A Brief History of Vaughn & Favreau Collaborations

Abbot and Costello. Martin and Lewis. Favreau and Vaughn?

Cinematic buddies have always been a treat; and even before 'Swingers' -- back to 1993's 'Rudy,' when Vince was Vincent -- Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn have been making movie magic together. And, this weekend, they collaborate once again for 'Couples Retreat,' a movie they both star in and co-wrote. To celebrate 16 years of the duo's wisecracking and relationship-resolving teamwork, we take a look back at these icons of the metrosexual modern man.

'Rudy' (1993)
Hooray for stocky guys! In this Sean Astin-starring football favorite, Favreau had a real role while Vaughn was just window dressing. That dynamic would soon change. This is where the boys met, and their chemistry began.
Box Office: $22.7 million
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Rating: 80 percent



'Swingers' (1996)
Written by Favreau, 'Swingers' hit a cultural nerve and made both actors into Hollywood's next big things. Their on-screen chemistry was electric, establishing Favreau as the straight man with a nebbishy streak and Vaughn as, well, "money."
Box Office: $4.5 million
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Rating: 85 percent



'Made' (2001)
Could lightning strike twice? The critical response to 'Made' (written and directed by Favreau) -- at a time when Favreau's career was dipping and Vaughn's was about to explode (see 2003's 'Old School') -- was decidedly mixed. Their characters, a worrywart and a loose cannon, were strangely reminiscent of what they played in 'Swingers,' but without the free-and-easy fun.
Box Office: $5.3 million
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Rating: 70 percent

'The Break-Up' (2006)
Audiences loved this romantic comedy that starred Vaughn opposite Jennifer Aniston. Critics didn't. The audiences were right. In this daring, brave and very funny look at a frayed relationship, Favreau plays a side character; the buddy who dispenses relationship wisdom in a bar.
Box Office: $118.7 million
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Rating: 33 percent


'Four Christmases' (2008)
Here, Vaughn leads opposite Reese Witherspoon, while Favreau again plays a smaller part, this time as Vaughn's psychotic brother. The box office success of the film has further secured Vaughn's spot as a leading man in romantic comedies, while Favreau continues as his wingman (although 'Couples Retreat' gives them equal presence). But don't feel too bad for Favreau: he's climbed his way to the director's A-list ('Elf,' 'Iron Man').
Box Office: $120.1 million
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Rating: 25 percent