DVD Reviews

The Break-Up

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• Starring: Jennifer Aniston
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Gary (Vaughn) and Brooke (Aniston) decide to split up when a petty squabble escalates to something bigger. As the fights over belongings and whatnot become increasingly abusive, both are too stubborn and pig-headed to leave their apartment, and reluctantly agree to share until a buyer can be found. The Break-Up is a film that, although a huge financial success, seemed to split people right down the middle. Some obviously sat down at their local cineplex expecting a Wedding Crashers or Dodgeball-type laughfest; but what they got instead was a realistic, character-driven antagonistic comedy, with as many dramatic moments as it has comedic. As a film, it is an extremely rare (and welcome) abnormality, in that it balances the comedy and drama almost effortlessly. That is mostly down to the exceptional cast, and understated direction that allows Vaughn and Aniston room to do something different with their characters, making them pragmatic in that they react to their emotions. Even when being almost indefensibly petty at times, it always feels natural to the respective character. While Gary can be an absolute asshole and Brooke a downright b*tch, you still feel for both when one takes it too far and pierces the other's armour. Funny it is, Vaughn's notorious improvisation is, as always, a welcome antidote to many a bland script-reading-like performance from numerous leading men (i.e. Orlando Bloom) - but he leaves the scene-stealing to best friend and Swingers co-star Jon Favreau. Although now prominently a director (he's prepping Iron Man right now) , Favreau still comes in and ram-raids scenes with his impeccable timing when applicable, and is his usual outstanding self throughout. Aniston, too, is both likeable and charming at all times, finally getting the post-Friends role she so desperately needed and downright deserved. The perfect remedy to insipid, unsaturated sh*te like Failure to Launch, The Break-Up is feel-bad comedy personified.

Review by Mike Sheridan