National Security Starring Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn Directed by Dennis Dugan Rated PG-13 for violence, language and some sensuality *** out of **** Stars, Movie Grade: B

Theatrical Release: January 17, 2003
Running time: 90 minutes

by Kevin Lang

I was a little hesitant at first to award "National Security" three stars. The film, directed by Dennis Dugan, who also directed 1996's Adam Sandler comedy "Happy Gilmore," was a buddy flick that provided a good balance between comedy and well-produced action sequences. My hesitation in rating the film only came about because although the film's stars, Martin Lawrence ("Bad Boys") and Steve Zahn ("Joyride"), had a good comedic relationship, their often-amusing hostility towards each other eventually became a little redundant and overplayed. However, it didn't bother me enough to limit my enjoyment of the movie.

"National Security" told the story of a cop named Hank (Steve Zahn), who lost his partner in the line of duty. He set out on a personal mission to find his partner's killers who had escaped him, but not before he got a glimpse of them. His mission was derailed however by Earl (Martin Lawrence), who had just been kicked out of the police academy for demolishing a patrol car. While on patrol, Hank caught Earl trying to break into a car that he didn't realize belonged to Earl. A citizen caught the event on tape. Hank appeared to be beating Earl, but was really just swatting at a bumblebee, because Earl had stated that he was allergic. The tape was misinterpreted, and Hank ended up losing his job with the LAPD, his girlfriend, and he was sent to prison for six months for assault. These scenes were some of the funniest in the film, and they set a good tone for what was to follow.

Upon being released from prison six months later, Hank took a job with National Security, and he became a renegade watchman on the prowl for his partner's murderers. Eventually, he met up with Earl, who was also working for National Security, and the two reluctantly ended up together in search of criminals who stole a hi-tech metal that had belonged to the CIA. Led by Nash (Eric Roberts), these were the same criminals who had killed Hank's partner.

In the end, if you are a fan of movies such as "Rush Hour" (1998), "Bad Boys" (1995), and the "Lethal Weapon" series, then you should find "National Security" fairly enjoyable. There was plenty of good-looking action to keep the story moving, even if the back and forth bickering between Hank and Earl did grow a little stale after a while.

"National Security" Review written January 15, 2002, CTF.

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