The Breaks (1999)
A chaotic one-day comedy about identity, belonging, and the simple impossibility of buying a carton of milk.
The Breaks - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Eric Meza
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 26, 1999 (Germany - 16), February 26, 1999 (United States)
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Breaks - Plot
Derrick, a racially-confused Irishman raised in the hood by a black family is having the worst day ever. Determined to prove to his fed-up mother and would-be girlfriend that he's not a screw-up, he sets out to do one thing right (get some milk) and even that proves to be a challenge! Hilarious encounters with racist red-neck cops, local gangsters and 'flamboyant' pawn shop owners ensue, and along the way Derek shows that he can actually do things for others and maybe even get his own life together.
The Breaks - Trailer
See the chaos unfold in the official trailer for this 1999 comedy:
He's a brother who pales by comparison.
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The Breaks - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Eric Meza
Main Cast
- Mitch Mullany
- Carl Anthony Payne II
- Loretta Devine
- Anthony Anderson
- E-40
- George Clinton
- Shireen Crutchfield
- Oscar Dillon
- Paul Benjamin
- Isaiah Barnes
Writers
- Mitch Mullany
The Breaks - FAQs
What is The Breaks about?
The Breaks follows Derrick King, a white Irishman raised by a Black family in the hood, as he stumbles through the worst day of his life. All he needs to do is buy some milk, but chaotic run-ins with racist cops, local gangsters, and a flamboyant pawn shop owner keep getting in the way.
Who plays Derrick King in The Breaks?
Mitch Mullany plays Derrick King, the racially-confused Irish protagonist raised in the hood. Mullany also wrote the screenplay, drawing on his own comedic sensibility to bring this fish-out-of-water character to life with genuine heart and humor.
Who directed The Breaks (1999)?
The Breaks was directed by Eric Meza. The film was released on February 26, 1999, and features a lively ensemble cast that includes Loretta Devine, Anthony Anderson, rapper E-40, and funk legend George Clinton appearing as himself.
Is The Breaks based on a true story?
The Breaks is not based on a specific true story, but the screenplay was written by its star Mitch Mullany, who drew on his own experiences and comedic perspective. The film's humor around racial identity and urban life reflects a personal creative vision rather than documented real events.
Who are the main actors in The Breaks?
The cast is a fun mix of comedy and music talent. Mitch Mullany leads as Derrick, with Carl Anthony Payne II, Loretta Devine, and Anthony Anderson rounding out the core ensemble. Rapper E-40 shows up as a judge, and funk icon George Clinton even makes an appearance as himself.
What genre is The Breaks (1999)?
The Breaks is a comedy. It leans into fish-out-of-water humor, exploring themes of racial identity, belonging, and urban life through a series of increasingly absurd misadventures that befall its well-meaning but perpetually unlucky main character over the course of one chaotic day.
How long is The Breaks?
The Breaks runs for 86 minutes, making it a breezy, fast-paced watch. The tight runtime suits the film's single-day premise perfectly, keeping the comedy moving at a quick clip as Derrick lurches from one disastrous encounter to the next in his quest to simply buy some milk.
What are some movies similar to The Breaks?
If you enjoyed The Breaks, you might also like Darlings (2022) or Marlon Wayans: Woke-ish (2018) for their sharp comedic takes on identity and culture. Fans of stand-up comedy specials could also check out Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All (2024) or Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (2023).
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