Episode 127: Breakdown (1997)

About this episode

Jason and Dustin discuss the 1997 film 'Breakdown' and its practical effects, along with recent films they've watched.

In this episode, Jason breaks his usual disdain for 90s cinema to put forth "one of the good ones" for discussion. So join us for a Kurt Russel starring stunt spectacle as we check out Jonathan Mostow's Breakdown from 1997. Jason highlights the many virtues of practical effects use on display. Dustin runs down the many connections to other films and potential inspirations in the chain of road movies turned abduction thrillers. But before all that, Jason hits the theater to weigh in on the latest entry in the Star Wars franchise, and Dustin rounds up a pair of disappointing re-watches. And so much more! Part of the Prescribed Films Podcast Network (www.thepfpn.com) What We've Been Watching:-Jason: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)-Dustin: Spiral (1998) & Zombie 4: After Death (1989) Show Notes:-Breakdown Trailer-Go check out all the other fine shows on the Prescribed Films Podcast Network-Related Film: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines-Related Film: Terminator Genisys-Related Film: Terminator: Dark Fate-Related Film: U-571-Related Series: The Mandalorian-Related Film: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker-Related Film: Ringu-Related Film: Ringu 2-Related Author: Koji Suzuki…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jason, Dustin

Topics covered

• 90s cinema
• practical effects
• road movies
• abduction thrillers
• film connections
• Star Wars
• film re-watches

Keywords

• Breakdown
• Kurt Russel
• 90s cinema
• practical effects
• Star Wars
• film analysis
• abduction thrillers
• film connections
• re-watches

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Breakdown, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Spiral, Zombie 4: After Death, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Terminator Genisys, Terminator: Dark Fate, U-571, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Ringu

More episodes of Genre Exposure: A Film Podcast

• Episode 128: In Fabric (2018) · June 10, 2026 · 1h 37m
• Episode 126: Creepy (2016) · May 13, 2026 · 1h 29m
• Episode 125: Who Can Kill a Child? (1976) · April 29, 2026 · 1h 16m
• Episode 124: Knock Knock (2015) · April 15, 2026 · 1h 23m
• Episode 123: A Chinese Ghost Story (1987) · April 1, 2026 · 1h 35m
• Episode 122: Valentine (2001) · March 4, 2026 · 1h 57m