Movie Title: National Security

Movie Title: National Security
Rating: 6
Reviewed By: Michael Stevens

Review:

To begin with, I think it is only fair to state that I am not a big Martin Lawrence fan. I didn’t like his TV series, didn’t like Big Momma's House, and stayed away from other movies like What's the Worst That Could Happen? and Life. In fact, I think the only movie that I have seen Lawrence in that I actually liked was Bad Boys, and I liked that film mainly because of Will Smith and all the great action. Luckily for me, the oddly cool Steve Zahn is also in National Security.

The film is mainly about Hank (Zahn, Riding in Cars with Boys), a LAPD cop whose partner is killed in front of him while responding to a burglary. This turns Hank’s life upside down as he seeks justice for his fallen comrade. However, there seems to be resistance at headquarters about solving the case. So a frustrated Hank returns to patrol duty only to end up getting in trouble for harassing a black motorist, Earl Montgomery (Lawrence, Black Knight). Earl is a recent reject from the police academy that has a real chip on his shoulder concerning white people, especially police officers. Well some guy videotapes Hank’s encounter with Earl, which makes it appear Earl is being beaten, but in fact Hank is trying to swat a bee (Earl is allergic to them) and never strikes Earl. Earl lies about the situation to get back at Hank for harassing him, which then gets Hank kicked off the force and sent to jail for six months. After getting out of jail Hank continues on his quest for justice while working as a security guard. While on his job for the company National Security, he has another run-in with the burglars who killed his partner, and another run-in with Earl. At this time the two end up teaming up to break the case, while still hating each other. Very unusual, and highly unlikely. So off they go to solve the case and expose a dirty cop.

Some others in the movie are Colm Feore (Chicago), Eric Roberts, Bill Duke (Red Dragon), Timothy Busfield, Mari Morrow, Troy Gilbert, and Robinne Lee. Dennis Dugan (Saving Silverman) directs while David Ronn and Jay Scherick get credit for writing this occasionally funny film.

Like I said to begin with, I do not like Martin Lawrence, and this film did nothing to change my opinion. I did enjoy Steve Zahn’s performance, and Bill Duke was great as Lt. Washington. Most of the things that went on in National Security were unbelievable, and stupid. Lots of scenes were funny, but not funny enough to make a good movie. In the end, six couches out of ten.

Later.