What Do The Critics Say?
"Vaughn and James essentially play the same character in every project so there are no surprises there. Jennifer Connelly does eye candy as Vaughn’s girlfriend. The only meat in the movie comes from the spouse in question who is nicely done by a dangerously duplicitous Winona Ryder. What saves The Dilemma is Howard’s movie-making ability and his great comedic timing. If this type of TV sitcom comedy is your thing, you’ll enjoy it. 3 1/2 STARS."
Gary Wolcott TRI-CITY HERALD
"It would be superficial, if not entirely off the mark, to dismiss "The Dilemma" as a slow-moving episode of "Desperate Housewives" as written by Chris Berman. There’s a bit more to this bromantic comedy. Thirty years ago, guys didn’t hug unless it was a funeral or the end of the World Series. Ronny and Nick not only hug, they dance with each other with more spirit than they do with their wives."
Kyle Smith NEW YORK POST
"The ugly emotional mess is so respectfully handled that the story resonates far beyond its comic designs. Howard concludes with an overscaled inspirational moment between the buddies at a Blackhawks game, unaware perhaps that the story he's just told is wiser than that."
J.R. Jones CHICAGO READER
"The cast are uniformly excellent. Vaughn is his usual self but gets a few sincere moments to show off his long-neglected depths. James is in career-best form (which is admittedly not saying much) and an against-type Ryder is right on the money, particularly in a showdown with Vaughn's character that sets many of the aforementioned complications into play."
Matt Neal THE STANDARD
"In large part, "The Dilemma" is a well-done dramatic comedy: heck, near-melodrama, even; about friendship and infidelity, and how, as it's put in a certain recovery program, we are only as sick as our secrets. Quite a bit more engaging and emotionally challenging than one had much reason to expect."
Glenn Kenny MSN MOVIES
"A surprisingly honest take on relationships with terrific performances by the four leads. A shame it has been mis-advertised as a wacky comedy, because it is much better than that. If this movie, even with the same cast, had played like a Sundance or something like that, I bet people might have been taking it a little more seriously. I actually liked the film quite a bit."
Erik Childress RADIO 720 WGN CHICAGO
"As painful as the scenes are in which these four people try to figure out how to move forward, there's also plenty of humor because the characters' reactions feel like the way real people might behave in embarrassing situations. There are jokes, sure, but 'Dilemma' is more interested in exploring the emotional and friendship ramifications of Vaughn's decision."
Chris Hewitt ST PAUL PIONEER PRESS
"You could read Howard's film as a suppressed homoerotic love story (complete with lame gay jokes), but there isn't anything sexual about it. The movie's focus is that one, sticky, philosophical pickle, played for anguish and laughs. Can we ever truly know someone? Can we even answer the question? Probably not, but The Dilemma gets credit for trying."
Amy Biancolli HOUSTON CHRONICLE
"Those expecting a trademark Vince Vaughn Wedding Crashers-style laughfest will be disappointed-and those who hate Vince Vaughn Wedding Crashers style laughfests will be surprisingly impressed. This goofy comedy is actually a dark look at bromance under fire. A cautionary tale, a yarn about double lives and dark secrets."
Dezhda Gaubert E! ONLINE
"The screenplay, by Alan Loeb, is moderately intelligent about human frailty, so that this apparent comedy becomes an inquiry into honesty, trust, and the role for lies in our lives. None of us gets by without telling a lie sometimes. When do they become so big they completely blot out the light? At times I didn't dare laugh at the distress on screen. A Ron Howard film. Who'd have thought it?"
Julie Rigg MOVIE TIME REVIEWS
The Inside Story
Oscar winning Director Ron Howard ("A Beautiful Mind") recalls the night that became the genesis for The Dilemma. "We were at a dinner party in Rome during "Angels & Demons", and Brian Grazer started talking about these crazy scenarios. One of them was 'What would you do if there was somebody you cared a lot about, say, your best friend, and you spotted his spouse cheating? He said that this idea popped in his head: 'What if I saw Ron's wife kissing a guy somewhere? What would I do, and; what would be my process in figuring out when and how to tell him?' It not only received a laugh at the dinner table, it also kicked off a lively conversation among the attendees." After the party was over, Grazer told Howard that his simple question was actually an idea he was considering for a movie. Howard advised his longtime friend that this idea was a solid concept, and he should pursue it. Once they returned stateside, Grazer offered the same query during a meeting with Vince Vaughn ("Starsky & Hutch"). The actor/producer immediately became interested in the premise and put his twist on the water cooler subject. "When I met with Brian, what I connected to was the idea of how you get the information to your friend without destroying him: and in the process losing him as a friend," Vaughn explained. "For me, it wasn't about whether I should I tell him or not. It was about watching someone burdened with the knowledge of what's going on and the struggle to figure out how and when to tell him." In many of his films, Vaughn has found comedy from the problems inherent in relationships. From "Swingers" to "Made", "The Break-Up" and "Couples Retreat", he's enjoyed exploring the laughs that come from situations in which we've all found ourselves. "It's fun to watch a character go through this because you know he has tell his best friend, but how do you do that? It's easier said than done, and the dilemma becomes how does one friend navigate it and cause the least amount of damage possible?" Though Oscar winner Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind") hadn't worked with two time People's Choice Award winner (2006 & '07) Vaughn previously, he'd long admired the actor's ability to introduce audiences to tough, relatable subjects through his signature humor. "Vince has this everyman quality that women love and guys aspire tor. "Whether one of his characters is telling you he's considering breaking up with his longtime girlfriend or he's struggling to balance being a dad and a husband, he allows us to explore the rough patches in our lives in funny ways. Through Vince, we see a heightened comic reality of our own lives. I've met very few actors who have that ability." With Grazer and Vaughn fleshing out ideas for the story, Allan Loeb was brought on board to write the script for what would become "The Dilemma". A screenwriter whose recent credits include "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" and "21", the team felt Loeb was the ideal writer to take Grazer's idea to the pages. Loeb completed his original draft about best friends Ronny Valentine and Nick Brannen, two guys who had known each other for more than 20 years and shared a business, B&V Engine Design. Once complete, the script made its way back to Howard for consideration to direct. Howard was intrigued by it, as well as the prospect of collaborating with Vaughn. "I knew that Brian and Vince had brought on Allan Loeb, who's a terrific screenwriter, so it wasn't a hard decision." The script lived up to the possibilities Howard found at the dinner party in Rome when the partygoers were enthralled by the 'what if?' scenario. "It makes you think about how much we trust the people who we are closest to."
The Dilemma marks Howard's return to comedy after more than a decade helming blockbuster thrillers and dramas. Despite directing multiple hit comedies in the '80s and '90s, Howard does not choose his projects by genre, but by stories and situations that intrigue him. "Long ago I gave up on the idea of trying to manage my career by genre. I love all kinds of movies: big, small, comedy, drama, thriller or fantasy. Comedies are among some of my favorite, and what I want to avoid is making films where you absolutely know where the story is going." With Vaughn on board, Howard was ready to find the rest of his team. When we meet Ronny Valentine and Nick Brannen, they are both at what they believe is a great place in their lives. Together, they own a small company that's on the brink of landing a very big deal, but it's going to take a lot of work, especially from Nick, who handles all of the designing of the engines. Enter the comic stress. When casting the role of Nick, the filmmakers turned to Kevin James (TV'S "The King of Queens"), who has risen to the top echelon of comedic film actors. "Kevin is a great guy and very funny," Howard notes. "He has paid all of his comedy dues and now is a big motion picture comedy star. He makes comedy seem so easy, and it comes from a place of absolute honesty." For James ("I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" & "Grown Ups"), coming on board was an easy decision to make. "It was a great script, and I immediately loved it. Allan Loeb did a great job on it, and when I knew Vince was on board with Ron directing, it was a no-brainer. I have always enjoyed Ron's films, and Vince is someone I've looked up to and wanted to work with because he constantly makes me laugh." Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers") admits he was eager to play opposite James. "I've always been a fan of Kevin's work. Not only is he hilarious, but he makes it so easy to root for him. He is very genuine and has a warmth and sincerity in all of his performances. On this project I feel like I made a great friend who will be around beyond this film. Howard was instantly impressed with his two stars' chemistry. Although the actors had never worked together before, the duo was in sync from day one. Multitalented Oscar winning actress, Jennifer Connelly ("A Beautiful Mind"), was tapped for the role of Ronny's endlessly patient girlfriend, Beth. "She is whip-smart, very dry and funny," says Howard, "and I was really pleased with what she brought to the role." The actress welcomed a chance to work again with Howard and Grazer. "Ron is an invested filmmaker. No matter what kind of project he is doing, he's meticulous, professional and cares about his performances. He's also a great storyteller. Ron's the same guy as a comedy director. I didn't really notice a different approach between doing a drama and a comedy." When Connelly played Alicia Nash in "A Beautiful Mind" (2001), audiences were moved by the nuances of her performance. How does she describe her characater? "Beth is really levelheaded. She's a well-adjusted and easy-going person who loves her boyfriend and has her priorities straight." For the pivotal role of Nick's wife Geneva, the filmmakers turned to Golden Globe winner Winona Ryder ("The Age of Innocence"). Initially, Howard was considering her for another part. "I have always been a fan of Winona Ryder's work. At first, I thought of Winona as a candidate for Beth, but when I met with her about the possibility of playing Geneva, she dazzled us and won the role." "Ron is the complete package when it comes to directing," two time ShoWest Award Female Star of the Year Ryder said. "He motivates you and gets so much out of you."
At B&V, Ronny and Nick are well on their way to landing their biggest deal yet after pitching their automotive client. In order to nab the account, they must impress and win over Susan Warner, a consultant who is shepherding the project and often catching the pair off guard with her unusual communication skills. When the team imagined their dream casting for the part, all decided their perfect Susan would be Queen Latifah. The two time Black Reel Award winner ("Chicago" & "The Secret Life of Bees") shared her thoughts on the role. "Susan Warner is a consultant for a car company and trying to help Ronny and Nick out. She relates everything through cars, and it all sounds phallic, even when she's not intending it to be. She's a maverick and a visionary like Ronny and Nick, which is why they connect on that level. Susan is their secret 'go to girl' if they need information or advice." Grazer (who with Howard established the production company Imagine Entertainment in 1986) was thrilled that the actress agreed to be a part of the production. "When we learned that Queen Latifah was interested in the character, we knew we wouldn't settle for anyone else to bring this outrageous personality to life. Susan is a force of nature. She's a high-powered player in the automotive industry who doesn't mince words. Ronny and Nick are simultaneously charmed and rattled by her frankness." The catalyst for Ronny's dillema, is Zip, played by four time Teen Choice Award winner, Channing Tatum. Gunning for a part that Vaughn refers to as 'a rabid dog at a dog park' proved to be the right decision for Tatum, best known for his action and dramatic choices. He liked that Zip was slightly out of his mind and leaned on the kinky side. "I was making this dark, independent film when I got word that Ron Howard wanted to meet with me. He called me on Skype and as we are talking on the computer, I find out that Vince Vaughn is in the film. That floored me, as I think he's fantastic. Ron is explaining to me why he wants to do this comedy, but all I could think about was that I'm looking at Ron Howard on my computer. It was the coolest, weirdest moment." Principal photography began at Smith & Wollensky, one of Chicago's many landmark restaurants and America's finest Steak Houses. Vaughn and James ripped through a dinner scene that brought laughter on the set. The filmmakers were pleased to see the natural comic chemistry between Vaughn and James was present from day one. For James ("Paul Blart: Mall Cop"), finding these dramatic moments was a fulfilling experience. "There are many moments in the film where you feel like you're on the edge of your seat and you want to find out what's going on with the characters. A lot of times the more serious the moment, the bigger release of the comedy." Vaughn's ability to riff amazed his fellow cast and crew. The female leads were just as curious to try the process. "It was exciting to do so many scenes with Vince because I've never worked with someone who could improv like that," Ryder shared. "He made me feel so comfortable that I was able to do it." For Latifah, shooting her scenes with Vaughn and James toward the end of the production schedule required the actress to hit the ground running. "It was challenging popping in toward the latter half of shooting when everybody had established a flow. I had to catch up quick. He and Kevin had a great dynamic." "The Dilemma" is set in the Windy City of Chicago, where Howard shot "Backdraft" twenty years ago. One iconic Chicago landmark that played itself in the film was the Green Mill Jazz Club at 4802 North Broadway. It was once owned by Al Capone's henchman, 'Machinegun' Jack McGurn.
What's It All About?
 Ronny has a dilemma. He's just seen his best mate Nick's wife Geneva making out with another man. Now he is faced with two choices: do the right thing and fess up or do the wrong things and don't tell. He soon finds out that, what you don't say to a friend is just as important as what you do: and it is all up to him. Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny and happily married Nick have been through thick and thin. Now they're partners in an auto design firm, vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. Ronny's girlfriend, Beth and Nick's wife, Geneva, are by their respective sides. As the amateur investigation dissolves into mayhem, Ronny learns 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 what will happen if he reveals the truth to his best friend. Will it destroy them all?
The Verdict
"For me personally, there's generally nothing new in a Vince 'let me speak the first five hundred words before I draw breath' Vaughn, performance. It's a talkfest at the best. As for being funny? When was the last time you remember Vauhgn being funny? It's a big ask to put a timeline on that doozer of a question! Vaughn's no funny-man. When it comes to comedy it's everyone else in the film that's funny, while Vaughn rattles on and on with endless, meaningless lines. Vaughn's harder to reign-in than a herd of Zebras, spooked by a pride of Lions, looking for a steak dinner. Ron Howard nearly achieves it in "The Dilemma". Nearly! The problem for our favourite actor from "Happy Days" turned whizz of a director, is that his latest film is being touted as a comedy: when it's clearly not. Gee, but it looks like it from the trailer, you're thinking. No! No! No! Read my lips. It's a serious film with comedic moments. And, if you go into the cinema thinking that, you'll end up enjoying it a great deal more. Relationships are serious territory. No-one wants to see a marriage fail. So imagine the dilemma, if you caught your best friends, husband, wife, partner or whatever the hell they call them these days (anything but the defacto) smooching up to a stranger. I bet that would put the wind up you. How would you handle it without losing your best friend. The questions "The Dilemma" puts to its audience is simple: would you 'fess up', or shut up? And if you wanted to 'fess up', how would you go about it? It's a real dilemma. Vaughn is fine, the cast is great, the storyline entertaining and the drama far outweighs the comedy. Set in the 'Windy City' of Chicago (Vaughn is a Chicago Blackhawks & Chicago Cubs fan), "The Dilemma" is certainly worth having a look at. Especially for Vaughn fans. 3 STARS."
Who's Playing Who?
Vince Vaughn
Jennifer Connelly
Kevin James
Winona Ryder
Channing Tatum
Queen Latifah
Chelcie Ross
Amy Morton
Rebecca Spence
Grace Rex
Mike McNamara
Kathleen Lawlor
Michael A. MacRae
Debbi Burns
Noah Jerome Schwartz
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Ronny
Beth
Nick
Geneva
Zip
Dana
Thomas Fern
Diane
Jackie
Cousin Betty
Cousin James
Auntie
Driver
Lady on bench
Boy on Bridge
Directed by Ron Howard
Written by Allan Loeb
Produced by Brian Grazer & Vince Vaughn
Original Music by Lorne Balfe & Hans Zimmer
Cinematography by Salvatore Totino
Film Editing by Daniel P. Hanley & Mike Hill
Casting by Janet Hirshenson/Jane Jenkins/Mickie Paskal/Jennifer Rudnicke
Production Design by Daniel B. Clancy
Set Decoration by Kathy Lucas
Costume Design by Daniel Orlandi
Run Time 110 minutes
Rated M [AUST]
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