Showtime (2002)

On paper, Showtime had the potential to be a hilarious comedy. On screen, the result is predictable and bland. Robert De Niro, Eddie Murphy and Rene Russo had the potential to make Showtime work, but not even these talented actors can save this movie. The screenplay looked very promising, and I was looking forward to seeing Robert De Niro and Eddie Murphy team up. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed with the end result.Robert De Niro plays Detective Mitch Preston, a no nonsense, humourless and gruff 28 year LAPD veteran who is partnered with Officer Trey Sellars played by Eddie Murphy who has life long aspirations to become an actor. Mitch Preston and Trey Sellars meet in unceremonious circumstances after Trey Sellars accidentally interferes in Mitch Preston's planned drug bust. Mitch Preston finds himself in further trouble when he angrily confronts a camera crew and shoots a camera. Mitch Preston is forced to appear on a police reality TV show called Showtime in exchange for the television network to drop the lawsuit against Mitch. Trey Sellars is recruited to appear on the reality show after he showcases his acting abilities and from there Mitch Preston and Trey Sellars are paired together by the show's producer Chase Renzi played by Rene Russo. While Trey Sellars drives Mitch Preston up the wall throughout the entire series, producers are strongly convinced the two make a great duo for entertainment purposes. Trey Sellars thrives in soaking up the limelight whereas Mitch Preston is very annoyed that the show is interfering with his life. Mitch and Trey must also track down the escaped drug dealers that evaded capture from Mitch at the start of the movie. William Shatner appears as himself as a technical adviser for the show.Robert De Niro finds himself out of place and going through the motions here in Showtime. While he has built his reputation on great movies such as The Godfather Part II (1974), Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) and Heat (1995), he comes across cursing at himself like he has made a big mistake in appearing in this turkey. His character Mitch Preston is grumpy and not an interesting character in the slightest.Eddie Murphy in his prime is one of the funniest actors on screen. Look no further than 48 Hrs (1982), Trading Places (1983), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), and Coming to America (1988). Even his stand up shows Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983) and Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987) showcase his best R-Rated foul mouthed humour that audiences knew and loved. Eddie Murphy has since found himself drawn to family friendly comedies which has been very hit and miss. In Showtime, Eddie Murphy tries too hard to be funny but fails miserably. His character Trey Sellars comes across as a slapstick buffoon who would not look out of place in they Keystone Kops silent comedy era.The rest of the cast I felt they couldn't save this movie at all, particularly Rene Russo who is normally a decent actress who could do no wrong. William Shatner spoofing his T.J. Hooker character was just one big unfunny joke.Showtime does little justice to the buddy cop comedy genre and the entire movie was just a fizzer. It's a total shame that not even Robert De Niro and Eddie Murphy could make this movie work, given the potential. What a total shame.4/10.

Robert De Niro, Eddie Murphy, Rene Russo, Frankie Faison, Kadeem Hardison and William Shatner star in this 2002 action-comedy. This takes place in L.A. focusing on depressed, police detective, Mitch Preston (De Niro) who gets paired with policeman & inspired actor, Trey Sellers (Murphy) to be on a TV reality cop series, "Showtime." Mitch and Trey get off to a rough start, but eventually become friends while the show films their everyday routine on the streets and trying to catch an arms dealer. Russo (Get Shorty) plays the show's producer, Chase Renzi, Faison (Coming to America) plays Mitch's lieutenant, Winship, Hardison (Vampire in Brooklyn) plays Trey's friend, Kyle and Shatner (Star Trek) plays himself who directs Mitch and Trey in a scene and gives them pointers from his 80's cop series, "T.J. Hooker." De Niro's daughter, Drena also appears in the film as Chase's assistant, Annie. This isn't bad, De Niro and Murphy are good together and have some funny moments. The film is basically a spoof and tribute to buddy-cop films and I recommend it.

Watching this film again, after a few years since the last time, I was shocked to see that we users at IMDb thought so little of this film. To each his/her own, but I find this film just as enjoyable as the first time. My reviews are typically harsh and unconventional to the norm. My feelings on this film also do not follow the crowd. Simply, this is a genuinely funny film. Whereas, Murphy's roles and acting has waned over the years, this is one he can hang his hat on. De Niro, how does he morph himself into an appropriate character in most films, similar yes, but different enough to make you forget about his last film. Russo's expressions and reactions are dead on target. I have a renewed appreciation for this lady.Many good laughs and humorous story about two implausible police partners.

Despite of all the negative criticism I really enjoyed this movie. I am not saying this lightly. I love movies and am fairly picky about them (my home DVD collection is over 9,000 movies - some are great, others are OK, a few I do not like at all). And, to all those with criticisms: this is a comedy. I simply love this movie. It is light, funny, and very restful. I am aware of all (or most) of the deficiencies but I love it. The comedic talents of Eddie Murphy and Robert DeNiro are tapped (fully - for this type of movie). Do not compare it to other movies with these star actors, simply enjoy it. The cast is great and, I believe, that the purpose of this movie was fully accomplished. If you want a really "easy-going" and very restful night - watch this movie. DeNiro and Murphy simply had fun making this movie, so should we (watching it). And, please, do not be so negative. Do not expect Godfather performance or Meet The Parents from DeNiro, do not expect comedy blockbusters performance from Murphy... It is a completely different genre, and it made me relax after a hard day work. Your sides may not split from laughter, but it is still VERY funny.