I received an opportunity to see the premier for “The Breaks” before it hits VH1 on January 4th.
I’m not a movie critic by any means, and I was confused as to why my editor would want my response. However, after watching the film it all clicked. My reaction to “The Breaks” is not one of a seasoned film student, rather someone who holistically loves Hip Hop. From that position I only have good things to say about “The Breaks”.
Every actor’s energy feels pure and the writing provides a similar foundation, making sure to provide a well rounded perspective of Hip Hop and the music industry. Having Nikki’s character live in the rift between making good music and making good money, speaks to the struggle of budding Hip Hop artists and music execs.
I absolutely love the depiction of Ahm, played by Antoine Harris, focusing on the life of a “street” rapper. That’s something my generation is detrimentally ignorant of, forgetting that lyrics about hustling and murder are rooted in real life experiences. The scene where Ahm stands in an egg crate coated closet studio, narrows in on how much emotion sits behind his lyrics.
I don’t really know if movie critics will love this, and frankly I couldn’t really care that much. The movie isn’t made for them, it’s made for us Hip Hop fans that’ve been starving for a Boyz N Tha Hood for our generation. I’m not sure if The Breaks will be just that, but it’s definitely up there and worth a watch.
art by your homie, Arthur Banach
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