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movie review - Double Whammy

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

This is a movie that I wanted to like. It's got Denis Leary playing a cop, Steve Buscemi playing his partner, and Elizabeth Hurley playing the love interest. And it has a supporting cast that includes Luis Guzman and Chris Noth. Noth even plays a cop. What's more, it's a somewhat goofy comedy with at least two subplots and characters that seem all set to go places.

But there's something wrong with the thing. The timing was consistently wonky. And while the actors' delivery was generally good, their character's lines were often so trite they defied belief that this film was made in 2001. Leary's cop even spent too much time getting high and watching exercise shows on TV, while tolerating an office of cardboard cutouts. I have to imagine that the script came across well to the excellent cast. Was it just a matter of editing? I don't know. Pity.

Not recommended.