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The Break Up [2006]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

The combined star power of Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers, Swingers) and Jennifer Aniston (Bruce Almighty, The Good Girl) makes The Break-Up a high-profile romantic comedy. Gary (Vaughn) and Brooke (Aniston) find that their brittle relationship may have reached the breaking point--but neither is willing to give up the condo they co-own. As their fighting grows increasingly bitter, neither is sure if they're fighting to get out of the relationship or to save it. The Break-Up is an odd combination of realistic scenes that capture the harsh yet human ways that lovers can hurt each other, and broad comic scenes with a more farcical edge. Both types of scenes are entertaining on their own terms--the movie is never boring--but they don't fully mesh, and as a result it's hard to engage emotionally with either Gary or Brooke. But the sterling supporting cast--including Jon Favreau (Wimbledon), Cole Hauser (The Cave), Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy), John Michael Higgins (A Mighty Wind), Justin Long (Dodgeball), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development), Vincent D'Onofrio (Happy Accidents), and the ever-delirious Judy Davis (Husbands and Wives)--give every scene they're in a boost of comic energy. An uneven but enjoyable movie that may suffer from viewers having overly high expectations due to Vaughn and Aniston's celebrity. --Bret Fetzer

Editorial
Synopsis

Despite its seemingly classic date-movie setup, The Break Up bucks romantic comedy tradition at almost every turn. Gary (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) are a mismatched couple who meet, develop a seemingly contented relationship, and buy a beautiful condo together within the movie's first few minutes. Soon an all-too-believable fight triggers the title event, and they spend the rest of the movie alternately arguing and playing mind games as they battle over ownership of their beloved condo--and try to decide whether or not they really want this to be the end. In one of the movie's more dangerous yet courageous twists, neither Vaughn nor Aniston play especially likable characters. They never become unpleasant to watch, though, thanks largely to their formidable reservoirs of charisma. Vaughn is a master of the unkempt, immature, and hilarious everyman (Old School, The Wedding Crashers), while Aniston radiates bewildered decency, even in prickly roles (The Good Girl, Friends With Money). Both of them are engaging presences, even when the movie veers away from comedy and into a kind of painful realism, as Gary and Brooke get caught up in a bitter and mean-spirited cycle of fighting that neither of them can win. The script's few weak patches are usually saved by the tremendous supporting cast, including Arrested Development's Jason Bateman as the couple's realtor, Judy Davis as Brooke's boss, John Michael Higgins as her irrepressible, sexually ambiguous brother, and Jon Favreau as Gary's best friend, in scenes that effortlessly recapture some of the duo's Swingers chemistry. Peyton Reed, the director of the underrated Down With Love, isn't afraid to make his romantic comedy both unromantic and, occasionally, depressingly truthful, but thanks to the group of actors assembled here, watching a relationship unravel has rarely been more enjoyable.

Pleasantly surprised...
Review date: 2008-06-30 Rating: 8 out of 10

Firstly, I usually can't stand this kind of film, but I ended up watching it one day when I was a bit bored and felt compelled to write this review because, quite simply, its actually really good.

The overly simple and to the point title is really apt. The film is a very unpretentious, focused and down to earth account of the final days and aftermath of a couple's relationship. As such it is incredibly raw, surprisingly realistic and consequently not all that comfortable to watch at times. I don't mean that as a criticism, as my point basically is that there is more, or perhaps less (in a less is more kind of way), to this film than one might expect.

The performances are all solid and heartfelt. I don't think either Aniston or Vaughan are incredible actors, but they do a fine job. As for the supporting cast, the "best friends" of each of the two main characters are worthy of a mention. Jon Favreau is probably the best of the bunch as Vince Vaughan's drinking buddy and steals some very pivotal scenes. As for Joey Lauren Adams, all I can say is that when I saw her name in the opening credits, I almost switched it off. That's how much I hate her. But, it's only a small part and to her credit, for once she didn't make me want to gouge out my eyes so I had something with which to plug my ears.

One final, admittedly rather shallow, point regarding the female lead. The Greek goddess just improves with age. Jennifer Aniston is as beautiful as ever. Look out for the cameo by her godfather Telly Savalas - You have to use your imagination. You'll see what I mean...

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Reviews


Boring
Review date: 2008-06-24 Rating: 4 out of 10

I love romantic comedies but not this one! I thought it would be another usual happy-sad film but I was very disappointed. The ending was flat and the film was just generally boring. I've seen worse, but it's not my cup of tea at all.

Most definitely NOT a Rom-Com
Review date: 2008-02-03 Rating: 4 out of 10

It's hard to know what to say about a film that advertises itself as 'starting where the other rom-coms end', but The Break Up certainly doesn't have a conclusion of its own. One feels that the scenario drags on for far too long and nothing comes of it in the end.

Credit where credit is due, the acting was plausible, at least Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn do the best they can with the script. But the dialogue is depressing- anyone who's ever been in a bad relationship will understand the sorts of arguments going on, and the script requires them to argue for most of the film and what little nuggets of amusement that struggle to present themsleves during the 90-odd minutes aren't enought to bouy the whole production up.

I can appreciate the serious drama movie genre that has an important message for its viewers, and can be great without being amusing or even pleasing, but The Break Up doesn't really belong in any genre. Also, I found the soundtrack very odd- lots of weird beeping that did nothing to lift the movie's miserable outlook.

Ultimately, this film stubles down completely in its lack of 'feel-good' factor- it's non-existant, and quite honestly The Break Up is monotonous, miserable, and left me feeling simply sad without feeling I had gained anything from watching it.

A very dissapointing attempt!
Review date: 2008-01-31 Rating: 4 out of 10

Everyone was raving about this movie so I decided to watch it. I was sadly disappointed. I still have no idea what it was about apart from the obvious "break up". I didn't find it funny at all and was rather bored, however its a great movie to put on at night, it certainly sent me to sleep.

'its not about the lemons or the flowers!'
Review date: 2007-12-12 Rating: 8 out of 10

i really liked this film. it doesnt seem like the typical girlie chick flick movie that we've all seen before. i liked the pattern and the familiarity of the story, it's like we've all been there before in some way or another and it makes it a good thing to watch. rent it now!!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Joey Lauren Adams
Vince Vaughn
John Michael Higgins
Jennifer Aniston
Jason Bateman

Creators:
Vince Vaughn (Primary Contributor)
John Michael Higgins (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal
Manufacturer: Universal
EAN: 5050582449877
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2006-11-13
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 102 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)

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