REVIEW: THE DILEMMA

3.5/5

Vince & Kevin Are The Right Choice To make This Friday.

12A, 112 Minutes. Starring: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Channing Tatum & Queen Latifah. Director: Ron Howard.Screenplay: Allan Loeb

Forgot about deciding whether it's right to tell your best friend or not that his wife is cheating. I've got a dilemma for you. What do you do when your asked to go see a film that has received so much panning from critics that it can feel the cat from 'Tom & Jerry's' pain? Well you go see said film and enjoy it for yourself. Why? Well, because you won't know what the fuss is all about, because this movie is actually one of the more enjoyable things you'll see to start 2011. A year that in it's first month has already seen a lot of movies and a lot of disappointments too.

'The Dilemma' is a buddy/romantic comedy, with all the trimmings of hilarious comedy for grown ups that you'd expect from a picture like this. Versatile director Ron Howard knows how to bring the 'Happy Days' and the 'Beautiful Mind' drama. In this picture Vince Vaughn and Kevin James are best of buds and business partners on the verge of something big. Plus with beautiful ladies Winona Ryder and Jennifer Connelly by their side everything looks rosy. That is until, Vaughn gets between the roses and all sorts of flowers and witnesses James' wife Ryder doing the nasty on him with a greasy looking Channing Tatum. Now Vaughn has a choice tell his best friend or not. There is so much riding on this dilemma as both men are in critical parts of their lives. The ramifications and additional factors are huge.

This is where it gets funny and dramatic two. The human drama is turned up a notch on this one, especially when you don't expect it and all of these seasoned rom-com/diverse talents do their jobs as this film really works. Still when this film gets funny, it really gets going. It's refreshing to see a movie that's best bits aren't in the trailers. With Vaughn's trademark improvisation and James' trademark physical comedy both actors are on rib-tickling, rip-roaring form. Their effortlessly but enjoyably walking through the comedy and even showing they have the mettle for tougher scenes. This duo go so well together that you will swear you have seen them in a couple of films before and you'll be cursing if you don't see them in a few more to come.

The support in this film is great two. Queen Latifah once again shows that she has romantic comedy prestige as well as rap royalty. Her scenes are delightfully funny, if not a bit disturbing (you don't want to know about 'female wood', trust me). It's Channing Tatum though that almost steals the show as a overly sensitive thug. His scenes with Vince Vaughn really are among the funniest you'll see for awhile. From fighting to reconciliation the pair showcase a great class of comedy together, bringing their chemistry sets and taking the rest of this film to school.

From the great city view of classic Chicago, to the make or break lives, everything feels favourably familiar. Just like Vince's classic 'Break-Up' with Jennifer Aniston this film again is quoted as one chose because of "Vaughn's interest in tackling the dark areas of relationships". This is yet another great character study by the talents of Vince, comedies thinking man. Still this deep look masquerades as an enjoyable movie for the weekend as well. From the recently popular pastime of spying on trains (see 'Little Fockers', 'Meet The') to awkward toasts, it's clear to see this is a great movie that you can raise your glasses to. No dilemma is necessary here. Forget the advice their telling you. It's better you see this movie for yourself. TIM DAVID HARVEY.