National Security (2003)

Strong and Moving!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

I like Steve Zahn. I didn't used to hate Martin Lawrence. I put off watching this movie for sometime knowing it was just a goofy, no-need- to-use-your-brain type flick. I regret having turned it on. I gave it 45 minutes, then had to turn it off. I think I've actually only turned off a handful of movies without finishing them in my entire life, but this one was so amazingly awful that I couldn't force myself to finish it. They literally threw Lawrence in a film for the over-the-top goofy black comedian for his "white man always bringing me down" humor. Usually, it flies. It was too much this time. This schtick was straight anti-white racism and anti-societal/anti-authority ignorance. I can't believe this passes as comedy. A wonderful PG-13 adventure for today's kids who we've bent over backwards trying to help embrace acceptance in this life. Lost a lot of respect for Zahn agreeing to be in this. Great call Columbia Pictures.

Hank (Steve Zahn) is a dedicated police officer while Earl (Martin Lawrence) is a security guard who longs to join the force. One day, Hank pulls Earl over for a minor infraction but things get out of hand quickly. Earl is full of lip and Hank has a breaking point. But, there's more. A bee starts buzzing nearby and Earl screams that he is highly allergic. As Hank tries to swat the bee, a citizen films the encounter, which looks like he is beating Earl. Plus, Earl does get stung. Sensing a financial opportunity, Earl allows his swollen face to be photographed, too. Thus, the situation looks like the second coming of Rodney King and Hanks is fired. Poor guy, he is also send to prison for six months AND loses his gal in the process. When he gets out, the only thing open to him is a security guard position. In this capacity, he runs into Earl, again, on the job, where a beautiful lady is distracting Earl's attentions and a crime is going on in the background. Hank tries his best and Earl jumps into the game. From then on, although they don't catch the bad guys the first time around, this unlikely duo teams up to take down the criminals. Along the way, they fight, they laugh, they get into sticky situations. Will they become unlikely heroes? Hey, there's nothing wrong with watching two very funny men, Zahn and Lawrence, do their thing, along with a nice supporting cast. Chuckles come forth again and again. In addition, there is some great action scenes and stunts that will also please the right crowd. All right, the script is not Oscar stuff but no one really cares. To secure an evening of laughs, get National Security soon!

Martin Lawrence was absolutely funny in this movie,, he had so many great one liners I couldn't stop laughing the entire movie,, yeah the buddy cop genre has pretty much worn out it's welcome in the last 20 years. but this one is refreshing. Steve Zahn who I never heard of was also funny at times.. the main story of the movie is that our main character arrests a man and turns out he wasn't even guilty,, together they are thrown together to go up against some bad guys , and have a lot of fun in doing so.. yes there are some aspects that are played out over and over again, but for the most part, there are some interesting thiings going on in the movie that I haven't seen that much of before,, I f you're looking for a comedy that will make you laugh all of the way thru the movie, then this is for you.

I know Martin Lawrence isn't the best actor in the world, but does he really have to play the exact same character in every movie? I mean, I liked him in "Nothing To Lose". Then I moved on. In this one he tries out the buddy cop genre once again, but the chemistry with Steve Zahn just isn't there, which makes everything seem so forced. Especially the emotional scenes are as useless as can be. Watching Lawrence act like he cares about the other guy's paper-thin back story is painful to watch. Then again, the actors probably aren't the biggest problem, given that not even Mel Gibson and Danny Glover could make this screenplay work. A lazy stock crime plot spiced up with no laughs whatsoever isn't exactly my favourite way of spending an evening. At barely an hour and a half I can say that this movie is mercifully short , but that's pretty much all I've got.