"Just The Facts."

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Tom Hanks, Christopher Plummer, Harry Morgan, Alexandra Paul, Jack O'Halloran, Elizabeth Ashley, Dabney Coleman

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"There are two things that clearly differentiate the human species from animals. One, we use cutlery. Two, we're capable of controlling our sexual urges." - Sgt. Joe Friday

Why watch this? It's so much fun watching deadpan Aykroyd and flippant Hanks.

Plot Summary: Joe Friday is the meticulously by-the-book nephew of the original Detective Sergeant Joe Friday. He's reluctantly partnered with Pep Streebek, a free-spirited detective who chafes at Friday's strict adherence to procedure. The two mismatched cops must overcome their clashing personalities to investigate a series of strange crimes seemingly committed by a mysterious cult.

Dad's Preview: Most films using 1960's TV shows as a reference point fail badly. Not so with this stellar effort. The show Dragnet was very serious and dry. This film, however, is light-hearted and fun. Hanks is at the tail-end of his comedic film run. But it is Dan Aykroyd who steals the show as deadpan Joe Friday, nephew of the TV show's main detective. They even brought in Harry Morgan, from the TV show, and he's great as their grumpy commanding officer! It's a bit crude, but very funny.

Applied Action; Universal Pictures