Hollywood Homicide

HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE (2003) ** Harrison Ford, Josh Hartnett, Lena Olin, Bruce Greenwood, Isaiah Washington, Keith David, Dwight Yoakam, Lolita Davidovich, Martin Landau, Master P, Lou Diamond Phillips, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Kurupt, Dre, (Cameo: Eric Idle; Robert Wagner as himself). By-the-numbers cop/buddy flick with Ford and Hartnett as gruff and flaky (respectively) LAPD detectives on the case of a rap group assassination while attempting to juggle their moonlighting gigs as real estate broker and wanna be actor (respectively) with a more-miss-than-hit attempt in the laughs department sadly by the out-of-touch script by director Ron Shelton (who acquits himself however in the action sequences including a smash bang-up thrilling car chase along Hollywood Boulevard) and Robert Souza that may have worked 20 years ago with its punchy takes at how LA is a town of many colorful characters on the make at something other than their boring careers (in this case police work). Although it is nice to see Ford's natural humor break through his bristling scowly demeanor Hartnett is miscast and clearly has no knack for comedy; that's the real joke.

I'm a Harrison Ford fan so I had to see this movie even though the reviews were not that good. It was a perfect way to spend a hot Tuesday afternoon. As I watched the movie, I also watched the audience to get a sense of their reaction. Everyone laughed from beginning to end of the movie! Everybody was having a great time! To hell with the critics! This is a great summer movie and Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett are a joy to watch! Harrison Ford admirably stretches himself to give a comedic performance as Joe Gavilon, a police detective who also moonlights as a real estate agent. I love the way Harrison Ford switches from cop mode to real estate agent mode at the drop of the hat and he was so funny being a slave to his cell phone. Josh Hartnett plays his rookie partner who has a part time job as a yoga instructor and who thinks of quitting the force to become an actor. Their interactions with each other and with the people around them are very funny. Never mind about the plot of the movie. The plot doesn't really matter. The plot has to do with the mystery of why these up and coming rappers were murdered in a club. There are guest stars galore in this movie and it was fun to spot Smoky Robinson doing a bit part as a cabbie. It's a funny movie! Everyone just sit back and enjoy the movie and forget about the critics! Harrison Ford is very funny and just to watch him is a real treat!

I went to see this movie not expecting much from a Star who you least expect to be funny, but Ford is funny, but I am not sure about Hartnet. The movie is gripping with some amazing car chases, courtesy of the Digital editors. I happen to be seeing Italian Job on the same day, I came out thinking it was well worth my money since I have squandered my earnings on hollywood decadance that started with Beutiful mind.

I was really worried going in to see "Hollywood Homicide". The reviews quoted in the TV commercials are all from smaller media outlets and articles that I've read suggest the film makers couldn't make up their mind whether it's a comedy or an action film. After seeing the movie in the sneak preview, I know the film makers knew exactly what they they were making - a flat out comedy with some good, funny action sequences. The plot seemed well thought out -- a real web of deceit plays out during the course of the film. All the actors turned in solid performances. I'm not a fan of rap music, but the film makers blended rap (which makes sense because of the rap industry crime) with Motown and incidental music seamlessly. A bad score jumps out at me, but it all fit here. It's one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. The humor is all character-driven, never slapstick or forced. Look for lots of cameos, too. My husband had one criticism - he thought things weren't wrapped up enough at the end. I think it's well enough implied that justice will be served. So five silver movie reels from me and here's hoping "Hollywood Homicide" makes a killing at the box office. -- Auriette Lindsey

I really enjoyed watching Harrison & Josh acting together. It was a fun, action-packed film with two great hunks! They made it look like they enjoyed filming it too. I always enjoy watching Harrison Ford! The only time he freaked me out was in What Lies Beneath, at the end.