Director: Ron Howard
Rating: PG-13
The Bouw-Man.
Vince Vaughn has a certain type of personality where you either find him funny and entertaining, or really annoying. He doesn’t have a whole lot of acting range, so what you see is what you get. I personally like most of the fast-talking characters he plays, so that’s a plus in the favor of ‘The Dilemma.” Throw in an “everyday guy” like Kevin James as his film buddy, and I think you have the makings of the first fun (if not incredibly deep) comedy of the New Year. Although they are apparently just in the film for show, the three main female leads in the film (Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder and Queen Latifah) are actually all Oscar-nominated actresses. Jennifer Connelly was not only nominated, but won in 2002 for her role in “A Beautiful Mind.” However, it appears this is really Vaughn and James’s show and any success (or failure) will be due to them.
The trailer gives the impression that the main plot of this film is that Vince Vaughn finds the wife of his best friend (and business partner), Kevin James, having an affair with a younger man. As stated previously, the potential is definitely there if you like the comedy offerings of Vaughn and James. Really good comedies have been pretty much absent since the summer, so the timing could be just right for “The Dilemma” to prosper.
Prediction.
There will be some competition from “The Green Hornet” this weekend, as another funnyman (Seth Rogan) is vying for a significant box office take. Vaughn’s last comedy, “Couples Retreat,” took in over $34 million during its opening weekend back in October of 2009. If you don’t count “Grown Ups,” James last headlined a film back in January 2009 with “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.” “Blart” made just under $32 million during its opening weekend, so one would figure that this comedy starring both Vaughn and James should make well over $30 million opening weekend. The box office, however, has been so erratic lately that I can’t make such a huge prediction. Let’s say $25 million for “The Dilemma.”
Opening Weekend Gross: $25 Million
Noodles: Prediction
The words "Directed by Ron Howard" hold a great deal of power to me. Given any other director save Tarantino, Nolan, and Stallone, I would assume this was going to be a good to mediocre dramedy. But 'Dilemma' looks like it could be pretty decent. Solid cast, and it doesn't look too silly or slapstick so the themes retain their maturity. My only reservation is that Wynona seems like a bitch, in a way that a longtime friend would have figured out long ago. Her heel turn seems to take Vince totally by surprise. The idea of infidelity isn't so shocking as her Joker-esk turn threatening him with false allegations of being hit upon.
So I'm interested in this movie! Not excited, or "can't wait to see it" eager. But it looks interesting. The question is will America find it interesting enough? Perhaps.
Opening Weekend Gross: $16 Million
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