The Hard Way
Seen it?1991 | 111 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it was a solid box office hit, though it had a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans, anyone who wants a laugh and action fans. If you loved Bad Boys: Ride or Die or 21 Jump Street, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 51 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
Seeking to raise his credibility as an actor and to land a role as a tough cop on a new show, Hollywood action star Nick Lang works a deal with New York City Police Capt. Brix, who by chance is one of his fans. Nick will be paired with detective Lt. John Moss and learn how to act like a real cop. But when Nick drives John crazy with questions and imitating him, he gets in the way of John's pursuit of a serial killer.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.2 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$66 million worldwide on a $24 million budget; spent 1 week in Netflix's global Top 10; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 79K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Bad Boys: Ride or Die
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Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Weeknight WatchAnother buddy cop crime comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
21 Jump Street Saturday SpecialAnother buddy cop crime comedy, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Badham
- Michael J. FoxNick Lang
- James WoodsJohn Moss
- Stephen LangParty Crasher
- Annabella SciorraSusan
- John CapodiceGrainy
- Luis GuzmánPooley
- LL Cool JBilly
- Mary MaraChina
- Delroy LindoCaptain Brix
- Conrad RobertsWitherspoon