Alright, fellow tapeheads, dim the lights, maybe adjust the tracking slightly in your mind's eye, because tonight we're popping in a well-loved copy of 1986's Running Scared. Forget your slick, modern buddy cop flicks for a moment. This is Chicago in the mid-80s, gritty and real, served up with a side of surprisingly sharp banter courtesy of one of the era's most unexpected, yet brilliant, pairings: Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal. If this one somehow slipped past your rental radar back in the day, buckle up.
Two Cops on the Edge... of Florida?
The premise feels familiar now, but Running Scared executes it with a unique energy. Ray Hughes (Hines) and Danny Costanzo (Crystal) are seasoned Chicago street cops, wisecracking their way through busts and shootouts, but they're getting tired. After a particularly nasty encounter with ambitious young drug lord Julio Gonzales (a menacing early role for Jimmy Smits), they decide they've had enough. Their dream? Cashing in their pensions, ditching the Windy City winters, and opening a bar in sunny Key West. There’s just one problem: they need to survive their last few weeks on the job and resist the urge to nail Gonzales themselves before they punch out for good.
What immediately sets Running Scared apart is the chemistry. Hines, known more for his unparalleled dancing talent, brings a cool, grounded weariness to Ray, perfectly complementing Crystal's manic energy and rapid-fire punchlines as Danny. Their friendship feels lived-in; you believe these guys have been partners, watching each other's backs and busting each other's chops for years. Retro Fun Fact: It's wild to think the producers originally envisioned screen legends like Gene Hackman and Paul Newman for these roles! While that sounds amazing on paper, the kinetic, street-level vibe Hines and Crystal delivered feels absolutely right for this movie.
Chicago Grit and Practical Action Mayhem
Director Peter Hyams (Outland, 2010: The Year We Make Contact) gives the film a distinct visual identity. He famously acted as his own cinematographer on many projects, including this one, and it shows. Chicago isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character – the El train platforms, the grimy alleys, the specific look of the city in the mid-80s feels authentic and tangible. Forget slick drone shots; this is street-level filmmaking.
And the action? Oh, it’s pure 80s gold. Hyams stages some genuinely thrilling sequences built on practical effects and nerve-wracking stunt work. Remember that insane car chase on top of the elevated train tracks? That wasn’t CGI, folks. That was real cars, real tracks, and presumably, some very brave stunt drivers earning their paychecks. There's a raw, unpolished intensity to the shootouts and chases that modern blockbusters often smooth over with digital perfection. The bullet hits have weight, the explosions feel hot, and the danger seems palpable. Was it sometimes a little rough around the edges compared to today's standards? Sure, but that visceral, seat-of-your-pants feeling was exactly what made renting movies like this such a thrill back then.
More Than Just Laughs and Gunfire
While the banter is top-notch and the action delivers, Running Scared also manages a surprisingly effective blend of tones. It can switch from a genuinely funny sequence involving Crystal trying to speak Spanish to a tense, life-or-death confrontation without feeling jarring. Smits provides a believably ruthless villain, reminding us that beneath the jokes, the stakes are incredibly high for Ray and Danny. The supporting cast, including Darlanne Fluegel as Danny's ex-wife Anna and Joe Pantoliano as snake-like informant Snake, adds texture to the world.
And let's not forget the soundtrack! Michael McDonald's "Sweet Freedom" became a massive hit, practically defining the optimistic, slightly yearning feel of the film's Florida escape fantasy. It’s one of those instantly recognizable 80s movie anthems. Retro Fun Fact: The soundtrack also featured tracks produced by the legendary Rod Temperton (the genius behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "Rock With You"), giving it some serious musical pedigree.
Still Worth the Rental Fee?
Watching Running Scared today is like unearthing a time capsule. It captures a specific moment in action-comedy filmmaking – pre-Lethal Weapon maybe, but heading in that direction. The humor holds up remarkably well thanks to the leads, and the practical action sequences retain their power precisely because they feel so real and dangerous. Sure, some of the fashion and tech scream "1986!", but that’s part of the charm, isn't it? I distinctly remember renting this tape multiple times, the slightly grainy picture on our old CRT somehow adding to the gritty atmosphere. It wasn't the biggest blockbuster, earning around $38.5 million against a $21 million budget (respectable, but not a runaway smash), yet it built a solid following on home video, becoming a beloved staple for fans of the genre.
Rating: 8/10
This score feels earned. Running Scared delivers genuinely funny buddy chemistry that rivals the best of the genre, backs it up with thrilling, practical action sequences expertly shot by Peter Hyams, and wraps it all in an authentic mid-80s Chicago atmosphere. The plot is straightforward, but the execution, particularly the perfect casting of Hines and Crystal, elevates it significantly. It might feel a little dated in spots, but its energy and heart are undeniable.
Final Take: A quintessential slice of 80s action-comedy, firing on all cylinders with real stunts, real chemistry, and a whole lot of Chicago attitude. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best sparks fly when you put two unexpected talents together and let them run wild. Definitely worth rewinding.