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National Security
2003 89 min United Kingdom, United States of America PG-13 18+
★5.2
Action, Comedy, Crime
Director: Dennis Dugan
Trailers
Description
Earl Montgomery, a bombastic police academy reject, and Hank Rafferty, a disgraced, mild-mannered cop, can't seem to escape each other. They met on opposite sides of the law during a routine traffic stop that escalated out of control; now as lowly security guards they're thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.
US Gross:
$36.38M
Worldwide:
$50.1M
Starring
Martin Lawrence
Actor
Steve Zahn
Actor
Colm Feore
Actor
Key opinion
National Security is a polarizing buddy-cop action comedy that leans heavily on established genre tropes and the dynamic between its two leads. While detractors dismiss it as a crude and formulaic misfire, fans appreciate it as a high-energy, nostalgic, and breezy piece of entertainment.
| Acting | Martin Lawrence delivers a reliable and energetic performance that anchors the film's comedic tone. | |
| Screenplay | The plot relies on tired buddy-cop cliches and a thin narrative structure that often feels uninspired. | |
| Humor | The comedy is highly divisive, with some viewers finding it sharp and amusing, while others criticize its reliance on simplistic racial stereotypes. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the lead duo vary, with some praising the chemistry between Lawrence and Zahn, while others feel they are mismatched and lack a believable connection. |