The Hard Way (1991)
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74% of critics liked it
(19 reviews) -
47% of users liked it
(10,942 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
- Directed By
- John Badham
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Jun 1, 1991 Wide
- On DVD
- Nov 17, 1998
- Studio
- MCA Universal Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
Along with some good laughs, there's also a bit of effective tension.
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Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
An underrated buddy flick with an original twist and some outstanding stunt work.
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Clint Morris, Film Threat
Fox and Woods let off some good sparks in a vivacious, witty and fast romp
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Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium
Utterly unremarkable, but harmless and not without its charms.
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Chuck Rudolph, Matinee Magazine
An amusing diversion, with Woods and Fox perfectly cast.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Michael J. Fox
as Nick Lang
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James Woods
as John Moss
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Annabella Sciorra
as Susan
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LL Cool J
as Billy
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Penny Marshall
as Angie
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Luis Guzman
as Pooley
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John Capodice
as Grainy
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Mary Mara
as China
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Delroy Lindo
as Captain Brix
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Conrad Roberts
as Witherspoon
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Christina Ricci
as Bonnie
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Michael Badalucco
as Pizza Man
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Howard "Stick" Baines
as Dead Romeo
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Lewis Black
as Banker
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Mario Bosco
as Boy in Theater
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George Kee Cheung
as Drug Dealer
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Bill Cobbs
as Raggedy Man
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John Costelloe
as Fake Dead Guy/Cop
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Jordanna Freedman
as Moviegoer
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Frank Geraci
as Newsman
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Jack Gindi
as Ticket Taker
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Karen Lynn Gorney
as Woman in Subway
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Bryant Gumbel
as Himself
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Fracaswell Hyman
as Wino
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Keenan Leung
as Asian Gang Leader
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Holly Kuespert
as "Smoking Gunn" Girl
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Sophie Maletsky
as Pizza Waitress
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Anderson Matthews
as Banker
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Curtis L. McClarin
as Dead Romeo
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Dwayne McClary
as Dead Romeo
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Shawn McLean
as Dead Romeo
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Kathy Najimy
as Lang's Girl Friday
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Adore O'Hara
as Dead Entertainer
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Sharrieff Pugh
as Dead Romeo
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Reno
as Diner Waitress
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Leif Riddell
as Head Mugger
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John Ring
as Homeboy Cop
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Johnny Sanchez
as Mugger
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Janet Sarno
as Continental Representative
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Ed Setrakian
as Chief Villain
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Dante Smith
as Dead Romeo
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Jan Speck
as TV Reporter
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Anthony Thomas
as Dead Romeo
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Joseph Tripi
as Mugger
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William Truesdale
as Witherspoon's Bodyguard
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Merrill Witten
as Scared Subway Woman
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Mark Woodcock
as Clothing Salesman
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Michael Jeffrey Woods
as Cop
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David Sosna
as Frog Dog Vendor
- Bonnie Timmermann
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Stephen Lang
as Party Crasher
