While a big hit upon release, the action comedy has been a little forgotten.
Our TV movie pick for tonight (Wednesday, 18 December) is The Hard Way, the hit 1991 buddy cop action comedy.
The film centres around Hollywood star Nick Lang (Michael J. Fox) who is seeking to raise his credibility as an actor and land a role as a tough cop on a new show.
As such, he works a deal with New York City Police Capt. Brix (Delroy Lindo), who by chance is one of his fans, to be paired with detective Lt. John Moss (James Woods) and learn how to act like a real cop.
“But when Nick drives John crazy with questions and imitating him, he gets in the way of John’s pursuit of a serial killer (Stephen Lang),” the plot synopsis reads.
Directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, Stakeout) and co-written by Lem Dobbs (The Limey), The Hard Way’s cast also includes Annabella Sciorra, Christina Ricci, LL Cool J, Luis Guzmán, Penny Marshall and Yasiin Bey.
Upon release, the movie nearly tripled its budget at the box office and received positive reviews from critics.
In particular, its high-concept premise and the chalk-and-cheese chemistry of Fox and Woods were singled out for praise.
While slightly forgotten over time – it is not available to stream currently – The Hard Way is airing on TV tonight on the channel Legend at 9pm.
It is also available to rent on Apple TV, Google Play and the Sky Store.
Here are the other movies on TV tonight:
Independence Day – Film4 – 9pm
‘Welcome to earth!’
Renegades – Legend Xtra – 9pm
Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons is amongst the cast of this 2017 action film with a low 11% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Rocky Balboa – ITV4 – 10pm
The last of the boxing movies in which Sylvester Stallone is the lead character.
Die Hard 2 – BBC One – 10.40pm
This is also a Christmas film FYI.
Half Past Dead – Legend – 11.10pm
A Steven Seagal action vehicle with a 3% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit – Film4 – 11.50pm
Chris Pine is the titular CIA man created by author Tom Clancy in this decent action thriller.
Read more:
- A brilliant crime drama movie is airing on TV tonight
- Netflix has added the best superhero movie of the decade
- Movie with one of the greatest scenes of the 21st century is back on Netflix
