“Breaking In” is an action-thriller starring Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke, and Richard Cardall. While the film features a solid cast, it fails to offer anything groundbreaking, resembling a simplified version of the popular movie “Panic Room.” However, there is nothing wrong with needing a film like that. Especially if you like movies where people are held hostage to extract information about the location of a safe.

The story kicks off with the potential for an engaging investigation narrative. The FBI is involved, and something very shady is going on. The story then shifts its focus to a group of four individuals who are solely interested in locating the scattered assets left behind in the state-of-the-art home by a man called Isaac.

Shaun’s journey begins with the unexpected death of her father, Isaac. Instead of mourning, she quickly finds herself separated from her two kids, Glover and Jasmine, soon after she arrives at his house.

Movies With Plotholes, Breaking In

As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that this house is more than just a home. It functions as a pseudo-panic room, offering protection and a sense of security when on the right side of its walls. However, the intricate security measures also mean an extra layer of tension as Shaun has to figure out how to get to her children before something bad happens to them. All they want her to do is tell them where the safe is. The burglars put additional pressure by telling her they only have an hour to get it done before the police are alerted.

While “Breaking In” may have its fair share of plot holes, it doesn’t detract from the overall movie experience. Gabrielle Union delivers a compelling performance as Shaun. She is convincing as a mother pushed to her limits over the safety of her children. Her standout performance adds depth and intensity to her character.

Breaking In’s got surprise kills, double-crosses, and a tidy ending. A sum of 4 million dollars to claim is an enticing sum for anyone. So it’s hard not to buy into the reality of how dumb money makes people in pursuit of it.

To fully appreciate “Breaking In,” viewers must suspend their expectations regarding logical property law within the storyline. It is a movie that demands an open-minded approach, without questioning the realism of the situation.

Home Invasion Movies

Just forget the law in general. Then you will be able to enjoy the Breaking In movie narrative just fine. It’s also useful to suggest that waiting for a backstory for anyone of interest is futile because it simply is not going to happen.

While “Breaking In” may not break new ground, it still delivers a decent action-thriller experience, particularly for fans of the genre.

Note: While “Breaking In” may resemble elements of the popular movie “Panic Room,” their stories are distinct and each offers a unique experience.

Home Invasion Baddies

Breaking In has a typecast bunch of ex-criminal characters, led by Sam, played by Levi Meaden. Despite the potential of the casting, the film fails to deliver. The lead baddie, Eddie (Billy Burke), does nothing but repeat the same tired lines about a mother hen and her nest.

Duncan, played by Richard Cabral, seems to be obsessed with wielding a large knife. It’s another predictable addition to the mix. All in all, Breaking In falls short of creating compelling characters and engaging dialogue. But hey, who needs that in a thriller, right?

Cinematography is a tidy stream of tracking shots. Given the single location, I did find that aspect enjoyable. It made the house appear larger than it was, which helped to make some of the clichéd chase scenes more believable. I often get tired of people chasing each other in films like this, and framed by the house, they were far more palatable.

As for the one-on-one fight scenes between Shaun and everyone on set, I can’t help but feel they were a bit excessive. The Terminator cliche is a staple for action B-movies, however so I won’t hold that against it.

Billy Burke as Eddie in Breaking In — Billy Burke as Eddie

Stream Breaking In Online, It’s Not A Complete Trainwreck

The thriller movie is not an abysmal train wreck. However, with so many awesome home invasion movies around, it’s hard not to want other filmmakers who try out this theme to do a better job. Smash hits like Hush, Don’t Breathe, The Strangers, and You’re Next are great home invasion movies like Breaking In.

But if you’ve seen them all and simply want something easy to watch within the Home Invasion genre, see Bloodshot Heart (Australian Giallo), He’s OUt There or The Rental (Psychological Thriller).

Breaking In is rated

2 better call an ambulance for Shaun, oh no wait, she’s fine out of 5

Mother of Movies score

Breaking In Cast

‘Breaking In’ cast: Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke, Richard Cabral, Ajiona Alexus, Levi Meaden, Seth Carr.
In other movies, you will have seen Gabrielle Union’s age-defying face in: Bring it On, 10 Things I Hate About You & Bad Boys II.
Directed by: James McTeigue. Written by: Ryan Engle and Jaime Primak Sullivan.