by Perry Cox

Created on: November 21, 2008

Gary and Brooke met at a baseball game and fell in love. Unfortunately, Gary's refusal to do anything that Brooke wants has led to constant strain and argument. The couple's confrontation comes to a head at a family dinner that leads to the break down of their relationship. With neither willing to make concessions or back down this looks like the end for Gary and Brooke.

"The Break Up" is a rom-com in reverse as we watch the decline of Gary and Brooke's relationship. The implosion of their loved up relationship makes for a far more interesting story than your standard boy meets girl love in that Hollywood usual offers. In saying this is a rom-com I am perhaps misleading you as it is not really a funny film but more a drama of bitter sweet melancholy. This is no "Wedding Crashers" or "Picture Perfect" but it is better for it by offering something comparatively unique.

It is odd to see Vince Vaughn as Gary and Jennifer Aniston as Brooke playing it straight but they play their parts with more subtlety than I imagined was possible. Don't get me wrong, Vaughn is still the same arrogant yet charming character he usually plays and Aniston is still typecast as Rachel from "Friends" but it is all toned down a bit and works well. Although the film is not devoid of humour it is more from the supporting characters of best friends with Jon Favreau (Pete from "Friends") playing a slightly psychotic Johnny O with glee and John Michael Higgins hamming it up as Brooke's vocal harmony obsessed brother. In fact perhaps the only true funny bit of the film is a "My Best Friend's Wedding" style sing along at dinner.

Although not funny "The Break Up" is definitely an interesting and engaging movie. Watching the destruction of the couple and their fighting over friends and mutual space is something anyone can resonate and empathize with. Although, we are obviously led to empathize with put upon Brooke as the film progresses we begin to see more facets to Gary and their relationship's decline is quite painful to watch as they both try to stamp their authority and make each other jealous. You almost want to scream at them to listen to each other as you see the couple drift apart!

For a Hollywood movie, "The Break Up" does well not to go down the traditional happily ever after route prevalent in so many rom-coms. I am not a fan of the romantic comedy, they are so often insipid and boring aimed solely at the chick-flick market. However, I can say I am a fan of this. It has a subtlety and warmth you rarely see in this sort of film and provides a sense of hope for both relationships and this much maligned genre.

Learn more about this author, Perry Cox.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.