3 out of 5

Director: Jim Wynorski

This is grade A cheese from director Jim Wynorski, whose primary experience seems to be in Skinemax fluff like “Witches of Breastwick.” But non-breast fans need not shy away – this is not a softcore nudie pic, but rather a silly, straightforward DTV B-movie about grizzled cops with rookie partners and the loopy Richard Greico badguys they have to fight. From the opening driving montage and cheesy music, you tune into a vibe of either trash or ridiculousness. When Richard Grieco – dressed in some odd cowboyish garb but with unbelievably gelled, tall 80s hair – steps into a diner and has a completely stereotypical “What kind of pie you got” conversation with Jaime Pressly (her only appearance in the film, and the only hint of any boobishness) before squaring off with a local deputy in a quick-draw competition – … you realize the vibe is ridiculousness. There’s already about a bamillion holes in the plot at this point, but then we get an introduction to LA cops led by cranky cop Nick Mancusco, who does an awesome balance of drunk / intelligent / humble / bitter / honorable throughout the whole movie. So whatever. Grieco (excuse me, “Rex”) apparently wants to prove to the world that he’s “the quickest draw there is” by challenging cops to shootouts and he employs news reporter Nancy Allen to document his life for Hollywood. Soon Grieco gets the idea that his fame can only be solidified by challenging “hero cop” Mancusco… Bang, hair gel, witty banter. It zooms by pretty quick, with the same cheesy music, and straight-forward camera work throughout. Nothing flashy, but it ain’t needed. If you like cheese, I smiled quite a bit while watching this.