Movie review/interview
Tom Dey’s first directorial effort, “Shanghai Noon,” put him on the map as a new filmmaker who can blend action and comedy in a wholesome, entertaining package. His follow-up feature, “Showtime,” continues in the same vein.
In an exclusive interview, Dey talked with me about his new film.
“Showtime” is a spoof of buddy cop movies where two different-minded cops are forced to team up for a reality-based TV show. Robert De Niro plays detective Mitch Preston, whose explosive temperament attracts the attention of TV producer Chase Renzi, played by a subdued Renee Russo. Renzi believes a reality show following Preston’s daily routine will be a big hit. She casts Trey Sellars, a cop with acting aspirations played by an affable Eddie Murphy, as Mitch’s sidekick.
I was curious why Dey chose to make back-to-back films in the same genre. “I was going to do a thriller, but when (the “Showtime” producers) came to me with Robert De Niro and Eddie Murphy attached to the script, I couldn’t pass it up,” Dey said. “… When I made the film, reality TV was in the news. I liked the idea of poking fun at the medium.”
Dey said he enjoyed working with two of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
“They were tremendous,” he said. “They expected a great deal of professionalism. Bob (De Niro) seeks out direction from me and Eddie likes to shoot from the hip.”
Dey said the experience he gained on “Shanghai Noon” working with actor Owen Wilson, who like Murphy improvises many of his comic lines, came in handy.
“Showtime” features several entertaining cameos, including ’80s TV character T.J. Hooker (William Shatner) showing Mitch and Trey how to “jump the hood” (tumble over a car hood with dramatic flair) and attorney Johnny Cochran representing an accused criminal.
Every film has its challenges. Dey faced his when he went into production without a completed script.
“The film was made pre-strike (the threatened writers and actors strike that never occurred in 2001) and I didn’t have a finished script,” Dey said.
The constant juggle between script revisions and filming is an experience he vows never to repeat.
“Showtime” features several action scenes requiring special effects, and more than 160 computer-generated images made their way into the film. The final action scene in Los Angeles’ Bonaventure Hotel was filmed on a set constructed in an airport hangar.
Since the film finished shooting before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, I wondered if any footage had to be re-edited to lessen the violence.
“I pulled back the violence on the house that collapsed,” Dey said. “I didn’t want to show a lot of blood. I want to do a film similar in tone like ’48 Hours.'”
Hollywood studios seldom grant young directors final cut, but Dey was involved with the editing process. He credits his editors for delivering a tight film, though a romantic subplot involving Preston and Renzi had to be sacrificed.
Formulaic but entertaining, “Showtime” features a riotously funny Murphy, a lighthearted De Niro and a watchable Russo.
“It’s a roller-coaster ride that’s meant to be fun,” Dey said.
I agree. “Showtime” won’t win you over with its story or special effects, but if you enjoy a few laughs, this film may give you a tickle.
Rated: PG-13.
Grade: B-.
