‘Spa Weekend’ Review: Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher and Anna Faris’ Comedy Struggles to Find the Laughs

‘Spa Weekend’ has all the makings of a hit: four talented actresses, a luxury resort setting, a lifelong friendship and a weekend that quickly unravels. Yet somehow, the film never manages to turn that promising setup into the sharp, consistently funny comedy it could have been.

Directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, the duo behind The Hangover and Bad Moms, the movie follows four longtime friends escaping their everyday lives for a much-needed getaway. Leslie Mann, Isla Fisher, Anna Faris and Michelle Buteau anchor the ensemble, bringing considerable comedic talent to their roles.

The story centers on Jane, Sophie, Coco and Mel women whose friendship dates back to their school days. When they book a luxurious spa retreat to reconnect and recharge, their plans for relaxation quickly fall apart once Mel, the wildest of the group, arrives and turns the weekend into pure chaos.

The premise is straightforward enough. Four friends check into a resort, and a series of increasingly ridiculous situations ensues. The film relies heavily on physical comedy, outrageous behavior and resort mishaps to generate laughs, which tracks with similar female ensemble comedies like Bad Moms. But Spa Weekend doesn’t match the energy or comedic precision that made those films work.

The real strength here is undoubtedly the cast. Mann, Fisher, Faris and Buteau all have strong comedic chops, and their chemistry occasionally shines through. Fisher, in particular, gets to lean into the film’s wildest moments as the unpredictable Mel. Faris also taps into the awkward, wide-eyed persona that audiences have come to love from her.

Still, these accomplished performers ultimately feel underserved by the material. The screenplay repeatedly builds toward big comedic payoffs, but too many of them lack the timing or originality needed to land.

The central issue is the writing. The movie leans on familiar situations and predictable character dynamics rather than finding fresh comic territory. While the film does attempt to weave in themes about friendship and adult life, those emotional beats don’t always mesh smoothly with the slapstick humor.

It’s not a disaster by any means there are moments that work, and the performers are talented enough to suggest what could have been. But the film feels like a missed opportunity more than anything else. Viewers seeking a light, no-frills comedy about friendship might find some entertainment here, but anyone hoping for another Bad Moms -style hit will likely walk away disappointed.

Rating: ★★½/5