Off Beat - Laß die Bullen tanzen

I've just seen this movie, and no offence, but it was a major letdown. I remember this drive in movie playing at the time when Judge Reinhold was well makin' a name for himself in the mid 80/late 80 phase. Why the reason, for seeing it now? A relation of mine, gave me a few bags of VHS'S and this time, like last, I picked out more a minority. I only got a few laughs, mainly in the early part, the cop chase, quite funny, a highpoint, but annoying too. Meg Tilly does look hot here, in dance wear, and her punching out fellow cop, (Top Gun's shouting captain, James Tolkan) was a grand moment. As a favor, for stuffing up an undercover operation, involving his best friend, a cop, run down, unfulfilled librarian, Joey Gower (Reinhold) charades as his buddy, playing the role, where he attends these full cop rehearsals for a stage show, but inadvertently falls in love with Tilly, where complications and that, arise as you can probably guess. The film has a lot of stale scenes, one lengthy scene, I thought was gonna gonna go for the rest of the movie, where Reinhold gets caught in a bank robbery, where actors, Harvey Keitel ans Victor Argo (the robbers) are the comic relief. So many good actors are wasted in this forgettable film, it kind of pi..ed me off, to be honest. This is just one of those eighties, pretty week comedies, where a few actors should of been locked up for their time in this, ninety plus minutes, I could of been doing many other productive things.

I don't usually previously see the IMDB's rating of the picture about to watch, it somehow shall affect my own assessment, turns out that unequivocable I'd accessed the IMDB's site to clarify if I'd already watched it, well I didn't, however I saw the low rating, so in the possession of this info, here I go to see it expecting the worst, along the movie this odd feeling is changing slowing, then I've figure out why OFF BEAT had received so lowest rating.

In my opinion because a neuralgic point whereof the movie touches, in manhood of the viewers, aside the offering is about a couple cops affair, behind it has a dancing contest sponsored by Police department, it sounds a g.a,y picture, it wasn't whatsoever, just implies a hint in some sequences, actually in the eighties it was so normally on those comic productions aiming for mocking of the characters in some outrageous situations, as expose along the movie.

Judge Reinhold had garnered good reviews after BEVERLY HILLS COP was high above at its period of time, Meg Tilly neither, the casting is fabulous even some actors in a shortest appearance as Fred Gwynne, Anthony Zerbe, Harvey Keitel, John Turturro Austin Pendleton, in other hand Joe Mantegna, Cleavant Derricks has enough space in the plot, it has many funny moments to share, all them bounded in a G.a.y. Mannerism, such thing made great damages on the ratings, although it were its best moments.

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 2024 / How many: 1 / Source: Youtube / Rating: 7.

Judge Reinhold stars as librarian Joe Gower, who owes his cop pal Abe (Cleavant Derricks) a favour after unwittingly blowing an undercover drugs bust. So when Abe is chosen by his boss to take part in a police charity dance show, he gets Joe to take his place; at first Joe is reluctant to take part, but eventually he learns to loosen up and enjoy himself, especially after falling for pretty dance partner, hostage negotiator Rachel Wareham (Meg Tilly).

A gentle, PG-rated rom-com starring a prancing Judge Reinhold finds its way into my DVD 'to watch' pile, causing me to momentarily slip into Austin Powers mode (That's not mine! I'm telling you baby, that's not mine. This sort of thing ain't my bag, baby!). Then I remember: I was given the DVD as part of a freebie job lot by a work colleague, who was moving to the States, so I feel a little bit better about myself.

I watch the film so that I can add it to my pile of films destined for the local charity shop, and am surprised to find that it isn't all that bad. Not great, mind you, and not a 'keeper' (it's still going down the charro), but pleasant enough for a one-time viewing. Don't expect any outrageous, off the wall comedy (as the blurb on the cover promises)—there isn't any (unless the sight of Reinhold in Lycra counts). Do expect some mildly amusing silliness, a spot of heartwarming romance, and lots of familiar faces (the supporting cast including Joe Mantegna, Harvey Keitel, Fred Gwynne, John Turturro, and magician Penn Jillette).

5.5/10, rounded up to 6 for IMDb.

I just wonder what movie David Dein was watching. David have you ever heard of the suspension of disbelief? It was not a true story. Meg Tilly who (not whom)is usually wonderful was just as wonderful here, as was Judge Reinhold, John Turturro, Harvey Keitel (and his partner) and Penn Gillette. Cleavant Derricks was outstanding and worth the price of admission all by himself. the only criticism i can muster is for the usually reliable Joe Mantegna. It seems that comedy is not his forte. He seemed to be overacting in the extreme. All in all this is a very amusing movie, with some clever plot twists and some interesting characters. It is not "The Godfather" but it is very pleasant, clever and amusing and well worth your time.

Happy-go-lucky Joe Gower (Judge Reinhold) is a rollerskating New York City librarian. His idiocy causes trouble for his policeman best friend Abe Washington (Cleavant Derricks). Abe is forced to tryout for a police charity performance as punishment. He sends in Gower to impersonate him. Instead of quickly failing out of the tryout, Gower falls for policewoman Rachel Wareham (Meg Tilly) and joins the charity troupe. Also joining the group is Rachel's angry ex Pete Peterson (Joe Mantegna). Gower impersonating a police officer eventually causes problems.

This is trying to be wacky funny but there is a disconnect with the subject matter. It sucks the comedy right out of the movie. First, Gower is a bit annoying. If he's a girl, Gower could play it off as a dumb blonde. The first scene is his idiocy allowing a criminal to escape. It's a little quirky but really bad if you think about it. Then there is the impersonating police. That's not a good thing. It doesn't help that he's so nonchalant about it. It's really infuriating. I usually like Judge but not here. Why is he wearing the uniform in public? Why would Abe continue to allow him to borrow his uniform? Every time he dismisses Abe's concern is like a knife jabbing in my ear. Wouldn't other cops notice that he doesn't have a gun? Him buying a gun does not help. I expected the idiot to shoot himself or worst someone else. How do you convict a car thief with only an anonymous note? This is not a movie fit for thinking deeply. The more I think about it, the less I like this.