Of Michael's smaller films, Breach of Trust (aka Crash) is one of my favorites. Though its story has a few holes in it, it still provides fast-paced excitement and is peopled with supporting players who hold our interest. Best of all, Breach... gives us an incredibly winning hero in Michael (no surprise) and a heroine (Leilani Sarelle-Ferrer) who is worthy of him (surprising indeed!).
Casey (Michael) is a small-time operator who on occasion plies his trade in service to a cartel of drug dealers. Madeline (Leilani) is an undercover cop investigating Casey's sometime employers. Thrown together, the two of them are caught up in the chaos wrought by a double-cross within the cartel and a much-sought-after computer disc, which comes into their possession. In the course of trying to evade their pursuers and discover the secrets of the disc, Madeline and Casey also discover their attraction to each other, and the romantic sparks fly. When Madeline's life is threatened, Casey rises to the occasion to reveal the true mettle of his character.
Casey is a delightful departure for Michael. He's a rogue with larceny in his heart and irresistible appeal all over the place. His devastating smile could melt an iceberg, and Madeline is no iceberg. She is an attractive, intelligent, and perceptive woman, who readily recognizes the devilment behind Casey's affable personality and yet is drawn to him despite herself. Their chemistry together is electric, and one hopes against hope that they will emerge from all the turmoil alive and together.
On the surface, Casey seems a pretty shallow kind of fellow, a rogue just out for an easy buck. In his own words, his crooked career came about because he has certain qualifications, a "thin wallet, poor judgment, that kind of thing." But Michael delves deeper to reveal another layer to this likable con man. We see it as Casey sits with Madeline while she sleeps; in his devastation at her capture; in his willingness to go into the lion's den to save her; and most of all, when he forgets his own safety in his concern for her. Through Casey, Michael is able to demonstrate his ability to move with ease from action to drama to romance and to create a character different from others he's played in the disarmingly charming Casey.
Kay
