Sunday, June 04, 2006

Fight Club: If Watching a Bickering Couple is Your Idea of a Good Time, Then See “The Break-Up”

The Break-Up is a relationship movie without the relationship. Brooke (a likable Jennifer Aniston) and Gary (an unlikable Vince Vaughn) were supposedly an in-love couple according to the opening credit sequence. We see a montage of their happiness. And then the film begins and they’re on the verge of breaking up. Instead of wittily skewering modern relationships, that have been done in more successful films such as Annie Hall or When Harry Met Sally…, director Peyton Reed shows this annoyingly mismatched couple duking it out the whole time. However, it never gets dark or twisted like War of the Roses for instance. The only things the film was missing were a boxing ring and the title Million Dollar Baby.

Astonishingly, Aniston’s portrayal of Brooke is charming, natural and enjoyable. She must be the good guy. However, Vaughn’s portrayal of Gary is uncharming, natural (I believe there are pricks out there just like him) and unenjoyable. He must be the bad guy. With a movie with a plot about a couple’s split, we’re going to have to root for one of them. It’s sad to think there are men out there that actually sit there playing video games while their girlfriend just wants a little help cleaning up. Gary isn’t just an immature 30 year old; he’s an immature 10 year old. His character is so vicious, dimwitted and foolish that Brooke seems just as dimwitted for wanting their relationship to continue. Of course she wants him to change, and he’s unaware that he even needs to change.

The film is mostly made up of bickering fight scenes, most of which end on an extremely sour note, especially for a film that’s supposed to be a comedy, and interspersed scenes with supporting characters giving advice. There’s a subplot about Brooke’s brother’s questioned sexuality that ends with him kicking the crap out of Gary. The only delight in this is seeing how happy Brooke is to see Gary suffer at the hands of such a supposed sissy. Gary’s family isn’t all that normal either. One brother is a sex fiend who seems more related to Stifler from American Pie than to Gary. And Gary’s older brother played by Vincent D’Onofrio is tender yet needless. The three brothers own a sightseeing business in Chicago. The most amusing scenes involve the female driver who makes funny faces as she peels away in her double-decker bus.

Brooke’s friends include her strange, effeminate co-worker played by Justin Long whose character is borderline offensively cliché, but he seems to be having an enjoyable time. Brooke’s high maintenance, whacked out boss played by a stiff yet loose Judy Davis is probably the best character in the film. Perhaps a sequel would feature her instead of Brooke and Gary. Brooke confides in her friends played by A Christmas Story’s Peter Billingsley (who also co-produced) and Joey Lauren Adams. Unfortunately the usually reliable Jason Bateman isn’t given much to do here as a supportive friend and their realtor. They all bowl together and play Pictionary. We get to see what Brooke and Gary’s lives used to be like. But we don’t really care enough about them to even want them to get back together. Which is why the ending is actually pretty satisfying.

The Break-Up has some enjoyable moments and a laugh here and there. But Vince Vaughn’s character is just so unpleasant that I couldn’t wait for Aniston to either get the hell out of there or shoot him in the head. Had the film been a little darker perhaps that would have been an option. I enjoyed a nod to I’m-mad-as-hell-and-I’m-not-going-to-take-it-anymore singer Alanis Morissette. Brooke appropriately blasts You Oughta Know as she throws Gary’s clothes all over the place. Overall, the film isn’t very smart, has nothing really new to say and is very run of the mill. I was sort of waiting for Ann-Margaret (who makes an appearance as Aniston’s mother) to liven things up and roll around in baked beans, but alas it didn’t happen. GRADE: C-

45 comments:

Jo said...

Read some of your reviews, I'm enjoying them - keep it up!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Great site lots of usefull infomation here.
»

Anonymous said...

I find some information here.

Anonymous said...

I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
I'm quite certain I'll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!

Feel free to surf to my weblog :: Inverter Fuji

Unknown said...

iphone 6 case
tiffany and co jewelry
soccer jerseys
insanity max 30
converse shoes
nfl jerseys
discount oakley sunglasses
louis vuitton outlet stores
chanel handbags,chanel bags,chanel outlet
kobe 9 elite
michael kors outlet
ray ban
louboutin shoes
ray ban sunglasses
michael kors outlet online
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet online
hollister uk
christian louboutin shoes
ralph lauren outlet
louis vuitton outlet
oakley sunglasses wholesale
longchamp outlet
cheap ray ban sunglasses
pandora jewelry
tod's shoes
replica watches
lululemon outlet online
michael kors uk
louboutin shoes
air jordan shoes
oakley sunglasses
michael kors outlet
cheap oakley sunglasses
abercrombie and fitch
prada outlet
new balance
air jordan shoes
mcm handbags
karen millen sale
20150324maoqiuyun

Unknown said...

north face outlet
the north face clearance
the north face jackets
the north face outlet store
north face jackets
the north face uk
tommy hilfiger outlet
tory burch outlet
true religion jeans
vans shoes
ysl outlet
cheap nike shoes
nike running shoes
nike free 5.0
nike free
air max 2014
air max 2015
air max 90
gucci shoes
prada shoes
chicago blackhawks jersey
chicago bears jerseys
green bay packers jerseys
new orleans saints jerseys
oakland raiders jerseys
philadelphia eagles jerseys
san francisco 49ers jerseys
atlanta falcons jersey
dallas cowboys jersey
indianapolis colts jerseys
kansas city chiefs jerseys
miami dolphins jerseys
minnesota vikings jerseys
new england patriots jerseys
new york giants jerseys
new york jets jerseys

Unknown said...

2015-07-11 zhengjx
oakley sunglasses cheap
nike blazer pas cher
prada outlet store
mont blanc pens
longchamp pas cher
gucci sito ufficiale
jordans for sale
burberry outlet online
coach outlet
ray ban sunglasses
ray ban outlet
ray-ban sunglasse
ralph lauren pas cher
michael kors outlet
longchamp le pliage
oakley sunglasses outlet
michael kors outlet online
cheap soccer jerseys
kate spade outlet
retro jordans
coach factory outlet
coach factory outlet
ed hardy outlet
football jerseys
ed hardy uk
polo outlet
michael kors outlet online
abercrombie kids
jorda femme pas cher
cheap oakley sunglasses
burberry outlet
ray ban outlet
ralph lauren polo shirts
ray bans
kate spade
ray ban sunglasses uk
coach outlet
gucci handbags
michael kors outlet
hollister outlet

Unknown said...

nfl jerseys wholesale
kobe bryants shoes 2015
salomon speedcross 3
barbour uk
black friday
new orleans saints
cyber monday
dallas cowboys
mulberry,mulberry handbags,mulberry outlet,mulberry bags,mulberry uk
oakley outlet
michael kors handbags,michael kors outlet,michael kors outlet online,michael kors,kors outlet,michael kors outlet online sale,michael kors handbags clearance,michael kors purses,michaelkors.com,michael kors bags,michael kors shoes,michaelkors,cheap michael kors
cheap mlb jerseys
ray ban sunglasses
designer handbags
chanel handbags
iphone cases
hermes bags
chanel outlet store online
calvin klein,calvin klein outlet online,calvin klein wholesale,calvin klein shoes,calvin klein underwear,calvin klein coats,calvin klein handbags
futbol baratas
tiffany jewelry
qqqq1028

mmjiaxin said...

herve leger dresses
louis vuitton handbags outlet
coach outlet store
ralph lauren outlet
ray-ban sunglasses
kobe bryants shoes
tiffany and co
karen millen uk
coach outlet online
phone cases
rolex uk
nike free 5
swarovski crystal
louis vuitton handbags outlet
ray ban sunglasses
cheap oakley sunglasses
michael kors canada
nba jerseys
mlb jerseys
michael kors handbags
mm1202

John said...

celine bags
ralph lauren
hollister jeans
ugg outlet
hollister clothing
canada goose jackets
michael kors outlet
michael kors outlet online
ray ban sunglasses outlet
true religion jeans outlet
cheap oakley sunglasses
coach factory outlet
true religion outlet
coach outlet store online clearance
nike huarache shoes
michael kors outlet
ugg outlet
coach outlet
michael kors outlet
kobe 9
tory burch boots
kobe 10s
oakley outlet
coach outlet
north face
kevin durant 8
ralph lauren outlet
ed hardy outlet
the north face outlet
coach factory outlet
oakley sunglasses
canada goose
oakley sunglasses wholesale
2016128yuanyuan

Unknown said...

6.02lllllllyuanbeats by dr dre
beats by dre
oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses
ray-ban sunglasses
ray ban sunglasses
hollister uk
lululemon outlet
rolex watches
mulberry handbags
mulberry bags
mulberry outlet
louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton handbags
toms shoes
omega watches
ferragamo shoes
ferragamo shoes
kate spade handbags
kate spade uk
true religion uk
true religion jeans
true religion outlet
oakley sunglasses
tory burch outlet
burberry outlet
burberry outlet
burberry outlet
tory burch outlet
hollister clothing
replica watches
ralph lauren polo shirts
cheap nba jerseys
polo ralph lauren
ralph lauren uk
6.02

Unknown said...

michael kors handbags
michael kors handbags sale
michael kors handbags
michael kors outlet
louis vuitton pas cher
chaussure louboutin pas cher
michael kors handbags
michael kors handbags
michael kors handbags wholesale
nike store uk
kobe 9 elite
michael kors uk
michael kors outlet
fitflops sale clearance
cheap nike shoes
michael kors outlet
nike air huarache
cheap michael kors handbags
gucci sito ufficiale
cheap michael kors handbags
nike trainers
toms shoes
michael kors handbags
ed hardy clothing
michael kors outlet online
nike air force 1
ed hardy
michael kors handbags
salomon boots
michael kors handbags

Unknown said...

michael kors outlet
jordan pas cher
ray-ban sunglasses
ghd hair straighteners
rolex watches
oakley sunglasses wholesale
tods outlet
rolex watches
hermes bags
michael kors outlet
chanyuan10.05

raybanoutlet001 said...

nike free 5
louis vuitton sacs
cheap ray bans
michael kors handbags outlet
nike tn pas cher
nike store uk
michael kors handbags outlet
michael kors handbags
michael kors handbags wholesale
nike air huarache

wesan michael said...

tiffany and co jewellery
tiffany and co jewellery
air jordan
chrome hearts
skechers go walk
tiffany and co
adidas tubular UK
michael kors outlet store
tiffany and co outlet

Unknown said...

mac cosmetics
swarovski jewellery
michael kors
coach factory outlet
true religion uk
michael kors outlet online
longchamp outlet
christian louboutin shoes
louis vuitton handbags
michael kors outlet
20170116lck

Unknown said...

colts jerseys
lebron james shoes
skechers outlet
hugo boss outlet
michael kors handbags
salvatore ferragamo
polo ralph lauren
oakland raiders jerseys
nike trainers
michael kors outlet clearance

Unknown said...

nike huarache trainers
ecco shoes outlet
bills jerseys
nike air huarache
under armour outlet
cheap nba jerseys
air max 90
coach outlet
new york giants jerseys
coach outlet
20170411

chenmeinv0 said...

vans shoes
coach outlet
nfl jerseys wholesale
oakley sunglasses
new england patriots jerseys
michael kors handbags
louis vuitton outlet
ray ban sunglasses
oakley sunglasses
jordan 6
20174.15chenjinyan

Unknown said...

nmd
air max
adidas nmd
longchamp
michael kors uk
yeezy boost 350
yeezy boost 350
timberland boots
nike zoom
chrome hearts online

adidas nmd said...

ed hardy clothing
chaussure louboutin
ralph lauren outlet
nike huarache
oakley sunglasses
hugo boss
cheap jordans
cheap nba jerseys
coach handbags
air max 90

Unknown said...

yeezy boost
nmd
kobe 9
adidas nmd runner
true religion outlet
nike dunks
longchamp bags
michael jordan shoes
air force 1
adidas gazelle
20170721

Unknown said...

links of london
light up shoes
adidas superstar
yeezy boost
yeezys
nike air zoom structure 19
hogan outlet
james harden shoes
huarache shoes
pandora charms

raybanoutlet001 said...

ugg boots
49ers jersey
coach bags
nike air force 1
michael kors bags
michael kors uk
ray ban sunglasses
ed hardy uk
nhl jerseys
true religion outlet store

adidas nmd said...

ed hardy uk
nike trainers
true religion outlet
kate spade outlet
ralph lauren outlet
coach outlet store online
ray ban sunglasses
canada goose jackets
kate spade outlet
kate spade sale

jeje said...

yeezy boost 350 v2
supreme clothing
supreme clothing
air max 90
links of london
hermes belts
nike air force 1 high
air jordan 6
nike polo
stephen curry shoes

Unknown said...

qzz0505
michael kors outlet
chelsea jersey
canada goose outlet
oakley sunglasses
denver broncos jerseys
nets jerseys
air huarache
true religion jeans
yeezy boost
canada goose jackets

Unknown said...

qzz0707
canada goose outlet
canada goose jackets
oakley sunglasses
nhl jerseys
pandora charms sale clearance
real madrid jersey
cheap jordans
san francisco 49ers jerseys
coach outlet online
air more uptempo

5689 said...

christian louboutin shoes
red bottom shoes
longchamp outlet
moncler jackets
off white outlet
christian louboutin shoes
moncler uk
ralph lauren outlet
christian louboutin shoes
canada goose outlet
zzzzz2018.8.23

Unknown said...

www0901

ralph lauren uk
canada goose jackets
pandora charms outlet
ray ban eyeglasses
polo ralph lauren outlet
coach outlet
longchamp bags
kate spade
adidas shoes
adidas yeezy

jeje said...

pandora charms
asics shoes
christian louboutin
ralph lauren polo
nike clothing
mlb jerseys
ralph lauren polo
jordans
coach outlet
moncler outlet

Unknown said...

WWW1015
christian louboutin outlet
superdry uk
ralph lauren polo
nike clothing
louboutin shoes
christian louboutin outlet
canada goose outlet
jordans
canada goose jackets
nike air max

jjjjjjjjjjjjj said...

jordan shoes
lebron 16
adidas nmd
goyard handbags
nike air force 1 low
stephen curry shoes
adidas nmd
cheap mlb jerseys
yeezy boost 350 v2
fila shoes

Pinoy Tv said...

I have read your amazing post. I’m a regular visitor to your site and appreciate you taking the time to keep the superb website.

it said...

Bigg Boss 14 is an Indian reality television game show produced by Endemol Shine India through Viacom 18 (or colloquially Colors TV Network) and Star India Network in India subsequently it was syndicated internationally and available on online as VOD through OTT platforms of Voot and Hotstar.

it said...

Video khatron ke khiladi 10 Colors Tv Show Full HD Episodes Online. Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 10 is An Indian Television Series.

it said...

Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also Pinoy Tambayan

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

المهندس الخبر


شركة المهندس
شركة تنظيف بالخبر
شركة تنظيف مساجد بالخبر
شركة تنظيف مكيفات بالخبر
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالخبر
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالخبر
شركة تنظيف كنب بالخبر

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

شركة تنظيف مطابخ بالخبر
شركة تنظيف مسابح بالخبر
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالخبر
شركة مكافحة الحمام بالخبر
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالخبر

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

شركة شفط بيارات بالخبر
شركة تسليك مجاري بالخبر

المهندس القطيف


شركة المهندس
شركة تنظيف بالقطيف
شركة تنظيف مساجد بالقطيف

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

شركة تنظيف كنب بالقطيف
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالقطيف
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالقطيف
شركة تنظيف مسابح بالقطيف
شركة تنظيف افران غاز بالقطيف
شركة تنظيف مكيفات بالقطيف
شركة تنظيف مطابخ بالقطيف

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

شركة تسليك مجاري بالقطيف
شركة شفط بيارات بالقطيف
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالقطيف
شركة مكافحة الحمام بالقطيف
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالقطيف


المهندس الدمام

شركة المهندس
شركة تنظيف بالدمام

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

اتقان المستقبل
شركة عزل خزانات بجازان
شركة عزل اسطح بجازان
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بجازان
شركة صيانة سباكة وترميم بجازان


شركة صيانة سباكة وترميم بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجاري بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض

شركة تنظيف خزانات بعرعر
شركة تنظيف خزانات بسكاكا

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

شركة عزل خزانات بسكاكا
شركة عزل اسطح بسكاكا
شركة عزل اسطح بعرعر
شركة عزل خزانات بعرعر

شركة تسليك مجارى بالقطيف
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالدمام
شركة تسليك مجاري بالدمام