National Security (released on January 17, 2003) is a quintessential early-2000s action-comedy that leans heavily into the “mismatched partners” trope with a sharp, satirical edge. Directed by Dennis Dugan, the film serves as a high-energy vehicle for the contrasting comedic styles of its leads, blending slapstick humor with the gritty urban aesthetic of a police procedural.
While it follows the established blueprints of the buddy-cop genre, it distinguishes itself by exploring themes of racial profiling and private security with a light, irreverent touch. It is a film that thrives on kinetic energy, frequent pyrotechnics, and the undeniable chemistry of a duo forced together by circumstance and a mutual disdain for the law.
Hank Rafferty (Steve Zahn) is a dedicated, by-the-book LAPD officer whose life is ruined after a misunderstood encounter with Earl Montgomery (Martin Lawrence), a cocky and rebellious police academy washout.
After a video of the incident is taken out of context, Hank is charged with brutality and sent to prison, while Earl continues his life of petty disruption.
Months later, both men find themselves working as low-level security guards for the same private firm, “National Security,” under the watchful eye of Lieutenant Washington (Bill Duke).
The two are forced into an uneasy alliance when they stumble upon a sophisticated smuggling operation led by the cold-blooded Nash (Eric Roberts). After discovering that the criminals are using high-tech armored plating to facilitate their heists, Hank realizes this is the same crew that killed his former partner.
As they go rogue to solve the case, they find themselves pursued by both the smugglers and the police, including Detective McDuff (Colm Feore) and the district attorney (Matt McCoy).
The narrative builds to a chaotic showdown at a shipyard, where Earl and Hank must overcome their deep-seated animosity and utilize their unorthodox skills to dismantle Nash’s empire and clear Hank’s name once and for all.
Brett Cullen, Jeff Ross, Joe Flaherty, Ken Lerner and Stephen Tobolowsky round out the cast.
Martin Lawrence and Steve Zahn in National Security (Photo/Sony Pictures)
Reception for National Security
National Security grossed $16.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office.
The film would gross $50.1 million worldwide.
Legacy
National Security‘s legacy is defined by the comedic synchronicity of Lawrence and Zahn, whose “fire and ice” dynamic made the film a staple of the early 2000s comedy boom.
The film is celebrated for its solid action choreography and for being a prime example of the mid-budget studio comedies that once dominated the January box office.
The movie is also noted for its strong supporting cast of veteran character actors who added a layer of genuine menace to the film’s lighter moments.
National Security is viewed as a nostalgic artifact of the “MTV-style” editing era, praised for its fast-paced delivery and for being a quintessential showcase of Martin Lawrence’s peak comedic era.
