Breaking Point (2009/Lionsgate DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Feature: C

 

 

With one of the angriest openings of a film of late, Jeff Celentano’s Breaking Point (2009) wants to stand apart from the many other urban police drams that have been overproduced of late and with two beatings and worse in less than 10 minutes, then the story begins.  Tom Berenger is a drug-addicted attorney whose misconduct seems to be behind a client of his who went free, but it turns out something uglier is brewing.  His client’s girlfriend used to be an addict too and a lead street gangster (Busta Rhymes in a thankless role) is the conduit between the street and power in the city.

 

Unfortunately, the screenplay by newcomer Vincent Campanella is ultimately a very routine story with little point or new to offer and Celentano cannot figure out a way to add anything new to it that dopes not feel phony or desperate.  Unless you really like these kinds of formulaic films, pass.  Armand Assante, Frankie Faison, Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones and Quisha Saunders also star.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image is reportedly actually shot in real anamorphic scope lenses, but we could not confirm this or what type by this posting.  Since color has been gutted and the image falsely stylized, it defeats the purpose of shooting in a higher quality way than the likes of lesser Super 35mm or HD.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is harsher and less dynamic than expected throughout, playing as just a bassier version of the 2.0 Stereo here.  The music is one reason, but the issue goes beyond the music and does not work very well.

 

Extras include a feature-length commentary by Celentano & Jones, Behind The Scenes featurette, Actor Interviews, Deleted Scenes and stills.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo