Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Nikki Jones (Afton Williamson) opts to tear up her law scholarship from Harvard to pursue a job in the Hip-Hop music industry on a job once promised by Barry Fouray (Wood Harris) of Fouray Records...who doesn't remember her anymore. She lives in NYC with David (David Call) a privileged white guy who has a passion for hip-hop music. They are both friends with DeeVee (Tristan Wilds) who is attempting to produce a record from his father's garage.This is a made for TV VH-1 production. The version I saw had the swear words blanked out. The writing was formula, but the acting was fairly decent in what amounts to a 1990 hip-hop feel good film. Comment Comment | Permalink

Honestly, I did not know what to expect from this movie. However, I am a huge fan of Tristan "Mack" Wilds and I saw him in an interview talking about the story. He was explaining how it's about the hip hop/rap subculture right before it blew up in the early 1990's and became one of music's most appreciated/listened to genres. It is directed by Seith Mann, who directed a few episodes of "The Wire". Wasn't hard to figure out considering three of the actor's from this movie, Tristan "Mack" Wilds, Wood Harris, and Clifford "Method Man" Smith, all had significant roles on the hit classic HBO TV series. Seith Mann has also directed episodes from other classic TV shows such as "Sons of Anarchy", "Friday Night Lights", "Entourage", "The Walking Dead", "Grey's Anatomy", and many more. Everyone involved was so passionate and really wanted to share an accurate and authentic depiction of the uprising of the hip hop/rap music subculture in NYC in the early 1990's, right before it became mainstream. Mack's character, "DeeVee", is like a mix of himself and his two most famous TV character's he has played. "DeeVee" is like a mix between "Michael Lee", from "The Wire", "Dixon Wilson", from "90210", and himself. I was pumped to see Mack acting again because I know he wanted to focus on his music and put acting on hold. Well, looks like he got the best of both worlds. He is a truly gifted actor, musician, performer, entertainer, and is starting to get the recognition he deserves! In my opinion, "The Breaks" is like a mix between "The Wire" series and the movie "8 Mile". However, I think the story is far from over. The lead actors were cast perfectly and I love how the movie showed each character's perception on the hip hop/rap subculture during the early 1990's in NYC and how it influenced their everyday lives, resulting in different approaches on how to chase their dreams. Although they all had different perspectives and dreams, they still all shared the same passion; hip hop/rap music. I honestly think it has the potential to be one of the best TV shows to be shown on television. Ever. Please continue making this a TV series and consider this the pilot episode (most pilots are longer than the typical length of the show anyway).

The only reason I give 9/10 is because there is no series or 2nd half follow up. hard to put such greatness in the time slot. like the plot, like the actors/actresses. Love the Music. The acting was very well done and believable. the movie was very well put together and make it a series. A positive series. maybe even a lesson to learn type of series. the streets sell themselves but it's time movies play a role in upbringing. Hip hop is garbage now a day. let's go back to real music, less cursing and more knowledge and positive. Self destruction. Remember that hit? BRING THIS BACK...don't keep it quiet. just make sure not to air while Power is on. I will be torn.

The best thing about this story is that its ORIGINAL. It's not some tired biopic formula that stunt casts semi-famous actors to portray musical artists. No, what makes this so fresh is the way it tells its original story while using a great soundtrack of early 90's hip hop as it's backdrop. The story surrounds two people primarily. Nikki is a driven, bright graduate who loves hip hop so much she aims to save it from the industry vultures, as well as from itself. But she's got dues to pay before she makes it. DeeVee is a young producer searching for that one MC, a diamond in the rough with a voice and flow to set the art form on fire. He finds it in a very dangerous man, in a very real and dangerous place. Wood Harris plays the label mogul, and as always, he's fantastic. I could watch Avon Barksdale sell used cars. There's a lot of great moments in this film, especially the one at the end. There's no way this 120 minute movie is the end of the story. There's got to be more in store for these characters. I can't wait to see what comes next.