I love the moment when Kurt Russell is hiding in the barn and it appears briefly that his wife is already dead, but he can't cry out in terror because it'll blow his cover. Top-notch acting.
I remember when my dad bought it on dvd from a five dollar bargain bin. Easily one of the most scratched and rewatched in the collection. I do love the stand-off with the kid. Such a tense moment.
Ive seen Breakdown 2 or 3 times a year for the past 25 years. It never ages and never bores. The last 20 minutes is absolutely thrilling. The only other film that matches it is Silence of the lambs. Its a timeless classic.
i like how the throwaway part of their conversation at the beginning of the movie about the $90K donut winnings comes back up and it's how kurt knows how to answer.
I was watching with a friend who tends to zone out during movies. She was hooked until the end, and even cheered when Kurt Russel kicked the guy in the face.
My favorite movie of the 1990s. It has thrills, chills and surprises to find his wife before she’s a goner. Paramount and Jonathan, well done for over 25 years.
Thanks for this review. This was one of my favorite movies as a teenager, but we don't hear much about it nowadays. I almost forgot about it. Its great to find out that there are other people who love and care about such obscure movies.
I have always loved Breakdown! I remember being on the edge of my seat and holding my breath during the scene where he finds his wife and thinks that she may have suffocated. That is great.
Yeah, this movie is absolutely a classic in my eyes. So much of it is burned into my memory. Kurt Russell is so good in this movie. I also love the end when he confronts JT Walsh in his house, his family not knowing that he is a kidnapper.
I had never seen this movie, and I literally paused your review before you got into spoilers to watch it and then come back here. It was great! I was invested from the beginning and cared about both characters getting out of the situation. Thanks for the great suggestion!
@@MaxNeugebauer. For me it is a masterpiece cause I lived every minute of it so intensely which is rare for me. The acting, the dialogue, the music, how it so effortlessly flowed from the beginning to the end. How it already grabbed my attention during the opening titles. How I was disappointed when it ended even though continuing it would have made it less of a great package. I can see how it could be just average or pretty good for many, but for me something just clicked instantly. Some lines/parts of a scene honestly made me also chuckle or grin and a few particularly made me laugh out loud. It's nice to see so many people appreciating and remembering this movie over here in the comments but I also like to hear opposing views, of course. Always enjoyable.
Additionally, I'm a total sucker for Kurt, and he played this part beautifully, but I enjoy so many other movies of his. And by sucker I don't mean in a teenage crush sort of way but something about his being is so sweet and relatable. You know some actors have that certain charisma which strikes you. Funny how that works. Some actors who are very highly regarded don't have that effect on me even though I might think they're talented or even really like their body of work but the little spice is missing just for me personally. And Kurt was so believable as Jeff Taylor. His performance is a huge part why I consider Breakdown as a masterpiece in its own way.
I remember when I was a kid I used to love this movie! I haven’t seen it in years. I might have to re-watch it with my family on “retro movie night” 👍🏽
Thanks for this, Chris. I absolutely love this one, thrilling. I desperately want to see it on a 4k release with extras and commentary. Your commentary fills the gap a little for now.
Thank you for mentioning this movie. First of all, RIP to the late great J.T. Walsh. I miss that guy. He was great in everything he did. And this movie also marks the final film he and Kurt Russell did together. The other films being: Tequila Sunrise (1988), Backdraft (1991) and Executive Decision (1996), another great action/thriller film I wish more people would talk about. Secondly, Jonathan Mostow did a great job directing, especially those chase scenes, something I would also compliment him in a few years later in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003). Great performances by M.C. Gainey and the rest of the cast as well.
On a whim, I saw this in the theater back in '97. Didn't know anything about it except it starred Kurt Russell. Have absolutely LOVED it ever since. I still bring up the 90,000 donuts line to this day. Hidden gem of a movie.
In the UK, I bought this film years ago as an ex rental tape and have watched it numerous times over and still marvel at what a great tension packed action thriller it is. Terrific film and performances. Welcome back Chris👍
My Dad had a Jeep Grand Cherokee when this movie came out and we live near where most of the abduction scenes were filmed (Moab, UT). He always acted weird when he'd gas up around that area after watching it.
This film blew me away when I saw it in the theater. And then it kind of disappeared. So grateful you tackled this one. I find this movie to be a kind of underrated and/or under-viewed classic.
Thank you Chris!!! This movie is highly underrated and deserves to be recognized. Breakdown is in my top 20 greatest films of all time. I have to watch it at least once a year and own it on VHS and DVD.
Thank you for giving this movie the love it deserves! I was recommended this movie from a good friend a few months back and i'm grateful he did because it's a brilliant movie.
I really liked this movie. It's actually kind of scary to think about if you were in that situation where someone you loved went missing. Kurt Russell is the GOAT
I miss movies like this. They were the perfect friday night movie rental. You wouldn't know anything about it, you'd just see it on the new release shelf, see an actor you liked, read the synopsis on the back and give it a go with no hype or expectations and just be entertained with a good simple story with good characters.
I live in the, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, & was on holiday in, New York, went to see, Breakdown, at a cinema in, Time Square, absolutely loved it & your right nobody talks about it, it’s fantastic even Kurt’s, forgotten it. Anyway, Mr Stuckman, watch all your videos & am a well wisher, keep up the great work & all the best for your new movie may you have all the success I feel you deserve. My passion for film equals your just I’m not as articulate as you are.🙏🇬🇧
I had forgotten about this film until a couple months ago, and just rewatched it. There was something about the utter isolation of those desert locations and the framing of every scene that makes the suspense impeccably palpable
One of my favourite low to mid budget real life thrillers. I had just got married and watched this with my wife and thinking when he let his wife go with the dude and thinking wtf are you doing??? Then how the movie plays all the satisfying moments throughout, was just awesome. Kurt Russell is epic in this role, as he is in most movies. He’s one of favourite actors. Can play any role you through st him. Thanks for reviewing this classic.
I absolutely love this movie! I’m surprised that it isn’t more widely regarded as a classic. Thanks for making this video hopefully putting a wider spotlight on this forgotten gem.
So glad to see you giving this great film some recognition. Watched this in the cinema back in the day. Had to wait until a couple of years ago for a decent blu ray edition when it was released by imprint.
I love that you made this video and I LOVE Breakdown and agree that it never gets the attention it deserves. I saw this a year after it came out on a blind buy in sell-thru VHS because Kurt Russell never disappoints. I was 25 or 26 at the time and being raised on movies it was a rare treat to be surprised or creeped-out by a movie, no matter how much I enjoyed it. It is one of my great movie watching memories at that moment when Kurt tracks the truck down and J.T denies ever meeting him before. I remember getting this goosebump-chill down my body having trouble with what was happening. When J.T says "...never seen you before in my life." And then there's that pause. The movie shifts gears with seemingly longest pause ever, where I just couldn't believe what was happening and Kurt says exactly what I was thinking: "What are you doing?" This seemed so real to me with no super heroes or super villains, just the every-man that you pointed out. I remember those moments like a smack in the face and it hit me hard. I felt so helpless, hopeless and alone as my emotions were led by these two incredible actors and felt a very rare feeling of queasiness as I realised I would be as powerless as Kurt was in this scene. The rest of the movie is excellent, but that scene with the armed kid! That the kid had felt responsibility? That he actually tried to squeeze the trigger? And the moment of lowest moments when J.T flatly said to his own son "Do it." OMFG, he was willing to ruin his own kid's life with such a traumatic experience just to save his own skin. I felt so disgusted in J.T's character and so very heartbroken for his son. Seeing Kathleen Quinlan after a number of years was so great too and seeing that they were not only keeping her but had decided it was time for the freezer, and just let her asphyxiate showed the level of contempt for human life and the cowardice that they didn't even have the balls to do their dirty work manually while looking into her eyes, showed the true depravity of these scumbags. I have to admit though, although I am most probably in the very small minority, I never saw Billy for what he was. I thought he was just the local (do I say "simple" or "slow"? I don't know what's not offensive anymore) young man who observed what happened in that town but was largely ignored. I had no idea it was an act and that he was part of the kidnapper's script. Apologies for the length of post, but I love this movie so much, and am thrilled that you feel the same Chris. Keep up the excellent work mate. PS: I forgot, Commentaries were the thing that most excited and amazed me when DVD came out (laserdisc hardly caught on in Australia at all, hardly worth mentioning), I was blown away by this feature, not to mention the special features. The handful of behind the scenes disney has made for Star Wars is a drop in the ocean to disc features. I can't believe we are slowly losing all of that. And yes, there are boutique brands releasing obscure movies but they are expensive, and with postage added (especially from the US) they are way out of my budget.
This is one of my favourite 90s thrillers of all time. I tell everyone to see it . I can still remember my experience seeing it in the cinema the first time. Kurt russell is amazing in this movie. Loving the segment Chris From Scotland
Thanks so much for talking about this movie Chris! Its funny I rewatched it a few weeks ago and still holds up as a great movie! Suspenseful the whole way through.
I lived at the theater in 1997 and somehow missed this even though I'm a massive Kurt Russell fan. WOW! What an incredible film! Definitely one of the best thrillers of the '90s. Just watched it on Paramount+ because of your review.
As a child of the '90s, this is one I watched probably 10 to 15 times. I seem to remember it always being on TV Saturday nights and for some reason whenever I think about it or see my DVD copy, I think about watching this on a Saturday night in the living room of the house I grew up in.
One of the biggest sleepers of the 90s. I loved this movie since it came out and everyone I show it to loves it and wonders why they've never seen it. So many rememberable scenes.
One of my favorite's! So underated! Chris I am happy you did a video talking about this film! It definitely deserves more recognition amongst thriller/action movies.
This page had no comments and I thought to myself "am I going to be that person that writes 'first"'? But I chose not to. There comes a time in every person's life where they make a choice that defines them for the rest of their life. This was mine.
@@uploadinstuff It sure is. Tell me more about this amazing world. Lol. Chill out, dude. The risk you take posting silly stuff is that somebody might tease you about it. It's all good fun. Don't take it too seriously.
@@mco51193 Yeah sorry Ill chill out :P The risk you take posting stupid sounding crap is that somebody might tease you about it. It's all good fun. Don't take it too seriously.
Gosh, what a great video Chris. I loved Breakdown when I first saw it and went on to rewatch it many times. Your essay brought back some good memories and your analysis is on point. Cheers.
THANK YOU for talking about this movie! I remember seeing it as a Saturday afternoon movie on FOX, taping it, and rewatching it for years after. One of my all-time favourites.
I’m so happy to see Breakdown talked about lovingly. I friggin love this movie. I saw it in the theater when I was a senior in high school and it was an instant classic for me. The taping the guy’s neck to the seat and hitting the brakes is just chef’s kiss.
Chris...thanks. You listed 3 of my favorite movies that engage you and puts you directly in the shoes of the lead characters. I loved Breakdown and now going to watch it again. Appreciate your work.
Another thing to add is its run time. It's very efficient storytelling, perfectly paced, and delivers a completely satisfying 95 minutes. I watch it more often because it's easier to squeeze in as opposed to 130-140+ action epics. Thank you for bringing this movie into the light. I can't believe people have all but forgotten it. One of my favorites. Just hearing the opening music gets me excited.
So stoked you reviewed this one Chris. I agree with you on everything, just an outstanding 90s thriller with top-notch acting. This is also one of my dad’s favorites.
i remember seeing this in THEATERS, me and my mom went to see it, we were the only people in the theater, and we were both hooked, i would say it is a classic, and a unappreciated gem
I saw that you’d posted this but I’d never even heard of Breakdown. Decided to check it out before watch the review and I had such a good time with it. Thanks for the recommendation!
Really love what you bring to an analysis as a creative, Chris. I've seen this, TV back in the day like you did, but discussing the acting and writing makes me want to watch it again. You're giving people the details they need to want to watch a movie.
So happy you reviewed this movie! I loved this movie, and saw it in the theater. Very underrated, and at this point, no one ever talks about it. Such a great suspenseful thriller, and I wish it was recognized more. Thank you!!
Chris, I am so glad you addressed these type of films. I am also obsessed with these one day, balls to the wall, non stop stress movies. Phone Booth, The Negotiator and Cop Car are three of my favorites. I saw Breakdown in theaters and I swear no one knows about it. We need more of these!
I LOVE breakdown! I remember as a teenager when I first watched it I was obsessed with it! Chris always surprises me with the reviews and super glad to see this one highlighted, it’s fantastic.
I remember reviewing this movie (glowingly) for my college paper. This was a masterclass, Chris. More of these Feature Presentations, please! Part of the joy in watching is discovering what you haven’t covered, and that’s a testament to the breadth of what you’ve accomplished here. (Also: as a fellow native NE Ohioan, it’s amazing hearing you talk about theaters I also grew up going to.)
