Let's stay together

I was a bit nervous to watch "The Break-Up," not only because of the horrible reviews and pans from my friends, but even more so because of my whole disillusionment with the romantic-comedy genre which I feel normally enforces unrealistic notions about romance and perpetuates the "prince" complex for their leading women who can only be happy when they find love. I find it especially annoying, then, that these films get passed off as "chick flicks" that women either are supposed to love, or even worse, believe.
With that said, I was pleasantly surprised by "The Break-Up." It was horribly mismarketed as a comedy in trailers, but the film is actually a more serious look at modern relationships. I rarely ever find myself sympathizing with or understanding the characters in most romantic comedies, but in "The Break-Up" they are much more realistic people. Yes, the size of their apartment and the lifestyle they live in terms of the money they make is completely unbelievable, but I think we've all come to expect that in films and television, even if we don't forgive it. But the actual arguments they have and the actual progression of their split was pretty accurate. Break-ups, like relationships, don't just happen over night. They build up and even after the splitting words have been said, the emotional separation takes time.
Even more impressive is that this film doesn't pander to the idea that women just need a man to be happy and also that we are very complex. Anniston does a great job in this film and really separates herself from her role in "Friends." Yes, these characters are ultimately a bit selfish and shallow, but they are honest and real.
And the ending? Phenomenal. Most people hated it because it wasn't the traditional Hollywood happy-ending, but I found the ending not only fitting, but also uplifting.
This film does for women what "High Fidelity" did for men (another fabulous film): it is an honest look at relationships and break-ups. For those who love pure escapist entertainment that doesn't really reflect true life, rent a different romantic-comedy -- this one's not for you.