Martin-Landau Movie Reviews

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VHS movie reviews for "Martin-Landau" sorted by average review score:
EDtv
Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (17 August, 1999)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Matthew McConaughey and Jenna Elfman
The third entry of 1998-99's cinematic TV trilogy kind of got lost in the shuffle following The Truman Show, an art film masquerading as a blockbuster, and Pleasantville, a heartfelt feel-good movie masquerading as a special-effects extravaganza. EDtv is nothing more than it appears: a scruffy comedy about fame and its discontents. Matthew McConaughey stars as Ed, a white-trash rube who gets his own dawn-to-midnight TV series in which every aspect of his life, no matter how sordid or dull or embarrassing, becomes mass entertainment (it inverts Truman by having the protagonist invite the pervasive cameras). Predictably, fame makes him miserable and, unsurprisingly, he finds a way out of his predicament. Albert Brooks covered this same territory in the funnier Real Life, and it's probably not the best idea for a load of comfy celebs to preach to us about how difficult fame is. But the film is cannily cast, including a number of performers who themselves have fallen victim to stupid media tricks (McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres as the network executive, Elizabeth Hurley as a vamp hitching her star to Ed's, and Woody Harrelson as Ed's even dumber brother). Structurally, the movie is a mess. It looks as if the filmmakers had the choice between making a fully realized, two-and-a-half-hour-long movie that no one would sit through or one that clocks in under two hours but has a lot of plot holes; they opted for the latter (Hurley's character disappears, practically without comment). Still, there are enough laughs to keep things moving, and as a shaggy dog tale it's decent fun. --David Kronke
Average review score:

TV
This movie got sand bagged by the Truman Show.

Every family is crazy
It is easy to try to compare this movie with The Truman Show but I think they are two entirely different films. OK, they are both biting satires on the power of the media and our need for soap but I found EdTV actually (and surprisingly) more emotionally engaging. This is real world, real problems, reality. The lead actors provide great depth and helped me to really taste the 'will he, wont he' challenges faced by Ed. The end has a nice touch underlining the issues behind the 'who decides what is publicity and what is an invasion of privacy' question. Anyway - a great movie and with all these live web cams and TV shows about groups of people living together under the camera, this is not as far fetched a premise as it may have once been. My advice is if it happens to you, do not play with your balls in the morning and get your 'celebrations of boobery' well rehearsed.

THE STORY OF A NOBODY EVERYBODY IS WATCHING!
Ed is an average, easy going sort of bloke who owns a local video store. Never one to go searching for the public's attention. That is until well-known television station True-TV has a slide in the ratings and need something new to keep their network Number 1.

Their solution is to broadcast one persons day to day life LIVE. Ed's brother Ray decides to audition, but the network like Ed better. At first Ed thinks maybe he shouldn't get involved in such public scrutiny, until his brother talks him into it.

After a slow, embarassing start to live television, Ed soon begins to enjoy the fame. He gets everything he ever wanted. Until his family and friends begin to regret their time in the spotlight, after some uncomfortable truths are learnt. Suddenly, Ed must decide which is more important, instant fame or a right to one's privacy?

Acclaimed director Ron Howard (Ransom, Apollo 13) explores the realities of instant fame, and all of the repercussions. A perfect choice of topic considering he has been in the public eye his entire life.

I love this movie. It is very funny, very truthful, and worth more then one viewing. It brings up some interesting issues, and has some clever story points. A one point I'm sure I knew every line in this movie! It's pretty sad, but it means the lines are pretty easy to learn.

If you thought you'd seen it all before in 'The Truman Show', think again! This movie is much funnier. A much better movie in all respects. Never boring. No offense to Truman fans. I've seen both.

The cast may not appeal to everyone, but they are all wonderful in their roles. The ending may also not appeal to others. I didn't like it to begin with, but I have since changed my mind.

This movie is great. The Collector's Edition makes it even better! With commentary, I find Ron always very easy to listen to. All extra features outtakes, deleated scenes and more are wonderful. A must-see for anyone, and an absolute MUST for Ron Howard fans.

TURN HIM ON, TAKE HIM HOME.

Watch Ed as he shares his life with a few million of his closest friends!

EDtv
Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (17 August, 1999)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Matthew McConaughey and Jenna Elfman
The third entry of 1998-99's cinematic TV trilogy kind of got lost in the shuffle following The Truman Show, an art film masquerading as a blockbuster, and Pleasantville, a heartfelt feel-good movie masquerading as a special-effects extravaganza. EDtv is nothing more than it appears: a scruffy comedy about fame and its discontents. Matthew McConaughey stars as Ed, a white-trash rube who gets his own dawn-to-midnight TV series in which every aspect of his life, no matter how sordid or dull or embarrassing, becomes mass entertainment (it inverts Truman by having the protagonist invite the pervasive cameras). Predictably, fame makes him miserable and, unsurprisingly, he finds a way out of his predicament. Albert Brooks covered this same territory in the funnier Real Life, and it's probably not the best idea for a load of comfy celebs to preach to us about how difficult fame is. But the film is cannily cast, including a number of performers who themselves have fallen victim to stupid media tricks (McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres as the network executive, Elizabeth Hurley as a vamp hitching her star to Ed's, and Woody Harrelson as Ed's even dumber brother). Structurally, the movie is a mess. It looks as if the filmmakers had the choice between making a fully realized, two-and-a-half-hour-long movie that no one would sit through or one that clocks in under two hours but has a lot of plot holes; they opted for the latter (Hurley's character disappears, practically without comment). Still, there are enough laughs to keep things moving, and as a shaggy dog tale it's decent fun. --David Kronke
Average review score:

TV
This movie got sand bagged by the Truman Show.

Every family is crazy
It is easy to try to compare this movie with The Truman Show but I think they are two entirely different films. OK, they are both biting satires on the power of the media and our need for soap but I found EdTV actually (and surprisingly) more emotionally engaging. This is real world, real problems, reality. The lead actors provide great depth and helped me to really taste the 'will he, wont he' challenges faced by Ed. The end has a nice touch underlining the issues behind the 'who decides what is publicity and what is an invasion of privacy' question. Anyway - a great movie and with all these live web cams and TV shows about groups of people living together under the camera, this is not as far fetched a premise as it may have once been. My advice is if it happens to you, do not play with your balls in the morning and get your 'celebrations of boobery' well rehearsed.

THE STORY OF A NOBODY EVERYBODY IS WATCHING!
Ed is an average, easy going sort of bloke who owns a local video store. Never one to go searching for the public's attention. That is until well-known television station True-TV has a slide in the ratings and need something new to keep their network Number 1.

Their solution is to broadcast one persons day to day life LIVE. Ed's brother Ray decides to audition, but the network like Ed better. At first Ed thinks maybe he shouldn't get involved in such public scrutiny, until his brother talks him into it.

After a slow, embarassing start to live television, Ed soon begins to enjoy the fame. He gets everything he ever wanted. Until his family and friends begin to regret their time in the spotlight, after some uncomfortable truths are learnt. Suddenly, Ed must decide which is more important, instant fame or a right to one's privacy?

Acclaimed director Ron Howard (Ransom, Apollo 13) explores the realities of instant fame, and all of the repercussions. A perfect choice of topic considering he has been in the public eye his entire life.

I love this movie. It is very funny, very truthful, and worth more then one viewing. It brings up some interesting issues, and has some clever story points. A one point I'm sure I knew every line in this movie! It's pretty sad, but it means the lines are pretty easy to learn.

If you thought you'd seen it all before in 'The Truman Show', think again! This movie is much funnier. A much better movie in all respects. Never boring. No offense to Truman fans. I've seen both.

The cast may not appeal to everyone, but they are all wonderful in their roles. The ending may also not appeal to others. I didn't like it to begin with, but I have since changed my mind.

This movie is great. The Collector's Edition makes it even better! With commentary, I find Ron always very easy to listen to. All extra features outtakes, deleated scenes and more are wonderful. A must-see for anyone, and an absolute MUST for Ron Howard fans.

TURN HIM ON, TAKE HIM HOME.

Watch Ed as he shares his life with a few million of his closest friends!

EDtv
Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (11 January, 2000)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Matthew McConaughey and Jenna Elfman
The third entry of 1998-99's cinematic TV trilogy kind of got lost in the shuffle following The Truman Show, an art film masquerading as a blockbuster, and Pleasantville, a heartfelt feel-good movie masquerading as a special-effects extravaganza. EDtv is nothing more than it appears: a scruffy comedy about fame and its discontents. Matthew McConaughey stars as Ed, a white-trash rube who gets his own dawn-to-midnight TV series in which every aspect of his life, no matter how sordid or dull or embarrassing, becomes mass entertainment (it inverts Truman by having the protagonist invite the pervasive cameras). Predictably, fame makes him miserable and, unsurprisingly, he finds a way out of his predicament. Albert Brooks covered this same territory in the funnier Real Life, and it's probably not the best idea for a load of comfy celebs to preach to us about how difficult fame is. But the film is cannily cast, including a number of performers who themselves have fallen victim to stupid media tricks (McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres as the network executive, Elizabeth Hurley as a vamp hitching her star to Ed's, and Woody Harrelson as Ed's even dumber brother). Structurally, the movie is a mess. It looks as if the filmmakers had the choice between making a fully realized, two-and-a-half-hour-long movie that no one would sit through or one that clocks in under two hours but has a lot of plot holes; they opted for the latter (Hurley's character disappears, practically without comment). Still, there are enough laughs to keep things moving, and as a shaggy dog tale it's decent fun. --David Kronke
Average review score:

TV
This movie got sand bagged by the Truman Show.

Every family is crazy
It is easy to try to compare this movie with The Truman Show but I think they are two entirely different films. OK, they are both biting satires on the power of the media and our need for soap but I found EdTV actually (and surprisingly) more emotionally engaging. This is real world, real problems, reality. The lead actors provide great depth and helped me to really taste the 'will he, wont he' challenges faced by Ed. The end has a nice touch underlining the issues behind the 'who decides what is publicity and what is an invasion of privacy' question. Anyway - a great movie and with all these live web cams and TV shows about groups of people living together under the camera, this is not as far fetched a premise as it may have once been. My advice is if it happens to you, do not play with your balls in the morning and get your 'celebrations of boobery' well rehearsed.

THE STORY OF A NOBODY EVERYBODY IS WATCHING!
Ed is an average, easy going sort of bloke who owns a local video store. Never one to go searching for the public's attention. That is until well-known television station True-TV has a slide in the ratings and need something new to keep their network Number 1.

Their solution is to broadcast one persons day to day life LIVE. Ed's brother Ray decides to audition, but the network like Ed better. At first Ed thinks maybe he shouldn't get involved in such public scrutiny, until his brother talks him into it.

After a slow, embarassing start to live television, Ed soon begins to enjoy the fame. He gets everything he ever wanted. Until his family and friends begin to regret their time in the spotlight, after some uncomfortable truths are learnt. Suddenly, Ed must decide which is more important, instant fame or a right to one's privacy?

Acclaimed director Ron Howard (Ransom, Apollo 13) explores the realities of instant fame, and all of the repercussions. A perfect choice of topic considering he has been in the public eye his entire life.

I love this movie. It is very funny, very truthful, and worth more then one viewing. It brings up some interesting issues, and has some clever story points. A one point I'm sure I knew every line in this movie! It's pretty sad, but it means the lines are pretty easy to learn.

If you thought you'd seen it all before in 'The Truman Show', think again! This movie is much funnier. A much better movie in all respects. Never boring. No offense to Truman fans. I've seen both.

The cast may not appeal to everyone, but they are all wonderful in their roles. The ending may also not appeal to others. I didn't like it to begin with, but I have since changed my mind.

This movie is great. The Collector's Edition makes it even better! With commentary, I find Ron always very easy to listen to. All extra features outtakes, deleated scenes and more are wonderful. A must-see for anyone, and an absolute MUST for Ron Howard fans.

TURN HIM ON, TAKE HIM HOME.

Watch Ed as he shares his life with a few million of his closest friends!

Space 1999 - Set 2
Released in VHS Tape by A & E Entertainment (30 January, 2001)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Starring: Space 1999 and Martin Landau
When it was first broadcast in 1975, there had never been a more lavishly produced science fiction TV series than Space: 1999, a British production whose budget for the first of its two seasons ran an astounding 3.25 million pounds. What keeps us fans enthralled after all these years has only partly to due with the first-rate production values, the plausibly constructed spaceship models, and expert special effects. The tone of the show is one of scientific dispassion, setting it apart from its TV sci-fi predecessors such as Star Trek, whose mood was more convivial. Our heroes here are in dire circumstances that require cool heads as a survival trait. Those circumstances: the 311 crew members of Moonbase Alpha experience a cataclysm that causes the moon to break away from Earth's orbit and travel endlessly through space, turning our heroes into unintentional explorers. No TV series has created a more palpable feel of hard science fiction than this. Of course the show is not without its detractors; it has been soundly lambasted for its many scientific errors. No less august a figure than Isaac Asimov criticized the show for its premise in the opening episode, "Breakaway," which had nuclear explosions on the "dark side of the moon" somehow propelling it out of Earth's orbit and flying through space without regard to any physical laws. In "Earthbound" (included in this set), aliens traveling to Earth state it will take them 75 years to reach their destination, making one wonder why it didn't take the moon that long to encounter the aliens. While these are serious complaints, fans tend to remember the scientific seriousness of the series and the sense of awe created by the many strange creatures and phenomena that the crew members encounter on their journey through the galaxy. This set also includes the episodes "Ring Around the Moon" and "Another Time." --Jim Gay
Average review score:

How did this ever reach the screen?
The entire series is very bad. Since I'm a SciFi junkie, its got to be pretty bad before I'd knock it. If people watch this and think it is good, then they'd watch anything.

SPACE:1999 Set 2
'Ring around the Moon' is very poor... Story is muddled,thrown together,often makes no sense.Bad episode.Only saving grace is we see Carter/Koenig friendship develope which helps explain later episodes. 'Earthbound' is fantastic, a very good story,the music is totally revamped -otherwords GREAT!- Directors must have learned lessons from above episode. Characters are wonderful to watch.
'Another Time, Another Place', O.K. story, not bad, except alphans seem unnaturally hostile to Koenig/Carter. Music good.

Space:1999 series
I have watched all year 1 episodes. The series was wonderful
until the Maya character was added - then I quit.(too many cooks)
This was a very realistic break from other Sci-Fi shows. It focused more on reality: Capt.Kirk always met blue-green aliens, recited bad poetry, settled problems with phasers and was always 'scoring with women'.
Cmdr.Koenig didn't try to 'score friends', he dealt with malfunctions, personnel problems,logistics & planning ,trying to make sure things ran right on Moonbase Alpha.
This is a 'thinking mans' series...special effect junkies, go watch: Star Wars or something.

The Hallelujah Trail
Released in VHS Tape by Mgm/Ua Studios (04 September, 2001)
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Director: John Sturges
Starring: Burt Lancaster and Lee Remick
Average review score:

Janelso
A great movie, and a classic comedy. I saw this in the theaters when it was new, enjoyed it then and now. My only complaint is that the the the picture quality is extremely bad, with obvious pixilation. When the camera pans the picture is nearly unwatchable. Diagonal lines turn into stair stepped pixels that remind me of old DOS computer graphics. This is the worst example of DVD movies that I have ever seen.

A 'must see' for Lancaster and Western Comedy Fans!!!
This is one of my favorite comedies and it has the advantage of being a light musical as well. It's not politically correct, so if you consider many contemporary issues 'don't touch' subject matter, this isn't the film for you. However, if you enjoy satire and plain silliness, you'll like this classic. Lancaster puts the "v" in versatility with his comedic performance, and Donald Pleasance's Oracle Jones, isn't far behind (one of those pleasant surprises, like John Lithgow). From Indian rallies and army bands in the brig to white petticoats and red longjohns, the misadventures of Colonel Thaddeous Gerhardt and Cora Templeton Massengale will leave you in stitches!

Hilarious Western insanity. . . .
If you can imagine a comic twist on Wild West legends, it's probably in this film. Burt Lancaster shows a part of his talent that few are aware of: he is a superior comic actor. A sprawling lampoon of Calvary vs Indians, whiskey-swilling miners vs temperance workers and man vs woman, the Hallelujah Trail is a mad-cap roller coaster ride through the back trails of the classic western. If you love boots and saddles, comedy or Burt Lancaster, this is a must see. Just keep the tissues handy and find a soft place for falling out of your chair or off the couch. They don't get much better.

The Hallelujah Trail
Released in VHS Tape by Mgm/Ua Studios (16 September, 1997)
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Director: John Sturges
Starring: Burt Lancaster and Lee Remick
Average review score:

Janelso
A great movie, and a classic comedy. I saw this in the theaters when it was new, enjoyed it then and now. My only complaint is that the the the picture quality is extremely bad, with obvious pixilation. When the camera pans the picture is nearly unwatchable. Diagonal lines turn into stair stepped pixels that remind me of old DOS computer graphics. This is the worst example of DVD movies that I have ever seen.

A 'must see' for Lancaster and Western Comedy Fans!!!
This is one of my favorite comedies and it has the advantage of being a light musical as well. It's not politically correct, so if you consider many contemporary issues 'don't touch' subject matter, this isn't the film for you. However, if you enjoy satire and plain silliness, you'll like this classic. Lancaster puts the "v" in versatility with his comedic performance, and Donald Pleasance's Oracle Jones, isn't far behind (one of those pleasant surprises, like John Lithgow). From Indian rallies and army bands in the brig to white petticoats and red longjohns, the misadventures of Colonel Thaddeous Gerhardt and Cora Templeton Massengale will leave you in stitches!

Hilarious Western insanity. . . .
If you can imagine a comic twist on Wild West legends, it's probably in this film. Burt Lancaster shows a part of his talent that few are aware of: he is a superior comic actor. A sprawling lampoon of Calvary vs Indians, whiskey-swilling miners vs temperance workers and man vs woman, the Hallelujah Trail is a mad-cap roller coaster ride through the back trails of the classic western. If you love boots and saddles, comedy or Burt Lancaster, this is a must see. Just keep the tissues handy and find a soft place for falling out of your chair or off the couch. They don't get much better.

The Hallelujah Trail
Released in VHS Tape by Mgm/Ua Studios (16 September, 1997)
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Director: John Sturges
Starring: Burt Lancaster and Lee Remick
Average review score:

Janelso
A great movie, and a classic comedy. I saw this in the theaters when it was new, enjoyed it then and now. My only complaint is that the the the picture quality is extremely bad, with obvious pixilation. When the camera pans the picture is nearly unwatchable. Diagonal lines turn into stair stepped pixels that remind me of old DOS computer graphics. This is the worst example of DVD movies that I have ever seen.

A 'must see' for Lancaster and Western Comedy Fans!!!
This is one of my favorite comedies and it has the advantage of being a light musical as well. It's not politically correct, so if you consider many contemporary issues 'don't touch' subject matter, this isn't the film for you. However, if you enjoy satire and plain silliness, you'll like this classic. Lancaster puts the "v" in versatility with his comedic performance, and Donald Pleasance's Oracle Jones, isn't far behind (one of those pleasant surprises, like John Lithgow). From Indian rallies and army bands in the brig to white petticoats and red longjohns, the misadventures of Colonel Thaddeous Gerhardt and Cora Templeton Massengale will leave you in stitches!

Hilarious Western insanity. . . .
If you can imagine a comic twist on Wild West legends, it's probably in this film. Burt Lancaster shows a part of his talent that few are aware of: he is a superior comic actor. A sprawling lampoon of Calvary vs Indians, whiskey-swilling miners vs temperance workers and man vs woman, the Hallelujah Trail is a mad-cap roller coaster ride through the back trails of the classic western. If you love boots and saddles, comedy or Burt Lancaster, this is a must see. Just keep the tissues handy and find a soft place for falling out of your chair or off the couch. They don't get much better.

Real Bullets
Released in VHS Tape by Lions Gate Home Ente (04 April, 1990)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Starring: Martin Landau
Average review score:

Good flick
This is a good movie. Martin Landau does a good job, & John Garzarian also does a good job. Lindasy's direction isn't bad, & I love the video cover with John with the gun!

It's a good movie
This movie kept me on the edge of my seat. The performances were good, and the story wasn't bad. Martin Landau & John Garzarian were good in their performances. My favorite part of the movie is when they finally get to the drug lord desert fortress .

Hollywood Homicide
Released in VHS Tape by Columbia Tristar Hom (27 January, 2004)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Ron Shelton
Starring: Harrison Ford, Josh Hartnett, and Isaiah Washington
Harrison Ford lends his solid, perpetually disgruntled presence to Hollywood Homicide, an action comedy in which he's paired with the squinty eyes and peaches-and-cream complexion of Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, O). Radical French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard would appreciate this complete deconstruction of the buddy-cop flick genre; basic cinematic elements (mismatched partners, a hard-ass superior riding them, arguments about who's going to drive, arguments about intuition vs. diligent detective work, the bad cop who killed Hartnett's father, etc.) have been scrambled and slapped together with no concern for coherence, making clear their innately artificial nature. Sex scenes and car chases come out of nowhere and disappear without consequence, providing arbitrary visual stimulus. During shootouts, it's impossible to tell who got killed or why, underscoring a basic doubt about the purpose of making movies like Hollywood Homicide. It's rare for a mainstream movie to be so daringly (if perhaps accidentally) avant-garde. --Bret Fetzer
Average review score:

Action? Comedy? Chemistry? It doesn't even have one of these
I wasn't gonna go see this movie, but then Ebert and Roeper gave it "Two Thumbs Up" (and I typically respect Eberts reviews) so I figured maybe it's better than it looks.

Nope.

If you've seen the full trailer to this film, you've pretty much seen the movie. If your thinking not much happens in the trailer or there doesn't seem to be much sense of story, you're right. That's the movie. The first full hour of the film is almost completely pointless. The story seems void of any direction whatsoever. In the last quarter of the film, things finally seem to come together, but still it's about as climactic as anything you might have seen in an episode of T.J. Hooker.

Many will likely be seeing this film with expectations of seeing a Lethal Weapon type movie. Let me advise you not to expect this. The Josh Hartnett and Harrison Ford have almost no chemistry and neither one are believable as cops and the comedy... well there really isn't any. There should be. You're watching, and scenes play out as if they were supposed to be funny, but you aren't laughing.

...

All throughout watching this movie I could not help but observe that Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett have no real sense of comedy. Judging by the rest of the performances of supporting characters, neither does the director. I kept wondering to myself, what is the point of this movie? It's definately trying to fill the shoes of an action/comedy, but there's as little action as there is comedy. And what is with the rap/hip-hop soundtrack? Even though this film is loosely about the investigation of some rap stars' murders, it seems completely out of place to the story and the target audience.

None of the actors give poor performances (excepting their lack of being funny), and I'd even go so far as to say this is the best I've seen Josh Hartnettt perform. But the movie just isn't good. It's not even entertaining. Bottom line: it's been a long time since I was this bored in a theatre.

A disappointment
This movie would have been OK with any other star than Harrison Ford. He has made truly entertaining movies and I was disappointed in his choice of this one. When great stars do a lesser script, you get the feeling that it was done only for the money, with the guarantee that a lot of people will view the movie (as I did) because he stars in it.

A Seriously Fun Time!!!!
I had a flat-out great time watching "Hollywood Homicide". It is an off-the-wall action dramedy, with a tinge of romance. If you are expecting an all-out serious movie, skip it, but if you want to have a good time, check it out. The teaming of Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett works wonderfully. Special mention must also go to the great chemistry between Ford and Lena Olin. Life doesn't end at 40!!!! There are too many good characters, cameos, and laughs to mention, plus I don't want to spoil the fun of seeing them for yourselves. Concerning Ford's performance, it is a joy to behold. He is so different from his most recent films. His character of Joe Gavilan has already become one of my favorites of his. Would love to have hung out more with him.

In conclusion, "Hollywood Homicide" is an enjoyable film from start to finish, that has more than just a little fun with the way people live in Hollywood. Highly recommended if you're looking for a fun time at the movies!

Hollywood Homicide
Released in VHS Tape by Columbia Tristar Hom (27 January, 2004)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Ron Shelton
Starring: Harrison Ford, Josh Hartnett, and Isaiah Washington
Harrison Ford lends his solid, perpetually disgruntled presence to Hollywood Homicide, an action comedy in which he's paired with the squinty eyes and peaches-and-cream complexion of Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, O). Radical French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard would appreciate this complete deconstruction of the buddy-cop flick genre; basic cinematic elements (mismatched partners, a hard-ass superior riding them, arguments about who's going to drive, arguments about intuition vs. diligent detective work, the bad cop who killed Hartnett's father, etc.) have been scrambled and slapped together with no concern for coherence, making clear their innately artificial nature. Sex scenes and car chases come out of nowhere and disappear without consequence, providing arbitrary visual stimulus. During shootouts, it's impossible to tell who got killed or why, underscoring a basic doubt about the purpose of making movies like Hollywood Homicide. It's rare for a mainstream movie to be so daringly (if perhaps accidentally) avant-garde. --Bret Fetzer
Average review score:

Action? Comedy? Chemistry? It doesn't even have one of these
I wasn't gonna go see this movie, but then Ebert and Roeper gave it "Two Thumbs Up" (and I typically respect Eberts reviews) so I figured maybe it's better than it looks.

Nope.

If you've seen the full trailer to this film, you've pretty much seen the movie. If your thinking not much happens in the trailer or there doesn't seem to be much sense of story, you're right. That's the movie. The first full hour of the film is almost completely pointless. The story seems void of any direction whatsoever. In the last quarter of the film, things finally seem to come together, but still it's about as climactic as anything you might have seen in an episode of T.J. Hooker.

Many will likely be seeing this film with expectations of seeing a Lethal Weapon type movie. Let me advise you not to expect this. The Josh Hartnett and Harrison Ford have almost no chemistry and neither one are believable as cops and the comedy... well there really isn't any. There should be. You're watching, and scenes play out as if they were supposed to be funny, but you aren't laughing.

...

All throughout watching this movie I could not help but observe that Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett have no real sense of comedy. Judging by the rest of the performances of supporting characters, neither does the director. I kept wondering to myself, what is the point of this movie? It's definately trying to fill the shoes of an action/comedy, but there's as little action as there is comedy. And what is with the rap/hip-hop soundtrack? Even though this film is loosely about the investigation of some rap stars' murders, it seems completely out of place to the story and the target audience.

None of the actors give poor performances (excepting their lack of being funny), and I'd even go so far as to say this is the best I've seen Josh Hartnettt perform. But the movie just isn't good. It's not even entertaining. Bottom line: it's been a long time since I was this bored in a theatre.

A disappointment
This movie would have been OK with any other star than Harrison Ford. He has made truly entertaining movies and I was disappointed in his choice of this one. When great stars do a lesser script, you get the feeling that it was done only for the money, with the guarantee that a lot of people will view the movie (as I did) because he stars in it.

A Seriously Fun Time!!!!
I had a flat-out great time watching "Hollywood Homicide". It is an off-the-wall action dramedy, with a tinge of romance. If you are expecting an all-out serious movie, skip it, but if you want to have a good time, check it out. The teaming of Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett works wonderfully. Special mention must also go to the great chemistry between Ford and Lena Olin. Life doesn't end at 40!!!! There are too many good characters, cameos, and laughs to mention, plus I don't want to spoil the fun of seeing them for yourselves. Concerning Ford's performance, it is a joy to behold. He is so different from his most recent films. His character of Joe Gavilan has already become one of my favorites of his. Would love to have hung out more with him.

In conclusion, "Hollywood Homicide" is an enjoyable film from start to finish, that has more than just a little fun with the way people live in Hollywood. Highly recommended if you're looking for a fun time at the movies!

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