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Hollywood Homicide
In the time honored tradition of summer buddy cop films, writer-director
Ron Shelton has taking a loving stab at the genre and created an
interesting and at times amusing film called "Hollywood Homicide" The film
stars Harrison Ford as Homicide Detective Joe Gavilan, a man who is up to
his eyelids in debt as his dabbling in real estate and three alimony
payments have left him in dire financial straits.
While trying to unload a property in which he has invested all of his
money, Joe receives a call that four people have been killed in a
music club after performing. Arriving on the scene with his partner of
four months, K.C. Calden (Josh Hartnett), the two quickly learn that
there was a witness to the killings and set out to investigate the
crime, and locate the witness who may be able to shed light on the
killings. At this point the film quickly shifts gears from that of a
gritty cop film and instead becomes a comedy that parodies many films
in the genre.
It seems that Calden is also unhappy with being a police officer as
he dreams of becoming an actor. Calden is prepping for an acting
showcase on Friday night, and frets over learning his lines, and if
any agents will be showing up, he is so concerned, that he even gets
Joe to run lines with him as they drive to locations during their
investigation. Joe on the other hand is facing the wrath of a
sadistic Internal Affairs officer named Bennie Macko (Bruce
Greenwood) who is determined to get back at Joe for making him look
bad during a case he bungled years ago.
The interesting thing about this film, is that while we do see the two
officers conducting an investigation, the majority of the film is taken up
by side issues such as Joe's constant efforts to land and close two giant
real estate deals, the Internal Affairs investigation, and Calden's
spiritualism, bedding of women who's names he cant remember and pursuit of
his acting career. There are some subplots such as Calden being haunted by
the death of his father whose case files have been sealed, and Joe being
involved with a radio psychic (Lena Olin), and of course his constant
financial struggles.
This film is a difficult one to review as the film lacks any real
tension or deep plot, and the characters sort of amble through the
investigation rather than tackle it head on as most film and
television cops due. More screen time is devoted to their off the
case exploits, yet those often have some very funny moments. There is
an interrogation scene that is hysterical and a very interesting car
chase that has some nice variations on what has become a time worn
segment. The sight of Ford in hot pursuit on a children's bicycle
festooned with balloons is a blast as are other moments in the film.
That being said, the film is enjoyable to watch and at times funny much
to the great work by Ford who makes what could be a bad film enjoyable
simply by his presence. Hartnett does well with a role that is little
more than that of a comedic sidekick. As a cop film "Hollywood
Homicide" is not very good but as comedy and parody of that genre it is
an unevenly paced film that at times works. Despite the flaws, the
overall experience is a good summer afternoon movie.
3 stars out of 5
Gareth Von Kallenbach
Creation entertainment
Lightspeed Ent, For Adults Only
International Association of Film Critics.
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