Metro

Metro (1997)

Runtime: 117 minutes

Directed by: Thomas Carter

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Michael Wincott, Michael Rapaport, Carmen Ejogo, Art Evans

From: Touchstone/Caravan

Yet another example of “they don’t make ‘em like they used to.” As standard by now, this streaming rental was sparked by a messageboard discussion last month, where apropos out of nowhere, someone commented that they found this film to be underrated, and even better than either Beverly Hills Cop or 48 Hrs. sequel . Many will argue that it’s better than all three of those motion pictures yet I believe this is worthy of viewing for those that like those original films and Eddie Murphy as an action star in general.

Once again he’s a member of law enforcement; this time though he is a hostage negotiator in San Francisco. His new partner is SWAT member Michael Rapaport; as a person (especially on Twitter), no comment on Rapaport or his behavior. Is it a spoiler to say that Michael Wincott plays the villain, or that love interest Carmen Ejogo becomes involved? Wincott’s jewel thief is an intelligent criminal, and also a rather reprehensible one.

Thankfully this had some mild surprises. This includes hints of moments that don’t actually happen, and the refreshing idea that it doesn’t take too long for Murphy to accept Rapaport as a partner. Perhaps it’s my nostalgia for middle-budget R-rated action movies of the 90’s but I did enjoy this more than the majority. Murphy’s character had his struggles throughout yet both he and Rapaport were great at their jobs instead of goofballs or buffoons… Wincott played a bad guy easy to loathe, there were some good laughs-although action and drama is the main focus of Metro-explosions, and important to me, solid action beats.

The highlight setpiece involved one of San Francisco’s trademarks, used creatively. Personally, it was better and less preposterous than what we got in The Rock… that and this would make for quite the double-bill, I imagine. Regardless, even w/ at least one moment that strains credulity, overall Metro was a pleasant surprise.