Police Academy comedies are a telling example of Hollywood film series that ran out of creative steam. In this case it happened quite quickly, and by its third instalment the series became almost unwatchable. Situation, predictably, didn’t improve with Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol, 1987 film directed by Jim Drake.
The plot, or what goes for plot in this film, begins when Commandant Lassard (played by George Gaynes) gets idea to fight crime by setting up volunteer force of ordinary citizens that would assist police in its regular duties. The programme, dubbed “Citizens on Patrol” (C.O.P.), starts when predictable mix of misfits and eccentric characters apply for the course to be taught at police academy. There they are instructed by Lassard’s faithful subordinates and former misfit recruits like Sergeant Carey Mahoney (played by Steve Guttenberg). Unfortunately, Lassard goes to attend international police conference and in his absence Academy is taken over than Captain Harris (played by G. W. Bailey), Mahoney’s old nemesis who hates unconventional recruits and tries doing everything to sabotage the programme. New recruits, however, gradually learn their skills and later have opportunity to use them when group of dangerous criminals escape from jail.
Directed by television veteran Jim Drake, Police Academy 4 was, like previous three films, a low budget production, ultimately hated by critics but with enough box office success to warrant another sequel. Scriptwriter Gene Quintano didn’t stray much from the formula of previous three films, including plot dealing with misfit law enforcement recruits that prove their value in action-packed finale. He also tried to provide too much of a fan service and stuffed as many characters from previous films as possible resulting with many actors having their appearances reduced to “blink and you’ll miss it” cameos. This also resulted in many jokes being recycled, while those that are supposed to be original are quite unfunny and are more likely to cause wincing than laughing about audience with even little taste or film going experience. Like in many 1980s Hollywood comedies, lack of humour is compensated with extensive action scenes that feature skateboarding, martial arts and, in the end of the film, aerial chase. For Steve Guttenberg, nominal star of Police Academy, as well for many other regular cast members, this was the last appearance in the film. Quality of the film can be best attested by presence of Sharon Stone, actress who will become major sex symbol very soon, but who is barely noticeable here. Stone, however, by her own testimony, had a time of life on the set and it is very likely to be the case with other members of cast and crew. However, just like in many such examples, such fun failed to materialise for audience and this is the reason why Police Academy 4 represents complete waste of time to anyone who had misfortune of watching it.
RATING: 2/10 (+)
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