REVIEW: ‘The Dilemma’ is perfectly uncomfortable
A matinee with a crowd of grandpas and their wives did not change the funny factor of “The Dilemma.” I did feel as if I were the only one laughing, but that might be my obnoxiously loud hackle and my “I-don’t-care-what-people-think-of-me” attitude. Nonetheless, “The Dilemma” was a fantastic comedy with an everyday, common, unfortunate predicament.
It tells a story of two best friends, Ronny and Nick. Buds since their earlier college years, they hardly have anything that would come between them, or so they thought. Ronny, played by the hilarious Vince Vaughn, finds Nick’s wife with another man. The friends, now business partners in an auto design company, have a stressful deadline creeping up. Does Ronny tell Nick in the midst of his stress or after they meet deadline?
With an appropriately awkward feel, “The Dilemma” generates a sort of uncontrollable laughter and angst. Half the time I was laughing out loud. The other half, I was tightly clasping my hands together covering my mouth from anxiety. I couldn’t help but place myself in this real world situation. What would I do?
Vince Vaughn did not only provide the impeccable hilarity that is expected from him, but he looks comfortable doing drama as well. His on-screen chemistry with Kevin James created the perfect brother-like friendship that was intended.
From the beginning through the end, I felt like all the actors were the best of friends just making a movie together. That of course, might be the case, but not all actors can come across as natural, nor appear to have been life-long friends with someone.
Kevin James had no problem delivering his lines and realistic role. I am a fan. Unfortunately, the actress that played his wife, Winona Ryder, was not all that. Maybe her acting just appeared to be mediocre compared to the leading men, but half the time it looked like she had crazy eyes. She was over-acting and everything was much too exaggerated. Jennifer Connelly, who plays Vaughn’s girlfriend Beth, was excellent. No need to say more.
As for Channing Tatum, “She’s the Man” was the only project I liked of his, and I felt rather ambivalent towards his character. He is a terrible actor but pretty to look at. I will admit, I chuckled quietly when he spoke and delivered the lines in a hilariously unusual manner and his facial expressions weren’t too shabby. However, I would have not seen the movie if he was the male lead.
Ron Howard, the director, is mostly known for his dramatic work, like “A Beautiful Mind” and “Angels and Demons.” Writer Allan Loeb, whose most recent comedy was “The Switch,” also stepped a little bit out of his comfort zone. They have yet to perfect wit, comedic timing and dialogue, but practice makes perfect, right? Besides, comedy is much harder to succeed in than drama. For comedic amateurs, they could have done much worse.
Comedies don’t normally have intriguing graphics and camera angles but “The Dilemma” didn’t lack. Near the end, there was an interesting choice of directing in a scene where the two best friends sit facing each other, right before their big meeting. I felt the tension. It was awkward, nerve-wracking and almost uncomfortable; job well-done.
The two hours flew by due to constant entertainment. I am not saying constant laughter, but I was never bored. If you are in the mood for Friday night leisure, I suggest checking out “The Dilemma.”
– Anike.pullens@aggiemail.usu.edu