Ever since Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte traded insults in 1982's
48 Hours, the 'buddy cop' movie has been a Hollywood staple. It’s also been one of the most formulaic genres in the industry. Basically, you get two guys that are total opposites (ethnicity, background, outlook), throw them together and watch the lulz ensue as they argue, bitch slap, shit talk and solve crime together. Ninety minutes later everyone has learned a lesson about diversity, the bad guys are behind bars and a Hollywood producer is doing another bump of coke off some hooker’s breasts.
Kevin Smith’s Cop Out (starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan) is the latest addition to the buddy cop genre and follows the above conventions with laser like precision. Now, if they would just add a giant drooling dog for the sequel we might be talking Oscars sweep. In the meantime, here are some classic partnerships.
Cop Out:
Starsky and Hutch:
Miami Vice:
Bad Boys II:
Rush Hour:
Another 48 Hours:
Leathal Weapon: