Everybody's a critic - 'National Security'

Two and a half stars

I have to say I had low expectations for "National Security," but about 10 minutes into the film I was already hooked. The first quarter of the film is typical cop movie schlock, but thanks to a number of inventive plot twists it held my interest very well. I wasn't even bothered by the mostly hip-hop soundtrack.

Martin Lawrence was loud as usual, but that's the kind of character he plays, and it works well for the plot. Steve Zahn really shines in his role as Hank, the oft-misunderstood cop turned security guard.

The film's plot and cinematography draw heavily from older cop films like "Police Academy," "48 Hours" and the "Lethal Weapon series," but it's all in good taste. Overall, "National Security" is a fun flick, and I laughed a lot. However, it would probably be best to wait for video.

- Blake Burress, university student

One star

National Security is an action/comedy that features a cop (Steve Zahn) and a wanna-be cop (Martin Lawrence) who both end up as security guards involved in a smuggling heist. The trouble is that they both can't stand each other so they spend much of their time arguing over issues such as police brutality, interracial relationships and, of all things, bumblebees.

It features some great stuntwork and outrageous comedy, but I did not enjoy this movie. Martin Lawrence is a great comedian but he isn't that funny in this movie. I noticed that no one else in the theater was really laughing either. The plot is rather ridiculous and after awhile the jokes weren't funny anymore.

I would only recommend this movie if you like a lot of action and stuntwork. Truthfully, I don't even feel it's worth renting.

- Michele Peters, speech pathologist

Two and a half stars

Car chases, firing guns, and catching the bad guy are the key elements of "National Security." You might be thinking that you have seen a thousand other movies with these same key elements. You would be right.

Herein lies the problem with "National Security." After about a half hour of the movie you get the feeling you have seen it before. It doesn't take long to figure out that the main characters -- Hank Rafferty, a disgruntled ex-cop, and Earl Montgomery, whose lifelong dream is to be a cop -- will catch the bad guys and live happily ever after.

The redeeming factor in this movie is the performances by Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn. The two complement each other well, and it is because of them the jokes in the movie work. They provide a a steady stream of laughs in an otherwise predictable movie.

- Saira Khan, university student