The Dilemma

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The Dilemma

PG-13

Released Jan 14, 2011

1h 51m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

24%

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160 Reviews

29%

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50,000+ Ratings

Longtime friends Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James) are partners in an auto-design firm. They are hard at work on a presentation for a dream project that would really launch their company. Then Ronny spots Nick's wife out with another man, and in the process of investigating the possible affair, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. As the presentation nears, Ronny agonizes over what might happen if the truth gets out.

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Critics Consensus

It boasts a likable cast and an interesting premise, but The Dilemma can't decide what to do with them; the result is an uneven blend of cheesy slapstick and surprisingly dark comedy.

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Philip French

Guardian

Rather less fun than a badly executed coronary bypass.

Jan 26, 2011

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David Denby

The New Yorker

Who ever thought that Ron Howard could make a cult film? This movie is a mess, but it's an intelligent and affecting mess.

Jan 24, 2011

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

But it's just way too uneven, too masochistically sexist and startlingly homophobic for the good to outweigh the bad. It is a movie I can appreciate for the attempt but roast over the coals thanks to its execution.

Rated: 2/4

Jan 21, 2011

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Howard’s refusal to delete even one pointless subplot […] taxes the viewer after the third or fourth change in tone. When it’s all over, the viewer has trouble making sense of why some scenes were included or how the dilemma was resolved.

Rated: 1.5/4

Aug 3, 2023

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Masks much of its laugh-out-loud funniness with dark humor, subtle jests, and highly serious drama.

Rated: 5/10

Nov 30, 2020

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

One can see hints of the brilliant dark comedy this film could have been.

Rated: 2.5/4.0

Sep 6, 2020

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Steve D

Wonderful actresses completely wasted. NOTHING works in this mess of a film.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/24

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Sanad A

Ronny and Nick have been best friends since college. The two are partners in their own auto design firm; their big dream comes true when they land a big deal with Chrysler. Nick has found a way to make an electric car sound and feel like a muscle car. Ronny's life has now turned for the worst when he catches Nick's wife cheating with another man. So does he tell his best friend about the other man, or should he wait until the Chrysler presentation is over. Vince Vaughn's character over shot itself. It was just too much Vince. Jennifer Connelly gorgeous as usual. You caught your best friend's wife cheating, but to stretch this topic for a movie for a 1 hr. 58 min was just way too long. Not enough funny parts to compensate for the boring slow pace of the film. Constant yada yada's. Not one of Ron Howard's best films. Soft 3 stars out of 5

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/09/23

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Regal R

80/100 - comfort food. vince vauhn and kevin james do a great job and are fantastic actors as always. not a bad romcom and special appearances by channing tatum. funny to watch and easy to digest.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/28/23

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Lucas G

just tell him already! Oh my gosh it was way too long and drawn out

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

07/14/23

Full Review

Lauren B

Only a 1/3 of the way in and some hilarious scenes with Vince Vaughn. Did smoke before viewing…not trying to be a great movie but good dialogue and VV has tremendous stage presence.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/14/23

Full Review

Michael W

This comedy was pretty good. Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, and the rest of the cast did a pretty good job in this movie. The plot of the movie was dramatic and entertaining. It's about trying to tell your best friend the truth even if it hurts. If you haven't seen this movie yet, you may enjoy it. It wasn't too bad, but it wasn't great.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/13/23

Full Review

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Ron Howard

Director

Vince Vaughn

Ronny Valentine

Kevin James

Nick Brannon

Jennifer Connelly

Beth

Winona Ryder

Geneva

Channing Tatum

Zip

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The Dilemma: Official Clip - One Shot

2:43

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Peeping Tom

2:31

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Honesty

3:19

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Helping the Little Porkers

2:31

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Are You Crying?

2:09

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Kill Your Bookie

2:26

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Come Inside

3:05

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Serious Lady Wood

1:50

The Dilemma: Official Clip - I Know Where You Live

2:46

The Dilemma: Official Clip - Stay Out of My Marriage

3:42

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Synopsis

Longtime friends Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James) are partners in an auto-design firm. They are hard at work on a presentation for a dream project that would really launch their company. Then Ronny spots Nick's wife out with another man, and in the process of investigating the possible affair, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. As the presentation nears, Ronny agonizes over what might happen if the truth gets out.

Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Brian Grazer, Vince Vaughn, Ron Howard
Screenwriter: Allan Loeb
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Brian Grazer, Wild West Picture Show
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content|Mature Thematic Elements)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 14, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $48.4M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby SRD, DTS

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