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Hear me out: why The Dilemma isn't a bad movie

The latest in our series of writers defending maligned films is a reappraisal of Ron Howard’s starry relationship comedy

When The Dilemma opened in January 2011 it was met with critical contempt and box office apathy. Audiences then and now are befuddled by it and every scathing review asks the same question: “What kind of movie is this supposed to be?” It’s too serious for a comedy but too silly for a drama. It’s too bro-tastic for a satire but too incisive for a mindless frat pack foray. It has very insightful jokes and very crass jokes. By all accounts, it’s a mess. But I argue, that while the film is messy, it’s not a mess.

Related: Hear me out: why S1m0ne isn't a bad movie

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