National Security Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two guys who can’t stand each other become security guards, then accidentally foil a crime while mostly just arguing and causing explosions.

🍿 National Security: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and Initial Conflict

Hank Rafferty, a dedicated LAPD officer, loses his partner in a warehouse shootout. Earl Montgomery, a police academy reject, encounters Hank while trying to break into his own car. A misunderstanding involving a bee leads to Hank being accused of assaulting Earl, resulting in his termination and imprisonment.

Partnership and Smuggling Operation

After serving time, Hank becomes a security guard and again crosses paths with Earl, now also a security guard. They uncover a smuggling operation involving a valuable aerospace alloy disguised as beer kegs. Forced to work together, they become targets of both the criminals and corrupt elements within the police force.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Hank and Earl discover that Detective McDuff is the inside man orchestrating the smuggling operation. They team up with Hank’s former boss, Lieutenant Washington, to expose the conspiracy and bring the criminals to justice. Their investigation leads them to a final confrontation near the coast.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Earl Montgomery (Martin Lawrence): A cocky and aspiring, but ultimately failing, police academy reject who often plays the race card.
• Hank Rafferty (Steve Zahn): A dedicated but short-tempered ex-LAPD officer seeking to avenge his partner’s death and clear his name.
• Detective Frank McDuff (Colm Feore): A corrupt detective and the inside man in the police department aiding Nash’s smuggling operation.
• Nash (Eric Roberts): The ruthless leader of a smuggling operation and the murderer of Hank’s partner.
• Lieutenant Washington (Bill Duke): Hank’s former boss and a Lieutenant in the LAPD who becomes a hostage in the smuggling operation.
• Denise (Robinne Lee): Hank’s ex-girlfriend who initially broke up with him due to the false assault accusations, but later reconciles with him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hank: “Need some help?” – Hank sarcastically offers to help Earl who is struggling to get into his locked car, suspecting him of theft.
• Earl: “Does it look like I’m stealing this damn car?” – Earl responds defensively to Hank’s insinuation that he might be stealing the car.
• Hank: “A little bit.” – Hank replies to Earl’s question about whether he looks like he’s stealing the car.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $36,381,186
• Worldwide Gross: $50,097,949

💥 National Security Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit it, I watched this movie on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I wasn’t expecting much, and honestly, I got about what I thought I would. There were a few scenes that made me chuckle, mostly thanks to Steve Zahn’s reactions to Martin Lawrence’s over-the-top antics. I wouldn’t call it a *good* movie, but it was mildly entertaining and mindless. I cringed at some of the racial jokes. Honestly, I felt that some of the jokes are bad and uncalled for, and don’t contribute to the plot and the movie could have been better without them.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of buddy cop action comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Martin Lawrence’s comedic style”
  • “People looking for a lighthearted, undemanding action film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Racial humor and stereotypes”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While Lawrence and Zahn have moments of comedic chemistry, the script relies too heavily on tired racial stereotypes and predictable action sequences. The movie struggles to find a consistent tone, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience.
• Los Angeles Times: “National Security is a formulaic buddy-cop film that fails to deliver genuine laughs or thrills. The plot is thin, the characters are underdeveloped, and the humor often feels forced and outdated.

Audience Reactions

Steve Zahn’s performance and comedic timing.: Many viewers appreciated the comedic duo’s on-screen chemistry despite the weak script.

The action sequences, especially car chases and shootouts.: Some viewers found the action scenes exciting and well-executed, providing a much-needed adrenaline rush.

Overall Consensus: National Security is generally viewed as a mediocre buddy-cop action-comedy with a predictable plot and over-reliance on tired racial stereotypes. Zahn and Lawrence have moments of chemistry, but the movie ultimately fails to deliver consistent laughs or thrills.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steve Zahn’s haircut and physical appearance were designed to mimic those of actual police that he had seen and studied.”
• “The DVD version has an alternate ending.”

🖥️ How to Watch National Security?

National Security is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed National Security, you might like these similar films:

• Bad Boys (1995): A classic buddy cop action-comedy with a similar dynamic between the leads.
• Rush Hour (1998): Another buddy cop film that relies on the contrasting personalities and cultural differences of its main characters for humor.
• 48 Hrs. (1982): An earlier example of the mismatched cop pairing, setting the template for the genre.
• Ride Along (2014): A modern take on the buddy cop formula, with similar comedic elements and action sequences.

🛒 National Security Related Products

• National Security [Blu-ray]: Relive the ‘comedy’ with this High-definition Blu-ray release. Great for collectors and fans who like physical media.
• Martin Lawrence Collection [DVD]: A collection featuring other classic Martin Lawrence films for a complete collection and full of laughter.
• Security Guard T-Shirt – Movie Inspired: Show your love for the movie with a funny ‘Security Guard’ themed t-shirt, perfect for casual wear.
• Lapel pin: Own a memorable pin of the main characters.

🎧 Soundtrack

National Security features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “El Preso” – performed by Fruko y sus Tesos

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

National Security (2003) is a gem. 🤣

Okay, real talk, have you ever felt like a movie is just pure, unadulterated fun? This short video argues that National Security is exactly that – a hidden gem you might have missed. I gotta admit, they make a compelling case!

Martin Lawrence & Steve Zahn Get Questioned By Police | National Security (2003) | Now Comedy

Want a taste of the hilarious chaos that is ‘National Security’? This clip shows Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn at their comedic best while getting interrogated by police. Trust me, the awkwardness is gold!

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