Showtime
Review
by : Gareth Von Kallenbach
Starring:
Eddie Murphy (Sellars), Robert DeNiro
(Preston)
Directed by: Tom Dey
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The buddy cop film has been a staple of the action film genre
for decades. Comedian Eddie Murphy is no stranger to this
genre as he burst onto the big screen with "48 Hours" and
"Beverly Hills Cop" and followed them both up with sequels.
In recent years Murphy has turned to more family oriented
fair such as voice work in "Shrek" and "Mulan", as well as
the Dr. Doolittle movies.
The comedian
once known for his blazing mouth and language, as well as
his uncanny appeal and comic genius, has returned to his comedy
roots in the new film "Showtime". Joining Murphy, as the other
half of the cop duo is screen legend Robert De Niro as Detective
Mitch Preston, a solid cop who does his job in a no-nonsense
style that gets the job done. Murphy plays officer Trey Sellars,
a cop who spends most of his time guarding police tape lines
on duty, and trying out for acting jobs in his off time. The
two are about as opposite as cops can be. Mitch is professional
and conservative, Sellars is flashy and loud, more style than
substance.
The two
meet during a botched raid, and end up being captured on film
by the local media. Sellars for all the wrong reasons and
Preston for shooting the camera that was annoying him by filming
the events. Faced with a public relations disaster, the department
is offered the chance to have the lawsuit against them dismissed
by the network if Mitch will star in a new reality based cop
show. Of course Mitch wants no part of this, and all the cajoling
by the sexy network exec Chase Renzi (Rene Russo), can't change
his mind. In the end, Mitch is forced to do the show by his
superiors who want to see an end to the lawsuit. With
one half of the team in place, Sellars conducts one of the
most original and funny auditions in history.
Despite
not getting along, the two officers are soon on the case of
a gunrunner who is bringing a new type of assault weapon into
the market that is deadlier than anything ever created. Of
course the two will grow to respect one another, as this is
the nature of this type of film.
What sets
this film apart are the stars, Murphy, De Niro, and Russo
have a easy-going chemistry and work very well with one another.
De Niro has recently taken comedic turns in "Meet the Parents",
and "Analyze This" and is very good playing the straight man
to Murphy. William Shatner has a brief role as himself as
he is brought in to teach the two how to look sexy for the
camera. Despite the brevity of his role, it is nice to see
Shatner have a sense of humor regarding his T.J. Hooker role
and making a few loving jokes centered around it that will
make those in the audience who can remember the show laugh.
While
"Showtime" is not a classic movie as it has a generic plot,
stereotypical bad guys, and little new that audiences have
not seen before, it is a fun movie, and should provide a more
than relaxing and enjoyable time at the movies. The direction
by Tom Dey is solid and neither of the leads walks over one
another in an attempt to steal scenes. I for one would not
mind seeing a sequel as the cast worked, and undoubtedly have
some further adventures to show audiences.
Gareth
Von Kallenbach
Gareth@nwlink.com
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