<i>The Break Up</i>

The Break Up starts all funny and hilarious, but it surprisingly moves on to more serious ground as the movie proceeds into its final stages. Also surprising: It works!

Jennifer Aniston stars as Brooke - an art gallery dealer and her beau in real-life, Vince Vaughn stars as Gary - a fun loving tour guide in Chicago. The two fall in love with each other and buy a condo together. But living happily ever after starts to look like a dream.

Gary and Brooke start drifting apart. As their relationship dissolves -- Brooke feels unappreciated, Gary feels indignant at her feeling unappreciated -- they go through the usual steps, including childish behavior and petty revenge tactics. Their stubborn refusal to cancel an already-planned game night with friends has hilarious results. Brooke's best friend Addie (Joey Lauren Adams) is ripe with own-your-feelings advice, while Gary's brothers (Cole Hauser and Vincent D'Onofrio) and best friend (Jon Favreau) are sometimes helpful, sometimes juvenile. They finally decide to break up.

However, neither one wants to give up the growingly desirable and valuable condo. As they try to drive each other crazy and claim the home for their own, the audience is left to wonder if Gary and Brooke really want to end it for good.

The film's promotional tagline ("pick a side") suggests a battle of the sexes. Whose side are you on? Will either get the condo? Will they truly break up? Watch the movie to find out more.

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn, Joey Lauren Adams, Cole Hauser, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Favreau
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Peyton Reed
Writing credits: Jeremy Garelick, Jay Lavender