Laura’s Rating: 4/5 Stars
Running Scared is a classic buddy cop film with amusing banter on the surface and heartwarming friendship underneath. The movie has a very 80s feel to it, with catchy pop music and distinct styles of the decade.
The Analysis:
The movie stars Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal, who make an absolutely hilarious pair of Chicago cops that don’t exactly operate by the book. After a particularly sloppy drug bust, the police captain demands that officers Hughes (Hines) and Costanzo (Crystal) take a vacation and get out of the city for a bit. The duo ends up in Key West and once they learn to slow things down, they are captivated by the lifestyle. Costanzo convinces his partner to invest with him and buy a bar there. Upon returning to Chicago, they tell their captain that they plan to retire at the end of the month to go run their bar. The captain convinces them to finish the drug bust case, which has yet to be wrapped up. The cops must balance their love of the city and their jobs with the prospect of retiring early to Florida.
The story is set in Chicago, displaying the sights and sounds of the city that are more familiar to a local than a tourist. This more intimate setting helps put the viewer in the mindset of the seasoned officers, familiar with the city and its criminals. Hines and Crystal have fantastic chemistry, creating a likeable and believable on-screen friendship. This movie is funny and charming, with just a bit of seriousness to keep it grounded. Watch Running Scared if you’re in a bad mood and need to cheer up or if you’re looking for some laughs.
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