The Dilemma

The Dilemma is a film that has one of those fortunate / unfortunate titles which is perfect for film reviewers. So do you see this or not? That’s the dilemma. Actually, it’s probably quite a simple decision to make. If you like Vince Vaughan you’re in, if not, you probably won’t be going and even if you do there isn’t enough support around him to make the film a success. The actually dilemma the film refers to is when Vaughan has to make a decision as to whether to tell his best friend (played by Kevin James) that his wife (Winona Ryder) is cheating on him. Easy decision you might think, but not when Vaughan and James are on the verge of making a major deal for their company and that Ryder threatens Vaughan with some revelations of her own. As I mentioned, if you like Vaughan you should like this, as the whole movie pretty much rests on his shoulders, and to be fair to him he does a good job. From an excruciating anniversary speech to a hilarious fight with Channing Tatum (playing Ryder’s bit on the side) he provides the film with its real moments of entertainment (despite again looking like he hasn’t slept for 10 years). It’s a good job he is in good form as James plays it very low key, only exploding into action on a couple of occasions and the two dancing scenes he has are pretty irritating. Ryder isn’t bad (though still only looking about 18 years old) but Jennifer Connelly (as Vaughan’s) wife is hamstrung as the straight part of quartet. Best of all though is Tatum, getting some decent laughs from his over-sensitive jock. One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the choice of Ron Howard as director. Hardly known for helming comedies, Howard struggles to get the tone of the film right as, at times, we venture into dramatic territory and it’s unclear whether you should be laughing at some scenes or not. At least he had the backbone to keep in Vaughan’s somewhat controversial “Gay” one-liner. Surely people are missing the point that it’s Vaughan’s character delivering the line? Anyway, throw in some decent guitar licks and some cars that will have petrol heads purring and you have a film that probably isn’t as bad as it looks. Now that’s a tag-line.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Vaughan’s performance pushes the rating up, but this still won’t be to everyone’s tastes. Rating: 6/10.