I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Friday (Dan Ackroyd) is the son of a famous detective and, now, he continues detecting in the family tradition. He has the same monotone, just the facts mantra, and conservative dress as his dad. His longtime partner moves away so he is paired with a new one, Streebek (Tom Hanks) who shows up with long hair and a flashy outfit. No, no, no, that's not gonna work. Before long, Streebek is looking VERY similar to Friday. But, his mode of operation is not the same and won't ever be. In the City of Angels at this time, a group calling itself PAGAN is stealing vehicles, setting fires, and leaving calling cards. Meanwhile, a stuffy minister Wurley (Christopher Plummer) and a playboy type (Dabney Coleman) are at odds over the place each has in society. Also, police commissioner (Elizabeth Ashley) has a "close" relationship with Wurley, who has big secrets unknown to her. As Friday and Streebek hunt down PAGAN, rescue ladies, encounter strippers, tangle with anacondas, and drive like maniacs, will they get the job done? Let me first say, I love Ackroyd and Hanks and they are not the problem here, for they try hard. Plummer does great, as he is totally unlikeable as written, and the rest of the cast are okay, too. Its the script, stupid, that's really kind of a drag, for the adventures of these two detectives are, many times, offensive. As the movie sets out to really spoof the original Dragnet television show, it might have been better to come closer to the Jack Webb version. If you like the two stars, and most viewers do, take a chance if you wish. But don't expect to be entertained in grand fashion.

Joe Friday (Dan Aykroyd) is a straight and by-the-book cop working at Robbery Homicide in the LAPD at the same job as his uncle Joe did 20 years ago. His partner Frank quits to go goat farming. His new partner is the wacky Pep Streebek (Tom Hanks). There is a rash of strange crimes by a mysterious group called PAGAN. The partners investigate stolen animals at the zoo, a shipment of Jerry Caesar (Dabney Coleman)'s girlie magazines set on fire, and stolen toxic chemicals. The investigation leads to a giant villain named Emil Muzz (Jack O'Halloran). They discover a PAGAN gathering where they are about to sacrifice the virgin Connie Swail (Alexandra Paul). She pulls the mask off of the leader and sees the face of Reverend Jonathan Whirley (Christopher Plummer). Captain Bill Gannon (Harry Morgan) relents and calls in commissioner Jane Kirkpatrick (Elizabeth Ashley) but the site has been cleaned up. Nobody believes the the guys.The Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks pairing should be a lot more funnier. I'm not sure why it doesn't click that well. Hanks has a few fun moments. Aykroyd is doing the straight man. They should be hilarious but there are only a few chuckles. The outrageous silly crime spree is fitting for this but it wears out its welcome after awhile. Maybe Tom Mankiewicz just doesn't have the skills to give life to the jokes.

A big budget effort to revive the long-dormant TV series with a snarkier, more wise-cracking slant. Dan Aykroyd is in his element as the super stiff, by-the-books Joe Friday (nephew of the original protagonist), while Tom Hanks often feels like he tries too hard as the detective's wacky, off-kilter new partner. The two play their roles well, but oddly don't have much of a rapport and feel like they're more wrapped up in the eccentricities of the characters than what's going on around them. I can't really blame them - the plot doesn't seem appropriate, or even all that interesting. Why stick to the guidelines of a basic detective story when you can dive into the overcomplicated saga of an evil pagan minister with deep political ties and a weakness for sacrificial virgins, I guess? It's a terrible match for the cast, who seem as puzzled by it as I was, and sets the film up for failure before it's even found its legs. Amusing at times, for the most part it's helplessly contradictory, clumsy and often downright grating.

Based on the television crime drama of the same name starring Jack Webb, 'Dragnet' is a highly energetic film that works entirely! A Superb Entertainer!'Dragnet' Synopsis: The equally-straight-laced and "by the book" nephew of Joe Friday must work with his more laid-back partner to solve a mystery.'Dragnet' works because the humor & the performances, work big time. The on-screen chemistry between its leading-men is outstanding, while their journey as one, entertains enormously. Its consistently funny & engaging.Dan Aykroyd, Alan Zweibel & Tom Mankiewicz's Screenplay is spot-on. Mankiewicz's Direction is good. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are super.Performance-Wise: Dan Aykroyd & Tom Hanks are impeccable. Their on-screen chemistry is outstanding & their performances, are pitch-perfect. Christopher Plummer is another topper. He's excellent as the villain. Others lend great support. On the whole, 'Dragnet' is a memorable buddy-cop adventure!