The Dilemma directed by Ron Howard see’s Ronny Valentine (Vince Vaughn) confronted with his best friends wife (Winona Ryder) cheating on her husband. Usually able to talk himself out of any situation, Ronny Valentine occasionally has you in stitches of laughter, but more often your left cringing waiting for the scene to finish. When Vaughn gets it right he really gets it right, but in this movie, similar to The Break-up that he also produced, he seems to miss the mark. Even his relationship with long time girlfriend Beth (Jennifer Connelly) lacks intensity and insight, although it was most certainly the most captivating relationship featured.
The one attribute that this film has going for it is Vaughn’s characters gambling addiction and the reaction from those around him. Ronny’s wife Beth shows a suitable response to the situation but the failure of the comedic aspect to this serious situation and the lack of depth to their relationship lets the story line down.
The bromance of Ronny Valentine and Nick (Kevin James) lacks a certain something although there is some evidence of chemistry between them. James’ character is reminiscent of his other roles such as Hitch, where he also plays the inadequate second male role, and here his character is subjected to the patronising ways of his friend Ronny. Watching their relationship in the film as well as considering them as actors one can’t help but to smile, but unfortunately the focus was mostly off and failed to really captivate the audience.
Thing only take a turn for the worse when Ronny confronts the man his best friends wife is cheating with. Much like his name Zip (Channing Tatum), the encounter is a joke. The level of violence is disturbing, as you see Zip and Ronny going at it with a baseball bat and later a gun, flying through windows and the destruction of a car. Howard’s direction here misses the comedic mark and leaves the audience cringing at the unruly behaviour.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for me however was Queen Latifah role as a as an executive in Ronny and Nicks business venture. The character’s crude remarks leave little to be desired and like the other characters in the film, the audience also misses the point to the jokes that seem to be randomly inserted.
A decent attempt for another comedy by the key players, but unfortunately I wouldn’t recommend rushing to the cinema for it, perhaps wait for it to come on Sky during one rainy day when there is nothing else on the 900 channels.
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