ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, September 7, 1996 TAG: 9609090115
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: MOVIE REVIEW
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
Nary an ounce of originality is to be found anywhere in "Bulletproof."
From the cliched premise to the rigidly stereotyped characters to the no-surprises plot it's a generic cop-buddy picture. But stars Damon Wayans and Adam Sandler work well together, generating a few real laughs, and cinematographer-turned-director Ernest Dickerson gives the action a funky off-center look.
Keats (Wayans) is an L.A. undercover cop who's spent a year knocking around with Moses (Sandler), a flunky for Colton (James Caan), a drug kingpin and used car magnate. When the big drug bust goes bad, Moses is enraged to learn that Keats has set him up. He thought they were friends!
Two or three plot twists later, Moses is willing to turn himself in and tell all he knows about Colton, but only if Keats comes out to Arizona to bring him back. Of course, bad guys are waiting behind every rock.
No one's going to confuse Wayans and Sandler for Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte in "48 HRS.," but they have their moments. Wayans can handle action roles easily and Sandler's version of the Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston hit, "I Will Always Love You" is a real comic highpoint. Most of the banter between the leads is so sexual and scatological that the film really isn't suitable for kids.
But for older viewers who like familiar formulas, "Bulletproof" rates a qualified recommendation.
Bulletproof **1/2
A Universal release playing at the Salem Valley 8 and Valley View 6. Rated R for graphic violence, strong language. 85 minutes.
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB