The Break-Up

was mostly shocked by Vince Vaughan, who showed me for the first time that he wasn't the long-delayed immature frat boy he so often plays, but actually an imperfect hilarious, yet often silly, character who's main flaw is his selfishness.

This is that branch of the romantic comedy known as 'a relationship movie', but generally short on witty lines and amusing incidents.

The Break-Up doesn't turn the rom-com on its head, but with its focus on the darker side of love manages to gently tip it on its side.

Sharp dialogue and detailed observations make it a good deal funnier than you might expect.

Like the story of many broken down relationships: despite the initial attraction, you're left feeling cheated.

It's not a good sign when a movie is called The Break-Up and you can't wait for the couple to split so they'll get some relief from one another, and give the audience some relief from them.

One feels a little frightened for Anniston's character on occasion. The misogynistic tone of the script is palpable.

This is a perfect date movie if you plan on dumping the person you're with when the movie is over.

So, pick a side, any side. We all know that breaking up is hard to do. You can at least do it with laughter with The Break Up.

The Break-Up is a funny and light comedy, but it tries to be something a bit more without being something a bit more, hampered by shoddy characterization, ending up a bit empty.