The Hard Way (1991)

74% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
48% of users liked it
(10,749 ratings)

Action film director John Badham bites the hand that feeds him in this action movie spoof that features ribbing of pretty-boy Hollywood action stars by Michael J. Fox and a parody of colorful, hair-trigger James Woods types by the man himself. Woods plays New York homicide detective John Moss, who… More Action film director John Badham bites the hand that feeds him in this action movie spoof that features ribbing of pretty-boy Hollywood action stars by Michael J. Fox and a parody of colorful, hair-trigger James Woods types by the man himself. Woods plays New York homicide detective John Moss, who is within an inch of closing in on a serial killer who calls himself The Party Crasher (Stephen Lang) because his specialty is shooting his victims in the middle of discos. Chasing The Party Crasher after his latest victim has been dispatched, Moss finds himself hanging onto the door of a speeding truck with The Party Crasher at the wheel. When Moss is thrown off the truck and nearly killed, The Party Crasher escapes, and Moss is taken off the case. Moss is given a new assignment --to tag around with Hollywood action film star Nick Lang (Michael J. Fox), the popular hero of the "Smoking Gun" movies. Lang spotted Moss on a television news show and thinks he would be the ideal cop to study for adding authenticity to an up-coming police action picture. Posing as Moss's rookie partner, Lang follows Moss everywhere, proceeding to spoil his pursuit of The Party Crasher and interfering with Moss's burgeoning affair with his girlfriend Susan (Anabella Sciorra). ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: John Badham
Genres: Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Nov 17, 1998
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
It's just the basics in the four movie 'Michael J. Fox Comedy Favourites Collection.'
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Along with some good laughs, there's also a bit of effective tension.
Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
An underrated buddy flick with an original twist and some outstanding stunt work.
Clint Morris, Film Threat
Fox and Woods let off some good sparks in a vivacious, witty and fast romp
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
Utterly unremarkable, but harmless and not without its charms.
Chuck Rudolph, Matinee Magazine
An amusing diversion, with Woods and Fox perfectly cast.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Ken S

While it's nothing revolutionary, The Hard Way does what it does well. It's your fairly typical buddy cop film but with some nice moments and surprises in the first hour and change. The climax is a little cliche-tastic, but delivers some fun action.
Jason S

Funny action flivk. James Woods is great in this one.
Michael S

One of my favorite buddy/comedies ever made.
Dean !

Seen this on TV a few times and always forgot the name. An enjoyable film about a big method acting star who teams up with a tough cop to prepare for his new role and ends up in danger!
xGary X

This buddy cop movie is exactly the kind of cliched formulaic nonsense parodied by Last Action Hero. Woods as the usual tightly wound workaholic cop and Fox as the pampered Hollywood film star who inevitably teaches him life lessons are watchable enough, but it's nothing we… More
This buddy cop movie is exactly the kind of cliched formulaic nonsense parodied by Last Action Hero. Woods as the usual tightly wound workaholic cop and Fox as the pampered Hollywood film star who inevitably teaches him life lessons are watchable enough, but it's nothing we haven't seen a hundred times before.
danny d

i remember this being good, been a while though
Dean M

Exciting comedy thriller with plenty of laughs on LA actor and New York cop.
James A

Good only because I know James Woods erections gives me a head rush.
Jim W

Michael J. Fox plays an actor who teams up with a cop (James Woods) for research for an upcoming role. The movie is supposed to be a Lethal Weapon type of action thriller, it's hard to take it seriously though. Especially when Fox goes for laughs even through what's supposed… More
Michael J. Fox plays an actor who teams up with a cop (James Woods) for research for an upcoming role. The movie is supposed to be a Lethal Weapon type of action thriller, it's hard to take it seriously though. Especially when Fox goes for laughs even through what's supposed to be serious action scenes. The movie still works as a comedy though and it's hard not to like it due to the fun performances by Fox and Woods. The Hard Way is basically just an entertaining bad movie.
Sarah B

James Woods and Michael J. Fox? Shouldn't work but it does, and in spectacular fashion. I absolutely adore this film.

Read all 10 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Michael J. Fox as Nick Lang

            James Woods as John Moss

            Annabella Sciorra as Susan

            LL Cool J as Billy

            Penny Marshall as Angie

            Luis Guzman as Pooley

            John Capodice as Grainy

            Mary Mara as China

            Delroy Lindo as Captain Brix

            Conrad Roberts as Witherspoon

            Christina Ricci as Bonnie

            Michael Badalucco as Pizza Man

            Howard "Stick" Baines as Dead Romeo

            Lewis Black as Banker

            Mario Bosco as Boy in Theater

            George Kee Cheung as Drug Dealer

            Bill Cobbs as Raggedy Man

            John Costelloe as Fake Dead Guy/Cop

            Jordanna Freedman as Moviegoer

            Frank Geraci as Newsman

            Jack Gindi as Ticket Taker

            Karen Lynn Gorney as Woman in Subway

            Bryant Gumbel as Himself

            Fracaswell Hyman as Wino

            Keenan Leung as Asian Gang Leader

            Holly Kuespert as "Smoking Gunn" Girl

            Sophie Maletsky as Pizza Waitress

            Anderson Matthews as Banker

            Curtis L. McClarin as Dead Romeo

            Dwayne McClary as Dead Romeo

            Shawn McLean as Dead Romeo

            Kathy Najimy as Lang's Girl Friday

            Adore O'Hara as Dead Entertainer

            Sharrieff Pugh as Dead Romeo

            Reno as Diner Waitress

            Leif Riddell as Head Mugger

            John Ring as Homeboy Cop

            Johnny Sanchez as Mugger

            Janet Sarno as Continental Representative

            Ed Setrakian as Chief Villain

            Dante Smith as Dead Romeo

            Jan Speck as TV Reporter

            Anthony Thomas as Dead Romeo

            Joseph Tripi as Mugger

            William Truesdale as Witherspoon's Bodyguard

            Merrill Witten as Scared Subway Woman

            Mark Woodcock as Clothing Salesman

            Michael Jeffrey Woods as Cop

            David Sosna as Frog Dog Vendor

            Bonnie Timmermann
            
            Stephen Lang as Party Crasher
See full cast

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