Yes, it suffers from the same implausibility and shallowness of virtually all 1980s movies, but if you can't laugh while watching this you have no sense of humor. Gregory Hines, who is a very underrated actor, put in a sparkling performance, proving that he was more than just a good dancer, and Billy Crystal, well, he's Billy Crystal. Add to the mix a very early Jimmy Smits appearance (as a criminal, ironic in light of his future role on NYPD Blue) and a good performance by Joe Pantaliano and you've got yourself an entertaining evening for adults of all types.
Given that it doesn't try to be something that it's not (which is a great buddy movie), I give it 10 out of 10. It was definitely the best of its genre.
Running Scared
1986
Action / Comedy / Crime / Thriller

Running Scared
1986
Action / Comedy / Crime / Thriller
Synopsis
Danny and Ray are two street wise cops in Chicago. When they are almost killed on a case, they are forced to take a vacation by their captain. Key West offers a substantial change over Chicago. They decide to quit and open a bar there. Upon returning, they find that Julio, the drug dealer who nearly killed them, has made bail and is trying to complete a giant drug deal. They decide to complete their case against him before quitting, but then begin being careful. Their effectiveness drops as they find they can't operate the way they did before if they don't have the edge of a long time commitment.
Uploaded By: OTTO
December 29, 2015 at 04:06 AM
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Movie Reviews
Terrific Movie
I think the new math drove Gary DeVore crazy, this is insanely funny!
When I'm watching it this is my favorite movie. If I'm watching, 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum', that's my favorite. The rest of the time I'm torn. This is one of the flicks I'd give an 11 if I could.
It has very nice eye candy, good action, a great cast, excellent tunes AND the funny is the sh*t. Not sh*t sh*t, good sh*t.
This is a must see for fans of buddy cop flicks. It is simply outstanding and I can watch it every year.
entertaining bromance
Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines star in "Running Scared" from 1986. Joining them are Jimmy Smits, Steven Bauer, Dan Hedeya, and Joe Pantoliano.
Danny and Ray (Crystal and Hines) are two Chicago cops who are sent on a vacation when they are nearly killed during a case.
The two go to Florida and decide to quit the force and open a bar. Since Danny has been left money by his aunt, he is able to buy a rundown building they can refurbish.
When they return to Chicago, the drug dealer that almost killed them, Julio (Smits) is working on a big drug deal. They decide to close that case before leaving the force. They find that, with an eye toward retirement, it's not as easy as they thought.
Comedians, for some reason, don't have a long shelf life in terms of film stardom - witness Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, Robin Williams - after a time, even if they stay in movies, their roles become less.
Billy Crystal is another example. Marvelously funny, there's no doubt that some of his improvisational skills were utilized in "Running Scared," and he and the late Hines make a great pair. Though this isn't a great movie, it's definitely fun, filled with humorous repartee and one hilarious car chase. At one point, the two are robbed and beg to keep their wallets, especially their badges, which they show to the perps.
Many funny moments and some great music, including the wonderful "Sweet Freedom" sung by Michael McDonald. The actors also appear in a video of the song, which can be seen on youtube.