Breaking and Entering

As a movie that I chose to see as part of the Cucalorus Film Festival partly due to it's intriguing premise and partly due to the family friendly nature of the movie, it was entertaining and educational on both accounts.

When I read the movie summary I was immediately taken back to my childhood and days skimming the pages of the Guinness Book, hopping between longest fingernails (all curled and gross) and largest twins (proud and prestigious on their motorcycles...you know the two). This reminiscence along with the fact the boys, 12 and 8, also now share the love of all things worthy of a world record were both a huge draw.

Great job by Director Benjamin Fingerhut, who through the course of the Q&A was evident in his sincerity and knowledge, and all the record holders that star in the documentary. The director took on a topic that could have easily been lampooned with an angle that not only didn't demean the records and their holders but pleasantly educated in the process.

This documentary shows what very hard work and determination can accomplish! Not only does it show what can accomplished physically but mentally as well. It is a must see for everyone who hopes to accomplish something. It reveals the determination some have to never give up and say "I can't do that!" Like many who face adversity, those who are compelled to try and break a world record, must overcome not only their own obstacles but those of others competing against them. This documentary details the time and expense those who put forth the the effort to become a world record holder as well as the struggles their families go through.

Records were made to be broken, and this movie highlights just how far people will go to prove they are the best in the world at something. It highlights the very basic human instinct to achieve something no one has accomplished before. The movie uses seemingly average human examples and shows how this desire drives them to go well beyond what most of us would be willing to endure just to have their name in the world renowned book of Guiness World Records. These wonderfully constructed stories somehow accomplish making the viewer both empathetic to their obsessions, yet at the same time inspired by their will to accomplish their goals.