Rating:  -
Though I gave only two stars, this made-for-TV film is not as bad as you expect from that rating. It gives always something to watch, but ... just look at this story, OK? A Chicago cop Lt. Morgan (Dean Cane) finds himself trapped in a shopping center where a group of theives try to steal the money. And his wife (Erika Eleniak, a girl jumping out from a giant cake in "Under Siege") is also trapped there; and the time is Christmas. Does that sound familiar? The situation is directly from one famous Bruce Willis action classic, and moreover, Morgan tries to get in touch with another cop outside the place to tell what is going on, by cell phone this time, not radio.
The hackneyed plot, however, is not to blame; actually, the film is mildly engaging. But the lack of new touch (and money perhap) in action scenes is felt too obviuosly. There is some original things about the film -- a hired Santa with a small bottle hidden in sleeve is one of them -- but they just pass by without being impressive nor effective.
The actors are not bad. Dean Cane plays a guy to whom we can easily relate, but more surprising is Eric Roberts (Julia's brother, well, just in case you forget), who should be given much better materials than here. His 'villain' betrays our expectation, showing more humane side than Allan Rickman's often thatrical mannerism. After all, he is an Oscar-nominee, and is really a good actor. It's just people forgot about that. A shame.
Not bad as you may imagine, and above average as made-for-TV film, "Breakaway" is good for a rainy day afternoon. Excuse me for giving rather unkind review, though, because I expect more from these two actors, who could do better.
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