The break-up suffers from identity crisis
Movie review appeared in Fort McMurray Today June 7, 2006.
By PAULA OGONOSKI
Today staff
While I thoroughly enjoyed The Break-Up, the movie suffers from an identity crisis.
First, it's not a comedy, although it has some rather comedic elements. Second, it's not a PG film, especially when you consider Ice Age 2: The Meltdown carries the same designation.
But once you get past the identity problem, the film is an emotionally charged drama.
Without giving away the ending, the final scene provides the audience with enough nourishment that no one is left feeling empty. The end is open to interpretation, allowing the individual to decide what happens after the film finishes. This is certainly not your run of the mill, paint-by-numbers flick.
Brooke (Aniston) and Gary (Vaughn) call it quits after a fight escalates into a break-up. Neither one is prepared to let go of their condo, the one thing keeping them together. But the pair find it's nearly impossible to stay together and even harder to call it quits.
Both Brooke and Gary, on the advice of friends, play a variety of mind games to get what they want but discover nothing is fair in love and war.
While the film begins with the usual performances from Aniston's quirky girl next door, and Vaughn's usually funny macho guy, a switch is flicked and the pair, under the direction of Down With Love director Peyton Reed, deliver compelling performances, possibly their best. And it wasn't just the lead actors; the supporting cast which includes Vincent D'Onofrio as Gary's awkward brother and Judy Davis as an eccentric gallery owner, are the icing on this already tasty cake.
It's too bad the film is being sold as a romantic comedy, especially when there is so much more to the story. The true-to-life portrayal of a break-up is a pleasant surprise from the filmmakers, whose movie walks a very fine line between being a depressing dirge -- something no one wants from either actor -- and a light-hearted, somewhat educational tale.
If only real relationships were as simple as going to an Aniston/Vaughn movie.
The Break-Up
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn
Directed by: Peyton Reed
Rating: PG
* * * (out of four)
© Copyright 2006, Fort McMurray Today.
By PAULA OGONOSKI
Today staff
While I thoroughly enjoyed The Break-Up, the movie suffers from an identity crisis.
First, it's not a comedy, although it has some rather comedic elements. Second, it's not a PG film, especially when you consider Ice Age 2: The Meltdown carries the same designation.
But once you get past the identity problem, the film is an emotionally charged drama.
Without giving away the ending, the final scene provides the audience with enough nourishment that no one is left feeling empty. The end is open to interpretation, allowing the individual to decide what happens after the film finishes. This is certainly not your run of the mill, paint-by-numbers flick.
Brooke (Aniston) and Gary (Vaughn) call it quits after a fight escalates into a break-up. Neither one is prepared to let go of their condo, the one thing keeping them together. But the pair find it's nearly impossible to stay together and even harder to call it quits.
Both Brooke and Gary, on the advice of friends, play a variety of mind games to get what they want but discover nothing is fair in love and war.
While the film begins with the usual performances from Aniston's quirky girl next door, and Vaughn's usually funny macho guy, a switch is flicked and the pair, under the direction of Down With Love director Peyton Reed, deliver compelling performances, possibly their best. And it wasn't just the lead actors; the supporting cast which includes Vincent D'Onofrio as Gary's awkward brother and Judy Davis as an eccentric gallery owner, are the icing on this already tasty cake.
It's too bad the film is being sold as a romantic comedy, especially when there is so much more to the story. The true-to-life portrayal of a break-up is a pleasant surprise from the filmmakers, whose movie walks a very fine line between being a depressing dirge -- something no one wants from either actor -- and a light-hearted, somewhat educational tale.
If only real relationships were as simple as going to an Aniston/Vaughn movie.
The Break-Up
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn
Directed by: Peyton Reed
Rating: PG
* * * (out of four)
© Copyright 2006, Fort McMurray Today.
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