoon in Vegas. So I’m pleased Last Vegas didn’t let me down. In fact, this film brings Sin City up-to-date for viewers like me who haven’t been there recently. For example, the movie showcases new places like the dance clubs that have become so popular in Vegas. But I digress.

Back to our quartet of old friends. Billy (Douglas) wants all three of his pals to join him in Vegas for his wedding. He’s the last of the four to marry -- and it’s a big deal for him, especially since the bride is so much younger than him. A phone call to Archie (Freeman) and Sam (Kline) persuades them to agree. But because of a long-ago falling out between Billy and Paddy (De Niro), it takes pressure from Archie and Sam plus a bit of mendacity to bring Paddy on board.  Of course, each one of these characters must first overcome certain obstacles before heading to Vegas. Archie has to deal with his over-protective son (Michael Ealy), who treats him like an invalid because of his recent stroke. Sam is worried about leaving his wife (Joanna Gleason, perfect as the most understanding spouse ever) alone. And Paddy has lost all zest for life since the death of his beloved wife.

After the guys arrive in Vegas, it’s not long before exciting things start happening to them – like getting set up in a gorgeous hotel suite, being involved in a case of mistaken identity, judging a bikini contest, and meeting Diana (Steenburgen) who opens up old wounds between Billy and Paddy. For me, there was not one dull minute in this entire Vegas adventure! Surprisingly, the movie is also quite touching in the way it shows changes taking place in each character’s personality and how it deals with friendship and love.  

Highlights include: Freeman looking so cool while dancing up a storm; the lovely Steenburgen singing her heart out in a lounge that’s practically empty most nights; Kline forming a connection with a fascinating cross-dresser (Peter Bart); and a bachelor party extravaganza with so much going on you don’t know where to look. Thanks to director Jon Turtletaub (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), the film moves along briskly and to writer Don Fogelman (Tangled) for an amusing screenplay that challenges those dreadful “senior citizen” stereotypes.

It’s one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. --- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.

--- Muhammad Ali

(Released by CBS Films and rated “PG-13” on appeal for sexual content and language.)

Review also posted at ReelTalk Movie Reviews.