The Dilemma

Is Vince Vaughn a good actor?  Not quite sure what the answer to that is.  He's certainly 'Vince Vaughn' in every one of his roles.  Now I don't want to rip my boy.  I love me some Vince Vaughn.  I first saw Vince, like many I'm sure, in Swingers.  He's one of the more charismatic actors working today, and I'm always up for any project he's in.  So that brings us to 'The Dilemma'.  Tonally, this film is like being on the Scrambler at your local fair.  There are some great comic moments, but also attempts at true emotional gravity.  And it is pretty successful at it too.  But it never truly comes together.  The laughs are few, but good.  I think it's more my affection for Vince that carries the film.  

Winona Ryder's performance really grounds the emotional drama of the film.  Her performance is heartfelt and honest.  Jennifer Connelly is quite good as Vince's girlfriend, but is a wasted.  The conflict created in her relationship with Vince Vaughn is entirely artificial and could have been quelled with one short conversation that does not take place for a reason that is not quite believable.  Maybe I just have a rosier view of communication in relationships.  Oh, and Kevin James is in the movie.  Oh, and this is the first time I didn't want to slap Channing Tatum when he was on screen (granted he could easily kick my ass).  Which brings me to my major issue with the film.  Ron Howard just can't seem to tie it all together.  It's just too damn serious to share the screen with such tepid humor.  So my recommendation for 'The Dilemma'?  It's fine.  If you're a fan of my buddy Vince (I know if we could just meet we'd be friends...), and are looking for a good date movie, 'The Dilemma' would be worth a view.  There's your qualified recommendation.

The Dilemma is playing everywhere.

Report Card: B- 

(Without Vince & Winona: C)