Review of Running Scared (1986) by Tino R — 31 Mar 2011

Gregory Hines (Ray) and Billy Crystal (Danny) are two hard boiled Chicago cops hot on the trail of a drug lord Julio played by Jimmy Smits who are willing to sacrifice their own lives and maybe even their own jobs thanks to their reckless ways and their rule-breaking tactics. Their Captain orders them out of Chicago after they accidentally screw up an undercover DEA drug bust. The guys take time off to regroup leaving the wintry Chicago and end up in Key West, Florida. After spending nearly two weeks in the sun filled, bikini paradise, the two decide to retire their positions and open a bar in the Keys but ultimately they just can't let unfinished business lie. Against their better judgment, they return to the fast-paced violent streets of Chicago to finish the one job they've still got to complete.... the capture of their long-time nemesis Julio Gonzalez but the shenanigans turn truly deadly as Julio kidnaps Danny's ex-wife.

Will they survive the two weeks and make it back to the Keys or will the Windy City save two of Chicago's finest from themselves?

Smits was very good as the villain while the chemistry between the lead actors in the film is fantastic, I love the way they play off of each other; their comedic dialogue is impeccably timed. My favorite scene would be the car chase on the train tracks. Good to see Joe Pantoliano up to his usual bad guy mischief as well.