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Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

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Mixed or average reviews- based on 95 Ratings

  • Starring: Kevin James, Vince Vaughn, Winona Ryder
  • Summary: Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny and happily married Nick ,have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. With Ronny's girlfriend, Beth, and Nick's wife, Geneva, by their sides, they're unbeatable. But Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting on the biggest presentation of their careers, Ronny must decide how and when he will reveal the truth to his best friend. (Universal Pictures)




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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 32
  2. Negative: 6 out of 32
  1. Reviewed by: Kyle Smith
    Jan 14, 2011
    75
    The movie is much like a really long beer commercial - but a really dark one.
  2. Reviewed by: Randy Cordova
    Jan 12, 2011
    60
    There are a few big laughs, but there are also long stretches in which nothing funny happens.
  3. Reviewed by: Genevieve Harrison
    Jan 17, 2011
    60
    Hit-and-miss for Howard. The tone flits, sometimes uncomfortably, from Vaughn-fuelled laugh-fest to relationship drama, but it's a winner compared to many of the clunkly comedies out there.
  4. Reviewed by: Scott Bowles
    Jan 13, 2011
    38
    Vaughn and James are likable enough, and they would have real chemistry in, say, an all-out comedy.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 31
  2. Negative: 11 out of 31
  1. I believe that there was too much criticism towards a very good comedy,certainly better than other comedies sold as great(take The holiday for example).The dilemma features a great cast,an interesting story and a really good direction.How could this comedy have gained so much haters is beyond my comprehension.Ronny(Vince Vaughn)and Nick(Kevin James)are best friends working on a ambitious project as auto designers that would launch their company.But Ronny discovers Geneva(Winona Ryder),wife of Nick,cheating on him with another man.So he has to find how to tell his best friend about the unexpected truth. Ron Howard is not new to comedy territory(Splash for example)and in my opinion he manages to entertain the audience.The movie boasts really hilarious moments and good reflections on friendship and marriage with a light tone that is natural for comedy.Even if there are few predictable aspects I enjoyed the movie for what it is.I think that critics and audience missed the point because I've seen not so much good comedies about that. Vince Vaughn is the heart and the soul of the movie.I found him really good and I believe that he is an underrated actor.They should give him more opportunities to show his abilities. Kevin James is adequate to his role that is not too demanding. Jennifer Connelly has a pointless role as the Ronnie's girlfriend.Don't get me wrong.I think she is a really amazing actress and she plays well here.But her role is a bit useless except her mission to make Ronnie a more honest man about what's happening . Winona Ryder has the juiciest and the more complex role as the cheating wife.She was exceptional and mesmerizing.She proved why she deserves to be still today a leading actress and not to be pushed only in supporting roles and little parts. She embodies not a stereotyped character but a selfish,occasionally nasty but with a soul within the surface woman.I hope this will be a comeback for her. So good story, good direction, good script and a perfect cast.My vote is 7/10 Expand
  2. What happened to this film is that people saw Vince Vaughn and Kevin James and made an assumption that it was going to be typical of the work they've done previously which is routine small screen sitcom. This is the first time I've watched Vince Vaughn and actually appreciated his talent. He was truly suited for this role and Kevin James matched him. Ryder and Connelly were truly regulated to back seats in this piece but they rode quite well. This isn't or wasn't intended to be some slap stick roll on the floor grab your sides slap stick crap. Ron Howard had a story and a dilemna he wanted to explore and he did it well. It not a great film but it's not a bad either and it's perfect for a cold winter night when you just want to sit back and watch something entertaining while you relax. Expand
  3. 5
    I have mixed feelings about this movie. It could have easily taken the cheap way out as with so many other comedies these days with crass sophomoric humor to illicit approval from the audience. Instead it went for a more mature approach with comedy as an afterthought. Unfortunately it came up short in terms of resonating with me. Vince Vaughan did an admirable job as an individual tortured by being unsure as to what is the right thing to do. I disagree that this was his typical role. Not far removed but more of a stretch than I have seen in the past. Jennifer Connelly was fine as was Winona Ryder. Interesting to see Winona in a few movies lately. Kevin James does not yet allow me to think of him as a character other than Kevin James. Who knows if that will ever change. Bottom line is a B+ for effort but a C+ for execution. Expand
  4. 4
    What Howard has here is a film that follows the genre...so far, beats about the bush a bit further, digresses toward a flash of intrigue, then falls straight on its face---leaving a hefty rash of deep-rooted 'botanical' dissatisfaction. "The Dilemma" is nothing more than a rom-com filled with the usual paranoia, speculation, sex, lies, and melodrama---the only difference---the PG-13 rating decided to lose its diapers. What transpires is a miss-matched, unconvincing, uninteresting concoction of a recurringly flat and soporific Vince Vaughn-meets-Mall Cop-meets Deeds-soap opera that takes an earnestly darker and contemplative approach to heartbreak. The bottom line: the combination doesn't make for many laughs. Expand

See all 31 User Reviews

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