One of the most underrated screenwriters of the past few years is Dan Fogelman, a man who has slowly become one of Hollywood’s go-to guys for quality scripts that appeal to mass audiences (e.g., Cars, Bolt, Tangled and Crazy, Stupid, Love). Now comes Last Vegas, his most recent screenwriting venture, proves once again his remarkable ability to conjure up witty situations and some scenes that are equally effective at pulling at your heartstrings.

Four men, who have been buddies since childhood, aren’t exactly loving what their elderly lives have become. As each one is introduced in a Wes Anderson-esque title card, we realize that Archie (Morgan Freeman) is being overprotected by his son, Sam (Kevin Kline) has an existence that redefines dull, Paddy (Robert De Niro) is stuck in the past and only Billy (Michael Douglas) has a really fun life, and even he lives in constant fear of growing old. Sounds like they all need something to spice up their lives, and Billy’s marriage gives them the perfect excuse to do so; a bachelor party in Las Vegas.

One trouble most comedies run into is an uneven mixture of laughs and drama; you need the drama to make all the comedy more effective, while all the yuks are why audiences are likely to even be seeing your film in the first place. Last Vegas does a remarkable job of giving both dynamics equal opportunity to shine, although I was disappointed that De Niro’s character was stuck with the most dramatic plotline, as the man has comedic chops the film doesn’t utilize as much as it should.

Under the direction of Jon Turteltaub (this film being a bit of a departure for the director of the National Treasure movies) things move at a solid pace, with the film never getting dull, boring or ever lacking lots of laughs for very long. Helping matters is the game cast, all of which (aside from the aforementioned De Niro) are used to their best ability, with Kevin Kline being the main standout in the movie. In fact, I wonder if Kline might’ve found a new cinematic niche for himself with this film, as he shows off his wondrous capability for comedy here in numerous scenes. Getting many of the film’s best moments, he never fails to light up every single scene he’s a part of. Similarly, Michael Douglas gives off his aura of confidence and charm effortlessly and Morgan Freeman is just behind Kevin Kline in terms of successful comedy in this film, with the moments where he finally parties being some of the films most memorable moments.

It’s interesting; as a mildly cynical fellow, I feel like I should rip Last Vegas to shreds. It’s a transparent plot to lure older moviegoers not to mention some moments in this film are ridiculously cheesy (none more so than when Morgan Freeman and his son have an illuminating chat near the end of the picture). And yet, this movie is just so much fun, and is overflowing with a lot of hilarious moments and lines, that I can’t help but be won over by it. The fun these actors and characters are having is mighty contagious, and as you exit the theatre to the tune of Earth, Wind & Fire’s September, it’s hard not to have a grin plastered on your face.