source: Off Beat

Off Beat

NOT a cop movie. All those wanting to see a cop movie walk on by. This is a charming, SLOWburning romantic comedy, with lots of tongue in cheek jokes. The good: excellent supporting actors, among which Harvey Keitel and John Turturro. More good: Judge Rheinhold. I have been a fan of this actor from his early acting days (Beverly Hills Cop). Judge Rheinhold doesnt have to say anything to be funny, he simply has to look puzzled. And puzzled he is in this mixed up story. The story: Judge Rheinhold is a total looser working a dead end job in a basement in a library. BUT he has got a cop friend, whose identity he takes over, with hilarious and romantice results. Lots of charming tongue in cheek jokes (not laugh out loud funny). Lots of budding romance. One heck of a lovely romantic "cop" comedy. Definitely a forgotten eighties gem. I have been looking for years for this very movie. I couldnt find it anywhere. And to my surprise it can be seen for free on Youtube! What a joy!

I don't know why it's released on DVD but it's region two doesn't play in the United States in at one time it was available I'm in region one that would play in the United States I don't know why they haven't re-release this movie I've been trying to find it for years on DVD I remember seeing it as a kid and thought it was hilarious

I just wonder what movie David Dein was watching. David have you ever heard of the suspension of disbelief? It was not a true story. Meg Tilly who (not whom)is usually wonderful was just as wonderful here, as was Judge Reinhold, John Turturro, Harvey Keitel (and his partner) and Penn Gillette. Cleavant Derricks was outstanding and worth the price of admission all by himself. the only criticism i can muster is for the usually reliable Joe Mantegna. It seems that comedy is not his forte. He seemed to be overacting in the extreme. All in all this is a very amusing movie, with some clever plot twists and some interesting characters. It is not "The Godfather" but it is very pleasant, clever and amusing and well worth your time.

Meek librarian (Judge Reinhold) assumes the identity of his pal (Clevant Derricks) who happens to be a police officer. The charade leads to some very mild comedy. With such a fine cast, this should have been a far better film. Unfortunately the talent of Joe Mantegna, John Turturro, Meg Tilly, Harvey Keitel, Mike Starr, Fred Gwynne, and Anthony Zerbe is badly wasted. Reinhold sandwiched between Mantegna and Tilly in the front seat of a speeding police car, while they calmly discuss their failed relationship, is the best scene. Fred Gwynne in a small part as the mayor is great, but that's about it. How could such an interesting cast wind up in such a dull comedy? - MERK