Breakdown

This is one of the most intense high-octane movies from start to finish that you will see.

Not one single boring moment and the runtime and the pacing are just perfect.

Kurt Russell really shines in this movie and does a really good job in this role. All the actors do a great job honestly, but Russel is the star of the movie.

Though the action is really well-done, especially for the second half, along with some improbable things that happened, I think it kinda made the movie more "Hollywood action"-y and maybe a little less realistic. Though nothing against that, but I kinda expected this movie to take the more realistic approach and not the Hollywood action-hero route. It's not exactly that, but in the second half, it kinda borders on being an unrealistic Hollywood action film.

But nonetheless, this movie is a really good time and you will not get bored. It's intense through and through and a great thriller overall that doesn't overstay its welcome. Definitely check it out, you won't regret it.

Kurt Russell and Kathleen Quinlan play Jeff & Amy Taylor, who are traveling by car across country to California. After stopping at a gas station, they develop engine trouble in the middle of the desert. Desperate, his wife agrees to a ride with a friendly trucker(played memorably by J.T. Walsh), who promises to get them help. When she doesn't return(and after the car starts working again) Jeff drives back into town, only to find to his dismay that not only isn't his wife there, but that they never showed up at all. He does find the trucker, only to be shocked when told by him that he doesn't know what he's talking about! Thus begins a game of cat and mouse, hunter and hunted between Jeff and a particularly nasty gang of kidnappers, demanding ransom.

Extremely exciting film involves the viewer with the couple's plight right away, and seldom goes wrong. Direction by Jonathan Mostow is efficient and inspired, and the performances really ring true, as does the smart script, leading to a cliffhanging climax.

Cautionary tale about not going along with strangers works well as a variation on "Duel". Not to be missed.

"Breakdown" is a nice little movie that is straightforward, has characters you truly care about, has a simple setup. And it never flags. And it keeps you guessing. Those are good qualities for movies, especially actioners and thrillers, and ones with this kind of premise. And the film has just enough characters (no more than it needs to have) to keep you involved. If the cops were any help, then there wouldn't be much of a story. It also doesn't take itself too seriously. The bad guys here are interesting, but perhaps if there were only one villain, then the movie could have been longer. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys thrillers that accomplishes a lot.

***1/2 out of ****

Kurt Russell is excellent in this taunt, thrilling, non-stop action film. Russell plays Jeff, a husband who has to get his wife back after she's abducted by a trucker after their jeep breaks down and she accepts a ride from him. Every actor is almost pitch perfect for the parts they play and the movie was very enjoyable. J.T. Walsh is suitably menacing as Red,in my mind, but this IS Kurt's movie through and through. Mr. Russell has to be one of my favorite actors working today. And this film has to be one of the best 'Chase for family member' type movie in the last decade..HIGHLY recommended

My Grade: A

Where I saw it: HBO plus

Every time Kurt Russell is in something you can always rely on a solid film. And once again in Breakdown you will not be disappointed. A solid cast with great directing makes this a must see. A great thriller that keeps you second guessing until the end which I love. Russell always puts in the full 100 percent and it shows here again. Why can't actors do what he does like this anymore. Good performances all around make this a tight entertaining watch that you will feel you have not wasted your almost 2 hours. A fast paced thriller that hits the mark at every turn. See this one and you will see how the 90s had great suspenseful films lacking today.