AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Inclubabu Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Amy Adler Friday (Dan Ackroyd) is the son of a famous detective and, now, he continues detecting in the family tradition. He has the same monotone, just the facts mantra, and conservative dress as his dad. His longtime partner moves away so he is paired with a new one, Streebek (Tom Hanks) who shows up with long hair and a flashy outfit. No, no, no, that's not gonna work. Before long, Streebek is looking VERY similar to Friday. But, his mode of operation is not the same and won't ever be. In the City of Angels at this time, a group calling itself PAGAN is stealing vehicles, setting fires, and leaving calling cards. Meanwhile, a stuffy minister Wurley (Christopher Plummer) and a playboy type (Dabney Coleman) are at odds over the place each has in society. Also, police commissioner (Elizabeth Ashley) has a "close" relationship with Wurley, who has big secrets unknown to her. As Friday and Streebek hunt down PAGAN, rescue ladies, encounter strippers, tangle with anacondas, and drive like maniacs, will they get the job done? Let me first say, I love Ackroyd and Hanks and they are not the problem here, for they try hard. Plummer does great, as he is totally unlikeable as written, and the rest of the cast are okay, too. Its the script, stupid, that's really kind of a drag, for the adventures of these two detectives are, many times, offensive. As the movie sets out to really spoof the original Dragnet television show, it might have been better to come closer to the Jack Webb version. If you like the two stars, and most viewers do, take a chance if you wish. But don't expect to be entertained in grand fashion.

Predrag The movie stars Tom Hanks at what I think is the height of his comedic arc, after a series of great movies he is leaving the 1980's on top. As Ray Peterson, he is stressed and overworked and just wants to relax and enjoy some nice time off from work. He loves the quiet and peaceful setting of his suburban environment. Unfortunately, his neighbors Art and Mark ruin this idyllic sense in their attempts to convince Ray that his neighbors really are Satanic murderers. Tom Hanks' delivery and comedic timing are impeccable and carries the movie. But not in a way that overshadows his co-stars, as they answer his deliveries with equal funny lines and over-the-top madcap action. Ray's wife Carol (Carrie Fisher) provides the sensible rational side of things, trying to convince the group that the Klopeks are just different and that they only need to get to know them. Once she decides to leave to go visit out of town family, Ray is left to be completely overtaken by the idea that his neighbors really are Satanic murderers, and sets out with Art and Mark to prove it.All in all, this parody is hardly an all-time comedy classic, but it is still far, far better than the usually pitiful "Police Academy" franchise from the same era. With its sincere homage to Jack Webb's beloved series, the 1987 incarnation of "Dragnet" is simply top-notch for its genre right up there with another TV-inspired spoof, "The Naked Gun" starring Leslie Nielsen, which debuted the following year. The terrific, tongue-in-cheek dialogue (a trademark of the late Mankiewicz) showcases Aykroyd and Hanks in top form, especially the howler of a joke in the film's last few seconds. The surprisingly coherent plot stays on track most of the time, including a double-cross between two unlikely co-conspirators, Caesar and Whirley. The acting talents of Dabney Coleman and Christopher Plummer are excellent here making their "unholy" alliance quite believable. While Tom Hanks generally steals the show as the wisecracking Det. Streebek, Dan Aykroyd deserves considerable credit for concocting a likable, new persona for the intrepid Sgt. Joe Friday character without betraying Jack Webb's original interpretation.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

BobbyT24 I watched this many times years ago in college when it first came out (and thereafter). Tom Hanks was always a fabulous funnyman with impeccable timing. Dan Ackroyd was Jack Webb reincarnated with a comedy flare. It was funny in 1987, it was funny in the years following, it was funny last night while watching with my teenage son who had neither heard of the original series nor really had much experience with a young Tom Hanks circa-"Splash" era. The movie hasn't aged perfectly (how many mid-80s movies have?). However, the originality and genuine caring by the two stars to add some sensibility and joy into a classic dramatic series makes it worth watching. I enjoyed it then. I enjoyed it last night.Tom Hanks is an American treasure as an actor. He's just that special. I'm so thankful he's stretched out into drama, but his physical comedy and timing are some of the best ever. Dan Ackroyd can spout the dictionary in his monotone "Joe Friday" tone and make it sound funny. He was awesome as the Los Angeles detective with the heart of gold and ethics above reproach. Pairing him with a lovely, innocent Alexandra Paul was a stroke of genius for the screenplay. It allowed these gifted comedians even more fodder for comic gold.Some people mention this is an "unrealistic" movie. Of course it is. Just like the "Airplane" series is unrealistic. With spoofs, you will need to suspend reality a little to understand the point. "Dragnet" not only sticks close to reality, but even it's silly parts are joyous because the main characters and the character actors playing the minor parts are working so hard to make it believable. To have Dabney Coleman doing his impression of Hugh Hefner with a lisp is inspired lunacy. And naming Joe Friday's grandmother, "Granny Monday"... The jokes go on.If you're looking for "Schindler's List" or even the Harrison Ford remake, "The Fugitive", you will be disappointed with "Dragnet". But if you love "Airplane", "Spaceballs" and other odd, clever, classic "banana peel" humor, pick up this movie. If you are in the mood for a silly memoir about a classic police show from the 1960s, you won't find much better. I would recommend watching just to watch Tom Hanks as a young comedian. He's worth the time. The rest of the movie is worth your time. Recommended for a night of lunacy. :-)

lost-in-limbo This 80s tongue-in-cheek parody of the early 1950s iconic TV serial has its fair share of hits and misses in humour stakes, but it's Dan Aykroyd's deadpan, by-the-book performance as the nephew of Sgt Joe Friday, who is also called Joe Friday that gets most of the laughs. His interactions with his polar opposite partner (played with laid-back charm by Tom Hanks), those old-hat monotone narrations and dealing with the crime case involving a Pagan cult (where Christopher Plummer gleefully plays it up and Jack O'Halloran tags along) brings up many amusing and ridiculous circumstances on the strips of modern, if crime-riddled Los Angeles. Although it did start off stronger than it finished, as it was prolonged and the reactionary situations did get wearisome. At least the script was filled with biting sharp wit which was always well delivered and it was easy to poke fun at. Harry Morgan (who appeared in "Dragnet 1967" series) returns with his character, but this time as the Police Captain and Alexandra Paul plays the victim / romance angle Connie Swell. Just the facts. A picture-perfect homage. "Just close your eyes and think of Christmas."