Police Academy

Starring: Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Leslie Easterbrook
Written by: Neal Israel, Pat Proft, 
Director: Hugh Wilson
Year: 1984

Rating: * * *  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * * 

With a new policy regarding police recruitment, a motley assortment of misfits enlist in the Police Academy, much to the dismay of the instructors.

In order to combat the growing crime rate, the Mayor decrees that age, height, weight, sex, physical fitness and education will no longer be used as criteria regarding enrollment of applicants into the Police academy. Enter the cast of characters: Carey Mahoney (Steve Guttenberg), a lovable misfit in and out of trouble with the law. A sympathetic Police Captain issues him a choice, the Academy or jail. Eugene Tackleberry (David Graf), a security guard gun-nut with delusions of grandeur. Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith), an unassuming but intimidating florist standing 6'6. Karen Thompson (Kim Cattrell), an attractive, pampered socialite looking to gain a sense of independence and self worth. Laverne Hooks (Marion Ramsey), a soft-spoken and gentle woman with the voice of a child's doll, prepares for the gritty and rough world of police work. Larvell Jones (Michael Winslow), a motormouth miscreant who's mouth is a collection of voices and sound effects used to cause mischief.

Chief of Police Hurst is opposed to the Mayor allowing such riff raff to don the uniform, and finds sympathetic instructors who understand that just because they enlist, doesn't mean they can pass. Lt. Harris (G.W. Bailey) and Sgt. Callahan (Leslie Easterbrook) are the meanest instructors this side of R. Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket. Tasked with both the duty of forging rookies into police officers, they also work to drive the undesirable cadets out. This becomes a real problem for Harris concerning Mahoney, who has had enough of his screwball antics. Yet, no matter what paces Harris puts him through, Mahoney won't quit. If he quits, it's off to jail. If that isn't enough, Mahoney starts to fall for fellow cadet Karen Thompson, and as a result stops trying to get kicked out (he doesn't go to prison if forcibly kicked out).

This is pure character driven comedy, and each brings their unique hilarity to the table. It puts the police force in an amusing light, but doesn't discredit the institution of law enforcement. Situational comedies to outright slapstick, Police Academy delivers the laughs, with just enough action and drama at the end to give it some legitimacy.

SEE THE TRAILER: Police Academy