Kevin Costner was cast as the deceased friend but his scenes were cut.
The Motown-heavy soundtrack became a massive commercial success.
The film became emblematic of Baby Boomer nostalgia.
Lawrence Kasdan co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back before directing this.
synopsis
Three middle-aged couples maintain a tradition of seasonal vacations together. When one husband abruptly leaves his wife for a much younger woman, the group dynamic fractures, forcing each couple to examine their own marriages and loyalties across a year of gatherings.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Alda approaches social entanglement with gentler humor than some of its sharper contemporaries. The film balances light comedy with mature reflection, allowing long marriages to feel lived-in rather than caricatured. While not as caustic as Baumbach or as nostalgic as The Big Chill, it offers a thoughtful look at how friendship and marriage evolve under pressure. The ensemble chemistry sustains it, even when the plot leans toward familiarity.
Three stable couples discover that one impulsive midlife decision can turn an annual vacation into group therapy.
Absurdist's Corner
Three stable couples discover that one impulsive midlife decision can turn an annual vacation into group therapy.
fun facts
Alan Alda wrote, directed, and starred in the film.
The film later inspired a television adaptation decades afterward.
Its seasonal structure mirrors the cyclical nature of relationships.
Carol Burnett’s performance highlights restrained dramatic range.