metro
i 've seen san francisco in movies many times .
there was 1994 's interview with the vampire and most recently the rock .
now , yet again , san francisco is the setting for this movie .
eddie murphy stars as inspector scott roper of the sfpd .
he is their top hostage negotiator , and the very best at what he does .
when his best friend on the force is killed by joe ( michael wincott , in a terrific performance ) , a psychotic , demented jewel thief , roger makes it his mission to capture the guy before he strikes again .
meanwhile , roper tries to rekindle a relationship with his british ex - girlfriend veronica , while helping to rear a new up and comer from swat who 's an expert sniper and marksman ( michael rappaport ) .
despite the obligatory cop movie scenes ( does every cop / new partner movie have to start the same way ? ) where the sgt .
assigns roper a partner , roper confronts the sarge , etc .
, this film is still one heck of an explosive ride .
a scene involving a cable car has to be seen to be believed , and boasts some amazing car stunts .
eddie murphy shines in this tailor - made role , and for once , his character shows depth and concern .
when confronting joe in prison , you can feel the anger drip from every word .
michael rappaport is basically throwaway .
he serves no purpose , except to be buddy to murphy and get disabled in the final reel so that eddie can save the day .
typical action escapist fare .
michael wincott offers the best performance as the crazed killer and jewel thief joe .
never before have i seen such a villian written like this where i could actually believe that he was serious and take him seriously .
maybe i just thought that this role was different due to wincott 's perfectly raspy voice .
i do n't know .
what i do know , though , is that although metro is basically a typical action retread , it manages to cover new ground and shed new light on tired old cliches ' .
the film is a triumph , and an entertaining one at that .
it does n't meander or trail off from its main character .
an enjoyable two hours , metro is enjoyable , witty , action - packed , and fun , and makes for a great action movie that 's perfect for all of us
that need an escape from reality .
it manages to cover new ground and shed new light amazing car stunts shines in this tailor - made role a great action movie that 's perfect for all of us enjoyable , witty , action - packed , and fun offers the best performance one heck of an explosive ride a triumph , and an entertaining one at that