When The Break-Up released this summer, reviews ran the gammitt between hot and cold. Some hated the idea of turning the tride and true romantic comedy on its head, while others loved it for that very reason.
Personally, I fall into the latter group. I thought The Break-Up was a brilliant, refreshing take on a genre that I normally dread sitting through. It was smart, honest and lacking the usual romantic comedy BS. Most romantic comedies paint a picture of relationships impossible to live up to in reality, but The Break-Up tells it like it is. And that’s exactly why some people couldn’t handle it.
If you’ve never had a long term relationship in your life, well then, there’s probably nothing for you here either. You won’t really get it. Me, I’ve been through lengthy relationships a few times. In fact, I’m in one now. My girlfriend and I saw the film together and couldn’t help but laugh at some of the arguments Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) and Gary (Vince Vaughn) had and how eerily similar they were to our own.
Maybe you don’t want to go to the movies and see reality. For you, I’m sure that there is some Michael Bay schlock or an old Meg Ryan snorer floating around somewhere to watch. To me, just because a movie hits home doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed. Break-Up has a lot of great laughs. Vince Vaughn’s usual rapid-fire point-on dialogue is here. Jennifer Aniston’s knack for physical comedy plays off Vaughn wonderfully, with a chemistry of anger and spite that fits the film soooo perfectly.
I loved The Break-Up. I think it’s one of the best romantic comedies ever made, probably right up there with When Harry Met Sally in my book. If you can watch this film with an open mind and accept that no relationship is perfect and that is exactly the point of this movie, then I think you will find a lot to like.
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What’s On the Disc
If you already read the above, then you know I’m a more-than-a-little biased fan of the film. Still, this single disc DVD boasts a very impressive set of extras that trumps most other comedy DVD releases.
First is an alternate ending to the film. While I won’t reveal this or the actual chosen ending, I must say that this ending is fantastic. Probably a little too high-brow for most (which is why it wasn’t chosen) but it’s actually quite funny. Usually these alternate endings stink, little more than a reason to market a DVD. This one is actually quite funny. Any fan of the film will definitely appreciate it.
An extensive improv sequence of a bar chat between Vaughn and long-time pal Jon Favreau runs about 16 minutes. This is a great behind-the-scenes look at the chemistry these guys have together. Some takes are funnier than others, but it’s interesting to watch either way.
A large collection of deleted scenes and outtakes runs more than 15 minutes. Like most of these scenes, they are hit and miss, but many of these are gems. John Michael Higgins is particularly hysterical in some lost scenes
Speaking of Higgins, it turns out his part as the leader of the Tone Rangers wasn’t exactly a coincidence. “In Perfect Harmony: The Tone Rangers” explores the history, revealing that Higgins actually had his own similar mens acapella group back in the day and was thrilled to explore that on film.
”The Making of The Break-Up is an entertaining promotional doc on the film with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
”Three Brothers: A Tour Of Chicago" takes viewers on a personal tour of the legendary Chicago locations used in the film.
Finally, two commentaries are offered, one with Vaughn and Aniston and one with Director Peyton Reed. Vaughn and Aniston’s offers some good insights into the production, but it’s a little drier than I would have expected.
All in all, The Break-Up DVD offers a terrific and highly comprehensive set of extras that perfectly explore and expand on this great comedy.