Mad Dog and Glory review (published March 4, 1993)

By John Baker

El Vaquero

With Mad Dog and Glory hitting theaters today, it might be necessary to warn possible movie-goers that despite the presence of Bill Murray, this film is not necessarily a comedy -- and not a film to take young children to.

In fact, the touch of producer Martin Scorsese gives the film an almost morbid twist from the very first scene. Generous violence, domestic violence, drinking, and a vivid sex scene all make appearances in the film -- certainly justifying the movie's "R" rating.

Robert De Niro stars as Wayne, a Chicago Police detective. While investigating a grisly double-murder, Wayne saves Murray's character Frank from death at the hands of the murderer (Derek Anunciation). Frank begins to associate with Wayne in an attempt to gain his friendship, and in thanks finally "gives" Wayne a female employee of his, Glory (Uma Thurman), to be his "friend" for the week.

Rest assured, the film does have its comedic moments. But Murray especially shines in a roll that has him cast not as the bumbling fool of Stripes and Ghostbusters, but rather as a psychopathic cross between his characters in What About Bob? and Scrooged. By the end of the film, the audience tends to actually dislike and loathe Frank -- testimony to Murray's handling of the character.

De Niro, as usual, does a fine job in his role. Wayne is a frustrated cop torn between the boundaries of what he can and can not do under the law. De Niro uses this frustration to his advantage. As Wayne says to Frank, "We both sound like we would rather be someplace else."

Thurman lets the role of Glory carry itself. She plays the part paradoxically by highlighting both the character's insecurities and her strength of will.

The supporting cast contributes as well. Mike Starr provides good comic relief as one of Frank's henchmen, David Caruso is well-cast as De Niro's street-smart partner, and Kathy Baker makes a long cameo as De Niro's abused neighbor.

Mad Dog and Glory suffers from a script that, though not weak, is not powerful. Yet excellent acting makes up for the script and makes the movie well worth the price of admission -- provided you pay matinee prices.