National Security (2003)

Two mismatched security guards are thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.

Director:

Dennis Dugan

Writers:

Jay Scherick, David Ronn

Stars:

Martin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Colm Feore

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Lawrence	...	Earl Montgomery
Steve Zahn	...	Hank Rafferty
Colm Feore	...	Detective Frank McDuff
Bill Duke	...	Lieutenant Washington
Eric Roberts	...	Nash
Timothy Busfield	...	Charlie Reed
Robinne Lee	...	Denise
Matt McCoy	...	Robert Barton
Brett Cullen	...	Heston
Cleo King	...	Woman in Car
Gerry Del Sol	...	Booking Clerk
Ken Lerner	...	Hank's Lawyer
Mari Morrow	...	Lola
Stephen Tobolowsky	...	Billy Narthax
Joe Flaherty	...	Owen Fergus

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

security guard | reconciliation | shootout | video camera | conspiracy theory | 

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Taglines:

They only look like cops.

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence, language and some sensuality

Details

Official Sites:

Columbia Tristar [fr] Sony [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Segurança Nacional

Filming Locations:

Blue Cloud Movie Ranch - 20000 Blue Cloud Road, Santa Clarita, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$319,131 (Australia) (9 May 2003)

Gross:

$901,698 (South Africa) (30 May 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Outlaw Productions (I), Intermedia Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

DVD has alternate ending.

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Goofs

Anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor (e.g., simple assault or domestic violence) or any felony cannot be a security guard in California.

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Quotes

Earl: [after firing two shots an an old lady's car, making it skid to a halt] Ma'am, you may now, reprocure, your vehicle.
[the car instantly explodes]

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Connections

References Planet of the Apes (1968)

User Reviews

Could have been better . . . sans "Martin Lawrence"

I thought the movie started off very good with a serious tone of intrigue and suspense. That's what attracted me to watch it while channel surfing.

Although it's the first film I've seen with Steve Zahn, I thought he was genuine in his portrayal of emotion over the death of his fellow officer. His loyalty and respect for his friend and partner showed in every aspect of his acting.

Enter Martin Lawrence . . . then it became too silly.

As for, Bill Duke and Eric Roberts, they're always great in my opinion. Seasoned and mature actors.

I just can't take Martin Lawrence seriously. He's a funny comedian, but this type of silly slapstick takes away from the suspense of the film. The whole "bee" story, police academy farce, as well as the girl with the handcuffs, along with a few more so-called "funny" scenes, should have been re-written to better fit the plot. It's cute for situation comedy, but not for a movie that starts on such a serious tone. It's misleading and kills the suspense.

The movie would have been much better without it.