Breaking In (1989)
3.5/4
'Breaking In' was billed as a late comeback for the legendary Burt Reynolds in the late 1980's. The movie seems just that; Reynolds was in a real slump in the 80's; it's like he almost became a parody of himself. Bad action films, horrible comedies, etc. (To be fair, he did have some redeeming films in the early 80's; but one too many Cannonball movies killed him). Before the 80's, Reynolds had shown that he had some kind of acting charisma in him; Deliverance is a great example, it's a real performance that particularly stands out in a thoughtfully disturbing action thriller. 'Breaking In' is almost as good of a performance.
In the movie, Reynolds plays a veteran bank robber who is performing a con, while a rookie (Casey Siemaszko) breaks into the same house; it doesn't take long for them to figure out their own professions. As they get to know each other, they start to form a partnership. I won't say what happens next, but judging from their professions, I'm sure you can guess. Now, I have to say; a real chemistry forms between Reynolds and Siemaszko, and you start to care for them. It certainly helps that the film is constantly entertaining and intelligently directed. It's a charmingly well acted small dramatic vehicle for Reynolds, and it's the kind of role you wouldn't expect him to take. 'Breaking In' is by no means a perfect film, but a hidden gem; I believe it's one of Reynolds's best.
3.5/4
'Breaking In' was billed as a late comeback for the legendary Burt Reynolds in the late 1980's. The movie seems just that; Reynolds was in a real slump in the 80's; it's like he almost became a parody of himself. Bad action films, horrible comedies, etc. (To be fair, he did have some redeeming films in the early 80's; but one too many Cannonball movies killed him). Before the 80's, Reynolds had shown that he had some kind of acting charisma in him; Deliverance is a great example, it's a real performance that particularly stands out in a thoughtfully disturbing action thriller. 'Breaking In' is almost as good of a performance.
In the movie, Reynolds plays a veteran bank robber who is performing a con, while a rookie (Casey Siemaszko) breaks into the same house; it doesn't take long for them to figure out their own professions. As they get to know each other, they start to form a partnership. I won't say what happens next, but judging from their professions, I'm sure you can guess. Now, I have to say; a real chemistry forms between Reynolds and Siemaszko, and you start to care for them. It certainly helps that the film is constantly entertaining and intelligently directed. It's a charmingly well acted small dramatic vehicle for Reynolds, and it's the kind of role you wouldn't expect him to take. 'Breaking In' is by no means a perfect film, but a hidden gem; I believe it's one of Reynolds's best.