Film File - The Dilemma

How important is honesty, really, and how much do we trust the people we're closest to? Such is the conundrum posed in the first major comedy of 2011. Vince Vaughn and Kevin James are the leads in this romp from director Ron Howard about a man who finds out that what you don't say to a friend is just as important as what you do. Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Channing Tatum and Queen Latifah join them in a story of how far you can bend a brotherly bond before it snaps. Best buddies since their college days, confirmed bachelor Ronny (Vaughn) and happily married Nick (James) have been through thick and thin together. Now partners in their own company, B&V Engine Design, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would put their company on the map. Backed up with the support of Ronny's girlfriend, Beth (Connelly), and Nick's wife, Geneva (Ryder), at their sides, the pair look unbeatable. One day, however, Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva in the arms of another man (Tatum), shattering the sheen of his best friend's perfect marriage. Like any best bud, Ronny makes it his mission to get answers before he tells Nick the news that no-one ever thinks he will have to hear. As his amateur investigation progresses through many a comedic mishap, Ronny unexpectedly discovers that his lifelong buddy has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting from automotive consultant Susan Warner (Latifah) on the biggest business presentation of their careers, and Ronny's own relationship deteriorating by the day, he must decide how and when he will reveal the truth to his best friend. We've all been there in some shape or form, and likely faced the ultimate question - how truthful can you really be to even your best friend? Director Ron Howard recalls the genesis for 'The Dilemma' coming during the making of the Dan Brown adaptation of 'Angels & Demons' in Rome, and a conversation about the possible scenarios unleashed if you spotted someone's spouse cheating. Vaughn added his own spice to the idea by asking how one might get the information to a friend without destroying him and in the process losing him as a friend. In many of his films, from 'Swingers' to 'The Break-Up' and 'Couples Retreat', Vaughn has mined rich seams of humour from the problems inherent in relationships. 'The Dilemma' marks Ron Howard's return to comedy after more than a decade helming blockbuster thrillers and dramas. Having directed hit comedies in the '80s and '90s like 'Nightshift', 'Splash', 'Cocoon' and 'Parenthood', 'The Dilemma' allows Howard examine a very modern theme with his experienced eye. Working with a sharp script from Alan Loeb whose previous credits include 'Wall Street 2' and 'The Switch', much of the film hinges on the chemistry of Vaughn and James - an easy familiarity where every pop reference and verbal slapstick moment is milked for maximum effect. While Ryder makes a solid return to the big screen after a period in the career doldrums, Connelly is relatively underused. While 'The Dilemma' is mainly predictable, it does have just enough hidden comedic cards embedded in the script to make it worth the chuckles it will likely prompt.