Breakin' All the Rules

Daniel Tablitz's 'Breakin' All the Rules' has some genuinely funny moments. It's not a classic but most of it is quite enjoyable. It sticks to the main point. I liked the idea that the main character is a man who's writing a self-help book about broken relationships. Usually such characters are played by women so this felt fresh and cool. The problem is that some of the jokes lose their touch as they are too stretched out but the confusion and mistaken identity bits were quite funny. The film highly depends on its cast. Jamie Foxx is a natural performer where comedy is concerned thus here is no exception. The cute Gabrielle Union is decent but she doesn't convince in the sequences where Nicky's angry. Moreover the chemistry between her and Foxx seems more as though they are friends rather than two people who are strongly attracted to each other. Jennifer Esposito springs a surprise as a semi-dominatrix seductress. Morris Chestnut does not impress and Peter MacNicol is alright. Bianca Lawson provides a few chuckles as the bitchy girlfriend. Overall, this isn't among the funniest movies but it may be worth giving a chance on a relaxed evening. For me the most hilarious sequences were Helen's irritation with Quincy's dog and what Quincy does to 'solve' the problem, the party sequence where all 6 of the lead cast come together for a showdown, Nicky and Mr. Lynch...and there are a few more.

Breakin' All the Rules (2004) is a movie I recently rewatched on Tubi for the first time in a long time. The storyline follows a single man who helps his best friend cover for an impending breakup by meeting his friend's girlfriend at a bar. However, an unexpected attraction forms between the girlfriend and the friend, breaking unspoken rules and complicating all of their relationships.

Written and directed by Daniel Taplitz (Nightlife), the film stars Jamie Foxx (Ray), Gabrielle Union (Bring It On), Morris Chestnut (The Best Man), Peter MacNicol (Ghostbusters II), and Bianca Lawson (Save the Last Dance).

Despite its impressive cast, the movie doesn't quite live up to its potential. Gabrielle Union looks stunning, and Morris Chestnut delivers a solid, authentic performance. Peter MacNicol is amusing as the quirky villain, but Jamie Foxx's over-the-top expressions and mannerisms feel excessive at times, detracting from the film's humor. The comedy leans on predictable hijinks and lacks the sharp wit it needed to stand out.

In conclusion, Breakin' All the Rules is an average comedy that misses the mark. I'd score it a 5/10.

I never really had much to say in the way of Jamie Foxx prior to his recent break out in roles ie. Collateral and although I haven't seen it yet I have no doubt his performance in "Ray" will further my opinions of him. He's a great character actor and possibly on his way to being the caliber of such great African American performers as Denzel Washington and Will Smith. His role in Collateral was scene stealing and up against Tom Cruise's Oscar worth performance it was a challenge but he impressed me. Then comes this fun little romantic comedy. A very different change of pace for Foxx but he pulls it off flawlessly in a amusing, and fun to watch film.

Breakin All The Rules is about an editor turned author who is dumped by his model girlfriend (Bianca Lawson) and during his fit of depression ends up writing a guide to breaking up with people...the right way. His cousin and best friend played perfectly by Morris Chestnut is a womanizer who doesn't believe in these rules until he sees them in action. The book makes Quincy famous, but unlucky in love until he meets the perfect woman in a case of mistaken identity and falls for her. It just so happens she is the latest girlfriend of his cousin who is also in love with her.

The comedy in this film relies heavily on the old formula of mistaken identities, and mix ups in happenings, reminds me of the old Three's Company episodes. The film also relies heavily on the personalities of the characters. The womanizer, the nice misunderstood main character guy, the stuck up model ex girlfriend, the "perfect" woman, and the other supporting characters make the film brilliant. The film is full of former TV sitcom actors which perhaps makes sense being it does play out like an episode of a sitcom but really what is wrong with that? Peter MacNichol of Ally McBeal fame plays his usual character but always fun to watch. He's the perfect blend of superiority while being completely inferior. Leading lady played by Gabrielle Union goes with both Foxx and Chestnut's character and she does a great job. Previously seen as her role on Friends, I was never fond of her although I liked her character in 10 Things I Hate About You and she's had some other great roles. She was perfect for her role in this film. Jennifer Esposito makes a fun little addition to the cast as the slightly psycho girlfriend/fiancée of MacNichol's character. The cast just works so well together and the film is written in such a way that you can't help but enjoy it's simplicity.

I enjoy what everyone on the message board calls "Black Cinema" but this is one of the best because it's still very mainstream without losing the culture. Overall this is a fun film to check out a Saturday night, it's not too heavy but is satisfying and cliché'd which sometimes is a good thing.

7/10

I saw an advanced screening of Breakin' All the Rules and I have to say it was a refreshing change of pace from recent black comedies (like the mindless Johnson Family Vacation). This was a very smart comedy with interesting plot turns and twist and, for me, the most important element was believable characters. However, with Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union in the cast (do they have to be in every romantic, black comedy?) the movie reminded me a bit of their previous movie, Two Can Play That Game.

Jamie Foxx does a great job of carrying the movie and Peter McNichole is great as the powerful company executive that needs Jamie's help because he afraid to break up with his gold digging girlfriend. And although I've mentioned this as a "black comedy" it really is colorless. Bottom line, the movie was entertaining and well worth seeing!

Not a bad movie, although the commercials make it look so. I find Jamie Foxx pretty funny in his routines, and although his really spastic comedic side doesn't truly shine through his lines, he has a few Jamie Foxx moments.

It is not hilarious, and it is not going to win any academy awards, its a pretty good romantic comedy, good for all crowds.

JAMIE FOXX's supermodel girlfriend breaks up with him causing him to write the Break-Up handbook detailing how to successfully break up with someone without cause the emotional trauma or a stalker.

MORRIS CHESTNUT is Jamie Foxx's character's cousin who has a 3-month commitment limit. GABRIELLE UNION is dating Morris Chestnut's character and through a whole bunch of drama, Jamie Foxx meets up with her, not knowing she is the same girl his cousin was dating.

Overall, a decently entertaining movie. Definitely worth the rental fees and your time.