Where to watch National Security
1 Star
Earl and Hank have only one thing in common: they’re both L.A.P.D. rejects. One just got kicked out, the other can’t even get in. After confronting each other on opposite sides of the law during a traffic stop that escalates out of control, these two luckless individuals end up partnered as lowly security guards. Despite being damned to the lowest rung of the law enforcement ladder, Earl and Hank uncover a sophisticated smuggling operation led by Nash and his band of thugs. When Earl and Hank get their hands on some hot property, they go on the run from, first the bad guys, then the L.A.P.D.–led by Lt. Washington and Detective McDuff. What these two unlikely partners do to law enforcement is a crime, but they just might save the day. That is, if they don’t kill each other first.
National Security has such a wrong-headed concept that it’s never been able to overcome that crippling hurdle. The script’s first act is off-putting and introduces Martin Lawrence’s lead character, an obnoxious creep. Steve Zahn manages to deliver an acting performance amid this leaden material. National Security doesn’t offer many laughs, which is crucial for a comedy to be a comedy by definition.
Lawrence’s screen career began a steep decline, and National Security would be another box-office disappointment. Lacking quality control over projects resulted in inferior products like National Security. The pace is brisk, and the action is colorfully delivered, but it’s all to dramatize a screenplay with a despicable main character.
Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Written by: Jay Scherick, David Ronn
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Colm Feore