
Breakdown
1997, Mystery and thriller, 1h 33m
52 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
A brainy and suspenseful -- if somewhat uneven -- thriller. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Jeffrey "Jeff"' Taylor
Warren "Red" Barr
Amy Taylor
Earl
Billy
Sheriff Boyd
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Critic Reviews for Breakdown
All Critics (52) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (42) | Rotten (10)
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Quote not available.
September 7, 2011 | Rating: A- | Full Review… -
[Kurt Russell's] lack of energy afflicts the film as much as its director's lack of ideas.
May 7, 2003 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
May 7, 2003 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
A taut suspense film.
November 6, 2002 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review… -
Many will note echoes of 'The Vanishing,' 'Deliverance' and most of all, Steven Spielberg's 'Duel,' with Mostow displaying much of the craft that Spielberg ambushed us with in the 1971 TV movie that put him on the map.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3.5/4 -
An incredibly tense, gripping, white-knuckle treat.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Breakdown
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Mar 20, 2014Not bad. I wish that the writers had kept up the delusion for awhile though. All evidence of Russell's wife's disappearance is gone, and the film starts to take the path of a psychological thriller, implying at times that Russell's character is going crazy. But the film abandons this too quickly, showing just how sinister some of the supporting characters really are. It would've been so much cooler if they had kept that psychological aspect of the film going for awhile. Considering that this film is barely 90 minutes, the writers could've totally done that too.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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Mar 08, 2013I've always felt that Kurt Russell is a good actor, and "Breakdown" features one of his best performances. The film itself is a little predictable and more could have been done with its concept, and some of it is so implausible that believability just goes right out the window, but in the end, it's great entertainment. When it comes to these kinds of films, that's what matters the most.Stephen E Super Reviewer
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Feb 17, 2013It's not exceptionally deep or meaningful, but Breakdown has near-constant suspense and a spectacular final sequence, making it a very fun and exciting action thriller.Joey S Super Reviewer
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Sep 13, 2012Breakdown is an action thriller that runs out of steam pretty fast and is fairly predictable. The story follows the struggle of a man to save his wife, who's been abducted and held for ransom. Kurt Russell leads the cast and gives a strong performance; however the supporting cast doesn't keep up with him. And although the film is full of suspense and thrillers, but the story isn't paced very well and keeps losing momentum. So while Breakdown has some riveting action and a solid story, it's poorly executed and lack originality.Dann M Super Reviewer
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