Hollywood Homicide
Directed by Ron Shelton
By Erin Oke

Hollywood Homicide is a messy wreck of a movie. Billed as an “action/comedy,” it fails on both counts, bogging down the action with numerous inane side plots and delivering no funny to speak of. Harrison Ford, looking very weary, grimaces his way through the role of Joe Gavilan, an L.A.P.D. detective in financial trouble due to a failing real-estate venture. He is partnered with rookie detective K.C. Calden (Josh Hartnett), who also teaches yoga, wants to be an actor and has seemingly slept with every woman that they encounter. Together, they look awkward and out of place as they investigate the murder of an up-an-coming rap group produced by the slick but suspicious Antoine Sartain (Isaiah Washington).

The writing in this film is remarkably bad, full of cringe-worthy clichés, lame attempts at humour, extraneous elements that go nowhere and a complete lack of surprise or suspense. The odd couple/buddy dynamic is forced, with no easy chemistry between the leads. The most the movie has to offer is a shallow look at the exploitation present in the music industry and an interesting supporting cast almost entirely comprised of musicians (from Motown legends Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson to a whole bunch of rap artists to Dwight Yoakam). The film also marks the triumphant return of Lou Diamond Phillips to the screen, as an undercover cop masquerading as a female prostitute. (Columbia/Sony)
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