POLICE ACADEMY

title: POLICE ACADEMY

year: 1984

cast: Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, G.W. Baily, Bubba Smith, Michael Winslow

rating: **1/2

One would assume, since this is the original, it's the best. Far from it. Most of the beloved characters, who'd return in the franchise, are merely periphrial; while others (like a ladykiller Spanish guy) are so weak, it's no surprise they never returned. Steve Guttenberg is a relucant recruit at a low standard academy, and has to put up with jerky sarge G.W. Baily and two kiss ass recruits. There are many one-liners and hijinks, but few are all that funny. Guttenberg, with his rubber ducky charm throughout, seems too alone: rarely does Jones (Michael Winslow), Hightower (Bubba Smith), or Tackleberry (David Graf) have any worthwhile input. A few of the proceeding films not only get better, but with the addition of Bobcat Goldthwait and Lance Kinsey, funnier too: and most importantly, they rely on teamwork.