Showtime (2002)

Starring: Robert DeNiro, Eddie Murphy, Rene Russo
Director: Tom Dey

Rating: PG-13

Review Posted: 8.22.02

By John Teves.

Mitch (DeNiro), is a cop's cop forced by his superiors to be the focus of a reality TV series. Trey (Murphy) is a camera-ready officer more eager to hit his mark than hit the streets. Backed by a ratings-obsessed producer Chase (Russo) and coached in the finer points of  “copdom”  by a veteran star William “TJ Hooker” Shatner  - Mitch and Trey become America's favorite buddy cops. But reel life soon gives way to the real. A brutal crime lord must be stopped - and that's where the shrapnel hits the fan.

SHOWTIME was absolutely entertaining; it was clearly a pleasant surprise, and while it was just another version of a buddy-buddy cop film, the components to this film made it easily believable. SHOWTIME will have you chuckle. Some jokes were stale, but many worked like a charm. I felt that the film held a deserving ground. This “odd couple” match up of Murphy and De Niro has notable chemistry and is remarkably humorous. The story is fitting and delivers generous laughs. SHOWTIME candidly supplied a good time and without a doubt the film provides a relaxing and enjoyable time.

SHOWTIME appears in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 on this single-sided, dual-layered DVD; the image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. The picture seemed clear for the most part. Sharpness was fine. The film appeared crisp and well outlined. There were no signs of speckles or grain, and no problems with jagged edges. I did notice a few shots of edge enhancement. Colors looked refined and lively. Black levels were deep and rich. As a whole, SHOWTIME furnished a very substantial picture.

SHOWTIME is presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. The soundfield presented  a lively and binding demeanor. Effects presented a smooth and precise material; no signs of distortion or sputtering. Surround effects became active in appropriate scenes; these elements offered a strong impact when appropriate; rear speakers reinforced the film effects well, and they also provided a lot of factual audio. Audio quality surfaced nicely. Dialogue sound was customary. Bass response was deep and strong. I thought the DD 5.1 worked very well for SHOWTIME.

Extras:

• Commentary by Tom Dey and Producer Jorge Saralegui
• HBO First Look: The Making of Showtime
• Outrageous Additional/Extended Scenes

• Hilarious Eddie Murphy Improvisational Shorts
• Theatrical Trailer

• DVD-ROM

As a whole, SHOWTIME offered a pretty nice package; the DVD presents decent picture and sound plus a complement of extras. Fans of buddy-buddy cop flicks will probably enjoy this film and should give it a look. However, for viewers who just can’t stomach another buddy-buddy cop film there’s nothing new here to entice you.

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