‘The Dilemma’ on DVD after disappointing sales, reviews

(Left to right) Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Vince Vaughn, and Kevin James in the opening scene of The Dilemma. A two-minute scene was filmed at Marina City’s Smith & Wollensky on May 25, 2010. In the background is the State Street Bridge. (Click on image to view larger version.)

May 10, 2011 – Less than four months after its theatrical release, the filmed-in-Chicago Ron Howard film The Dilemma is out on DVD. Universal Pictures released the film on DVD and Blu-Ray on May 3.

The comedy/drama was filmed in Chicago last year from May 25 to August 6. The first scene in the movie, set at Marina City’s Smith & Wollensky, was the first scene filmed. The two-minute scene, with the opening credits still rolling, features the film’s four stars, Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, and Winona Ryder.

Scenes were also filmed at Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Garfield Park Conservatory, United Center, and Central Camera Company on Wabash Avenue.

“Chicago is a really remarkable city,” says director Ron Howard in commentary on the DVD. “It’s just so alive and so particularly American. It’s got its own unique energy. And when you make a movie in Chicago it just naturally becomes a factor, a tone. It influences the film in various ways.”

(Above) Marina City makes its entrance one and a half minutes into the film.

The film is about two best friends – Ronny, played by Vaughn, and Nick, played by James. Ronny sees Nick’s wife, played by Ryder, kissing another man and spends much of the movie trying to decide if he should tell Nick. It is Howard’s first comedy since he directed Edtv in 1999. Announced in January 2010, the film started with the title “Cheaters.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, it is estimated the film cost $70 million to make, but since its world premiere in Chicago on January 6, it has grossed only about $67.1 million. This does not include DVD and related sales.

Reviews of the film have been mostly negative. According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, out of 144 reviews, only 21 percent are favorable. “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.”

During its 14 weeks in theatrical release, the film was shown in 2,943 theaters.

Watch the scene (presented for non-profit educational purposes)…