Product Details

• Actors: Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal, Steven Bauer, Darlanne Fluegel, Joe Pantoliano
• Directors: Peter Hyams
• Writers: Gary DeVore, Jimmy Huston
• Producers: Peter Hyams, David Foster, Jonathan A. Zimbert, Lawrence Turman
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
• VHS Release Date: January 13, 1998
• Run Time: 107 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0792837800
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #220,698 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This moody 1986 buddy picture and police drama represented a change of pace for both stars. Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines play two Chicago police detectives who, feeling gun-shy about the inherent danger of their jobs, contemplate retirement in Florida. They just can't shake the allure of their work, however, particularly when their pursuit of a notorious drug dealer (Jimmy Smits) turns personal and deadly. While there are more than enough light moments generated by the easy and convincing rapport between Crystal and Hines, director Peter Hyams (The Star Chamber, 2010) succeeds in straddling the two disparate moods to create a taut and engaging action picture. --Robert Lane

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The original cop buddy dramatic comedy, July 15, 2001

By 

Tony Dennis (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Running Scared (DVD)

Before the Lethal Weapon and Die Hard series, there was Running Scared. Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal turn in a wisecracking performance right up there with Mel Gibson, Danny Glover and Bruce Willis. Two of Chicago's top plain clothes detectives, Ray Hughes (Hines) and Danny Costanzo (Crystal) have been duking it out with the bad guys for a long time. Their latest nemesis is Julio Gonzales (Jimmy Smits, excellent in his movie debut), a drug dealer looking to become Chicago's "next Al Capone". As they pursue Julio, a situation gets out of hand and our boys have to be rescued by a couple of undercover cops, convincing their Captain that Hughes and Costanzo need a break. Next things you know, they're in a bar in Key West, trying to break out of their funk. As they walk out to the beach, there is a crowd of people staring out into the ocean. Danny asks a beautiful woman: "What's going on - did a ship sink or something?" "No.." she replies, "We're watching the sun set." Danny gives her an incredulous look : "The sun sets every day!" She smiles: "Yes - and we come down to watch it every day." Looking back at the ocean, he retorts: "Well, this had better be good!" As they skate, fish and sunbathe the days away (not to mention enjoying the company of a variety of gorgeous bikini-clad babes), they start to enjoy themselves and end up buying a bar ("We'll have wet T-Shirt nights for women over 60!") in preparation of retiring when they return to Chicago. (After seeing these scenes, I just had to visit Key West and have been going back each year ever since!) Relaxed and ready to retire to the good life, they return to Chicago and give their 30 days notice. Upon learning that Julio is continuing his rampage, they vow to put him away before they retire. Many chases (including one on the "el" with a priest and nun as suspect drug couriers), gunfights and general mayhem ensues, leading to the final showdown in the capitol building against incredible odds (after all, what fun is it if the heroes aren't massively overmatched?). I think this is one of the big underrated movies in that it's got lots of action and laughs from this wise-cracking duo. I'm thrilled that this is coming out on DVD as I've worn out two VHS tapes of this flick. If you liked Lethal Weapon and Die Hard, then buy this DVD. You'll enjoy it again and again!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buddy movies just don't get much better than this, January 7, 2002

By 

Edward Lee "Trekscribbler (NCC1205)" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Running Scared (DVD)

The only fault to RUNNING SCARED is that they never made the intended sequel, STILL RUNNING. However, as a side note, do NOT pick up the DVD for the purported 'outtakes' advertised on the packaging; it's little more than a real of Billy Crystal talking to a camera and mucking around in his studio trailer ... a tremendous disappointment to an outstanding buddy picture.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Comedy and Action but heads, March 7, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Running Scared (DVD)

Gregory Hines, and Billy Crystal have the type of chemistry together that most actors wish for. A true classic action/comedy, the originator of the buddy genre. This is where Lethal Weapon, and Die Hard began. This is one of those movies that has become an under appreciated classic. Well worth the price, especially now that is is on DVD. Required viewing for anyone who truely likes the buddy cop movie.