the breaker upperers (2018)

A FRESH TAKE ON SPLITTING UP BUT FAILS TO BREAK INTO LAUGH-OUT-LOUD TERRITORY.

In a time where remakes and sequels live at large, it’s refreshing to see a film with such an original storyline but I guess it’s no surprise when Taika Waititi is involved. The comedy guru is on producer duties for New Zealand’s latest offering ‘The Breaker Upperers’ which sees long-time collaborators Madeline Sami and Jackie Van Beek behind the camera whilst they also write and start in the film.

The story focuses on two loveless best friends who run a business called ‘Breaker Upperers’ that specialises in breaking up couples for cash. Jen (Jackie Van Beek) is the organiser of the group whilst Mel (Madeline Sami) is the airheaded partner, together they make a successful but dull-witted team. Their offerings include a number of scams ranging from kidnappings to fake pregnancies, so the duo is always prepared for any breakup scenario their clients through at them. However; things get a bit messy when Mel breaks the golden rule ‘don’t get attached with clients’ after she falls for Jordan (James Rolleston) a 17-year-old male who’s looking to break up with his hard-as-nails girlfriend Sepa (Ana Scotney).

New Zealand is known for their quirky laugh-out-loud comedies especially with recent contributions such as ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ and ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and whilst ‘The Breaker Upperers’ tries to follow in their footsteps it, unfortunately, misses the mark. Now that’s not to say that there aren’t any laughs throughout the film because there are, it’s just that they come a little too far apart leaving most sections either cringe-worthy or tiresome. As mentioned earlier the storyline is quite original so kudos must be given for that, however; Jan and Mel’s effort to ruin others’ relationships soon becomes wearisome and the film’s novelty value swiftly wears off.   

The performances from everyone involved are actually quite good considering the material they have to work with. Van Beek and Sami do a great job of playing heartless saps whilst Rolleston who’s all grown up since Waititi’s ‘Boy’ does well as a mindless teenager. Scotney also provides a number of laughs as Jordan’s girlfriend along with her ‘gangsta’ crew of misfits but there are only so many laughs you can get out of this type of character.

‘The Breaker Upperers’ is a bit of fun with some enjoyable moments but it’s’ let down by too many immature gags that miss the mark and weak dialogue that loses its charm fairly early on. In saying that though it’s great to see New Zealand constantly bringing out fresh stories and ideas even if this one falls a bit short. I’ll be keeping an eye out on the countries next offering.

★★☆☆☆

3 SEPTEMBER 2018