MOVIE - HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE - Review Rating $$$$$ $ (OUT OF 10)

STARRING - Harrison Ford (Joe), Josh Hartnett (K.C.), Keith David (Lt. Fuqua), Lena Olin (Ruby), Bruce Greenwood (Benne Macko), Jamison Jones (Sgt. Riley), Martin Landau (Jerry Duran) Dwight Yokam & Lolita Davidovich.

DIRECTOR/Co-writer - Ron Shelton (Tin Cup, Bull Durham, White Men Can't Jump & Dark Blue)

An offbeat version of the odd-couple buddy cop movies.

Ron Shelton (Director/Co-writer) was smart enough to inject a fresh take on the been there, done that too many times to count buddy cop movie formula. The freshness factor is created in numerous ways. Both of the diametrically opposed characters have off-duty career pursuits. Joe (Ford) is a frustrated real estate agent who considers witnesses in homicide investigations as potential home buyers. K.C. (Hartnett) is a mellow yoga teacher who is actually in it for the sex. Both of these situations provide opportunities for mild levity, with the emphasis being on the word mild.

The levity factor in Hollywood Homicide is more cerebral than knee-slapping. Seeing Ford count the number of shots a gunman has fired is a humorous take on the famous Clint Eastwood/Dirty Harry scene. There are numerous similar subtle jokes throughout the film. There are a few truly funny moments, like the paddle-boat chase scene, as well.

Another refreshing aspect about the film is that Ford plays an older cop who is allowed to act his age. He doesn't leap tall buildings in a single bound. During the fight scenes, for instance, he gets both tired and injured (unlike Tommy Lee Jones in The Hunted).

Hollywood Homicide has it share of flaws. Plot holes you could drive a monster truck through ( an earring that doesn't melt in a raging car fire) and a general failure of the script to cross the t's and dot the i's. The first 1/3 of the film also moves at a glacial pace that almost lulls the viewer to sleep. Harnett, despite doing a good job with his role, is way too young to be a detective and it detracts from the film.

Hollywood Homicide is also disappointing when you consider what a pale imitation it is of Shelton's former work. While there are hints of Shelton's talents, cerebral levity noted above, Hollywood Homicide never arises above the formula it is spoofing. It almost totally lacks the insightfulness that was so evident in Bull Durham and Shelton's other films. There was potential here that just wasn't tapped.

Hollywood Homicide is mildly entertaining.

Running time - 111 minutes

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Review

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Hollywood Homicide Official Web Site

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