The Hard Way

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The Hard Way

R,

1991,

1h 51m,

Comedy/

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

79%

24 Reviews

Tomatometer

53%

10,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

79%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

53%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Seeking to raise his credibility as an actor and to land a role as a tough cop on a new show, Hollywood action star Nick Lang (Michael J. Fox) works a deal with New York City Police Capt. Brix (Delroy Lindo), who by chance is one of his fans. Nick will be paired with detective Lt. John Moss (James Woods) and learn how to act like a real cop. But when Nick drives John crazy with questions and imitating him, he gets in the way of John's pursuit of a serial killer (Stephen Lang).

Critics Consensus

The Hard Way's overly familiar formula is enlivened by a witty script and the excellent comedic chemistry between Michael J. Fox and James Woods.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jan 1, 2000

3.5/4

There is nothing very remarkable about The Hard Way, except for its comic energy, but the energy of this movie is everything, reminding me of the wisecracking, hard-boiled screwball comedies of the 1940s.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Jul 1, 2025

3/5

‘…mooted as a vehicle for Gene Hackman/Kevin Klein, this street-smart buddy-cop movie doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but provides some gentle amusements…fun and entertaining to watch, not stinting on flying police-cars and death-defying cliff-hanger action…

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Aug 3, 2023

Even with all its disparate effects, The Hard Way is entertaining until the last half hour. [Full review in Spanish]

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Joanna Langfield

Video Review

Aug 8, 2022

2/4

I always enjoy watching Fox and Woods, who can be counted upon for at least a few entertainingly quirky moments. Pairing them makes for a scrappy match. Too bad the vehicle isn't quite as intriguing as the casting.

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Ed Travis

Cinapse

Oct 9, 2020

Everyone in the formidable cast of The Hard Way seems to have gotten the memo that this was to be a "good time at the movies".

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Sep 14, 2020

7/10

The formula of pairing a seasoned, serious, violent, tough-guy with a goofy, inexperienced youngster has been done before, yet there's still something humorous about it.

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Leia M

Aug 13, 2017

Very funny film, especially the first hour or so, a bit more serious towards the end but it was very good.

Finn W

Jan 18, 2017

The unlikely paring of Michael J Fox and James Woods works like a charm in this excellent and largely overlooked "buddy cop" comedy thriller. With great, crackling performances from all concerned, a well written script and fun action, I find myself rewatching this movie at least every couple of years.

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Theodore R

Feb 9, 2012

This is easily one of my favourite action comedy films and this works so much better than other films that try to combine those genres because both sides are equally strong. The comedy side works thanks not only because of the incredibly witty script but because James Woods and Michael J. Fox are great together with great chemistry between the two. I will admit though that Woods is the primary stand out in this film, he is hilarious. The supporting cast is also solid, I like the score and though the plot is somewhat familiar it is serviceable. The action side is also great with solid stunts, impressive set pieces and it is combined with the comedy aspect in certain areas perfectly.

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Kylo S

Oct 25, 2008

love this film. very funny. and a good riff on the buddy cop movie.

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John Badham

Director

Michael J. Fox

Nick Lang

James Woods

Detective Lt. John Moss

Stephen Lang

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Synopsis

Seeking to raise his credibility as an actor and to land a role as a tough cop on a new show, Hollywood action star Nick Lang (Michael J. Fox) works a deal with New York City Police Capt. Brix (Delroy Lindo), who by chance is one of his fans. Nick will be paired with detective Lt. John Moss (James Woods) and learn how to act like a real cop. But when Nick drives John crazy with questions and imitating him, he gets in the way of John's pursuit of a serial killer (Stephen Lang).

Director: John Badham
Producer: William Sackheim, Rob Cohen
Screenwriter: Daniel Pyne, Lem Dobbs
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 12, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.5M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Surround

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