The Hard Way (1991)

There is no way I'll babysit that spoiled little Hollywood rump wrangler... Det. John Moss

Michael J Fox and James Woods star as a pair of misfits stuck together by circumstances and the fact that highly successful cop Woods'  boss, (Delroy Lindo), loves the action star Nick Lang portrayed by Fox's character.  Hollywood star Fox wangles a ride along with Woods after seeing him on the nightly news and thinks that copping the NYPD detective's style will be the ticket to Fox's getting more realistic roles in his film career. 

Detective Moss (Woods) has been working on a serial killer case - The Party Crasher - and he gets pulled off the stakeout because the boss (Delroy Lindo) assigns him to baby sit Fox - a Brendan Fraser clone - let him hear the talk and absorb the atmosphere and secretly keep him far from danger.  The movie is a mixture of comedy and action and Lindo, for example, is many times shown wearing fan gear for Nick Lang, probably provided by Lang.

The two are definitely an odd couple and the profane Woods is really steamed he has been detailed to baby sit the movie star and has to sit on the sidelines, while Fox is able to see that Woods needs a lot of help in his personal life, particularly with prospective girlfriend Annabella Sciorra

Probably the best part of the movie is its self reference to the Hollywood mystique - the thing plays with all the stereotypes and clichés and pokes holes in them, respectfully, of course.

Despite the fact that Michael J Fox is meant to be the butt of the joke he is pretty effective in his role, except for some of the over the top stuff like the "Mt Rushmore" ending patterned after North by Northwest which is intentionally flamboyant like an action set piece. 

James Woods, of course, only has to play obnoxious and vulgar, which he does all too well; if you've seen any of his work before.  Still, Woods even gets to tug at your heartstrings a little as he is such a pathetic putz that you have to like him, in spite of his abrasive personality. He and Fox have a little scene where Fox plays the girl so he can draw Woods out to talk about himself, trying to teach the dipstick how to bond with the girl (Annabella Sciorra) who is losing interest in the uncommunicative lump.  

The movie really tries hard but cannot credibly combine all the genres it includes as parody except for the energy of the two stars Michael J Fox and James Woods - they almost can do it, but alas, not quite. The villain is really lame and the cuts to his little parts actually run the clock with little payoff for the digressions.   Still, with the sterling performances turned in by Fox and Woods the movie is watchable and will be a good action flick for one time through.

Luis Guzman is also in there for a bit part and he's always good as is Delroy Lindo but the parts are small and do not keep the movie going as well if they were better used. 

The Universal DVD contains the 110 minute color movie in 2.35:1 theatrical format. There are a number of special features including a making of featurette and a Mos Def music video of one of the songs that's in the movie.

Good for fans of the stars.  Profanity limits kiddie appeal.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV