A good strong boxing buddy film, complete with light drama, it's own style of fumbling-thug comedy, and a sleeping right-hook of heart. Crisp scripting especially in dialogue. Excellent direction: Each scene is a minuet, a microcosm of the film itself. Each scene is carefully directed with it's own delicate tension that compels us, endears us to the good-hearted Favreau.

The fast-talking, can't-be-wrong, I-sold-your-van, Vince Vaughn walks that oh so tricky crooked line as the film's problem child, but blood brother (sometimes bloody brother) of Jon Favreau.

Favreau and Vaughn, team up to take care of some underworld task missioned by none other than rat-packer Peter Falk. Falk is fantastic. Hell, all the acting in this film kicks butt. You've got to love a production that opens with the writer/director getting his face smashed in.

Smooth swing music contrasts gritting visuals, while Vaughn and Favreau behave more like a married couple than buddies. Though the film only touches on the reason for their bond, explanation isn't necessary.

I know he's been around, but I first saw Jon Favreau in "The Replacements." Despite all the flack I took for enjoying that film - I'll say it again: that's a good picture too and Favreau, even in a small role, shines.

Later in "Love and Sex" (co-starring Janssen), Favreau also commands the screen. Yet another A picture for him. That's it, I'm hooked, I'm seeing anything Favreau.