Art imitates life as Aniston breaks up on the big screen

Let me state right off the top that I am a huge Vince Vaughn fan.


From his unforgettable “Double Down” Trent to the “Wedding Crashers,” I have always enjoyed his work. So, going into “The Break Up,” I thought double V would be able to accomplish the impossible…make a movie with a former “Friends” cast member enjoyable to watch. Well, there are some things even Vince can't do.

“The Break Up” is a bad movie sprinkled with a few funny bits. The problem is the majority of the funny parts were shown in the TV ads.

- Lemon scene
- Brother singing
- Condo counsellor Jason Bateman scene
- Her date likes him better scene

Even a stellar supporting cast can't save this disaster. Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Favreau, John Michael Higgins and Judy Davis are all very good. Favreau and Vaughn are usually magic on screen together and they do have some excellent moments. I even liked the backhanded reference to their first film together “Rudy” with the Notre Dame football segment. But, much like the actual Notre Dame Football program, “The Break Up” can't deliver on its potential.

The big problem with “The Break Up” is the Vaughn-Aniston pairing. While they were obviously getting along quite well off screen, the on-screen pairing is awkward at best. Vaughn's character Gary Grobowski is a funny guy who refuses to grow up. Aniston's Brooke Meyers is a moron who thinks she can make him grow up. By the end, you just don't give a crap if they patch things up.

As much as I don't particularly like Aniston, the blame here must rest on Vaughn's shoulders. The movie was his baby. He came up with the concept, and he co-produced the film.

I guess that evens the score in a way. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's first film together, (causing Pitt and Aniston to split up), “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” was awful. Now, with “The Break Up,” Jen has tied the game.

Save yourself the cash and avoid “The Break Up.”

“The Break Up” is the first-run film for Wednesday, June 14. at Cineplex Odeon Huron Marketplace. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for guests. Pick your tickets up at the Biz Booth.