neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Showtime
	Tom Dey Robert DeNiro, Eddie Murphy, Rene Russo, William Shatner 2002		Robert DeNiro and Eddie Murphy bring instant "presence" to the lead roles in "Showtime," playing mismatched cops transformed into media stars when they become the subjects of a new reality-TV series. Yet they can't save this instantly forgettable, antagonistic-buddy action comedy. It's not too terrible to watch, once. The earthy/sexy Rene Russo, as a conniving video exec who brings the heroes together, helps. So does a cameo by William Shatner. They're all better than the script, which squanders moments of decent satire in the service of shoot-'em-up sequences and obvious jokes. DeNiro's comedy chops were used to better advantage in the smarter, insidiously funny "Meet the Parents" and "Analyze This." And if you simply observe Murphy's inspired hilarity in "The Nutty Professor" and "Bowfinger," you'll see how he's wasted here. Note: Director Tom Dey also helmed the superior "Shanghai Noon," teaming another screen-friendly oil-and-water pair, Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson.