Product Details

• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: August 1, 2000
• Run Time: 121 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0790751259
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #485,764 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This somewhat desperate-looking project pairs the aging Clint Eastwood (he also directed) with a younger actor (Charlie Sheen) who was hot at the time this film was made (1990). There's certainly nothing wrong with that strategy, but it would have helped if Eastwood had a decent story to wrap around his commercial strategy. The senior star plays a grizzled cop with a smooth-faced preppie (Sheen) as a new partner. Their odd-couple shtick is as predictable as one would expect, with each man approaching the same job with a wholly different set of convictions from the other. Inexplicably, Eastwood also hired Raul Julia and Sonia Braga to plays Germans, but then the scene most people remember in this movie is Braga's rape of Eastwood--indeed an unusual moment. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hey! This is a good film!, February 9, 2007

By 

John Robinson (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rookie (DVD)

I don't understand why there are so many slams against this movie posted here...this is a very exciting, action-packed film! Maybe these critics aren't Charlie Sheen fans or sumpin'...but this film kept me riveted all the way thru it!

Clint's character, cop Nick Pulovski, has hints and traces of Dirty Harry Callahan, so fans of that series should enjoy this film; Charlie Sheen is the rookie detective who Clint gets stuck with as his new partner - Clint's old partner, played by Hal Williams ("Smitty" the cop on the old SANFORD & SON tv show) gets offed by Raul Julia (who plays an exceptionally evil criminal) and Raul's girlfriend/female alter ego, played by Sonia Braga (who looks INCREDIBLE!!!). These two and their goons run an auto theft ring (and perform a few murders along the way), all the while being stalked and staked out by Clint and Charlie. The film begins with an outstanding chase sequence on the freeway, with lots of crashes, blood and bullets.

Sheen has a wonderful scene where he gets his revenge against the patrons of a seedy bar...he loses control, beats the snot out of all of 'em, shouts curses thoughout, sets the place on fire and shows these chumps a thing or three! The ending in the airport terminal is a film climax I always look forward to...it's very satisfying for the viewer (sorry! can't reveal it!). Raul Julia is great throughout the film but here he shines, especially right up to the last second (you'll see what I mean when you watch it). There are so many cool scenes in this film but I can't reveal 'em all! By the way, guys...the scene where Sonia Braga seduces a shackled Clint borders on S&M, fer sure...it's hot stuff!

Also, Tom Skerritt portrays Sheen's millionaire father, in a role that's considered small, but he's great as always...he shoulda had more to do here.

So, in closing, don't pay attention to the negative criticism...if you are a Clint Eastwood fan or a fan of cop/crime films, I think you'll like this outing. Try it for yourself just to satisfy your curiosity!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Eastwood Goody!!! And Sheen Was Good Too!!!, September 15, 2003

By 

carl womack (north carolina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Rookie [VHS] (VHS Tape)

When two policemen move in on car thieves, one of them gets killed. And the fallen officer isn't just a partner, he's a friend. Now it's PERSONAL!!! Clint Eastwood plays Nick Pulovski the surviving partner, who makes it a point to try and find the hoodlums. Of course Clint plays a rough and tumble policeman like in his Dirty Harry roles, but in this movie, he does show a more down to earth side, lighter side. There's a terrific car chase involving Clint and when it's over, it's rather comical.
Nick gets a new partner David Ackerman (played by Charlie Sheen) who looks more like an insurance salesman than a policeman, mainly because he's from the side of town where you learn early in life where to put your fork and knife on the table.
With this new partner, the two head out to try and find the thieves. The head goon is played by none other than Raul Julia. I must admit, when I first spotted Raul playing that of a villain, I didn't think he'd fit the role, but after seeing the entire movie, I'd say he done a terrific job at it!
The big question is Will Nick and David get their man? Well, of course I'm not going to say, but I will say that if you like movies with just the right amount of action, plus an equal helping of suspense, intrique, drama, and a light seasoning of comedy, you'll be sure to love this entertaining film.
It's the perfect movie meal.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars hard edge action, April 17, 2004

By 

Joseph W. Hayes "snake" (mobile, alabama United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Rookie (DVD)

The rookie is a hardcore action ride.Sheen @ eastwood are very good together.The shoot outs are hard,the fights are bloody,the language is brutal.A hard movie along the lines of The last boy scout.