Breakfast of Champions MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -3

In a world seemingly gone mad with consumerism, Dwayne Hoover, the richest man in Midland City, is either succumbing to the madness or finding his way out of it. His wife, Celia (Barbara Hershey), is addicted to TV. Dwaynes son, Bunny (Lukas Haas), is an effeminate entertainer at the local motor inn. The general manager, Harry (Nick Nolte), at Dwaynes car dealership is a transvestite. His newest employee (Omar Epps), an ex-con, has grown up watching Dwaynes TV commercials and believes the car dealership is fairyland. And Dwaynes secretary, Francine (Glenne Headly), with whom he is having an affair, wants him to buy her a chicken franchise. Mr. Hoover, the man everyone in town knows and trusts, has lost his way in life. But when the Midland City fine arts festival brings misunderstood and impoverished author Kilgore Trout (Albert Finney) to town, Dwayne may find the answers hes looking for. This satire on modern society will only appeal to those who, like Dwayne Hoover, have the depth to see beyond the vanity of the day.

While bizarre, the film questions the meaning of life in a culture obsessed with materialism and image. Dwayne Hoover is so depressed he threatens suicide with a gun in his mouth several times. One reference is made to only God knowing what life is about, but, unfortunately, Dwayne gets his inspiration to live from a down-and-out author who publishes articles in porn magazines. Harrys cross-dressing, Celias prescription drug abuse and TV addiction, Dwaynes adulterous affair with Francine, and Bunnys gender confusion, along with other human vices are all satirized. In fact, nothing is taken seriously until Dwayne finally realizes that life must go on and reconciles with his wife and son. This commentary on modern life is sometimes funny, insightful but often sad. However, with frequent profanity and several obscenities, along with a graphic sex scene between Dwayne and Francine, BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS turns satire into offense.

Preview Reviewer: Cliff McNeely
Distributor: Buena Vista/Disney, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521, (818) 560-1000