STAFF WRITER

While it may not be the most sophisticated comedy of the year, and does not rank among the best work for any of its stars, Last Vegas is still a funny night out with four acting legends.

Billy (Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra) is marrying a woman half his age in Las Vegas. His three childhood best friends: Paddy (Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook), Archie (Morgan Freeman, The Dark Knight Rises) and Sam (Kevin Kline, The Conspirator) decide to throw him a bachelor party the weekend before his big day. As they spend the weekend patrolling the bars and wooing the women of Sin City, they relive the glory days of the “Flatbush Four,” which also requires some soul searching.  An old disagreement between Billy and Paddy comes to a head and a possible new girlfriend (Mary Steenburgen, The Help) enters the mix, leading to a climax filled with laughs and hugs.

Director Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure) keeps the rising action going at a brisk pace during this 90- minute comedy, letting the engine of the plot chug along while his four veteran actors carry the day. Dan Fogelman’s (The Guilt Trip) script is filled with a lot of one-liners about getting old, but the way the stars deliver the the jokes makes each line far less cliched.

These actors have churned out great work for years, and they are obviously having a lot of fun here. Douglas gives Billy his characteristic slimy charm. De Niro, as always, starts off as the heavy, but loosens up as the film goes on. Freeman, whose character suffers from medical issues, is the essence of a sick man allowed to let loose. Kline, a Florida resident gone mad with routine, also relishes the chance to loosen up. Steenburgen is a charming love interest, who also proves to be a very capable singer.

These Oscar-winning actors will not be adding any statuettes to their mantles for this film. However, the obvious joy they had while making it hopefully will pass on to the audience.