Breaking The Rules (1992)

Breaking The Rules Poster

Two friends take their dying buddy on one last road trip.

Film Overview
"Breaking The Rules" is a comedy-drama movie released on October 9, 1992, directed by Neal Israel. The main stars of the movie are Jason Bateman, C Thomas Howell, and Jonathan Silverman. The motion picture is essentially a road-trip story that explores the styles of friendship, love, life, illness, and dealing with mortality.

Plot Summary
The story focuses on 3 childhood friends, Gene, the major ambitious pianist turned law student; Rob, the high school instructor; and, Phil, the cool Hollywood candidate who encourages his good friends to compete in a high stakes poker game in Los Angeles. Phil, harboring a secret about his terminal health problem, sees it as a last opportunity to reconcile and make some terrific memories with his pals.

After getting involved and losing the poker video game, they choose to take part in a talent show. Throughout the talent program, they re-enact a scene from "The Graduate", which ends up being a substantial success with the crowd. They utilize the prize money they won from the talent show to fund their journey.

Character Analysis
Gene, represented by Jason Bateman, is seen facing the expectations of his father to desert his enthusiasm for music and accept a law career. He is forced to reassess his priorities after learning about Phil's disease.

Rob, played by C Thomas Howell, is a high school teacher struggling to find his place in life. Eventually, he understands that true happiness depends on pursuing his real enthusiasm instead of complying with social expectations.

Phil, enacted by Jonathan Silverman, is an aspiring actor from Hollywood who is seen battling terminal cancer. Regardless of his peaceful temperament, he is plagued with the fear of passing away alone, leading him to convince his buddies to accompany him on his last journey, producing lasting memories.

Key Themes and Messages
The movie records sudden realizations, the grappling of the characters with life choices, the bond of friendship, and the idea of facing one's mortality. It portrays the journey of each character unraveling their problems, living in the minute, breaking the rules, taking dangers, and having fun.

The film injectives some heart-wrenching aspects too, portraying the gravity of Phil's approaching doom, the psychological chaos of his pals, in addition to the gratitude of life and relationships in the face of difficulty. By the end, the film successfully provides the message of valuing every moment in life and following passions before it's too late.

Vital View and Conclusion
"Breaking The Rules" is far beyond just a trip movie. It is indeed a psychological roller-coaster flight that perfectly depicts the protagonists' battle with their life choices, fears, goals, and, most importantly, the realization of their fleeting world. It is a heartwarming reminder to value friendships and not forget individual passions amidst life's chaos.

In general, this film is an emotional yet fun journey of 3 pals that exceeds social standards, rules, and expectations. It's certainly a nostalgic trip down memory lane for viewers, evoking combined feelings of joy, unhappiness, nostalgia, and thought-provoking realizations about life, death, and everything in between.

Top Cast

  • Jason Bateman (small)
    Jason Bateman
    Phil Stepler
  • C. Thomas Howell (small)
    C. Thomas Howell
    Gene Michaels
  • Jonathan Silverman (small)
    Jonathan Silverman
    Rob Konigsberg
  • Annie Potts (small)
    Annie Potts
    Mary Klinglitch
  • Krista Tesreau
    Rob's Date
  • Shawn Phelan (small)
    Shawn Phelan
    Young Phil
  • Jackey Vinson
    Young Gene
  • Marty Belafsky (small)
    Marty Belafsky
    Young Rob
  • Kent Bateman
    Mr. Stepler
  • Eurlyne Epper (small)
    Eurlyne Epper
    Redneck Woman
  • Jeffrey J. Dashnaw (small)
    Jeffrey J. Dashnaw
    Redneck #1