“National Security” (Columbia Pictures)
Martin Lawrence is a very funny man and Steve Zahn makes an excellent straight man for his zany humor in the new film “National Security.” Unfortunately the film is loosely plotted and poorly edited to make it a second rate effort for a first rate cast.
Lawrence plays Earl Montgomery, an LAPD wannabee. He tries out for the force but doesn’t make it. Steve Zahn plays Hank Rafferty, an LAPD cop who gets kicked off the force and sent to prison when he is videotaped committing what appears to be violence against Earl. In reality he was trying to swat a bee that was attacking Earl, but Earl claims brutality and this results in jail time for Hank.
When Hank gets out of prison he gets a job as a Security Guard at the same company where Earl is working. This brings them into contact with each other and a shaky alliance is formed. They combine their skills to try to uncover a smuggling ring headed up by a man named Nash (Eric Roberts).
Lawerence’s character keeps up a running diatribe about how the world treats black men. It is played for laughs and indicates the world has reached a place where racial discrimination can be played for humor if handled correctly. Martin makes a point for his character but still has fun with the situations.
Zahn is a solid actor who can play comedy as well as drama. He matches Lawrence step for step in the acting department and even gets some funny scenes for himself. They make a good duo if not on the level of Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.
“National Security” is a video movie, which means it isn’t worth breaking your neck to see at the movie theater but it is one you can have fun with when it comes out on video.
I scored “National Security” a safe 4 out of 10.
©2003 Jackie K. Cooper
