March 2002
Showtime

Reviewed by Wilson Morales

Showtime

Distributor:Warner Bros.
Director:Tom Dey
Screenwriters:Keith Sharon and Alfred Gough & Miles Millar
Story by:Jorge Saralegui
Producers:Jorge Saralegui, Jane Rosenthal
Executive Producers:Will Smith, James Lassiter, Eric McLeod, Bruce Berman
Cast:Robert De Niro, Eddie Murphy, Rene Russo, Frankie R. Faison, and Kadeem Hardison
 

Looking at the trailer for this film, it’s fairly easy to assume “another buddy cop movie”. Your assumption would be correct. How many times have we seen this formula before and hasn’t Eddie Murphy done this before (48 Hours)? What could possible get him to sign on to this film. The pairing with one of the greatest actors today, Robert DeNiro, is your answer. Another reason is that although “48 Hours” was perceived as a drama, this film is by all by means a comedy. While their chemistry is borderline okay, DeNiro’s resigned character and Murphy’s outrageous bumbling is enough to make you laugh throughout the film. This is one enjoyable film worth seeing.

Eddie Murphy plays Trey Sellers, a police officer that’s trying to start another career as an actor. DeNiro plays Mitch Preston, a veteran detective on a stakeout. When Trey accidentally confuses Mitch for a perp doing an exchange with a gun dealer (Mos Def), his meddling almost gets he and Detective Preston killed. Along the way, they are caught on camera as Preston lays it on Trey for being a screwup. Chase Renzy (Rene Russo), a TV producer wants to create a new version of “Cops”, using these cops as the leads. Much to Preston’s chagrin, he’s forced to work with Trey, who’s having a grand old time being on camera. Can these two offbeat characters work together as they try to get along and solve the case of gun smuggling?

What makes this film work is the chemistry between the two leads. It’s very funny seeing these two powerful actors on screen trying to make a connection. Eddie Murphy, who’s been on a successful comedic journey in his last few films, is again hilarious. Each scene he’s in makes you laugh even harder. DeNiro, who’s not a comedian, but has been in comedy films, plays the role with resignation. After “Analyze This” and “Meet the Parents”, DeNiro has successfully entered the comedy market even if he doesn’t have “funny bones”. Making a comeback in a small way is Kadeem Hardison, whose picture can now be taken off the milk cartons. Rene Russo has the glorious time as the producer looking to make a hit show. “Showtime” is a film with enough comedy and action that should attract the fans of each actor.

 

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