Rating:
Home   0-9   A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z   Foreign Films
  Richard
  
Attwood
The Break-Up
USA, 2006
[Peyton Reed]
Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, John Michael Higgins, Cole Hauser
Comedy / Romance
2nd April
2007
The Break-Up is not a romantic comedy. That should be made clear from the off, as any preconceptions that it is such will inevitably lead to disappointment. In fact, the romance is quickly dispensed with in the opening prologue and photo montage wherein producer Vince Vaughn plays his trademark suave motormouth, who convinces Jennifer Aniston's trademark likeable, immaculately-dressed working lady to take a chance on a date with him, beginning a 2 year long relationship.

When we join them again, they are sharing a mortgage, friends and several unspoken grievances. A family dinner party proves the breaking point, kicking off an argument culminating in the titular break-up. However the shared apartment and lingering feelings, coupled with their indignation and wounded pride makes a smooth parting impossible and leads to a series of tit-for-tat acts of petty vengeance.

While it is not a romance,
The Break-Up does have its fair share of comedic moments. Most of these stem from the awkwardness of what to a casual observer seems irrational bickering, especially in scenes which cannily make the audience feel like one of the couple's mutual friends. The two leads are obviously experienced comedy performers but they both also play the dramatic scenes very well, especially Vaughn who usually doesn't show this depth. Unfortunately they both tend to hog the screen time, with several of the interesting supporting cast left unused. Many are played by very recognisable actors who have been seen with Vaughn before and none disappoint. Most notably Vincent D'Onofrio brings some wonderful beats to Vaughn's older brother, a funny vision of a Private Pyle who survived boot camp and opened a bus tour company, while Jon Favreau plays a best friend similar to Shaun of the Dead's Ed.

The writers do a good job of providing a fairly balanced and honest picture of the causes and consequences of the disintegration. To male viewers, the importance of 3 lemons versus 12 seems irrational, whereas many girls will fail to understand why Grand Theft Auto and baseball take precedence over a serious conversation. It is refreshing that this is not the simple romcom or fratpack romp you might first think, and there are genuine laughs to be had, but a few overly shouty arguments and some of Vaughn's overly-familiar ad-libbed patter keep this from being a really great movie for couples.
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1