Plot: What’s it about?
Derrick (Mitch Mullany) is an Irish white dude who lives the life of a black dude in Compton. He talks the talk, even walks the walk, but he seems to always find himself in trouble. He drinks too much, he dropped out of high school, and the redneck police seem to be waiting for him around every corner. While his family is at church, Derrick is supposed to go get some milk, but instead he gets freaky with some hoochie momma, and his own momma walks right in on the action. His momma is so mad, she kicks him out of the house, and if Derrick doesn’t bring some milk home before dinner, he’s out for good. So Derrick trots off to work, where he learns he has been fired, and he knows his day seems to be doomed. Soon, Derrick incurs the wrath of a local gang banger, because he screwed his girlfriend earlier that day, and now he’s on the run. Before the day is over, Derrick will be beaten up, be forced to swim in piss, win a poetry contest, end up in a homosexual love den, and even more insane things. Can Derrick help a lost little boy find his way, avoid the law, reconcile with his one true love, and deliver the milk to his momma, all by dinner time?
If you like films like Friday, House Party, and Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood, you will love this movie. While the basic premise, a white guy who thinks he is black, is funny as it is, you have no idea how hilarious this movie is. I expected it to be funny, but I was laughing through the entire movie, and that’s no easy task. You might think the idea would get tired, but the movie is written so that there’s always a new visual or verbal spoof to be seen. Every aspect of urban life is put under the comedy microscope, and several television shows and movies are given the nudge as well. The casting is excellent, with several cameos and smaller parts for actors and performers you’re bound to recognize, so there’s always a fresh face to be seen. Of course, most of the humor is low brow, but there’s also some thinking man’s laughs, so not all the humor is of the toilet variety. I recommend this movie very highly to fans of comedies, and a rental just wouldn’t do this one justice. You’ll want to watch this one over and over, so just go ahead and purchase the damn thing, it’s well worth the cash.
This film was directed by Eric Meza, who also directed House Party 3. This film was written by Mitch Mullany, who also plays the lead role in the movie. Mullany is best known for his stand up comedy routine, but he has also appeared on television shows such as The Wayans Brothers and Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher. In this film, Mullany is perfect for his role, and he is nothing short of hilarious. While this is a fish out of water movie, Mullany is so good within his role, you often forget about him being white. I hope Mullany decides to continue his film career, and if this film is any indication of what’s to come, I look forward to his future work. Also performing in major roles here are Carl Anthony Payne II (Overnight Delivery, Black & White) and Paula Jai Parker (Friday, Tales From The Hood), who provide humorous supporting roles. The supporting cast also includes Loretta Devine (Urban Legend, Hoodlum), Lamont Bentley (Tv’s Moesha), Justin Doran (Little Sister), and Darius McCrary (a.k.a. Eddie Winslow). Basketball wizard Gary Payton and p-funk all star George Clinton have cameos in this film as well.
Video: How does it look?
The Breaks is presented in a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This image looks fantastic, with no compression errors to be found and a very clean source print as well. The colors are so vibrant, they almost stream off the screen, and flesh tones are natural and consistent also. The contrast is sharp and accurate as well, with no visible detail loss and well defined shadows. This is a very good looking visual presentation, all studios should treat their low profile titles like this.
Audio: How does it sound?
This release uses a 2.0 surround track, which sounds much better than I expected from a dialogue driven comedy. This track will have you living room booming, especially during the times when the soundtrack kicks in. I wish a full on 5.1 track were used, but this one sounds really good, so I forgive Artisan on this count. Some effects also spring up, such as gun shots and engines noises, so plenty of non dialogue audio here. But the dialogue is the focus, and it sounds perfect. No volume errors, no separation issues, just crisp and clear vocals from start to finish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
On this disc, you’ll find production notes, talent files, and the theatrical trailer.
