Break-Up, The

Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn. Joey Lauren Adams, Cole Hauser, Jon Favreau, Justin Bateman, Ivan Sergei. John Michael Higgins

Director: Peyton Reed

This anti-romantic comedy was a huge hit with American audiences, but that's no reason why you should look forward to it.

It's like being invited to a two-hour session with your least favourite bickering couple.

An overweight Vince Vaughn plays Gary, an obnoxious, motormouth slob who refuses to lift a finger to help his partner Brooke (Aniston) around their apartment. He scatters mess around, insists on his own way in everything and is never ready when guests arrive.

In time, of course, Brooke snaps. But the trouble is that the poor sap's still in love with this deeply unlovable schmuck. Her attempts to win him back by dating hunky suitors simply backfire. He just doesn't care....it seems.

Vaughn's hairstyle varies from scene to scene and his final reformation hardly convinces. In an all-too-distinguihed supporting cast, only Favreau gets much of a look in, as Vaughn's violence-minded buddy, while the talents of Judy Davis, Vincent d'Onofrio and Ann-Margret are largely wasted.

Justin Long, on the other hand, does have a few bright moments as Aniston's louche co-worker at Davis's art gallery. Chiding him for wishing phone clients happy holiday, Aniston reminds him that Christmas was months ago. 'Yes,' sighs Long, stifling a sob. 'And I miss it so much.'

David Quinlan

USA 2006. UK Distributor: . Color by De Luxe.
107 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: 12A.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 0, Drugs 0, Swearing 1.

Review date: 17 Jul 2006