‘Breakout’ Is A Non-Stop Thrill Ride [Review]
By pushing the “thriller” category further beneath the horror umbrella, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the recent screeners sent over. That includes this upcoming release from the awesome mind of Brandon Slagle: Breakout.
Think Die Hard in a California prison that’s taken over by a former LAPD bomb squad lead, who still loves the power that comes with domestic terrorism. It’s these such antics that landed Max Chandler (Brian Krause) in jail years prior and make no doubt about it. He’s itching for more self-made destruction.
Meanwhile, remorseful father Alex (Louis Mandylor), finally learns the location of his troubled son Vincent. Alex sets out to free his criminally active offspring from a life sentence due to a small infraction. Unfortunately, Vincent murdered an undercover cop in cold blood. So there’s that minor obstacle that needs to be addressed upon Alex’s arrival at this hardened penitentiary. And let’s not forget the already tumultuous relationship that begs for a major repair between Alex and Vincent before something terrible happens.
Oops, too late…
On the same morning Alex visits the prison to try and help his estranged son, in walks the ever-so-suave and incredibly cocky Max Chandler. Through a constant smirk, a sharp tongue, and complete arrogance, we wait for the big boom that is inevitably approaching. And just like Hans Gruber, the fun begins with irresistible evilness as Max snipes off prison staff one by one until he’s taken control of the jailhouse.
The murders are gruesome, and the mind manipulation is equally mesmerizing. Chandler sinks his claws into the rookie prisoners (such as Vincent), transforming his newfound minions into a low-class army with promises of a blissful future. So when this wannabe cult-like leader puts a bounty on the obstructions in his way to freedom, all the orange-clad recruits eagerly go indoor hunting to kill good guy Alex. All…but one? Or does Vincent cling to his grudge over protecting his own flesh and blood, allowing Daddy dearest to walk further towards his own death?
All hope falls upon the fighting chops of a desperate father trying to save his child from a painful outcome. It’s action-packed, it’s angry, and it’s violent. But it would be boring if it were anything less than a grisly Breakout.
Sometimes the simplest story can become the most impressive, with the mere casting and quick wit added to the prime antagonist. In Breakout, Krause grabs that spotlight and continues to shine throughout the six-hour race to meet his demands. Seeing Tom Sizemore in one of his last roles as the hostage negotiator only solidified the fact that we lost a mega-talent in the industry. But all that aside, if you like action mixed with some nasty pulped-up killings, grab a copy of Breakout and enjoy the ride.
Summary
If you like action mixed with some nasty pulped-up killings, grab a copy of Breakout and enjoy the ride.
