It's interesting to see the different fates allotted to those stars who've entered what used to be termed their "twilight years." In the 1960s, action stars actually had twilight years and spent them in some plush Malibu bungalow, avoiding the press but emerging now and then to grant exclusive interviews when they deemed the time right. These days, of course, stars are obliged to go on working more or less forever. There is no twilight, just a loooong stretch of white daylight that, as time moves on, can be mercilessly harsh and unflattering. But no matter. It's gratifying (and so reassuring) to see the screen heroes of one's teenhood still doing the same kind of things in the same kind of way. By proxy, it makes one feel young, sort of (see Demi Moore for more options). In this case, the star who's triggered that rejuvenating feeling is Harrison Ford.
Harrison's latest appearance is in "Hollywood Homicide," which belongs to that old stand-by genre: the buddy-cop story. Apart from being given free rein to use every slapstick joke, buddy-cop films are allowed to start their own clan, consisting of sequels spawned at (what feels like) the rate of one every 18 months.
"Hollywood Homicide" is destined to fulfill all these requirements. Just by looking at the title, you feel compelled to ask about the pitter-pattering little feet of sequels 1 and 2, perhaps even going up to 4. It's an impregnated title. What's more, Harrison seems quite comfortable in this role, with the air of a guy easing into a La-Z Boy positioned in front of the TV just before Monday Night Football. He seems to be saying, " 'Hollywood Homicide' won't go down as one of my most brilliant efforts, but so what?" before swigging a beer. Indeed, the film affords him a break (he can do this blindfolded) while letting him do what he does best: wisecracking, running and fighting evil armed with just one small gun. He's still Harrison Ford, the sweet guy next door who's adept at everything from chasing lost arks to being chased by Tommy Lee Jones.
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
