"I don't understand why there are so many slams against this movie posted here...this is a very exciting, action-packed film! Maybe these critics aren't Charlie Sheen fans or sumpin'...but this film kept me riveted all the way thru it!
Clint's character, cop Nick Pulovski, has hints and traces of Dirty Harry Callahan, so fans of that series should enjoy this film; Charlie Sheen is the rookie detective who Clint gets stuck with as his new partner - Clint's old partner, played by Hal Williams ("Smitty" the cop on the old SANFORD & SON tv show) gets offed by Raul Julia (who plays an exceptionally evil criminal) and Raul's girlfriend/female alter ego, played by Sonia Braga (who looks INCREDIBLE!!!). These two and their goons run an auto theft ring (and perform a few murders along the way), all the while being stalked and staked out by Clint and Charlie. The film begins with an outstanding chase sequence on the freeway, with lots of crashes, blood and bullets.
Sheen has a wonderful scene where he gets his revenge against the patrons of a seedy bar...he loses control, beats the snot out of all of 'em, shouts curses thoughout, sets the place on fire and shows these chumps a thing or three! The ending in the airport terminal is a film climax I always look forward to...it's very satisfying for the viewer (sorry! can't reveal it!). Raul Julia is great throughout the film but here he shines, especially right up to the last second (you'll see what I mean when you watch it). There are so many cool scenes in this film but I can't reveal 'em all! By the way, guys...the scene where Sonia Braga seduces a shackled Clint borders on S&M, fer sure...it's hot stuff!
Also, Tom Skerritt portrays Sheen's millionaire father, in a role that's considered small, but he's great as always...he shoulda had more to do here.
So, in closing, don't pay attention to the negative criticism...if you are a Clint Eastwood fan or a fan of cop/crime films, I think you'll like this outing. Try it for yourself just to satisfy your curiosity!
"
Hard edge action
Joseph W. Hayes | mobile, alabama United States | 04/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The rookie is a hardcore action ride.Sheen @ eastwood are very good together.The shoot outs are hard,the fights are bloody,the language is brutal.A hard movie along the lines of The last boy scout."
Another Eastwood Goody!!! And Sheen Was Good Too!!!
carl womack | north carolina | 09/15/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When two policemen move in on car thieves, one of them gets killed. And the fallen officer isn't just a partner, he's a friend. Now it's PERSONAL!!! Clint Eastwood plays Nick Pulovski the surviving partner, who makes it a point to try and find the hoodlums. Of course Clint plays a rough and tumble policeman like in his Dirty Harry roles, but in this movie, he does show a more down to earth side, lighter side. There's a terrific car chase involving Clint and when it's over, it's rather comical.
Nick gets a new partner David Ackerman (played by Charlie Sheen) who looks more like an insurance salesman than a policeman, mainly because he's from the side of town where you learn early in life where to put your fork and knife on the table.
With this new partner, the two head out to try and find the thieves. The head goon is played by none other than Raul Julia. I must admit, when I first spotted Raul playing that of a villain, I didn't think he'd fit the role, but after seeing the entire movie, I'd say he done a terrific job at it!
The big question is Will Nick and David get their man? Well, of course I'm not going to say, but I will say that if you like movies with just the right amount of action, plus an equal helping of suspense, intrique, drama, and a light seasoning of comedy, you'll be sure to love this entertaining film.
It's the perfect movie meal."
FORMULAIC BUT WATCHABLE COP THRILLER
Shashank Tripathi | Gadabout | 11/10/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen make strange co-cops, the chemistry was there but not quite. The Rookie is full of formula action cliches with plot holes so large you could drive a stolen SUV through them. The saving grace: a funny grizzled performance by Clint Eastwood. If you can digest the first 15 minutes and not think too hard about it, "The Rookie" is actually quite a watchable movie with some pretty nifty explosions, escapes and chases. You know, the works."
Cool Movie!
Joseph W. Hayes | 10/24/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great movie to sit back and relax and take your mind off things. Eastwood The tough guy again, but theres a fresh comedic side to him. Sheen is good for the yuppie cop. Its these two characters that keep this film fun with a script with little depth. I would give this film a 3.5 stars if I could. Clint Eastwood is cool in this Film."