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Who hasn’t had a break-up sometime in their lifetime? In this film, starring Vince Vaughn, co-written by Vince Vaughn and co-produced by Vince Vaughn, we meet a guy who is so full of himself that the word “break-up” is new to his vocabulary. Jennifer Aniston, recently out of a real life break-up, is the other major star in the film. We see that they meet at a ball game and it is literally love at first sight for Vince who woos her by buying her a hot dog. If that were all it really takes, the diamond business would be kaput.

A few years later, we see Jennifer and Vince buying a condo and playing house. He settles into video games while she cooks, cleans and entertains both families. Does this sound familiar? If it does, and you have taken some action here, you know that the break-up is inevitable. First, comes defiance, then rules (your half, my half) that are continually broken, crying spells (hers), visits to the bar (his), and siding with friends until someone finally says, “Sell the condo and split, period.” 

There is comedy in _The Break-Up_, and though you may be expecting the pratfall type, it is in the breaking of each other’s rules and their individual families. Life here is like battling in a sandbox. Jennifer has her special married girlfriend (Joey Lauren Adams) while Vince gravitates to a bar and Jon Favreau who gives advice that changes by the minute. Truths do come through as to who is the one to start dating anew away from the condo (Jennifer) and who brings strip poker into the condo’s living room (Vince.) Both Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn carry their roles well, but Judy Davis as the owner of Jennifer’s art gallery and Favreau as the bartender, steal their scenes.

As far as occupations, Jennifer works in an art gallery while Vince works as a tour guide in the family business. The story is set in Chicago and the city is also an actor in the film as the audience gets a guided tour along with the people on Vince’s bus. 

Do opposites attract? Yes, they do, but for the duration there has to be give and take and not all give and not all take. This is the lesson _The Break-Up_ teaches and the title says it all. 

Copyright 2006 Marie Asner
Submitted 5/31/06

There is an old song that states, “Breaking up is hard to do”. I found the new movie, The Break-Up, to be a surprisingly competent example, for Hollywood anyway, of how fierce that experience can be. Normally romantic comedies dance around the issue with a few cliché fight scenarios and fantasy style arguments. Battles with no real teeth you could say. But this film holds nothing back in the initial, emotional explosion, as both characters let fly with heart felt aggression and openness that probably had many couples thinking, “Wow, did we write this scene”. Because we have all been there and said these things or at least understand the root of the aggravation.

Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) has had enough and tells her boyfriend she is finished. Gary (Vince Vaughn) is at a breaking point as well, so that sounds just fine to him. The only issue is the amazing condo they both own. Living together is definitely not working out and so Gary tries to get Brooke to move out while Brooke just wants Gary to come to his senses and appreciate what he had in her.

There are many humorous incidences that happen through out the movie as each character tries to win their battle. Though the theme is heavy, the scenes that are funny are truly laugh-out-loud hilarious. The humor coming mainly in the supporting cast (Ann-Margret, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, John Michael Higgins) that includes friends and family of both parties trying to help them get through this tough time. Vaughn and Aniston work well together but their off screen life may overshadow this movie as many will be looking for hidden chemistry. I personally think that they are both talented actors and used those gifts to create likable, relatable characters. Nothing more, nothing less.

The previews and prior synopsis’ had me thinking this was a comedy revolving around possession of a piece of property. In fact the condo really isn’t as big a motive in the film as you might think. It is there and holds a part of the plot. But the drive of the movie is simply about two people breaking up and all the aspects of that event. What ultimately transpires is that both come to a difficult decision involving life-changing realizations.

It’s safe to say that this movie is funny, but not a laugh a minute comedy. It is about serious issues that are brought about in ugly ways at times. The humor is used almost as a way to break the awkwardness and tension. At the same time it made the smart move of straying away from the raunchy sex comedy that it could easily have been. It stays true to its name and is totally about breaking up.

Bottom line, this movie isn’t too bad. Not a laugh fest and fans looking for another Wedding Crashers may feel a little disappointed. But for a romantic movie that gets to the heart of some real life issues I think it does a worthwhile job. It’s rated PG-13 for sexual content, some nudity and language. The sexual content and nudity are both brief but the language quite rampant. I give it 3 out of 5 bowling shirts. With a look at The Break-Up, I’m Matt Mungle

The Mungle  5/31/06

Matt is a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com