Call '911:' popular TV show hits theaters

by Jason Logan, staff writer

The lovably-inept heroes of the popular television show “Reno: 911” have finally hit the big screen.

This time, they have headed to Miami for a law enforcement convention. Trouble comes when they become the only law enforcement officials left in Miami who are not under quarantine because of a terrorist attack. This wacky bunch tries to crack the case and uncover who is behind this terrorist plot.

A mockumentary spoofing Fox’s reality show “Cops,” this movie gives us all the fun of the television show without the commercials.

The movie was written for the die-hard fans of the television series. Three of the main characters, Kerri Kenney (Deputy Trudy Weigel), Ben Garant (Deputy Travis Junior), and Thomas Lennon (Lieutenant Jim Dangle), were the writers of this long-awaited film.

This movie assumes that you are an avid viewer of the television series, as it does little to fully explore the characters’ motives. If you have followed the television show, get ready for the cinematic equivalent of an 18-ounce ribeye.

No need to worry “Reno: 911” fans. This movie is not a butchered up, mad attempt at selling tickets; it’s the same old “Reno: 911” we have grown to love through the years.

While using many of the same gags and gimmicks of the television series, such as calling attention to Lt. Dangle’s dangerously short shorts and taking shots at Deputy Raineesha Williams’ ghetto booty, the only real difference between the movie and the series is the cursing and nudity that isn’t allowed on television. In short, it is an 84-minute episode of “Reno: 911” that carries twice as many laughs as the television series.

It also showcases cameo appearances by Danny Devito, Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reuben, David Koechner, and Michael Ian Black.

I couldn’t stop laughing throughout this movie. If you are a “Reno: 911” fan, this movie was tailor-made for you. If you’re not, I wouldn’t waste my $7.50 on this flick. You just won’t get it at all.