Dragnet (1987)

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Good movie but grossly overrated

Brilliant and touching

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The movie stars Tom Hanks at what I think is the height of his comedic arc, after a series of great movies he is leaving the 1980's on top. As Ray Peterson, he is stressed and overworked and just wants to relax and enjoy some nice time off from work. He loves the quiet and peaceful setting of his suburban environment. Unfortunately, his neighbors Art and Mark ruin this idyllic sense in their attempts to convince Ray that his neighbors really are Satanic murderers. Tom Hanks' delivery and comedic timing are impeccable and carries the movie. But not in a way that overshadows his co-stars, as they answer his deliveries with equal funny lines and over-the-top madcap action. Ray's wife Carol (Carrie Fisher) provides the sensible rational side of things, trying to convince the group that the Klopeks are just different and that they only need to get to know them. Once she decides to leave to go visit out of town family, Ray is left to be completely overtaken by the idea that his neighbors really are Satanic murderers, and sets out with Art and Mark to prove it.All in all, this parody is hardly an all-time comedy classic, but it is still far, far better than the usually pitiful "Police Academy" franchise from the same era. With its sincere homage to Jack Webb's beloved series, the 1987 incarnation of "Dragnet" is simply top-notch for its genre right up there with another TV-inspired spoof, "The Naked Gun" starring Leslie Nielsen, which debuted the following year. The terrific, tongue-in-cheek dialogue (a trademark of the late Mankiewicz) showcases Aykroyd and Hanks in top form, especially the howler of a joke in the film's last few seconds. The surprisingly coherent plot stays on track most of the time, including a double-cross between two unlikely co-conspirators, Caesar and Whirley. The acting talents of Dabney Coleman and Christopher Plummer are excellent here making their "unholy" alliance quite believable. While Tom Hanks generally steals the show as the wisecracking Det. Streebek, Dan Aykroyd deserves considerable credit for concocting a likable, new persona for the intrepid Sgt. Joe Friday character without betraying Jack Webb's original interpretation.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Dragnet is a good movie with a well written storyline and a great comedic cast.Its certainly not an outstanding comedy that made me laugh so frequently that I want to see it again,but it was fun while it lasted and it certainly had some good moments.It was weird seeing Dan Aykroyd in the serious role and Tom Hanks as a comic relief,because back then Hanks was not an A-list actor,but it really seemed strange to me that there was a time when Dan Aykroyd was bigger than Tom Hanks.Despiite feeling like these roles would have made sense the other way around,they both did great jobs,some of Aykroyds intellectual dialogue seemed very tricky,but he delivered it in pure confidence,Hanks character was very funny and there was great chemistry between both actors.Its nothing outstanding but still an enjoyable hour and forty minutes,I would recommend Dragnet as a good comedy to watch if you ever see it on television. A straight laced LAPD cop and his easy going new partner try to bust a criminal conspiracy.Best Performance: Tom Hanks Worst Performance: Bruce Gray

Dragnet is one of those films from the 80s that you just love. It's laugh out loud funny, and the jokes - mainly the deadpan stuff - never get old. So many of the lines are incredibly familiar, and like films like Top Gun, Princess Bride, Dirty Dancing many people can quote you large chunks of the script. Dan Aykroyd is brilliant as the policing by numbers monologue play by the books guy; similar role to his character in Gross Pointe Blank and there's a little of the Blues Brothers in there too. His comedic genius is playing everything so straight against Tom Hanks' enjoyable over the top, very physical slapstick sort of comedy. Together they are comedy genius both against the foil of Christopher Plummer playing a rather similar bad-guy-but-charming character to a lot of his films - Pink Panther (whichever one it was), Dreamscape etc. Some of the best lines come from Harry Morgan (famed for M*A*S*H) as their Captain.Saddled together as an unlikely pair of partners in the Police Hanks and Aykroyd stumble upon a LA-wide conspiracy involving a prominent man of the church and the Police Commissioner and a group calling themselves PAGANs - people against goodness and normalcy - and there's Connie Swail (Alexandra Paul) the hapless virgin who will be sacrificed in on of the PAGAN's rituals... and Friday and Streebeck (Aykroyd and Hanks) have to get to the bottom of it. Hilarious police procedural, witty one liners, unforgettable scenes, great stunts and car chases and great performances make up this 80s remake and homage to the original 60s series. It's not aged that well and is a little clichéd in terms of 80s films but that is the charm. Love this film - it always really makes me smile.

Strictly by the book Police Detective by the name of Sgt. Joe Friday (Dan Aykroyd) is forced to work with an streetwise new partner named Pep Streebek (Two-Time Oscar Winner:Tom Hanks). Which Friday takes his work too seriously (and too old-fashioned as well) and while Streebek is too carefree for his job. Their job is to find and arrest so-called cult figures, who called themselves P.A.G.A.N. (People Against Goodness And Normalcy). When Friday and Streebek find some leads, they witness an secret PAGAN ceremony. Which they were about to murder an attractive virgin woman named Connie Swail (Alexandra Paul). Friday and Streebek saved the woman, but sooner than later... They found out that PAGAN is controlled by a power-mad reverend (Christopher Plummer) and corrupt Police Commissioner (Elizabeth Ashley).Directed by the late:Tom Mankiewicz (Delirious) made an entertaining, cop comedy is mixed with satire and some real silliness. Aykroyd gives one of his best performances as Sgt. Joe Friday. While Hanks is very likable as his partner. While Paul (Best known for "John Carpenter's Christine") is very sweet as Friday's love interest. This was an surprise Box Office hit in the summer of 1987. The movie certainly plays well on TV.DVD has an grainy if occasionally sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.77:1) transfer and an good Dolby 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD also includes Production Notes, Cast & Filmmakers' Bios, Film Highlights and the Original Theatrical Trailer. "Dragnet" did went on to have an loyal cult following on video. The best thing about Dragnet is Aykroyd, since he co-wrote the movie. Aykroyd has great dialogue, especially when he is talking fast, complete with a straight face. If you haven't seen "Dragnet", don't miss, one of the better comedies of the 1980's. Written by Aykroyd (Ghostbusters 1 & 2, The Blues Brothers, Spies Like Us), Alan Zweibel (North, The Story of Us) and director:Mankiewicz. Based on a popular TV series, created by the late Jack Webb. (****/*****).