Jun 09 2011
Red Box Review–The Dilemma #redbox
The Dilemma (2011– 111mins) V. Vaughn, K. James 
Ronny (Vaughn) and Nick (James) are best friends and as close as brothers. Being such close friends that they are even partners in their business. So when Ronny sees Nick’s wife cheating on him he has a huge “Dilemma” as to when, if , and how to tell his best friend the truth, as he knows it will completely kill him. This then starts the whole thing I like to call the Three’s Company effect. Where we get the whole misdirection,misunderstanding and ultimate resolution of a ton of problems. Perfect examples of other movies that fit this are the whole “Focker” franchise. Where they use embarrassment thru the eyes of the main character to draw laughs and feelings of sympathy from the audience. As much as I love these two guys in movies, and thought this would have been the perfect buddy comedy for them it just falls flat. It’s yet another example of almost all the funny parts in the whole movie being in the trailer. I kept wanting it to be good and more then it was, and on the other hand just wanted it to wrap up and end.
Sure there’s some funny lines and a great 10 min part for Queen Latifah, who, as always is great, but the laughs generally are few and far between. Winona Ryder and Jennifer Connelly play the guys significant others, with Ryder being the source of the adultary, and Connelly being Vaughn’s girlfriend who he is trying to find a good way to propose to her when he stumbles upon the dastardly act. Unfortunately other then these women looking good in their parts, they just feel mailed in and watered down in this movie. Sorry Ron Howard, comedy feature films just don’t seem to be your thing.
Verdict–> Most people will prolly want to see it for themselves and make their own decisions but I would recommend against it. It’s an all too long movie which isn’t as funny as you really want it to be. You will have spotty patches of hard laughs, but I think you will still come away feeling like you were cheated out of what could have…. nay should have, been a great movie.
