Month: January 2022

“Guys like you don’t die on toilets.” —Martin Riggs

Today’s quick review: Lethal Weapon 2. Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) of the LAPD stumble onto something big when they find $1 million in gold coins as part of a drug bust. With the help of Leo Getz (Joe Pesci), a money launderer turned police witness, they trace the coins to the South African consulate. But their investigation runs around when their chief suspect, Arjen Rudd (Joss Ackland), claims diplomatic immunity.

Lethal Weapon 2 is an action movie starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Lethal Weapon 2 dives straight into another case for Riggs and Murtaugh, this time pitting them against a gang of killers operating under the protection of a foreign consulate. The same strong fundamentals as the first film make it a fun watch with a good mix of comedy and action. At the same time, a new investigation and a new face in Joe Pesci keep the story feeling fresh.

Once again, the high point of the movie is the pairing of Riggs and Murtaugh. What began as an unwilling partnership in the first film has evolved into a fast friendship that goes beyond their duties as police officers. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover play off each other effortlessly, packing their scenes together with organic conversation and friendly ribbing. Their loyalty to one another is the core of the movie and what will appeal most to action fans.

Lethal Weapon 2 builds on this rock-solid foundation with a reasonably intricate plot and a generous serving of action. The movie isn’t afraid to go big with its stunts, opening with an elaborate car chase before moving on to helicopter battles, shootouts, bomb scares, and more. On the story side, Lethal Weapon 2 is standard fare for the action genre but executed with an unusual amount of care. Everything in the story fits together tightly by the end.

Lethal Weapon 2 is a great pick for anyone in the mood for high-octane action and simple, enjoyable fun. It does not offer anything above and beyond the staples of the action genre, but its likable characters and high execution quality make it just the kind of movie certain action fans will adore. Those who prefer sober crime dramas or gritty, realistic action will want to steer well clear. For more in the same vein, try the Bad Boys movies.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for the action genre at its purest.

“Guess that’s the last time he’ll trust a cop.” —Jack Colt

Today’s quick review: Loaded Weapon 1. When his ex-partner (Whoopi Goldberg) is killed by an assassin (Tim Curry), Sgt. Wes Luger (Samuel L. Jackson), a by-the-book cop, must team up with Jack Colt (Emilio Estevez), a loose cannon with a hair trigger, to find out why. Their investigation takes them to a cookie factory owned by the sultry Miss Demeanor (Kathy Ireland) where the dastardly General Mortars (William Shatner) is hiding his drugs.

Loaded Weapon 1 is an action comedy starring Emilio Estevez and Samuel L. Jackson. It is a spoof of the action genre that takes aim at buddy cop movies like Lethal Weapon and its sequels. Direct scene-for-scene parodies, slapstick humor, a cavalcade of celebrity cameos, and a surprisingly coherent plot combine to make Loaded Weapon 1 a breezy, entertaining watch for the right viewer. Fans of ridiculous comedy will not want to miss it.

Loaded Weapon 1 has a comparable sense of humor to spoofs like Airplane! or The Naked Gun. The movie dials back the absurdity a little in exchange for sharper parody, putting a comedic spin on the classic scenes of the genre while weaving them together in a way that feels natural. The gags range from idiotic to brilliant, but nearly all of them hit the mark. Moreover, most of the jokes are unexpected, keeping the humor fresh throughout.

Loaded Weapon 1 sets out to do one thing, and it does it well. Solid writing, enthusiastic performances, and a knack for picking the right scenes to parody make it one of the hidden gems of the comedy genre. Fans of 90s action movies, absurd comedies, or any of the movie’s cast will want to give Loaded Weapon 1 a shot. Those who dislike lowbrow humor and pop culture references will want to steer clear.

For another parody in the same vein, try Hot Shots! or Top Secret!. For a modern parody of the action genre, try The Other Guys. For the original material, try the Lethal Weapon series.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for spot-on comedy for the right audience.

Today’s quick review: Wrongfully Accused. When violinist Ryan Harrison (Leslie Nielsen) is wrongfully accused of murder, he becomes a fugitive from the law to clear his name. His search for the truth lands him even deeper in trouble, tangling him up with a woman with a secret (Melinda McGraw), putting him in the crosshairs of the victim’s wife (Kelly LeBrock), and making him the center of a nationwide manhunt led by a relentless lawman (Richard Crenna).

Wrongfully Accused is a comedy that spoofs the action thriller genre, taking aim at every cliche and iconic moment it has to offer. Leslie Nielsen stars as Ryan Harrison, the victim of a ludicrous frame job. Wrongfully Accused follows directly in the footsteps of movies like Airplane!, packing in as many slapstick gags and references as it possibly can. However, the quality of its script and humor put it a few steps below the best the genre has to offer.

Wrongfully Accused scratches the same itch for absurd comedy as films like Airplane!, Mafia!, and Hot Shots!. The movie is an endless stream of one-off sight gags, slapstick routines, and parodies, using the comedic equivalent of free association to deliver joke after joke. The sheer volume of jokes works in the movie’s favor. Even thought the individual gags are not very preciseley aimed, a few of them are bound to hit the mark.

But the low hit rate is what sets Wrongfully Accused apart from the better movies of this type. Wrongfully Accused never tries to play off the viewer’s expectations. Instead, it tends to spit out jokes as fast as possible, with little setup and minimal attempt at timing. This leads to flat humor where the best jokes get buried by the worst. The plot is also hard to follow, a messy pastiche of The Fugitive, Double Jeopardy, and other thrillers.

Wrongfully Accused is a decent pick for fans of ridiculous comedies who don’t have their expectations set too high. In spite of its imperfections, Wrongfully Accused is silly and creative enough to earn some good laughs, especially for those willing to overlook the jokes that miss their mark. But viewers looking for Leslie Nielsen’s best work, a more cohesive story, or simply more focused humor will want to look elsewhere.

For a more memorable classic of the genre, try Airplane!, Top Secret!, or The Naked Gun. For an absurd comedy of similar caliber, try Mafia!, Spy Hard, or the later Naked Gun movies.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for fun humor held back by uneven quality and an especially disjointed plot.

“You know, in America funerals are in English.” —Commandant Lassard

Today’s quick review: Police Academy: Mission to Moscow. When a video game released by Russian crime boss Konstantine Konali (Ron Perlman) takes the world by storm, Commandant Rakov (Christopher Lee) of the Moscow police calls in his American counterpart, Eric Lassard (George Gaynes), to help with the investigation. Captain Harris (G.W. Bailey) and Lassard’s other officers must outwit Konali to gather the evidence they need to make an arrest.

Police Academy: Mission to Moscow is a police comedy and the seventh and final movie in the Police Academy series. As the title implies, Mission to Moscow takes the graduates of the Academy to Russia, where new mishaps await. The movie shakes up the series formula somewhat, with a few new faces, a pared-down cast, and a plot with a clear purpose in mind. However, shaky fundamentals when it comes to pacing and comedy hamper the movie badly.

Mission to Moscow takes a few steps in the right direction. Ron Perlman and Christopher Lee gives the series not only some fresh blood but some welcome acting talent. The reduced cast, less antagonistic role for Captain Harris, and new setting help break the series out of its old patterns. And while the plot is flimsy, it does take the movie from start to finish, giving it a cohesion that some of the other Police Academy films lack.

But Mission to Moscow is still riddled with problems. Newcomer Kyle Connors (Charlie Schlatter) is another swing and a miss, with a bland personality and an arc that doesn’t go anywhere. Like the rest of the series, Mission to Moscow gets sidetracked easily, veering off into loosely connected comedy skits rather than trying to keep up its momentum. The humor is also dicey, with an over-reliance on gags about Russia that quickly wear thin.

Police Academy: Mission to Moscow is a flawed comedy that may appeal to fans of the series but is outclassed by other films in the genre. Mission to Moscow has a few redeeming qualities that could have carried the film under other circumstances, but as it stands, neither its humor nor its story is enough to make it a memorable watch. Viewers who enjoy the characters might appreciate it as one last outing, but most viewers should steer clear.

For a raunchier police comedy with an emphasis on cultural humor, try Super Troopers 2.

3.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.0 for a couple of decent ideas with poor follow-through.

“Well, it seemed like a good plan at the time.” —Commandant Lassard

Today’s quick review: Police Academy 6: City Under Siege. With the city facing a record-breaking crime wave, Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes) and his officers (Bubba Smith, Michael Winslow, David Graf, Marion Ramsey, Leslie Easterbrook, Bruce Mahler, and Matt McCoy) are assigned to Wilson Heights to search for the culprits. The new arrivals are met with hostility by Captain Harris (G.W. Bailey), who does everything in his power to make them fail.

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege is, like its predecessors, a police comedy with an ensemble cast. The Police Academy graduates are united once more to stop a criminal mastermind who has the city at his mercy. The movie draws its humor from its varied cast, quirky situations, and the ongoing prank war between Captain Harris and his colleagues. But in spite of some smarter decisions, City Under Siege still struggles to earn laughs.

City Under Siege continues the series trend of marginal improvements in structure that are offset by predictable humor and a lack of heart. The movie does a cleaner job of managing its characters than some of the previous entries in the series, and it keeps the sprawling cast to a tractable number. But the jokes are recycled, the performances are mediocre, and the movie as a whole is missing the zany energy of the series at its best.

In terms of story, City Under Siege is a slight step up from the series status quo. The movie gets off to a stronger start, with an actual threat for the officers to face and one or two big questions for the story to focus on. Even so, the story is a flimsy one. There’s not enough depth for it to be truly interesting, even by comedy standards, and many of the scenes feel out of place, disjointed comedy routines that add little to the film.

Police Academy 6: City Under Siege has a few points in its favor, but ultimately it suffers from the same problems as the other Police Academy sequels. Fans of the characters will get some enjoyment out of it, and the plot gives it a sense of structure that the last two films lack. But these aren’t enough to make up for middling humor, one-note characters, and a story that isn’t original enough to carry the film.

For a much more refined comedy about a bumbling police inspector, try The Pink Panther or A Shot in the Dark.

4.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.0 for repetitive humor and weak execution, even on its better ideas.

“Now, which one of you guys was resisting arrest?” —Sergeant Tackleberry

Today’s quick review: Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach. With Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes) coming up on retirement, Captain Harris (G.W. Bailey) sets his sights on Lassard’s position at the head of the Metropolitan Police Academy. Standing in his way are Lassard’s loyal graduates (Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook, and Marion Ramsey), who are determined to make sure his retirement goes off without a hitch.

Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach is a police comedy with an ensemble cast. Assignment: Miami Beach picks up with the graduates of the Police Academy as they accompany Lassard on the final trip of his career: a police convention in Miami Beach where he is to honored for his accomplishments. The movie regains the sense of proportion of the earlier movies in the series, but that isn’t enough to save it from stale jokes and a meandering plot.

Assignment: Miami Beach scales back the cast significantly compared to the last two entries in the series. Only the core cast returns, plus two or three new faces who don’t take up much screentime. The result is a more streamlined comedy that gives its characters the chance to breathe. Even so, Assignment: Miami Beach still has a massive cast and not much for them to do. Fans of the series shouldn’t expect any major changes to the status quo.

Assignment: Miami Beach has a slightly different style of delivery than the previous films. The types of jokes are still the same, but the characters seem more aware that they’re part of a comedy routine. This leads to cleaner delivery but less energy, as nearly everyone stops to listen to whoever has center stage. The jokes themselves are nothing new, while the plot suffers from the same lack of purpose as the previous entries in the series.

All in all, Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach is a step back in the right direction for the series, but it is missing the novelty and energy to be a truly worthwhile watch. Fans of the Police Academy series may want to give it a shot simply to see the characters in action once more, but those who have seen any of the other movies will already get the gist. Those hoping for a sharp plot or memorable gags should steer clear.

For a more inspired police comedy, try one of the Naked Gun movies. For a more successful comedy with the same spirit, try Animal House or Caddyshack. For similar gags delivered with more zeal, try the original Police Academy.

4.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.0 for modest comedy without much force behind it.

Today’s quick review: Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol. As part of a new initiative dreamed up by Commandant Lassard (George Gaynes), Sgt. Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg) and his fellow officers recruit ordinary civilians to help patrol their neighborhoods. But trouble strikes the program when Captain Harris (G.W. Bailey), an old rival of Mahoney’s, is put in charge of the recruits’ training and makes it his mission to ensure they fail.

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol is a police comedy with an ensemble cast. Citizens on Patrol continues in the same tradition as the previous Police Academy films, offering up a colorful cast, silly hijinks, and a low-stakes plot. However, with Citizens on Patrol, the series begins to hit diminishing returns. The heart and creativity of the original Police Academy are absent, leaving the movie to coast on repetitive jokes and a token plot.

Citizens on Patrol misses the mark with most of its humor. Many of the jokes are recycled from previous entries in the series, exploiting the same one-note characters as before. The new additions to the franchise are not very exciting either. None of the new recruits are memorable, and the handful of new jokes are consistently low-effort. The movie also makes no attempt to invest in its story, relying entirely on its thinly connected gags.

Still, Citizens on Patrol will hold some modest value for fans of the series. The cast is too large and unwieldy to use effectively, but the movie still makes time for Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), Debbie Callahan (Leslie Easterbrook), Zed (Bobcat Goldthwait), and many of the other offbeat characters the series has picked up over the years. Their performances can’t carry the movie on their own, but they do help out.

Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol will only appeal to viewers who are firmly committed to the Police Academy formula. Those who enjoy the characters for their own sakes, don’t mind repetition, and don’t need much in the way of plot will find Citizens on Patrol to be a fun, quick comedy. Those hoping for fresh humor, a clever script, or meaningful character arcs should steer well clear. Most viewers would be better off skipping it.

For a cleaner take on the same formula, try the original Police Academy. For another ridiculous police comedy, try The Naked Gun. For a military comedy in a similar vein, try Stripes.

5.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for a good legacy cast who don’t have much to work with.

“Can you imagine where you’d be in your career if you hadn’t shot Jeter?” —Allen Gamble

Today’s quick review: The Other Guys. Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) are two of New York’s most hated cops. But the two detectives get their shot at glory when David Ershon (Steve Coogan), a shady investor who manages billions of dollars, is kidnapped right in front of them. To figure out who took Ershon and why, Gamble and Hoitz will have to put aside their differences and become the heroes they always wanted to be.

The Other Guys is a crime comedy that parodies the gung ho attitude of other cop movies. Will Ferrell stars as Allen Gamble, a police accountant whose quiet, helpful personality earns him the contempt of his macho colleagues. Mark Wahlberg plays opposite him as Terry Hoitz, Allen’s reluctant partner who wants nothing more than to move past a career-damaging blunder. Their uniue skills give them a shot at cracking a case no one else will even take.

The Other Guys is spot-on with some of its humor. The action genre is a broad target to hit, and all the movie has to do is crank up the characters’ attitudes just a little bit to have all the jokes it needs. Allen and Terry live in a world where every cop wants to be a hero, with all the chaos and bluster that entails. The shots at the genre are offset somewhat by jokes that embrace its sense of excess, giving action fans something to like.

The Other Guys also makes good use of its leads. Allen and Terry take the classic buddy cop setup and run with it in a very specific direction. They are both ridiculous in complementary ways, letting the movie shift the focus of its humor as needed. Neither character is as easy to like as in movies with less of a satirical edge, but their characterization is surprisingly consistent throughout the film, showing more care than the average spoof.

Still, the balance of the movie may feel off for some viewers. The Other Guys skirts the line between affectionate parody and vicious takedown of the action genre, which may make it unappealing to action fans depending on how they read it. The humor can be coarse in places, and Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are both strong flavors to get used to. Ultimately, The Other Guys has a clear vision that may not be what some viewers are looking for.

The Other Guys is a solid pick for anyone who wants to see the cop formula turned on its head. The movie makes a few risky decisions that will narrow its appeal, but strong comedic foundations and a fruitful setup make it worth a shot for anyone curious. For an even more outlandish parody of the genre, try Last Action Hero, Loaded Weapon, or The Naked Gun. For a more cerebral, noir-style buddy comedy, try The Nice Guys.

6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for solid comedy that largely hits its targets.

Today’s quick review: Cop Out. Detectives Jimmy Monroe (Bruce Willis) and Paul Hodges (Tracy Morgan) have been partners for nine years. After their latest blunder gets them suspended from the force without pay, Jimmy is forced to sell a rare baseball card to pay for his daughter’s wedding. But when the card winds up in the hands of Poh Boy (Guillermo Diaz), an up-and-coming gang leader, Jimmy and Paul must go to great lengths to get it back.

Cop Out is a crime comedy starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan as two suspended cops who get caught in the middle of a drug dealer’s big move. The two make for an effective comedy duo. Jimmy and Paul are goofy in complementary ways, while their shared history makes them competent crime-fighters when the chips are down. Cop Out doesn’t offer anything too special with its plot or characters, but its fun humor and good leads are enough to carry it.

Cop Out earns points with its comedy. Some of the jokes sail wide of the mark, but the majority of them are funny, reasonably clever, and a good fit for the characters. In terms of story, Cop Out lands squarely in the middle of the comedy genre, with just enough complexity to keep things from getting stale. The same goes for its characters. Jimmy and Paul are just fleshed out enough to make them enjoyable to watch without leaving a lasting impression.

Cop Out is a solid pick for anyone in the mood for a low-risk comedy. Its jokes aren’t as spectacular as the greats of the genre, but they are likely to entertain a broad audience. They are also supported by a decent story and two leads with good chemistry, even if there are a few rough edges. Cop Out is a movie that will please those looking to be entertained by it and disappoint those looking to be impressed. Give it a shot when the mood is right.

For another buddy cop comedy in a similar vein, try Ride Along. For an action movie with similar character dynamics, try the Bad Boys or Lethal Weapon series. For a crime comedy with a darker sense of humor and more distinctive characters, try War on Everyone. For a black comedy with a much more elaborate plot and a sharper pair of leads, try The Nice Guys.

5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for fun, if not outstanding, humor.

Today’s quick review: Another Stakeout. After a blunder on the job, Seattle police officers Chris Lecce (Richard Dreyfuss) and Bill Reimers (Emilio Estevez) are assigned to work with Gina Garrett (Rosie O’Donnell), the assistant district attorney. The three of them must put up with boredom and each other as they stake out the secluded island where Lu Delano (Cathy Moriarty), an important federal witness, may have fled after an attempt on her life.

Another Stakeout is a crime comedy about two police officers and a lawyer tasked with keeping a frightened witness safe from the hitman (Miguel Ferrer) trying to kill her. Another Stakeout’s story has a dramatic setup and some actual danger for its characters, but the personality quirks of Chris, Bill, and Gina fall squarely in the realm of comedy. A couple of good performances and an organic script make Another Stakeout a fun watch.

Another Stakeout’s best feature is the comedy duo of Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez. The two settle into a comfortable rhythm that bespeaks their characters’ long friendship. Their light-hearted jabs at one another, willingness to roll with the punches, and general sense of playfulness give the movie a ready source of humor. Rosie O’Donnell is no slouch herself, and together the three leads give Another Stakeout a strong comedic core.

Another Stakeout is on somewhat shakier ground with its plot. The setup works well on paper, but in practice, the characters spend too much time with nothing to do. The stakeout eats up most of the film, during which time the lead trio’s main occupation is trying to maintain their cover in front of the neighbors (Dennis Farina, Marcia Strassman). On the plus side, the movie has enough humor to sustain the audience through this dry spell.

Another Stakeout is a decent pick for viewers in the mood for something light with just a touch of danger. The movie does rely heavily on the friendship between Chris and Bill to make its humor work, meaning that a viewer who dislikes their jokes will find that it has little to offer. But for the right viewer, Another Stakeout manages something unusual: silly comedy that still feels natural. Give it a shot if you’re curious.

For another outing with the same characters that has a better balance of story and humor, try the original Stakeout.

5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for two good leads and a decent plot.