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Som Chivukula

A new genre of films has evolved over the last few years focusing on reality-based characters. The highly acclaimed The Truman Show in 1998 led the wave, followed by EdTV, made by Ron Howard. Last year's 15 Minutes went a step further, examining the obsession with the media.

Now comes Showtime, a Warner Brothers production that stars Robert De Niro and Eddie Murphy. In short, it is falls between a spoof of the cop buddy genre, starting with the Lethal Weapon series, and America's fascination with reality-based TV.

The film steers away from the cop-buddy spoof in the second half with wild car chases and a robbery of an armoured-vehicle that goes awry.

De Niro is Mitch Preston, a veteran no-nonsense L A cop, forced to partner with rookie Trey Sellars (Eddie Murphy), an actor-turned-patrol cop, when he destroys a network camera during a botched crime.

The television firm threatens to sue the LAPD, and an idea led by led by executive Chase Renzi (Rene Russo), makes Mitch play along. The two cops are taped during their trips around town, with every move being shown live.

Trey loves the idea of being in front of the camera. Predictably, Mitch doesn't warm up to him. Mitch slowly shows Trey the ropes in the hope he will change his ways and take his job seriously. When things pick up with the television show, Mitch is made to change himself -- the wardrobe, his apartment décor and more.

De Niro and Murphy carry this film. And their chemistry is terrific. De Niro, who has had considerable success with comic roles in recent years in films such as Meet the Parents and Analyze This, does a commendable job as Mitch, who slowly warms up to those around him.

Murphy, who has made a comeback with The Nutty Professor and Dr Dolittle series, turns in an irreverent performance. The shame here is Russo, who is not given a chance to do much except take a back seat to the male leads.

Tom Dey, who helmed Shanghai Noon two years back that starred Jackie Chan, directs his second feature. He allows De Niro and Murphy to work together efficiently and effectively in their roles, especially in scenes showing them looking into the camera to the live audience.

Though the script repeats many of the genre's clichés -- the loner cop who possibly faces suspension for being out of control and the police department crumbling under pressure -- much of the irreverent comedy holds interest.

Russo's character constantly comes up with ideas for both Mitch and Trey to entice viewers. The scene that shows her going to the point of remodeling Mitch's apartment to make it more viewer-friendly is hilarious.

With the film's brisk pacing, there is never a dull moment -- even during the car chases. On the whole, even with a retread formula, Showtime, rated PG-13 for action and language, is a fairly enjoyable comedy, thanks to its star power and comic situations.