Balancing the elements of comedy and drama are never easy and "Metro",
Eddie Murphy's latest flick, proves how easy it is to mistep. But don't
blame Eddie! He is his funny ol' self when he needs to be and ernest in
his sttempts at drama. But look rather to the director and screenwriter
if foul smelling blame is to be laid at someone's feet.
Director Thomas Carter has a load of Emmy nominations ranging from Hill
Street Blues to Miami Vice. But TV direction doesn't necessarily train one
for the big screen as Carter might have learned with his flop "Swing
Kids". His TV sensibilities may account for the uneven pace as Murphy
juggles his hostage negotiating cop and gambling obsessed-dumped by girlfriend
personas. Maybe if we stopped for commercials the transitions wouldn't
be as noticeable. But Randy Feldman's script doesn't help matters. This
man, responsible for the stinker "Tango and Cash" should have
been at least been given the proper medication before being allowed to write
again.
If I haven't completely put you off from seeing "Metro" in all
its transparent glory, you will get to see Michael Rappaport, one of America's
independent film gems in a minor role, along with the British beauty Carmen
Ejogo. With her exotic good looks however, she needs a better agent since
her name isn't even on the cover of the press notes, which means she won't
be listed on the poster either.
Did I forget to cover the plot? Eddie's a cop and you'll figure out the
rest in the first five minutes. Rated R for violence. Touchstone Picutres.
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