Saturday, January 23, 2010

Worth the Watch?

Welcome to my first movie review for this blog. Come to think of it, I think this is my first movie review ever. I am afraid that my review might come off as me just rambling. If that's the case, then I am sorry. But, please know that I have lots of ideas and things to say, I am just not the best at putting them on paper (or in this case, on computer). Hope you still enjoy what I have to say.

Now, you need to know, as the reader, that my movie reviews (as well as music, etc) are not always going to be for current movies. It will be for whatever movie I have recently watched, new or old. Today's move review is for "The Break-up".

Movie: The Break-up

Director: Peyton Reed

Released: June 2006

Plot: In a bid to keep their luxurious condo from their significant other, a couple's break-up proceeds to get uglier and nastier by the moment.

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Anniston, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Justin Long, Vincent D'Onofrio

Rating: PG-13


Let me go ahead and say that my biggest pet peeve with this movie was the use of the Lord's name in vain. "G-- D---" is said two or three times within the first ten minutes of the movie. As a Christian, that is enough to take me out of the movie watching experience right off the bat. There
was also some crass dialogue as well as a couple of bare butt shots (one male, one female), as well as a scene involving strip poker (no nudity there, but you can imaging what we do see).

Other than the above negative content, this movie was alright. Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Anniston make for a good pair, Vaughn being the funnier of the two. The movie is rounded out with a good supporting cast. Jon Favreau was probably my favorite character in this movie. He and Vaughn have starred beside each other a number of times and it shows. The scenes between them feel almost unscripted, which works, actually. Justin Long is pretty funny as the very effeminate receptionist and Vincent D'Onofrio is solid, as usual.

Another thing I liked about this movie is that it's ending was realistic. The once happy couple do not end up back together like they would in most films. They actually go their separate ways. Its kind of sad, but hey, real life is sad.

Now, despite the negative content, I think there is a lot we can take from this movie. The break-up in this movie is a result of, in my opinion, selfishness. (And just let me say that the couple was living together without being married, which can lead to all kinds of problems) Its the very common act of not wanting to put the other's needs before your own. Vaughn's character, Gary, doesn't want to do a simple task for his live-in girlfriend, Brooke, (Anniston) which of course leads to a dispute about how he doesn't help enough, and of course the ultimate break-up. Neither one moves out of the apartment in hopes that the other will apologize/move out first. Of course, that never happens and the apartment eventually sales, sending the two of them their separate ways. Gary does try to turn things around before the end, but it is too little too late.

What did I, what can we, take from this film? Well, I think it shows us all how important communication is. On the night of their big fight, Gary just leaves the apartment, instead of talking about things. Now, I can't promise that everything would have been fine between Gary and Brooke had they talked about things earlier on. (I guess we wouldn't have a movie then). But, they could have avoided a lot of hurt. Also, Gary and Brooke were not, in any way, putting the other first. And that is the only way for a relationship to survive. Put the other person before yourself. Again, I liked that the movie ended the way it did. I think the break-up and the things that went with it (i.e. hurt, anger, frustration) were the consequence of a break-down (ah, see what I did there) in communication. I felt bad for the characters, but through their mistakes, I think I learned something. I hope that I always communicate with Kat (my fiance') and always put her needs before mine.

Well, is "The Break-up" worth the watch?
Take away the language and some crudity, and I would say you have yourself a pretty good "stay at home" date movie.

1 comment:

  1. Overall, I think Vaughn is a funny guy. I've always thought that he gets typecast though, with a predictable delivery and cadence to his comedy that suits a lot of ... well, comedies. It's good to see actor branch out a little bit, but I haven't really seen him do that much (I could be wrong.) I like your review, Namesake. I probably won't ever watch it, unless Abby chooses it, but your honesty is great and I eagerly look forward to other reviews of yours!

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