Breakin' All the Rules (2004)

Breakin’ All the Rules: Directed by Daniel Taplitz. With Jamie Foxx, Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut, Peter MacNicol. Inspired by his fiancée (who dumped him), a man publishes a break-up hand-book for men, becoming a best-selling author in the process.

“I never really had much to say in the way of Jamie Foxx prior to his recent break out in roles ie. Collateral and although I havenu0026#39;t seen it yet I have no doubt his performance in u0026quot;Rayu0026quot; will further my opinions of him. Heu0026#39;s a great character actor and possibly on his way to being the caliber of such great African American performers as Denzel Washington and Will Smith. His role in Collateral was scene stealing and up against Tom Cruiseu0026#39;s Oscar worth performance it was a challenge but he impressed me. Then comes this fun little romantic comedy. A very different change of pace for Foxx but he pulls it off flawlessly in a amusing, and fun to watch film. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBreakin All The Rules is about an editor turned author who is dumped by his model girlfriend (Bianca Lawson) and during his fit of depression ends up writing a guide to breaking up with people…the right way. His cousin and best friend played perfectly by Morris Chestnut is a womanizer who doesnu0026#39;t believe in these rules until he sees them in action. The book makes Quincy famous, but unlucky in love until he meets the perfect woman in a case of mistaken identity and falls for her. It just so happens she is the latest girlfriend of his cousin who is also in love with her.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe comedy in this film relies heavily on the old formula of mistaken identities, and mix ups in happenings, reminds me of the old Threeu0026#39;s Company episodes. The film also relies heavily on the personalities of the characters. The womanizer, the nice misunderstood main character guy, the stuck up model ex girlfriend, the u0026quot;perfectu0026quot; woman, and the other supporting characters make the film brilliant. The film is full of former TV sitcom actors which perhaps makes sense being it does play out like an episode of a sitcom but really what is wrong with that? Peter MacNichol of Ally McBeal fame plays his usual character but always fun to watch. Heu0026#39;s the perfect blend of superiority while being completely inferior. Leading lady played by Gabrielle Union goes with both Foxx and Chestnutu0026#39;s character and she does a great job. Previously seen as her role on Friends, I was never fond of her although I liked her character in 10 Things I Hate About You and sheu0026#39;s had some other great roles. She was perfect for her role in this film. Jennifer Esposito makes a fun little addition to the cast as the slightly psycho girlfriend/fiancée of MacNicholu0026#39;s character. The cast just works so well together and the film is written in such a way that you canu0026#39;t help but enjoy itu0026#39;s simplicity. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI enjoy what everyone on the message board calls u0026quot;Black Cinemau0026quot; but this is one of the best because itu0026#39;s still very mainstream without losing the culture. Overall this is a fun film to check out a Saturday night, itu0026#39;s not too heavy but is satisfying and clichéu0026#39;d which sometimes is a good thing.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e7/10”