Running Scared

After "Beverly Hills Cop" and before "Lethal Weapon", there was "Running Scared".

"Running Scared" was a very overlooked action comedy duing the mid 80's with a lot of laughs and entertaining action.

The story takes place in the cold winter of Chicago where Ray Hughes (Gregory Hines) and Danny Costanzo (Billy Crystal) are cocky undercover policemen on the trail of a ruthless Spanish "godfather" named Julio Gonzales (Jimmy Smits in his film debut). After capturing Gonzales, Ray and Danny discover that they screwed up an undercover operation and are forced into vacation.

The two end up in Key West ("As far down South where we don't have to speak Spanish") where they nab some ladies and have the time of their lives. Then they decide to retire there and open a bar thanks to the money given by Danny's dead aunt.

However when Ray and Danny return to Chicago, Gonzales is already out of jail and the two decide to nab him within 30 days before they live the good life. But, being careful also means losing suspects, their car, even their pants!

The chemistry between Hines and Crystal is the highlight of this film. Unlike other films in this genre where the two guys have issues with each other before getting along, this is one where the two guys are considered friends for life and come up with schemes even Eddie Murphy never thought of.

The direction under "2010" and "Timecop" director, Peter Hyams, keeps it fast and funny. Definitely elaborates on some of the great action and chase sequences but tries to make them somewhat different from the rest.