The Break-Up

"It's not about doing the things you love, it's about doing things with the one you love!"

This film has received bad reviews (and word of mouth), but I blame the way it was marketed. It's considered a romantic comedy and the previews on tv made it look funny...romantic comedy my ass! This film is about the deterioration of a relationship...NOT A ROMANTIC COMEDY!

The film begins at a baseball game. Gary (Vaughn) notices Brooke (Aniston) and finds ways to interact with her during the game (which is weird since there are about 4 people seated between them, and she's on a date), but they are obviously attracted to each other. As the credits roll they are in a serious relationship and decorating their condo, but that is not what the film is about (hence the title). Gary is a Chicago tour guide for the family-run company Three Brothers Tours which he runs with his brothers: perverted Lupus (Hauser) and neurotic Dennis (Vincent D'Onofrio). And Brooke works in an art gallery.

Their relationship begins to go sour at a family dinner. Gary doesn't help set-up, and they have a fight in front of the family...they essentially break-up that evening... Both are upset, but both want to retain their condo. They try to play each other to get what they want (and at times they try to preserve their relationship). Trying to help the situation is Brooke's best friend Addie (Adams), boss Marilyn Dean (Davis), and quirky assistant Christopher (Long). On his side are his brothers, best friend bordering on psycho Johnny O (Favreau) and mutual friend/realtor Riggleman (Bateman). And just plain funny is Brooke's brother Richard (John Michael Higgins) who randomly breaks into song (and royally pisses off Gary). Check out the alternate ending on the DVD (and listen to the second song on the closing credits...it's Richard singing, lol).

Not to give away the ending, but this film plays more to reality. Most films begin with the couple finding one-another and the story is them trying to begin a relationship. After they have the relationship the film ends. What about life after the fairytale? "The Break-Up" shows life after the relationship has started...and the mystery is over. How do you live with the other person?

--: I wouldn't say this is an essential film...but I enjoyed it. I know film is supposed to be an escape and this film is too realistic to appeal to some people, but I believe it is worthwhile, as long as you know it isn't a romantic comedy!
--: Also, there are funny moments in the film, but there are also moments that are cringe-worthy (you feel bad for the characters), it is a range of emotions...but honestly I like it!

The Break-Up (2006) 105 min
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, some nudity and language
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Vince Vaughn as Gary
Jennifer Aniston as Brooke
Joey Lauren Adams as Addie
Cole Hauser as Lupus
Jon Favreau as Johnny
Jason Bateman as Riggleman
Judy Davis as Marilyn Dean
Justin Long as Christopher