VH1 Presents: The Breaks (Review)

This Hip Hop inspired movie takes place during what we call the "golden era" 90s hip hop. The movie was somewhat confusing for me, because my assumptions presume it was about hip hop pioneer Kurtis Blow. Being that The Breaks is the title of the 1980s hit single off of the self titled album Kurtis Blow. However later finding out the movie is inspired by journalist Dan Charnas book The Big Payback, a narrative history of the hip hop business. It doesn't surprise me that The Breaks the movie swung in a different direction. The movie stars Mack Wilds, Wood Harris, and Method Method Man, who plays DeeVee's father. 

Tristen "Mack" Wilds as Dee Vee, a young producer searching for a talented artist to record a demo tape. He goes through the several trials, ups and downs inside of the movie in order to get "the break." The movie is centered on Afton Williamson who plays Nikki Jones a driven individual who just wants to be involved in hip hop in any way possible. She lands an internship at Fouray Management Company, after showing deep passion with "unreasonable" boundaries. Fouray is played The Wire's very own Wood Harris. Nikki gains more respect and a higher position as her story unfolds. Nikki is in a relationship with David Aaron played by David Call, a Dj of a local radio station and the son of a mainstream hip hop producer. David just wants to be respected and heard in his position, without living under the shadow of his father. 

I enjoyed seeing new actors being involved in the project; they were good and very believable for their parts. So great job casting, to director and executive producer Seith Mann who's also directed (the wire, the walking dead, and homeland). I also liked how the romance in the movie was limited, because that's truth to me. Very seldom will a person become successful while having the stress of a relationship and a lot of romance being involved. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm just saying way too often relationship causes people to lose focus on what should be more important to them, their life. Being an upcoming artist I will say that The Breaks gave what I thought was a fare insight of what it’s like for upcoming talent and executives in the entertainment industry.  Overall I liked the movie because although I was confused on the plot a little bit in the beginning, the movie came together as the story was drawn out. However I hate the way it ended, unless they're making the movie into a TV series or a part 2, because if that's the case than I like it. The ending left so many unanswered questions like; what's next after the DJ played DeeVee song? Will David ever find out Nikki lied about talking to his father? Does Ahm get signed or go to jail? All of those questions were left open at the end of the movie. Looking closely at the movie I actually would rather it be a miniseries, but it still was a decent movie. I give The Breaks 7 out of 10.

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