Cast: Richard Dreyfuss, Emilio Estevez, Rosie O'Donnell, Cathy Moriarty,
Dennis Farina, Marcia Strassman, Miguel Ferrer, Madeleine Stowe, Dan Lauria
Director: John Badham
Producers: im Kouf, Cathleen Summers, Lynn Bigelow
Screenplay: Jim Kouf
Music: Arthur B. Rubinstein
U.S Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
The original Stakeout, a 1987 release directed by John Badham, skillfully blended action and comedy into an entertaining whole. The chemistry between the three leads -- Richard Dreyfuss' Chris, Emilio Estevez' Bill, and Madeleine Stowe's Maria -- was as good as it comes in movies. Stakeout turned out to be more than just another routine cop/buddy film.
Now, six years later, Badham is back, along with Dreyfuss and Estevez (and the entire production team, including writer Jim Kouf and composer Arthur B. Rubinstein). The relationship between Chris and Bill hasn't changed much, and neither has the mingling of action and humor. This time, Chris and Bill, along with Rosie O'Donnell's assistant DA, are looking for a witness on the run who's going to testify against the mob. Posing as a family, they move into a house next to a couple that may be contacted by their quarry. Another stakeout is underway.
If effectively combined, comedy and action can make an excellent pairing. This has been proven many times, most notably in recent entries like Lethal Weapon and the original Stakeout. Some of the qualities that made those films successful are evident here. If anything, this outing leans more towards outright humor than the first, and the action is consequently toned down. More importantly, Another Stakeout doesn't try to rehash its predecessor's plot. The scenario is entirely different, as are the gags and the tempo.
The inclusion of Rosie O'Donnell, comedienne-turned-actress, is a brilliant move. Without her bubbly presence, this movie would likely have fallen on its face. She forms a quick rapport with Bill and Chris (of the love/hate variety), and the movie is off and running. Dreyfuss is as solid as ever, and seems to enjoy playing his character, even after a six-year break. Emilio Estevez, a member of the aging "brat pack", is adequate, although, as in the original, he has trouble carrying scenes on his own.
Miguel Ferrer is not as charismatic or successful a villain as Aidan Quinn (whose performance as Maria's escaped convict ex-boyfriend galvanized Stakeout), but he's good enough for this movie's purposes. Dan Lauria is on hand again, reprising his role, although in the interim, his character has been promoted to chief, and he's just itching to find some way to stick it to his two least-favorite detectives.
Another Stakeout offers unfettered (and largely mindless) fun. The humor ranges from mildly amusing to downright hilarious, and the action scenes are handled with an eye for pacing and tension. Perhaps because of the absence of romantic chemistry, the second Stakeout isn't as good as the first, but it's still a worthy successor. Since virtually everyone involved in the 1987 picture is back, the sense of continuity is seamless, both in big and little things. For those looking for uncomplicated summer entertainment, Another Stakeout fills the bill adequately.
© 1993, 1996 James Berardinelli