When I consider going to a movie, I keep in mind that trailers are simply teasers setting out to attract an audience. No teaser could possibly do "The Break-Up" justice. Tbis movie was so jam-packed with unique twists and laugh-out-loud shockers that I'm definitely going to go watch it a second time just to catch anything I may have missed.

I suppose you could categorize this movie into the "Romantic Comedy" section, but I'd much rather take it for what it is: A Worthy Original. One thing I would definitely NOT call this movie is another "Chick-Flick." Some of the most interesting moments and schemes developled when Gary would back away to the bar to lick his wounds. When the couple are together, the vengeful over-tones set by Jennifer Aniston's character, Brooke, really set up the conflict with Vince Vaughn's Gary.

What begins with an ordinary argument between a couple escalates into a full out war as Gary refuses to empathize and see eye to eye with Brooke. This only makes matters worse, as Brooke chooses to stubbornly hang on to her pride and image rather than explain to Gary just how he has made her feel completely unappreciated and disrespected.

As Brooke attempts one mind-game after another, Gary quickly figures ways to foil her plans, resulting in a roller-coaster ride of hilarity and memorable moments. By the time Brooke becomes vulnerable and actually tries to reach out to Gary, the characters have become so well developed that I'd felt I was apart of their lives rather than watching another popcorn flick. Not to mention that watching tidbits of Gary playing Grand Theft Auto 4, EA Fight Night Round 2, and Football on his PS2 were Icing on the cake to a gamer. This was some of the best acting I've ever seen out of Vince Vaughn, and definitely the best performance of Jennifer Aniston's career thus far.

The bottom line: If you're going to this movie looking to find yet another cheap whimsical fantasy of a love story, you'd better look elsewhere. "The Break-Up" is absolutely true to the reality of relationships today, giving us, the audience, a reflection into our own lives - making it all the more worthwhile to watch.

I give this a 9.5 out of 10.

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[Linked Image from nodiatis.com]