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Break-Up, The
Universal // PG-13 // October 17, 2006
List Price: $29.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Film:
You know, I've always heard the statement "All's fair in love and war". If you want an example of what this statement might mean, then Peyton Reed's The Break-Up, an interesting yet grinding-on-the-nerves comedic drama about the epitome of enamored warfare, might give you a clue. Those looking for a light-hearted comedy about relationships should probably stop here.
This is a film that is about one core concept: dancing on the edge of absolute frustration. You know, waltzing along that line between what is generally acceptable and what rubs someone the wrong way. Well, Reed takes us dangerously close to that boundary, both cinematically and realistically. He did manage to skid this reviewer across the finish line without causing any severe damage.
Gary (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) are two outgoing, likable people living in the windy city of Chicago. Greg is the "talent" aboard a family-owned tourbus, while Brooke works as the support structure for an art gallery. Amidst their courtship, the two build a seemingly strong, sociable relationship. Both appear to be on the same page with similar tastes in activities. Alas, things aren't always as they seem. As with many break-up stories, one thin straw (or more like a bag of lemons) ultimately breaks the camel's back.
The Break-Up is an observational film centered on the events that unfold after an unpleasant evening with the family leads to rough waters for our couple. We watch as Gary and Brooke battle over their hearts, their sanity, and their beautiful apartment to an entertainingly uncomfortable degree. Vaughn's Gary is the absolute cookie cutter stereotype of the perceived "difficult male", while Aniston's Brooke is the conflicting stereotype as the nagging, emotional "difficult female". Each fit their respective roles with graceful talent and maintain a consistent over-the-top rhythm. The result is a combination of laughs and groans alike.
This works, for a time. The persistent bickering starts to outweigh the thinly spread laughs and increasingly awkward supporting cast (some which hit the mark, others that add to the discomfort level). Still, the likeable charm of the two leads and their entertainingly painful banter merits The Break-Up enough gusto worthy of a viewing. Even with as much anguish this viewer underwent while waltzing the line of frustration, the result is still a satisfying experience. Although we never get to encounter the relationships' peaks (except through photographs), we still empathize with our charismatic, broken protagonists and hope for the best.
The DVD:
Universal has packaged this widescreen version of The Break-Up in a standard keepcase DVD with simple, nice artwork. Contained is the disc (with art the same as the front of the DVD) and a promotional insert.
The Video:
The film looks great in its enhanced 1.85:1 widescreen presentation. Edge enhancement appears minimal, while black levels stand out with moderate depth. The sights amidst Chicago's skyline and the angular, colorfully rich appearance of the apartment (or battleground) paint the cinematographically pleasant canvas for the metropolitan conflict. Vaughn and Aniston's facial expressions carry through bright and clear through a very nice transfer.
The Audio:
Just about everybody can be satisfied with the audio presentation here. I was pleasantly surprised with some of the uses of surrounds in The Break-Up's 5.1 Dolby track. Not that the dialogue-driven film requires any high-end setup to enjoy. The dialogue is extremely clear, crisp, and achieves the desired impact throughout the couple's arguments. Vaughn and Jon Favreau's rumbling voices matched well with Aniston and Lauren Adams' higher range. Very clean audio track. Hey, and if it suits your fancy, Spanish, French, and English Dolby Surround tracks are also available. For reference, English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are available.
The Extras:
This package was wrapped with a nice bow by including an adequate set of extras. If you are a fan of this film, I have the sneaking suspicion you will be pleased with what has been offered:
Commentaries are included with director Peyton Reed and with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston on a separate track.
Fifteen minutes of Deleted Scenes are included – and you'll more than likely agree with the edits. Also included is a VERY peculiar alternate ending that personally made this reviewer chuckle, then cringe a bit at the length.
Featurettes accompany these extras as well, including:
- Making Of Featurette – A decently insightful look into some of the script progress and how Vaughn and his cohorts assembled the film and it's intricately odd portions.
- Three Brothers: A Tour of Chicago – Simple, goofy and mildly entertaining remote operated tour through the film's locales.
- Favreau / Vaughn Improv Sessions – Nice split screen feature of the two's alternate dialogues during a scene.
- The Tone Rangers - a very entertaining addition featuring Richard, the Borderline-Gay A Cappella Singing Brother.
All in all, the extras are definitely enough to tickle the fancy of those eager to learn a bit about the craftsmanship of the film. Granted, there aren't any concept notes from the script and not much dialogue on the writer's crafting process. In any case, The Break-Up DVD ends up being a pretty ample package for this film.
The Bottom Line:
If you give this film a chance, don't go in expecting a wine and roses romantic flick. I disagree that this film is an appropriate "date movie". However, The Break Up is definitely not without enjoyable moments and sprinkles of poignancy. The realistic nature of Gary and Brooke's crazy trip to Splitsville conveys heartfelt messages – preferably "don't let this happen to you" – and some laughs amidst an array of uncomfortable and awkward elements. While I can give a check of approval for a one shot viewing, I'd personally recommend you Rent It before plunging in for a purchase. I mean, how many times would you like to view your friends go down that road?
Thomas Spurlin, Staff Reviewer -- DVDTalk Reviews | Personal Blog/Site
You know, I've always heard the statement "All's fair in love and war". If you want an example of what this statement might mean, then Peyton Reed's The Break-Up, an interesting yet grinding-on-the-nerves comedic drama about the epitome of enamored warfare, might give you a clue. Those looking for a light-hearted comedy about relationships should probably stop here.
This is a film that is about one core concept: dancing on the edge of absolute frustration. You know, waltzing along that line between what is generally acceptable and what rubs someone the wrong way. Well, Reed takes us dangerously close to that boundary, both cinematically and realistically. He did manage to skid this reviewer across the finish line without causing any severe damage.
Gary (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) are two outgoing, likable people living in the windy city of Chicago. Greg is the "talent" aboard a family-owned tourbus, while Brooke works as the support structure for an art gallery. Amidst their courtship, the two build a seemingly strong, sociable relationship. Both appear to be on the same page with similar tastes in activities. Alas, things aren't always as they seem. As with many break-up stories, one thin straw (or more like a bag of lemons) ultimately breaks the camel's back.
The Break-Up is an observational film centered on the events that unfold after an unpleasant evening with the family leads to rough waters for our couple. We watch as Gary and Brooke battle over their hearts, their sanity, and their beautiful apartment to an entertainingly uncomfortable degree. Vaughn's Gary is the absolute cookie cutter stereotype of the perceived "difficult male", while Aniston's Brooke is the conflicting stereotype as the nagging, emotional "difficult female". Each fit their respective roles with graceful talent and maintain a consistent over-the-top rhythm. The result is a combination of laughs and groans alike.
This works, for a time. The persistent bickering starts to outweigh the thinly spread laughs and increasingly awkward supporting cast (some which hit the mark, others that add to the discomfort level). Still, the likeable charm of the two leads and their entertainingly painful banter merits The Break-Up enough gusto worthy of a viewing. Even with as much anguish this viewer underwent while waltzing the line of frustration, the result is still a satisfying experience. Although we never get to encounter the relationships' peaks (except through photographs), we still empathize with our charismatic, broken protagonists and hope for the best.
The DVD:
Universal has packaged this widescreen version of The Break-Up in a standard keepcase DVD with simple, nice artwork. Contained is the disc (with art the same as the front of the DVD) and a promotional insert.
The Video:
The film looks great in its enhanced 1.85:1 widescreen presentation. Edge enhancement appears minimal, while black levels stand out with moderate depth. The sights amidst Chicago's skyline and the angular, colorfully rich appearance of the apartment (or battleground) paint the cinematographically pleasant canvas for the metropolitan conflict. Vaughn and Aniston's facial expressions carry through bright and clear through a very nice transfer.
The Audio:
Just about everybody can be satisfied with the audio presentation here. I was pleasantly surprised with some of the uses of surrounds in The Break-Up's 5.1 Dolby track. Not that the dialogue-driven film requires any high-end setup to enjoy. The dialogue is extremely clear, crisp, and achieves the desired impact throughout the couple's arguments. Vaughn and Jon Favreau's rumbling voices matched well with Aniston and Lauren Adams' higher range. Very clean audio track. Hey, and if it suits your fancy, Spanish, French, and English Dolby Surround tracks are also available. For reference, English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles are available.
The Extras:
This package was wrapped with a nice bow by including an adequate set of extras. If you are a fan of this film, I have the sneaking suspicion you will be pleased with what has been offered:
Commentaries are included with director Peyton Reed and with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston on a separate track.
Fifteen minutes of Deleted Scenes are included – and you'll more than likely agree with the edits. Also included is a VERY peculiar alternate ending that personally made this reviewer chuckle, then cringe a bit at the length.
Featurettes accompany these extras as well, including:
- Making Of Featurette – A decently insightful look into some of the script progress and how Vaughn and his cohorts assembled the film and it's intricately odd portions.
- Three Brothers: A Tour of Chicago – Simple, goofy and mildly entertaining remote operated tour through the film's locales.
- Favreau / Vaughn Improv Sessions – Nice split screen feature of the two's alternate dialogues during a scene.
- The Tone Rangers - a very entertaining addition featuring Richard, the Borderline-Gay A Cappella Singing Brother.
All in all, the extras are definitely enough to tickle the fancy of those eager to learn a bit about the craftsmanship of the film. Granted, there aren't any concept notes from the script and not much dialogue on the writer's crafting process. In any case, The Break-Up DVD ends up being a pretty ample package for this film.
The Bottom Line:
If you give this film a chance, don't go in expecting a wine and roses romantic flick. I disagree that this film is an appropriate "date movie". However, The Break Up is definitely not without enjoyable moments and sprinkles of poignancy. The realistic nature of Gary and Brooke's crazy trip to Splitsville conveys heartfelt messages – preferably "don't let this happen to you" – and some laughs amidst an array of uncomfortable and awkward elements. While I can give a check of approval for a one shot viewing, I'd personally recommend you Rent It before plunging in for a purchase. I mean, how many times would you like to view your friends go down that road?
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