Running Scared (1986) is a great film… in my opinion a classic film. It should be up there with Beverly Hills Cop, Die Hard, 48 Hours, Lethal Weapon! So, it does beg the question… HOW IS THIS FILM NOT MORE FAMOUS?!?
When I was growing up in the late 80s, my brother used to collect films on VHS (you remember them, don’t you)? The main films in his collection consisted of titles like Die Hard, Beverley Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon & The Lost Boys. All quite rightly seen as classics to this day. With special anniversary editions of these types of films seeming to come out every 5 years or so on Blu-Ray & 4K, with numerous new extras (usually with diminishing returns in quality), there seems to be many tantalising ways for me to be parted with my money. You know a film is a standard when they have a 35th Anniversary Edition….!(“have we had enough milk from the cash-cow yet?…No, let’s just squeeze just a little bit more”). Amongst my brother’s collection was another film called Running Scared (1986).
As a young boy, this was one of my favourite films and I just assumed that this would be included in the same classics category as those films mentioned above, revered as setting the standard as to how Buddy Cop/Action/Comedy films should be made, going on to make millions of dollars at the box office, spawning numerous sequels, and being shown on a yearly basis at Christmas, etc, etc, etc.
As I moved through life in the 90’ discovering beer and my own music (not my dad’s), conversations with friends at the pub would inevitably turn to favourite films. When I would mention my favourite, Running Scared, I would expect cries of “Yes!”, “What a film!”, “Classic!” and so on, and so on. To my utter surprise I would be met with silence and puzzled looks. “Running Scared?”. “Yes, Running Scared. Billy Crystal’s finest film? One of the best car chase scenes in cinematic history? The finest chemistry I have ever seem between leading men?…With Jimmy Smits & Joe Pantoliano?….Guys?”. More silence and strange looks.
As I moved through life into the new century, I thought it may be one of those films that’s a slow burner, discovered by future generations, finally getting the credit it deserves. But no, unfortunately it still sits there, in the dusty corner of a room in the attic of films, unloved, unplayed, unrepeated, forgotten.
To explain what Running Scared (1986) is, It’s THE buddy cop action-comedy. Starring Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal as Chicago police officers Ray and Danny, respectively. They are known for their unconventional methods and end up in trouble with a powerful drug lord, Julio Gonzales (Jimmy Smits). After an operation goes wrong, they are sent on vacation to Key West, where they consider retiring, but ultimately decide to bring Gonzales down first. The film features a mix of action, thrills, and it has more comedy in its little finger than the Rush Hour and Bad Boys films put together (sorry Jackie…and I love Rush Hour). The chemistry and banter between Hines and Crystal is sublime. They play off each other’s strengths, creating a believable and entertaining dynamic. They bicker more than a couple celebrating their golden-wedding, and the scenes usually leave me crying with laughter (“Trousers” & “Mother” being my favourite scenes. You’ll have to watch it to know what I mean).
Jimmy Smits has never been better as Julio Gonzales, a charismatic drug dealer who provides a formidable antagonist for the Ray and Danny. And Joe Pantoliano really looks like he’s never enjoyed himself more in a film. Sadly, any kind of reboot died when Gregory Hines passed and the young age of 57. So, this is all I have. Of course, nostalgia can be a funny thing and maybe it won’t be as good as I remember it. No! I have just watched it again. Amazing!
This film is available to buy/rent on Sky Store, Amazon, etc, and I urge you to buy it, watch it, rewatch it and introduce your children to it. We can’t let this film vanish…..
Author: Jim, Colleague Support
