"RENO 911: Miami" Review

Police badges of courage

By: Kristy Barry

Posted: 3/6/07

The sole cop in my hometown in Ohio actually shot himself in the leg while putting his gun back in his holster. Despite the overall absurdity, "RENO 911: Miami" is a running joke not on cops but of these particular inane characters that fill those positions. As Lt. Dangle says of his squad, "They are the stupidest group of people I know that aren't mentally retarded."

So, the rag-tag Reno police "force" roll into Miami to attend a police convention and soon discover that 2,000 officers are trapped inside the building due to a bio-terrorism threat. The Reno police pack become responsible for securing the city as well as finding an antidote to save their trapped comrades.

But it wasn't about the plot, clearly. I couldn't tell you what the plot of "Super Troopers" was, but I remember the syrup-chugging contest and the cop who said "meow" nine times during a traffic stop. Blonde Deputy Clementine from "Reno" is more concerned about the tattoo she receives on a night fueled by sex and alcohol, than actually serving a purpose on the squad. Deputy Reinisha Williams uses her time to patrol the beach, teaching Trudy proper vernacular and beat-boxing to the "COPS" theme song. And, who is overlooking Reno?

"Sergeant Shorty Pants" thinks he's done a great job defending Miami because phones aren't ringing at the station when in fact, Trudy unplugged the switchboard for her popcorn maker. Dangle instructs that the only way they'll be able to keep preserving the city is to get some rest, and the group then goes partying into the wee hours.

Many movies have smooth transitions and navigate the film with a sense of purpose or an objective. And what I actually liked about "Reno" was that it didn't, really. You wonder how these self-centered morons could protect the city of Miami or why Miami wouldn't call in squads instead from Orlando or Cuba or the local Boy Scouts.

If you enjoy the show as well as gratuitous nudity, randomness and stuff exploding…you'll love the movie. It's a good distraction from studying.

---

© Copyright 2009 Observer