I admit it has been quite some time since I have given you my take on movies without you having to ask. Watching films has been an after-thought to the likes of Thanksgiving and the mounds of homework that has amassed in my room.
However, I needed a break. Thus I made my way through the all too familiar Blockbuster aisles, and against my better judgment I rented “The Break-Up.” Continually people have warned me not to watch this film because it was so depressing but I forged on, confident with my choice.
With a title such as “The Break-Up,” the plot is far from mysterious. This movie presents the story or rather the ending of Gary (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke’s (Jennifer Aniston) relationship and their mutual reluctance to move out of their co-owned apartment.
Vaughn stays true to what he does best and infuses quick wit to his character Gary. His character is everyone’s favorite funny man who hosts bus tours around Chicago for his family’s company. He delivers his typical brand of humor and provides most of the laughs through out the film. Gary’s friend Johnny O (John Favreau) plays a quirky side kick who despite his skewed take on relationships is full of wisdom and who also contributes to some of the comical scenes.
Jennifer Aniston plays the every-girl who works at an art gallery. She ultimately initiates the split in an attempt to teach Gary a lesson. Her plans go wrong every time and the audience has to watch Brook’s foray into increasing desperation in order to rekindle her relationship. While Aniston’s performance wasn’t exactly inspiring, she gets the job done.
Some high points in the film were the scenes with Brook’s brother Richard (John Michael Higgins) and his a cappella group The Tone Rangers.
His singing is so embarrassing that I could not help but laugh and try to turn away from the screen at the same time.
This type of uncomfortable comedy drives such films as “Meet the Parents” and is very present in this film. If you are a fan of that series then you will enjoy this aspect of “The Break-Up.”
Yes, comedy is paired with this story of dissolution but it does not mask it. Breaking up is never fun to do or easy to watch; however, this film is refreshing in that regard.
In life I do not recall pop songs playing in the background as the cosmos align in attempt to bring together two attractive people. Obviously, reality is nothing like that, so it was nice to see a plot line that was little more realistic.
This movie is not exactly an upper, but it is something light to watch in between school, work and that stressful social calendar many of us possess.

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