31
Metascore
25 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Ray ConlogueThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Ray ConlogueEntertaining and well done. Without losing its comic rhythm for a moment, it is also a withering spoof of black victimism and the corrupting effect of racial solidarity on the American legal system.
- 70Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasA funny, raucous action comedy, effectively teams Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn in a film that's both laugh out loud funny and surprisingly subtle.
- 63USA TodayMike ClarkUSA TodayMike ClarkThe picture is all Lawrence and Zahn, whose dynamics get something going, though not enough (please!) to spark a buddy sequel.
- 50Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonLawrence and Zahn generate enough comic tension and mayhem to jump-start this mass of action-comedy cliches into a fairly amusing show.
- 25Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversIt's too bad Martin already made “What's the Worst That Could Happen?” The title really fits this one.
- 25Baltimore SunMichael SragowBaltimore SunMichael SragowFails to meld suspense and farce or to bring even the wildest pursuits and smash-ups any visual sense of comedy.
- 20Film ThreatFilm ThreatThe jokes are so tired and irritating in the film, I found myself anticipating the funny gags from the trailers because those were the only ones that were remotely humorous. In fact, I only laughed three times in the whole picture.
- 20Chicago ReaderBill StametsChicago ReaderBill StametsThe plot is astoundingly senseless.
- 20Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenIn the final analysis though, the only real thing being smuggled in National Security is unwitting patrons' admission fees.
- 0San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleA sour story with a repellent lead character, deadly comic schtick and tin-eared direction to produce 90 minutes of sheer, plodding mirthlessness.