Roger Ebert's unique taste in cinema has always been a topic of fascination, especially when it comes to his appreciation for films that others might overlook. One such example is the 2003 action-comedy, Hollywood Homicide, a movie that, according to most critics, was a 'snail-paced bore' and a 'tepid, superfluous movie'. Yet, Ebert saw something special in it, and his positive review has sparked an interesting discussion about the nature of critical reception and personal taste.
The Contrarian Critic's Take
Ebert's love for Hollywood Homicide is particularly intriguing given the film's overall reception. The movie, starring Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett, received a 31% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers like David Ansen of Newsweek questioning the talent involved in creating such a 'tepid' film. Desson Thomson of The Washington Post was even more critical, describing it as a 'wholesale slaughter of anything funny, original, or even vaguely logical'.
What makes Ebert's review stand out is his appreciation for Ford's performance. He praised Ford's commitment to the straight man bit, highlighting a scene where Ford's character, Joe Gavilan, tries to sell a property to a club owner amidst a murder investigation. Ebert wrote, 'You don't feel he's going for laughs... you feel he desperately needs to unload the house.' This interpretation of Ford's performance as a 'desperate' attempt to sell a property, rather than a comedic moment, is a testament to Ebert's unique perspective.
A Different Kind of Buddy Cop Movie
Hollywood Homicide is a buddy cop comedy, but it takes a different approach. Ford's character, Gavilan, is a grumpy cop, and Hartnett's K.C. Calden is the idealistic, outgoing counterpart. This dynamic is a key element of the film's appeal, according to Ebert. He enjoyed the way the film focused on the two characters' interactions, rather than the murder plot, stating, 'One of the pleasures of Hollywood Homicide is that it's more interested in its two goofy cops than in the murder plot.'
Ebert's appreciation for the film's focus on the characters' chemistry and Ford's ability to portray a 'grumpy' yet likable character is a significant departure from the general critical consensus. His review suggests that sometimes, the most interesting aspects of a movie are those that others might overlook.
Ford's Career Context
The timing of Ebert's positive review is also worth noting. Ford was going through a career lull at the time, with the recent flop of K-19: The Widowmaker and an inconsistent track record since the 1990s. Ebert's review, therefore, becomes a significant endorsement, highlighting Ford's ability to deliver a strong performance even in a film that didn't live up to the expectations of most critics.
A Matter of Perspective
Ebert's appreciation for Hollywood Homicide raises an important question: What makes a film a success or a failure? His review suggests that critical reception is not always a reliable indicator of a film's quality. It also highlights the importance of personal taste and the unique perspective that critics like Ebert bring to the table.
In my opinion, Ebert's review of Hollywood Homicide is a fascinating insight into the power of individual critical opinion. It challenges the notion that all critical consensus is to be trusted and reminds us that sometimes, the most interesting and valuable insights come from those who dare to go against the grain.
