 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Dilemma
- Review Date: January 10, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Friendship comedy veers into serious territory.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Ron Howard-directed buddy comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James takes a serious swerve pretty quickly, delving into the subject of infidelity and how it wrecks a marriage. As such, it's probably too heavy for tweens and younger teens. You can also expect some crass moments in Vaughn’s riffs (including one about "doing tricks"), making out, and sexual innuendo. Language is fairly salty, including one use of "f--k" (plus "s--t," "a--hole," and more), and there’s some drinking. All of that said, the movie ultimately has a positive message about the importance of honesty in good friendships and marriages.
What's the story?
Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and his best friend, Nick (Kevin James), are convinced that they have the next best thing when it comes to electric cars. A major car company agrees, allowing the friends a pivotal meeting during which they can unveil their prototype. But Ronny suddenly has a lot on his mind. He wants to finally propose to his devoted girlfriend, Beth (Jennifer Connelly), but that’s not what’s truly eating at him. The bigger issue is that he just witnessed Nick’s wife, Geneva (Winona Ryder), canoodling with someone else. Hence Ronny's dilemma: Should he tell Nick?
Is it any good?
It only takes a few minutes before you're reminded that THE DILEMMA is a Vince Vaughn vehicle thanks to a hilarious riff that explodes in tangential directions -- in other words, exactly what Vaughn has done in pretty much all of his movies. He and James have great chemistry, which works for the movie's buddy comedy aspects.
But a funny thing -- or, rather, an odd thing -- happens on the way to the ending: The movie shifts in tone and becomes serious, creating imbalance and, to some extent, confusion. Is this a comedy? A drama? A relationship how-to? The Dilemma can’t decide. (Perhaps that’s why Queen Latifah’s turn as an auto exec seems woefully underemphasized.) And that’s its own essential dilemma.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages about relationships -- both friendships and romantic connections. Do the characters learn anything over the course of the movie? What, if anything, can their experiences teach teens about relationships?
Who do you think the movie's target audience is? How can you tell?
Have you ever found yourself in a hard-to-call situation where being honest was difficult? What did you do?
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AGE
hmmm...
booooooooring. pointless. a couple of funny scenes, thats about it.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 29, 2011
AGE
Sexual Content (PG-13): Characters undress and make love, passionate kissing, characters pretend to be homosexual.
Language (PG-13): Very strong language for PG-13.
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AGE
Ok for teens
I was disappointed in this movie. I was expecting this to be hilarious but it was boring the whole movie. However, Queen Latifah did save it the parts she was in.
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AGE
The Dilemma is a ride
I think this is afine movie however it is a crazy and weird film that has many ups and downs
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AGE
15 and up.
The Dilemma is an average comedy movie about friendship and honesty and parents you need to know that the Dilemma has some mild violence some sexual content some strong language used and lot's of social drinking, including beer, wine, and champagne there is a positive message in this movie it's about that good friendships are based on honesty, as are solid long-standing marriages and the role models are that The two main characters are loyal to each other and watch each other’s backs Other characters are less upstanding, with some cheating.
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AGE
inappropiate & no good
I watched this with my thirteen year old girl. Her eyes and ears were closed almost the whole time because everything was just so inappropiate. It is tastless and good for anybody over 18 (If they like movies with no humor)
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| Studio: | Universal Studios |
| Director: | Ron Howard |
| Cast: | Jennifer Connelly, Kevin James, Vince Vaughn, Winona Ryder |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 118 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 14, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | May 3, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | mature thematic elements involving sexual content |
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