Movie Review: ‘The Dilemma’

The Dilemma is both fascinating and funny. Basically—if you saw your best friend’s wife cheating, what would you do? Our comedic duo Vince Vaughn and Kevin James exploit this scenario well.
Movie Review: ‘The Dilemma’
(L to R) Geneva (Winona Ryder), Beth (Jennifer Connelly), Nick (Kevin James) and Ronny (Vince Vaughn) in 'The Dilemma.' Chuck Hodes/ Universal Studio
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<a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/Vaughn-James-Ryder-Connelly_medium.JPG"><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/07/Vaughn-James-Ryder-Connelly_medium.JPG" alt="(L to R) Geneva (Winona Ryder), Beth (Jennifer Connelly), Nick (Kevin James) and Ronny (Vince Vaughn) in 'The Dilemma.'  ( Chuck Hodes/ Universal Studio)" title="(L to R) Geneva (Winona Ryder), Beth (Jennifer Connelly), Nick (Kevin James) and Ronny (Vince Vaughn) in 'The Dilemma.'  ( Chuck Hodes/ Universal Studio)" width="320" class="size-medium wp-image-118857"/></a>
(L to R) Geneva (Winona Ryder), Beth (Jennifer Connelly), Nick (Kevin James) and Ronny (Vince Vaughn) in 'The Dilemma.'  ( Chuck Hodes/ Universal Studio)
A true situation comedy, the premise of The Dilemma is both fascinating and funny. Basically—if you saw your best friend’s wife cheating, what would you do? Our comedic duo Vince Vaughn and Kevin James exploit this scenario well, piling on their signature slapstick and over-the-top humor throughout the film.

The Dilemma stars power house comedians Vaughn and James with a strong ensemble cast including Oscar winning actress Jennifer Connelly, career revived Wynona Ryder, as well as rising star Channing Tatum, and Queen Latifah all appear. Notable director Ron Howard directed the film.

The film starts by introducing long time best friends Nick & Ronny (Vince & Kevin) who live in Chicago and have their own engine design business. Then we meet Ronny’s girlfriend Beth (Jennifer Connelly) and Nick’s wife Geneva (Winona Ryder). While planning out his marriage proposal, Nick suddenly stumbles upon Ronny’s wife with another man, Zip (Channing Tatum). Nick then faces the “dilemma” of how and when to tell Ronny, and how to deal with the entire situation. Henceforth, the character interactions get very interesting and the play on the theme then follows.

The Dilemma expresses the sentiment and tribulations involving friendship, relationships, and life career choices. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t an immensely moving film. The screen play does not break new ground and certainly doesn’t incorporate deep, complex, multidimensional characters. It is however, exactly what you would expect and appreciate from a Vaughn, James comedy, and it does have its moments.

Ben Zgodny
Ben Zgodny
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