Breaking In star Gabrielle Union is another fine actress that is in search of a film that makes her a bonafide superstar. Her latest, the new to home video Breaking In, has her headlining a thriller that has Union’s single mother character digging deep to become almost super-human in her effort to save her children from some truly bad guys.
The twist here in director James McTeigue’s (V for Vendetta) latest thrill-ride is that this is no ordinary home invasion flick. He has turned the tables on the format as Union’s Shaun Russell is the one locked out of the house. The children are stuck inside with those nefarious folks and she must do anything she can to get into the home to save them.
Russell thought that she was taking her children to her late father’s sprawling estate for a peaceful getaway from the stressors or life. Instead, she found the exact opposite. Her real reason for heading to the mansion is to get it ready to sell, so she can put this chapter of her life in the rear-view. After the events of Unbreakable, we’re sure she cannot wait to unload this virtual house of horrors!
For fans of suspense thrillers, many times we are asked to forgive much in the plot department for the sake of the thrills. Here there are several moments that might produce an eye roll or two, such as the home security system only working on occasion (gee, if I wonder if that will play into our plot later?) when they first arrive. But, as is the case with many of this genre’s fun flicks, if you can let yourself forgive those lazy screenwriting foibles, then fun still be had.
The big selling point here is Union. She is a movie star waiting for the right vehicle to expose her to wide audiences. Sadly, Breaking In wasn’t it in theaters. But, it has laid down the foundation for something more prolific for her heading forward. Union commands the screen and audiences’ attention throughout and through her talents, actually elevates the material beyond what this otherwise average film would have been without her.
Tropes we have seen before are used repeatedly, but we got to give Breaking In some credit for turning the home invasion flick on its head. Having the mother doing her best mamma bear on the outside trying to get in is fresh and new. Having the baddies throughout the house (and a large home at that) provides the kids plenty of places to hide, get caught and escape, and thus—give us some decent thrills.
One Bad Mother leads our look at the bonus features because, surprise, as it focuses on Union. She beautifully articulates (as a mother herself) how no one should ever get in the way of a mom on a mission to save her children… or anything for that matter!
Union again shines in the featurette A Lesson in Kicking Ass, as the actress gives us a front row seat to how she got ready for such a demanding physical role. Between the training itself to learning the fight and action choreography, it is a study in an actress going the extra mile for the entertainment of her audience.
We especially appreciated A Hero Evolved. It is the best of the featurettes as it inspires to no end. Heroes and other leading parts are shifting (thankfully, and it is about time) to reflect a diverse population that comprises our society as a whole. This bonus feature looks at how this movement is putting diverse performers in roles that even five to 10 years ago they would not even be considered for. Because of that, it increases the power of the material and honestly—the entertainment value of the entire endeavor.
A Filmmaker’s Eye puts the spotlight on McTeigue and finds the crew extoling the virtues of their fearless leader. We have always appreciated the helmer’s work, especially what he achieved with V for Vendetta. Again, like Union, McTeigue definitely elevated the material for Breaking In and this featurette only reinforces that fact.
Film Grade: B-
Bonus Features: B-